Is the Handicare 1100 stairlift suitable for both straight and curved staircases?
The Handicare 1100 is designed for straight staircases and is not suitable for a curved staircase. If your stairs change direction, have a landing, or follow a curve, you will need a bespoke curved stairlift assessed and configured for the staircase.
The Handicare 1100 is designed for straight staircases only. It is not suitable for a staircase that curves, changes direction, includes a winder or requires the lift to travel around a landing. These layouts require a bespoke curved stairlift, with a rail designed to follow the individual shape of the stairs.
On a straight staircase, the Handicare 1100 travels along a single, uninterrupted flight between the lower and upper floors. Its rail is installed in a straight line beside the steps, subject to a suitable assessment of the staircase width, available clearance, parking space and the position of the upper and lower landings.
A staircase may need a different solution if it has any of the following features:
- A bend or curve along the flight
- A quarter-turn or half-turn around a landing
- Winder steps or tapered steps
- More than one flight separated by a landing
- A spiral or unusually shaped staircase
A straight stairlift cannot normally be adapted to follow these changes in direction. Depending on the layout, the practical alternatives may include a bespoke curved stairlift or, in some homes, separate straight stairlifts for different flights. Separate lifts require the user to transfer at the landing, so the space, flooring, lighting and ability to move safely between lifts must all be considered.
It is also important to distinguish between a staircase with a straight flight and a staircase that is only visually straight from certain angles. Small changes in direction, unusual landing arrangements or restricted space at the top and bottom can affect the most suitable configuration. An assessment will confirm whether the Handicare 1100 can be installed safely and whether the lift can be parked without obstructing a doorway, hallway or access route.
If your stairs change direction, a curved model will usually provide a continuous journey without requiring a transfer on the landing. Its rail is measured and configured for the specific staircase, so the price and installation requirements will differ from those of the Handicare 1100. If your staircase is a simple straight flight, the Handicare 1100 may be appropriate, subject to the assessment. Independent Stairlifts can review the layout and explain the available options before you make a decision.
The Handicare 1100 is suitable for a simple, uninterrupted straight flight, but it cannot follow a bend, landing or change in direction. If your staircase has a quarter-turn, winder steps or more than one flight, a bespoke curved stairlift will usually provide continuous travel without requiring you to transfer at the landing.
An assessment is still important for a staircase that appears straight. The installer will check the rail route, stair width, clearance and parking positions at the top and bottom, including whether the lift could obstruct a doorway or access route. This confirms whether the Handicare 1100 is appropriate or whether another configuration would provide safer, more practical access.
Arrange a staircase assessment
Arrange a staircase assessment with Independent Stairlifts to confirm whether the Handicare 1100 is suitable for your layout. We can explain the most practical option if your stairs require a curved stairlift or another configuration.