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What Are We Talking About?
- Perch stairlift (often labelled a “standing stairlift” or “perching stairlift”) is a stairlift variant where the user travels in a near-standing or half-standing (“perched”) position, rather than sitting fully.
- A traditional seated stairlift, the most common type, features a standard seat, armrests, footrest, etc., allowing a user to sit comfortably while being carried up or down stairs.
Sometimes the term “standing stairlift” is used loosely; truly, fully standing stairlifts (where you remain upright, without even a perch) are rare and generally not typical for UK domestic staircases.
What’s Good Pros of Perch (Standing) Stairlifts
Perch stairlifts are designed for people whose mobility needs or physical comfort make sitting-based stairlifts difficult or painful. Their main advantages:
- Easier for knees, hips or joint issues: Because you “perch” instead of sit, you don’t need to bend knees deeply, which helps if you have arthritis, hip replacement, or difficulty lowering yourself onto a seat.
- Compact & space-saving: Perch stairlifts are more compact; their small perch or minimal seat takes up less space than a full chair, making them ideal for narrow or confined staircases.
- Good for limited knee flexion/leg strength: For people who can stand or lean but find sitting and rising difficult, a perch provides support while reducing strain.
- Suitable for some narrow staircases or tight layouts: Because of their smaller footprint, perch stairlifts may fit where full-size seats don’t.
What Are the Drawbacks / What to Consider (vs Seated Stairlifts)
Perch/standing stairlifts are great for some, but not everyone is suited to them. Potential disadvantages:
- Requires good balance and core/leg strength: Since you’re not fully seated, you need to maintain balance. Users with poor balance, dizziness, or instability may struggle with seated lifts; seated lifts are safer for them.
- Less comfortable for long rides: On long flights of stairs, standing or perching may become tiring, whereas a seated lift allows rest.
- Potentially lower weight limit: Some perch-lift models have lower weight capacities compared to seated stairlifts.
- Not ideal if you need to carry items or support from stairs: Because you’re standing (or perched), balancing and holding things while on the lift is harder than when seated.
- Less support for people with severe mobility issues: If someone has limited lower-body strength or cannot safely stand, a seated stairlift or an alternative (e.g., a platform lift) may be more appropriate.
How They Work: Key Technical & Practical Differences
Who Should Consider a Perch / Standing Stairlift vs Who Should Prefer a Seated One
Perch Stairlift is a good choice if:
- You have knee, hip, or joint pain that makes sitting and rising difficult.
- You have reasonable balance and leg strength, and can stand safely for a short ride.
- Your staircase is narrow or steep, and a full seat would obstruct passage.
- You want a compact, space-efficient solution.
- You want to avoid a full sit-down because getting up afterwards is hard or painful. A
Seated Stairlift is better if:
- You have poor balance, frailty, or need to sit to rest.
- You plan to carry items, move luggage, or use a wheelchair or walker on stairs.
- You expect frequent use, long staircases, or want maximum comfort.
- You want the least physical effort, no standing or balancing required.
Important Safety & Practical Considerations
- Some suppliers caution that the term “standing stairlift” is often a marketing label; in reality, the product is a perch stairlift, not a fully standing “platform” as sometimes depicted.
- Perch/standing lifts are not recommended for people with poor balance, vertigo, dizziness, or limited core stability.
- As with all stairlifts, a home survey is essential. The fitter must assess the staircase width, head-height clearance, and footplate clearance, and ensure safe installation.
Summary: When Perch vs Seated Stairlift Makes Sense
- If you have knee or hip issues, difficulty bending or sitting, and good balance, a perch stairlift offers independence with less physical strain and a better fit for the staircase.
- If you need maximum safety, stability, rest, or have more serious mobility issues, a traditional seated stairlift remains the safest and most comfortable option.
In many cases, a brief discussion with a stairlift installer or occupational therapist about mobility, balance, and home layout will guide you to the right choice.