Key Takeaways
- Standing stairlifts (also called perch stairlifts) are ideal for narrow or steep staircases, but they still require certain dimensions to be safe.
- Most UK homes need a minimum stair width of 550–600 mm for a standing lift, compared to 650–750 mm for a seated lift.
- Proper headroom, rail positioning, and landing space are essential for safe use.
- Some stairs are too narrow or too tight for a seated lift but perfect for a standing/perch stairlift.
- A professional survey is always required because every staircase is unique.
Minimum Staircase Requirements for a Standing Stairlift
Standing stairlifts are designed for challenging staircases, but they still need to meet safety and installation rules. Below are the typical UK requirements for height, width, rails, and landing space.
1. Minimum Stair Width
Standard requirement: 550–600 mm (21.5–24 inches)
Standing stairlifts are the most space-efficient type of stairlift.
They work extremely well on narrow staircases, including many older UK homes.
Why width matters
- The user stands or perches upright, so the seat doesn’t have to extend outwards.
- The lift must allow enough clearance for knees, elbows, and body movement.
- Engineers must ensure at least 30–40 mm clearance on each side of the rail.
If your stairs are narrower:
A standing stairlift may still fit where a seated lift cannot, but extremely narrow stairs (under ~21 inches) may still be unsuitable.
2. Minimum Headroom (Ceiling Height)
Standard requirement: 1,800–2,000 mm at all points
Standing lifts require more headroom than seated lifts because the user remains upright.
Areas where headroom matters most:
- Under loft hatches
- At sloping ceilings
- At the top landings
- On spiral or steep staircases
- Under low beams (common in older UK homes)
If headroom is limited:
A perch stairlift (partially standing) may be used instead, as the user leans rather than standing fully upright.
3. Rail Requirements for Standing Stairlifts
Standing stairlifts can be installed on both straight and curved rails. Requirements depend on the staircase shape.
Straight rail requirements
- Continuous, unobstructed staircase
- Minimum 2–3 steps of clear landing space at the top or bottom
- Strong stair treads for bracket mounting
- No major protrusions (pipes, bannisters, radiators)
Curved rail requirements
- Enough space for a turning radius through bends
- Adequate clearance for upright posture
- Rails must avoid tight internal curves where the user might lean or shift
- Landing areas must accommodate turning seats or safe dismount
Engineers will create a CAD model to ensure safe clearances.
4. Bottom Landing Space Requirements
Standard requirement: At least 400–600 mm of clear space
Since standing users remain upright, the bottom landing must allow:
- Safe entry into the lift
- Room for legs and feet
- No trip hazards
- Space to engage the knee bar or perch seat
Obstructions like doors, radiators, or newel posts may require repositioning.
5. Top Landing Space Requirements
Standard requirement: 600–800 mm of safe standing space
Standing users need slightly more landing room at the top because they dismount upright.
The top landing must allow:
- Safe turn away from the stairs
- No immediate drop or step
- Enough room to fold arms, seat, and footrest
If space is tight, engineers may install:
- A parking bend
- A top overrun rail
- A tight turn landing
These solutions move the user away from the staircase edge, improving safety during dismounting.
6. Stair Pitch / Angle Requirements
Typical UK allowance: 30–55 degrees
Standing stairlifts work extremely well on steep or narrow stairs, including those where seated lifts struggle.
But not suitable if:
- Stair pitch exceeds ~55 degrees
- The stairs curve too sharply inward
- Headroom becomes unsafe on steep inclines
7. User Requirements (Safety Suitability)
The staircase might meet all requirements, but the user must also be suitable for it.
Standing stairlifts are safe only for people who can:
- Stand or perch securely
- Hold on to armrests or knee bars
- Follow instructions
- Maintain upright posture
- Step on/off safely
They are not suitable for users with:
- Severe balance issues
- Neurological conditions affecting coordination
- Dizziness or vertigo
- Muscle weakness
- Cognitive impairments
8. Bannister and Handrail Requirements
Most installations require:
- One side of the staircase is free from the rail
- Bannisters removed only if necessary
- Rails fitted directly to stair treads or the wall, depending on design
Standing lifts often need less modification than seated ones, thanks to their slim profile.
When a Standing Stairlift Is the Best Option
Standing/perch lifts are ideal when:
- You have narrow stairs under 650 mm
- You cannot sit comfortably due to knee or hip issues
- The staircase has limited landing space
- A seated lift will not physically fit
They are widely used in:
- Terraced houses
- Victorian properties
- Loft-converted homes
- Narrow cottages
- Properties with steep stair pitch
Bottom Line
Standing stairlifts require less staircase width than seated models, making them perfect for narrow or older UK homes. However, they still require:
- 550–600 mm minimum stair width
- Adequate headroom (1.8–2 m)
- Clear landing space
- Suitable rail installation on straight or curved stairs
Most importantly, the user must be able to stand safely.
With the right staircase and user suitability, standing stairlifts offer one of the safest and most space-efficient mobility solutions available.
Read More About Standing Stairlifts
- What is a Standing Stairlift and Who Should Use One?
- How Safe Are Standing Stairlifts? Full Feature Breakdown