Mobility within the home is a concern for many individuals facing age-related challenges or disabilities. One frequent question we receive is, “Can stairlifts go around corners?” The fortunate news is that they can because of ‘curved stair lifts.’ These innovative systems are specifically designed to fit staircases that include bends, turns, or intermediate landings. In this blog, we’ll understand how curved stair lifts work, their advantages, and what homeowners should consider before installation.
What Is a Curved Stairlift?
A curved stairlift is a mobility device designed for staircases that aren’t straight. Unlike straight stairlifts, which only travel in a direct line, curved stair lifts are built with custom rails to follow the unique shape of your staircase.
curved stair lifts offer a seamless ride from bottom to top, whether you have a 90-degree turn, a spiral staircase, or multiple landings. These stairlifts are custom-measured and engineered to fit your specific layout, providing safe and stable movement throughout the entire staircase.
Can Stair Lifts Go Around Corners?
Yes, stairlifts can go around corners, but only if they are curved stair lifts. These are specifically created to travel along curved tracks that align with the bends and angles of your staircase. This type of stairlift can:
- Navigate multiple floors
- Turn at 90 or 180 degrees
- Spiral around staircases
- Accommodate narrow or wide stairs with landings
The customized rail system allows for full coverage regardless of the staircase design, giving users complete freedom of movement in their home.
Staircase Types That Support Curved Stairlifts
If you’re wondering whether your home is suitable, here are some staircase configurations where curved stairlifts are the ideal solution:
- Stairs with 90° or 180° Turns: Homes with half-landings or switchback staircases.
- Spiral Staircases: These require specially engineered curved rails.
- Multi-Flight Staircases: Where the stairway splits between floors or involves transitions at landings.
- Split-Level Homes: Curved stairlifts make it easy to move between multiple levels.
Curved stairlifts offer flexibility for nearly every non-linear design, removing the restrictions that traditional straight stairlifts present.
How Do Curved Stairlifts Work?
The track is the most important part of a curved stairlift. Unlike straight rails, which are standard and cut to length, curved stairlift rails are measured and manufactured specifically for your staircase. Here’s how they function:
- A professional takes precise 3D measurements of your stairs.
- A custom rail is created to mirror the exact curves and angles.
- The chair is fitted to glide smoothly and securely on the curved rail.
- The stairlift includes safety sensors, a swivel seat, and secure footrests to ensure stability throughout the ride.
Modern engineering gives these stairlifts a quiet, smooth, and reliable ride, even around tight corners.
Benefits of Curved Stairlifts
Curved stairlifts offer a wide range of advantages for users with mobility limitations. Here are some key benefits:
- Custom Fit for Complex Staircases: The design accommodates staircases of any shape, ensuring maximum coverage and efficiency without requiring any remodeling.
- Smooth Navigation Around Bends: Curved stairlifts are designed to handle transitions gracefully, making them ideal for people who may find changing directions difficult on foot.
- Increased Safety: Equipped with advanced features like seat belts, obstruction sensors, and slow-speed cornering, curved stairlifts minimize the risk of accidents.
- Preserve Home Aesthetics: Because they’re custom-made, these stairlifts can be designed to complement your interior, blending seamlessly with the architecture of your home.
- Enhanced Independence: They help seniors or people with disabilities maintain autonomy by granting them safe and comfortable access to every floor in the house.
Installation Process of a Curved Stairlift
The process is straightforward but requires professional evaluation:
- Home Assessment: A specialist will visit your home to evaluate the staircase, take measurements, and discuss your mobility needs.
- Custom Manufacturing: Your stairlift rail is built from scratch to fit the unique path of your stairs.
- Professional Installation: The team installs the rail and chair, typically in a few hours.
- Testing & Training: Once installed, you’ll receive guidance on how to operate it safely and comfortably.
The process basically takes 2 to 4 weeks from evaluation to completion, depending on the manufacturer and its complexity.
What to Consider Before Choosing a Curved Stairlift?
Before purchasing, consider the following factors:
- Staircase Design: The layout must be analyzed for width, turn radius, and clearance.
- User Needs: Consider who will use the stairlift, their mobility limitations, and weight capacity requirements.
- Budget: Curved stair lifts are more expensive than straight models due to custom fabrication. However, they are a long-term investment in safety and independence.
- Home Modifications: Most installations require minimal structural changes, but confirm this with your provider.
- Warranty and Maintenance: Ensure that regular maintenance and warranty options are available for long-term use.
Conclusion
So, can stairlifts go around corners? Absolutely. With the innovation of curved stairlifts, homeowners are no longer limited by the shape of their staircases. These custom-designed solutions provide safe, efficient, and reliable access to every level of your home, regardless of layout complexity.
At HomePRO Mobility, we understand that choosing the right stair lift is an important decision. One that directly affects your safety, comfort, and independence. Whether you need a curved stairlift for a spiral staircase or a multi-landing design, we offer expert guidance and high-quality installations tailored to your unique needs.
From advanced features to flexible pricing options, our team of certified stairlift installers is here to help you reclaim full access to your home. Contact us today for a personalized quote or home assessment.
