>Installing a stairlift is more complex than you might imagine. One of the most important choices you’ll need to make during consultations with the service team’s experts is which side the stairlift should be positioned on! Whether the stairlift is installed on the inward curve (turning angle > 180°) or the outward curve (turning angle < 180°) is a key factor determining its ease of use and comfort.
What’s the difference between an outward and inward curve staircase?
An outward curve staircase refers to the side with a turning angle < 180°; an inward curve staircase refers to the side with a turning angle > 180°. While technically both inward and outward curve installations are possible, especially in standard buildings with two or fewer floors, users should comprehensively consider factors such as the number of floors, stairwell structure, space utilization, and the stairlift’s turning radius to ensure passenger comfort and minimize disruption to other residents’ access. For villas or public housing with more than two floors, inward curve installations are generally preferred due to limitations in passageways, room doors, and other residents’ entrances.
What are the advantages of positioning a stairlift on the outer curve?
- More space: The outer curve usually offers more room to move around, and the handrail position obstructs other users of the stairs less.
- Ride comfort: Users have a wider field of vision, and the tilt angle is less steep when the stairlift is on the outer curve.
- Better turning feel: When a stairlift is installed on the outer curve, the turning radius is larger, resulting in smoother operation, especially on long or complex staircases, where the bend is gentler and more comfortable.
- Safety first: Since steeper inner curves may have limited space or obstacles (such as doors), the outer curve is usually a safer choice.
Handicare stairlifts always tailor their installation to your needs.
There’s no absolute answer to whether a stairlift should be positioned on the inner or outer curve; the most important factor is considering the site conditions and determining which installation method is most suitable. Therefore, the Handicare service team will typically visit your location to assess the stairwell environment and use 4D measurement software to obtain precise on-site data, such as the number of floors, stairwell structure, stair width and length, available space, the stairlift’s turning radius, the living needs of the primary users, and sufficient passage space for others going up and down the stairs. Safety is our top priority. Furthermore, the stairlift track is completely custom-made. Changing the installation location after installation is impossible unless a completely new system is used. Therefore, carefully considering the correct installation location in the early stages is crucial.
You may also encounter the following common questions
1. Can a stairlift be installed on any staircase?
No, a stairlift cannot be installed on any staircase. Staircases that are too narrow or too steep may not be safe for installation.
2. What obstacles might be encountered when positioning the stairlift on an inward curve?
Limited available space on the track. A turning radius that is too small may obstruct the stairlift’s operation. The stairwell structure may have difficult-to-handle bends or irregularities.
3. Can I change the installation location of the stairlift after installation is complete?
No, the track dimensions and curvature of a stairlift are designed and manufactured entirely based on precise staircase data, making them highly customized and unique in their fit to the actual environment. If you want to completely overhaul it, the entire system must be redesigned and remanufactured.