Can a curved stairlift be installed on both sides of a staircase?

Yes. A curved stairlift can usually be installed on either side of a staircase, and some properties can accommodate separate stairlifts on both sides. The correct arrangement depends on the staircase structure, available width, the position of doors and landings, safe parking space, and how the user approaches and leaves the chair.

Unlike a straight stairlift, a curved stairlift is made with a rail that follows the exact shape of the stairs. This allows the rail to be designed for the left or right side of the staircase, including bends, intermediate landings, changes in direction and transitions between floors. The rail may be installed against the wall or alongside the balustrade, depending on which position provides the safest and most practical route.

Having the stairlift on one side rather than the other can make a significant difference to everyday use. The preferred side may provide:

• A more suitable position for getting on and off the stairlift.
• Clearer access from a hallway, room or landing.
• More room for the passenger to turn or transfer safely.
• A better parking position that does not obstruct a doorway or passage.
• Improved clearance for other people using the stairs.

In some cases, the staircase itself determines the most appropriate side. A narrow section, a radiator, a window, a handrail, a doorway or a change in the wall line may make one side less suitable. The installer also needs to consider the bottom and top of the staircase, because the rail must finish in a position where the passenger can leave the seat safely and without blocking access.

It may be possible to fit stairlifts on both sides when two people in the household need independent access, or when each person requires a different transfer position. This normally involves two separately designed systems rather than one stairlift that can simply be moved from side to side. Each rail must follow a safe route and allow sufficient clearance for the other chair, its footrest and anyone walking on the stairs.

A dual-stairlift arrangement is not suitable for every staircase. The combined rails and chairs can reduce the usable width, particularly on narrow stairs or around tight bends. There must also be adequate space for both lifts to park without obstructing landings, doorways or escape routes. The controls and travel paths need to be planned so that the lifts can be used safely and do not interfere with one another.

Where two stairlifts are being considered, the assessment should cover more than whether each lift can physically travel from one floor to another. It should also establish:

• Whether the staircase remains wide enough for safe everyday access.
• Where each stairlift will be parked when not in use.
• Whether the chairs can pass safely at bends or on wider sections.
• How each passenger will approach, transfer into and leave the chair.
• Whether doors, cupboards, radiators or other fixtures need to be moved or protected.
• How the electrical supply and charging points will be positioned.
• Whether both systems can be serviced without creating an access problem.

Installing a lift on the opposite side of an existing stairlift is not normally a simple reversal of the original installation. A curved rail is individually measured and manufactured for a particular route, so a new rail design may be required. The existing lift may also need to be repositioned if its parking point or controls affect the proposed route.

A professional survey is therefore essential before deciding which side to use. The assessment should examine the full staircase, landings, surrounding rooms and the passenger’s mobility needs. Measurements alone are not enough: the installer should consider whether the passenger can transfer comfortably, whether the chair can be used without twisting, and whether the arrangement will remain practical for other people in the home.

If both sides are technically possible, the best choice is usually the side that gives the safest transfer, the clearest parking position and the least disruption to normal movement around the stairs. If two users have different requirements, separate assessments can identify whether dual stairlifts are appropriate or whether another arrangement would provide better access.

Independent Stairlifts can assess the staircase and discuss the available options with you before any design is agreed. A bespoke recommendation should confirm the proposed side, rail route, parking positions and clearance, so you can understand how the stairlift will work in your home before installation.