Can stairlifts go around corners?
William Rodriguez
Published Jan 21, 2026
Stairlifts can go round corners. Stairlifts can be fitted to most stair configurations, speak to Acorn who can professionally advise the best solution for your staircase, whether this be a straight or curved stairlift, the best solution will be offered depending on your circumstances.
Can chair lifts turn corners?
Have you ever wondered if stairlifts go around corners? The short answer to this is yes! It is possible to get curved stairlifts. You can install stairlifts to most stairway configurations.
Can stairlifts be fitted to any stairs?
A stair lift can be manufactured and installed to fit almost any stairway, but some installations can cost a great deal more than others. Generally, stair lifts are desirable because they're perfectly functional with the least amount of expense.
How much space do you need for a chair lift?
The distance needs to be a minimum of 29″ wide to fit a stairlift, and most staircases are strong enough to hold a stairlift. Every staircase is different, so there are times when the minimum width required is more or less than 29″. There are also other factors, such as the height of the user of the stairlift.
Can you fit a stairlift on a narrow staircase?
he minimum width of stair tread that most standard size stairlifts can be fitted to is 73cm (29 inches). Stairs that have treads narrower than this are considered narrow and it may pose a potential safety risk to install a seated stairlift in such a small space.
36 related questions foundHow wide do my stairs need to be for a stairlift?
Generally speaking, straight stair lifts can only be installed on a staircase that's at least 28 inches wide. Curved stair lifts need approximately 30 inches. These measurements are from the farthest obstruction, meaning that molding, handrails, and other projections can reduce your staircase width.
What is the minimum width of staircase for a stairlift?
As a rule of thumb, the minimum width of a staircase that we can usually install a stairlift in is around 75cm (29.5 inches). Stairlifts require at least 75cm of space on the staircase to be installed and used.
How much room does a stair lift take?
The minimum amount of space is about 18" to 20". This allows enough room for the stairlift to be parked safely with enough room for the user to get off safely. If the space available is not enough, don't worry.
Do stair lifts come in sections?
Curved stairlifts usually come in quite a few different sections, particularly the rail. Again, this is to make it easier to get the parts in and out of your house.
What is the smallest stair lift?
Indy Pinnacle Stair Lift
As the narrowest stair lift on the market, the Indy Pinnacle extends a mere 11” from your wall when installed.
Can you have a handrail with a stairlift?
Handrails should be fitted to the wall opposite the stairlift. If you have a handrail that is in the way of your stairlift installation, we'll remove it for you. But, you'll need a licensed contractor to reattach it.
Are stairlifts attached to the wall?
A common myth with the installation of a stairlift is that when fitted in to your home they are fixed and attached to the wall, this however is incorrect and they are actually fixed to the stair treads and not wall. The stairlift is mounted on to the stairlift track which runs the length of the staircase.
Do stairlifts damage carpet?
As the majority of the stairlift is attached to the wall, rather than the stairs, there should be no damage to the carpet.
Does Acorn stairlift go around corners?
Here at Acorn Stairlifts we manaufacture stairlifts to fit most staircase types, they can travel round corners, spiral staircase and across landings. Our stairlifts can be designed for each individual staircase.
Can stairlifts go around landings?
Straight stairlifts use a straight rail to go up a single flight of stairs. Curved stairlifts have rails that are manufactured to follow the direction and angle of the stairs. This allows them to traverse landings or follow the path of a spiral staircase.
Are stairlifts handed?
Most models allow the carriage to be "re-handed" so it can be used on the left or right side of the staircase.
Can you shorten a stair lift?
Most Acorn stairlifts can be shortened, but this must be carried out by an Acorn approved Engineer, this will ensure safety and continued reliability of the product.
Are stairlifts reversible?
Reversing A Stairlift Up and Down
On your way up or down a flight of stairs, it's possible to put your stairlift in reverse to head in the opposite direction. Since most stairlifts are remote- controlled, you'll only need to press a switch to indicate the direction in which you want to travel.
How much do stairlifts weigh?
How much does a stairlift weigh? The weight of a stair lift can vary quite a bit depending on its design and weight capacity, but an average shipping weight is about 235 pounds.
How are stair lifts attached?
Stair lifts attach to your stairs, not the wall:
The rail is held into place by support brackets that are screwed in and placed evenly apart from each other. The screws can go through carpet or any type of surfaces such as concrete, metal or tile.
How wide are chair lifts?
Stair lifts chairs come in a variety of sizes, most ranging from 18 inches wide to 20 inches wide, arm to arm. Custom seating sizes are available. The weight capacity varies by model, from 275 to 350 pounds on most models.
Do stair lifts use a lot of electricity?
The simple answer is no. After you have a stair lift installed in your home, you shouldn't see any significant difference in your monthly utility bill. Stair lifts actually use much less power than other common household appliances such as washing machines, electric stoves, and dryers.
How long does a stair lift last?
While it is impossible to say exactly how long your unit will work properly, a safe assumption is about 10 years. However, this time frame can vary based on several factors: Workload or amount of daily use.
How long do stair lift batteries last?
How long do stairlift batteries last before they need to be replaced? Stannah stairlift batteries generally last around 3 to 5 years, of course this depends on the usage and if the stairlift is often left off its charge point.
Do stairlifts ruin stairs?
There is a myth that stair lifts are attached to the wall and that when it comes time to remove them, they damage the wall. The truth is that a stair lift does not damage the stairs or the wall.