Most standard stairlifts have a weight limit of around 19 to 22 stone. But the range is wider than that, and there are options available for people who may need a higher capacity. Here’s what you need to know.
Standard Weight Limits
For most people, a standard stairlift should be sufficient. The stairlifts we supply have the following standard weight capacities:
- HomeGlide straight stairlift: 19.5 stone / 125kg or 25 stone/160Kg for stair angles less than 45 degrees)
- Platinum Ergo straight stairlift: 25 stone / 160kg standard
- Otolift Smart Air curved stairlift: 19.5 stone / 125kg standard
- Flow X curved stairlift: 19.5 stone / 125kg
- Platinum Curve curved stairlift: 18.8 stone / 120kg standard
- Platinum Ultimate curved stairlift: 18.8 stone / 120kg standard
If you’re not sure which category you fall into, the survey visit is the right time to discuss it. We’ll make sure the stairlift recommended is the right one for you.
One thing worth knowing about how we work: we recommend building in around a 2 stone buffer above the user’s current weight when choosing a stairlift. So if someone weighs 18.5 stone, we’d recommend a lift with a capacity of at least 20.5 stone.
The reason is simple – if weight fluctuates over time because of someone’s health condition and exceeds the stairlift’s rated capacity, the lift’s safety system will cut out and stop it from operating. By choosing a model that allows for this extra capacity, it can be the difference between a stairlift that’s futureproofed for you and one that isn’t. Other companies may not work this way, but it’s our preference and we think it’s the right approach. After all, no point in paying for a stairlift that will not work in a years time due to a weight capacity issue.
* weight capacities have changed slightly since this video was filmed in 2020
Heavy Duty Options
For people who need a higher weight capacity, heavy duty stairlift options are available.
- Platinum Curve Heavy Duty upgraded model: up to 25 stone / 160kg
- Platinum Ultimate Heavy Duty upgraded model: up to 25 stone / 160kg
The heavy duty models are designed and tested for higher weight capacities without compromising on safety or comfort. If you think you may need a heavy duty model, just mention it when you get in touch and we’ll factor that into the survey.
Not Sure What Weight You Are?
You can find out your weight by weighing yourself on some household scales at home if you have some. Pharmacies, Doctors and Hospitals often have scales you can use to check your weight.
We also carry household scales in our vehicles which you can try out on our survey visit.
We know that peoples weight can sometimes be a sensitive topic, but we’re not here to judge or pass comment, only simply to make sure you get the right weight limit stairlift for your needs and your weight is something that we need to know and get right.
What If You’re Over 25 Stone?
There are stairlifts on the market with capacities above 25 stone and up to 30 stone, but in practice we tend not to fit them. The reason is quite straightforward and it’s our honest opinion. We’ve seen it before where at that weight, the seat comfort of a standard stairlift becomes a real issue for the user, and we wouldn’t want to install something that doesn’t work well for the person using it.
If you’re over 25 stone and need a solution for getting between floors at home, a home lift is likely to be a much better option. A home lift is designed to carry a person comfortably through the floor, takes up a relatively small footprint in the home, and doesn’t have the seat comfort limitations of a stairlift.
We have a dedicated home lift website at www.1stchoicehomelifts.co.uk where you can find out more. If you’d like to talk it through, give us a call and we’ll point you in the right direction.
Frequently Asked Questions on Stairlift Weight Limits
Does Weight Limit Affect Which Side the Stairlift Is Fitted?
No. The weight limit is the same regardless of which side of the staircase the stairlift is fitted to. All stairlifts are fitted to the steps and are supported by screwing the stairlift rail into the stair treads.
Does the Weight Limit Include the Chair Itself?
The weight limits quoted are for the user. If you are looking to have a through the floor homelift and are a wheelchair user then the weight limit of the lift will need to include the user and their wheelchair weight.
What Happens If the Weight Limit Is Exceeded?
Modern stairlifts have built-in safety systems that will prevent the lift from operating if the load exceeds the safe working limit. The lift simply won’t move. It’s a safety feature, not a fault.
Home Lift Weight Capacities
If a stairlift isn’t suitable due to weight, mobility, or staircase constraints, a home lift is often the right alternative. Through our sister site 1st Choice Home Lifts, we supply two main home lift ranges with significantly higher weight capacities than a stairlift.
Stiltz Duo home lift: carries up to 27 stone / 170kg. Designed to carry two people, it’s a compact through-floor lift that fits into most homes without structural changes.
Stiltz Trio home lift: carries up to 35-39 stone / 220-250kg depending on the model. Large enough for three people or a wheelchair user with a carer.
Wessex VM Through-Floor Lift: standard capacity of 250kg, with an optional upgrade to 300kg on selected models. A robust solution for customers who need maximum capacity.
If you’re unsure whether a stairlift or a home lift is the right solution, give us a call and we’ll talk it through with you honestly.
Not Sure Which Model Is Right for You?
If weight capacity is a consideration, the best thing to do is mention it when you contact us. We’ll make sure the right model is recommended at the survey stage, and if a heavy duty option is needed we’ll discuss that with you at the time.
Give us a call on 01249 814528 and get in touch to arrange a free home survey or showroom visit at our Calne or Ferndown showroom. You can also complete our contact us form and we’ll get back to you.
We cover Wiltshire, Bath, Bristol, Somerset, Gloucestershire, Dorset, Hampshire, Oxfordshire, Berkshire and surrounding areas from our offices in Calne and Ferndown, with our own local engineers situated across your region.
Author & Review
Written by Coral Affleck-Major, Director and Co-Owner of 1st Choice Stairlifts. Coral has worked in the stairlift and home access industry since 1996, helping thousands of customers understand their options and make the right decision for their home.
Technically reviewed by Colin Major, Technical Director and Co-Owner, with experience in stairlift installation, servicing, and technical support since 1987. All advice is based on real-world experience and best practice across a wide range of stairlift installations.
