Can Stairlifts Be Fitted on Narrow or Complex Staircases?

by Wendy Wright | Aug 27, 2025 | Article, Stairlifts

Stairlift Blog – Narrow or curved staircase

Can stairlifts be fitted on narrow or complex staircases?

For many families, the stairs become one of the biggest obstacles to staying safe and independent at home. But what if your staircase is particularly narrow, steep, or full of twists and turns? A common concern is whether stairlifts can actually be fitted in these more awkward spaces. The good news is that stairlifts for narrow or curved staircases are not only possible, but there are models designed specifically to handle these challenges. With the right design and installation, even the most unusual staircase can accommodate a stairlift that’s safe, comfortable, and practical.

Every home is different, and so are the stairs. Some properties, especially older houses, have staircases that are narrower than average or feature sharp turns, half landings, or spiral-style layouts. Standard straight stairlifts may not be suitable for these situations, but this doesn’t mean you have to rule out a stairlift altogether. Instead, the solution lies in custom curved stairlifts that are tailored to fit the exact shape and dimensions of your staircase.

The Ergo Ultimate Stairlift – designed for complex staircases

When it comes to stairlifts for narrow or curved staircases, the Ergo Ultimate stairlift is one of the most advanced options available. This model is specifically engineered for homes with unusual or complex staircases. Its track can be designed to follow even the most intricate turns and angles, making it ideal for properties with spiral stairs, multiple bends, or limited space.

Key features include:

Custom track design to follow the exact curves and contours of your staircase
Space-saving seat options to keep the stairs accessible for other household members
Smooth, comfortable ride with advanced engineering to handle twists and turns effortlessly
Obstacle detection for the ultimate in safety and reassurance
Flexible start and finish positions so the stairlift can be parked neatly at the top or bottom of the stairs

With the Ergo Ultimate, no two installations are the same. Each one is made to measure, ensuring the perfect fit for your staircase and your home.

The Ergo Curve Stairlift – a reliable choice for corners

Another excellent option is the Ergo Curve stairlift, designed specifically for staircases with corners or gradual bends. It’s the ideal solution when a straight stairlift isn’t suitable, but you don’t need the full flexibility of a bespoke track.

The Ergo Curve offers:

Reliable cornering with a track built to follow your staircase precisely, whether that’s a single 90-degree turn or several bends
Compact design with folding arms, seat, and footplate helps maximise usable space on the stairs
Smooth navigation using advanced technology ensures a comfortable ride, even around bends
Dual rail system for maximum stability
Tailored installation with each Curve stairlift measured and fitted to the exact layout of your staircase

It’s a practical, cost-effective option for families whose stairs are not straight but don’t require the level of complexity covered by the Ergo Ultimate.

The Ergo Straight Stairlift – the perfect choice for narrow, simple staircases

For staircases without curves or bends, a straight stairlift is often the simplest and most affordable solution, and models like the Ergo Straight are designed to be slimline, making them ideal for narrow staircases where space is limited. With a folding seat, armrests, and footplate, the stairlift can be tucked neatly away when not in use, keeping the stairs accessible for others in the household.

Straight stairlifts are quick to install, cost-effective, and provide all the essential safety and comfort features you’d expect, making them a great option when the challenge is narrowness rather than complexity.

Comfort and safety without compromise

Choosing a stairlift for a narrow or curved staircase doesn’t mean compromising on comfort or safety. Modern designs include folding seats, armrests and footplates that keep the staircase clear when the stairlift isn’t in use. Many are also battery-powered, meaning the lift will continue to work even during a power cut. Safety features such as seat belts, swivel seats, and obstruction sensors come as standard, giving peace of mind for both users and their families.

The Multicare ‘Extra Step Promise’

Fitting a stairlift to a narrow or complex staircase requires expertise. At Multicare, our stairlift engineers carefully survey each staircase before recommending the right model. This ensures that the chosen stairlift is not only practical for the space but also comfortable and easy to use for the individual. Because models like the Ergo Ultimate and Ergo Curve are made to measure, the installation is bespoke. This means you can be confident that your stairlift will fit perfectly, no matter how awkward or unusual the staircase may seem!

Choosing a stairlift is a big decision, and it’s important to feel confident you’ve made the right choice. That’s why we offer our Extra Step Promise.

We promise to provide you with the right stairlift, at a fair price, and to maintain it for as long as you need us, because we’re here for you.

What this means for you:

Honest advice, with no pressure sales
A British-made stairlift that suits your needs
Personal support from real people at our family-run business who genuinely care

At every stage, we take the extra step, from free, no-obligation home assessments to expert installation by our own engineers, and aftercare that keeps your stairlift running smoothly and safely.

And if we ever fall short? We’ll make it right with priority support, and most importantly, if after 7 days you feel your stairlift isn’t right, or we’re not the right company for you, we’ll remove it free of charge and give you a full refund. No questions asked!

Once you take the first step with us, your safety, freedom and independence become our priority. That’s our Extra Step Promise.

Finding the right stairlift for your home

If you’ve been wondering whether a stairlift is possible in your home, the answer is almost always yes. With options like the Ergo Ultimate and Ergo Curve, there are reliable solutions for even the most complex layouts.

At Multicare, we provide a full service, from survey and installation through to training and ongoing maintenance, so you can be sure your stairlift continues to deliver safety and independence for years to come.

Next steps

If you’d like to learn more about stairlifts for narrow or curved staircases, or to see the full range of configurations and customisations available, download our brochure or get an instant online quote here: