UK Stairlift Models Compared: Widths, Weight Limits and Angles

Last checked: 29 October 2026. Stairlift Guru is independent and not owned by or affiliated with any stairlift manufacturer. We compare published specifications only; this page does not rank models.

Straight stairlift models compared

Model	Min stair width	Folded width	Open width	Max angle	Max user weight	Speed	Swivel
Acorn 130	26in, about 660mm (US site)	310mm	605mm	55°	127kg; heavy-duty 159kg	Up to 0.15 m/s	Swivel at top; needs 670mm landing width
Brooks (Acorn platform)	Not published	310mm	605mm	Not published	127kg	Up to 0.15 m/s	90° lockable
Stannah Siena 600	Not published	344mm	659mm	52°	160kg	Not published	Manual, one-way or two-way powered
Handicare 1100	Not published	320mm (to footplate)	530mm	50°	140kg; 130kg above 45°	0.15 m/s (2019 sheet)	Manual or powered
Minivator / Handicare 950	680mm	285mm	580mm	50°	140kg	About 0.12 m/s	Manual

Curved stairlift models compared

Model	Min stair width	Folded width	Max angle	Max user weight	Speed	Swivel
Acorn 180	27.5in, about 700mm (US site)	335mm	58°	120kg	Up to 0.15 m/s	Needs 690mm landing width to swivel
Stannah Starla 260	685mm	405mm	Not published	120kg standard; up to 135kg on a Stannah sheet	About 0.12 m/s	Manual, one-way or two-way automatic
Handicare Freecurve	Not published	419mm to 442mm (North American brochure)	61°	125kg	0.10 to 0.11 m/s	Powered option
Access BDD Flow 2	610mm	340mm	70°	125kg	Up to 0.15 m/s	Swivels as it travels
Access BDD Flow X	610mm	Not published	72°	125kg	0.1 m/s (2023 brochure)	Swivels as it travels
Otolift Two	Not published	Not published	Not published	130kg; 165kg option listed by a UK dealer	Not published	Not published
Otolift Modul-Air	Not published	Not published	Not published	125kg	Not published	Optional powered swivel

Makers measure folded width in different ways, so small differences may not be like for like. Where two sources disagree, both figures are shown or the manufacturer’s own figure is used. Specifications change, so confirm with the installer before you order.

Which models suit which situation

Narrow stairs

Look at folded width for the space left for others, and minimum stair width for whether the lift fits at all. The Minivator 950 has the smallest published folded width (285mm) and a published 680mm minimum stair width. On curved stairs, Access BDD publishes a 610mm minimum for the Flow 2 and Flow X. Our guide to whether a stairlift will fit your stairs explains how to measure.

Heavier users

Among the straight models here, the Stannah Siena 600 publishes the highest limit at 160kg, and Acorn offers a 159kg heavy-duty version of the 130. Curved models in this table publish limits from 120kg to 135kg, with a 165kg Otolift Two option listed by one dealer. See our heavy-duty stairlifts guide.

Steep stairs

Building Regulations allow a maximum pitch of 42 degrees for a private stair in a new home. Every model here with a published figure is rated for 50 degrees or more, and the Access BDD curved models for 70 and 72 degrees.

Curved stairs

All the curved models here use a rail made for the staircase. Lead times, rail styles and whether the rail can start close to the bottom step vary, so ask each company. Our curved stairlifts guide covers how they work.

How to read a quote that names a model

A quote should name the exact model, the rail, the seat and swivel type, and the weight limit, so you can check them against the tables above. If a quote names only the brand, ask which model. Our quote checker and our guide to the home survey help you compare quotes like for like.

Frequently asked questions

What is the slimmest stairlift in the UK?

Of the models with published figures, the Minivator 950 has the smallest folded width at 285mm. On curved stairs, Access BDD publishes the lowest minimum stair width, 610mm, for the Flow 2 and Flow X.

Which stairlift has the highest weight limit?

Of the straight models we checked, the Stannah Siena 600 publishes 160kg and Acorn offers a 159kg heavy-duty version of the 130. Heavy-duty options vary, so ask each company.

What is the maximum angle for a stairlift?

The models we checked are rated for 50 to 72 degrees, above the 42-degree maximum Building Regulations set for new private stairs.

Are these specifications the same for every installation?

No. Curved rails are made to measure, seat and footrest options change the figures, and specifications are updated. Treat these as published reference figures and confirm with the installer.