You can put a stairlift on narrow stairs. However, the lift will need to be a slimline one designed to fit in smaller spaces. Because the lifts are installed by fitting a runner to the stairs themselves, rather than to the wall, they take up more space than many people expect. Installing a standard-sized or heavy-duty stairlift on narrow stairs could present a safety risk, so it’s important that families seek advice before having a lift fitted.

Slimline Lifts Designed for Smaller Homes

Slimline stairlifts are designed with smaller spaces in mind. They’re similar to traditional stairlifts, but they have smaller seats that fold up or swing away when they’re not in use. This means they don’t get in the way when they’re not being used.

Most seniors who can use a standard stairlift will be able to use a slimline lift. However, these lifts do tend to have smaller seats and are unlikely to be able to accommodate larger or heavier users safely. The senior will also need some dexterity to fold and unfold the seat unassisted.

Perch Lifts Take Up The Least Space

Another option that could work well for a narrow stairwell is a perch lift. These lifts don’t have a full-sized seat. Rather, they have an area for the user to stand on with a small perch and armrests for the user to grip.

Perch lifts require far less space in the stairwell, making them a good choice for smaller homes with narrow corridors and flights of stairs. However, because they don’t have a full seating area, they’re only suitable for seniors who are reasonably mobile and have the strength and agility to stand for short periods of time. Seniors who cannot stand unaided would need a more traditional lift with a swivel seat to help them transition from their wheelchair to the lift and back.