Are you considering adding a stair lift to your home? Do you know the different types available? Stair lifts can be categorized based on their rail design into straight rails and curved rails. In this article, we’ll walk you through the installation process and break down the key differences between straight and curved stair lifts, helping you understand how each performs in everyday use.
Stairlift Chairs: Straight Rail vs. Dual Rail
Currently, stair lifts on the market are mainly divided into straight rails and curved rails. Below, we’ve summarized the differences between the two in terms of appearance, number of rails, installation space, and staircase width, helping you quickly determine which type is best suited for your home.
Differences Between Straight and Curved Stair Lifts
Currently, stair lifts on the market are mainly divided into straight rails and curved rails. Below, we’ve outlined the differences between the two in terms of appearance, number of rails, installation space, and staircase width, helping you quickly determine which type is best suited for your home.
Straight Rail Stair Lift
Straight rail stair lifts are designed for staircases that are completely linear, running from start to finish without any turns or landings.
Key Features:
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Simple rail design
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Fast installation
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Relatively lower cost
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Ideal for single-level, straight staircases in typical homes
Since they don’t involve curves or angle changes, straight rail lifts are usually standardized, making them a perfect solution for straightforward staircase layouts.
Curved Rail Stair Lift
Curved rail stair lifts are designed for staircases with turns, such as L-shaped, U-shaped, or those with intermediate landings or bends.
Key Features:
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Rails are custom-made to match the exact shape of your staircase
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Can cover both straight and curved sections
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Highly flexible design, suitable for various staircase layouts
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Longer manufacturing and installation time, with relatively higher cost
It’s important to note that curved rails are not only for the bends—they are designed to follow the entire staircase layout, so even straight sections are considered part of the curved rail system.
Choosing the Right Rail System
According to Article 33 of the Building Technical Regulations – Architectural Design and Construction Code, the clear width of a staircase must be at least 75 cm. When installing a stairlift chair, the clear width from the handrail to the wall must also meet this requirement to comply with building regulations.
Some products on the market are labeled with different rail system designs, but these distinctions mainly reflect manufacturing and design differences. Actual suitability should be evaluated based on the staircase conditions, user needs, and overall system design—a single label is not enough to determine safety or stability.
When choosing a stair lift, it’s recommended to first consider:
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Whether the staircase has turns or landings
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Stair width and available space
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The user’s mobility and frequency of use
A professional on-site assessment is essential to select the most appropriate solution.
How to choose:
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Straight staircases with no turns → A straight rail system is sufficient
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Staircases with turns or landings → A curved rail system is required
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If you’re unsure about your staircase, it’s best to conduct an on-site measurement and evaluation before deciding on the suitable rail type.
3-Step Stairlift Installation Process
The actual installation process varies by manufacturer. Here, using CityFly Stairlift Chairs as an example, we’ll walk you through the complete installation process step by step:
Step 1｜Initial Assessment
- Understanding needs: We assess the user’s mobility condition—for example, whether they use other assistive devices or how frequently they use the stairs—to determine the most suitable support.
- Price range explanation: After receiving an inquiry, CityFly provides an initial price estimate to help the customer evaluate their budget.
Step 2｜On‑site Measurement & Quotation
We will personally visit the customer’s home for an evaluation, sketch the staircase layout, and take measurements. Afterward, we provide a quotation based on the measurement results. Once the contract is signed, the engineering team will conduct a more detailed technical measurement.
The measurement includes:
- The width, height, slope, and depth of each stair step
- Total length of the handrail path
- Turning angles
- Distance between the handrail and the wall
Step 3｜Manufacturing Completion & Installation
After the order is confirmed, the factory will begin production, which takes about 30 days. Once completed, the team will come to your home for installation. Installation is usually completed within a single day. After installation, staff will demonstrate how to operate the stairlift and allow the customer to try it themselves to ensure you can use it confidently.
★ Additional Reminder: Check Subsidy Eligibility
In Taiwan, installing a stairlift chair may qualify for government subsidies! It is recommended to first check relevant information on your local city government website or long-term care resource portal to confirm whether the applicant meets the subsidy requirements. Applications can be submitted through the main available channels, after which the relevant agencies will conduct review and evaluation.
＜For detailed subsidy requirements, please refer to: Stairlift Chair Subsidy Guide — Check if You Qualify＞
Top Choice for Durable Stairlift Chairs! CityFly CF120 Stairlift Chair
If you want to solve the challenges of going up and down stairs, choose a stairlift from CityFly Technology! With 40 years of hands‑on experience, CityFly not only provides customized professional assessment services but also offers reliable after‑sales maintenance, ensuring peace of mind from installation to everyday use.
The CF120 Stairlift Chair is certified by the national CNS standard. Built with stainless steel, it features a strong and durable structure capable of supporting up to 120 kg. The seat’s ergonomic curve fits the body comfortably, ensuring smooth and stable rides every time you go up or down the stairs. The entire production process takes about 30 days, helping you reduce waiting time.
Case Study: Installation in a Multi‑Story Townhouse
To help her mobility‑impaired mother move between floors in their multi‑story townhouse, Ms. Ding from Pingtung chose to install the CityFly CF120 Stairlift Chair. This model can flexibly adapt to U‑shaped turns and various staircase designs. Paired with its exclusive fully‑enclosed stabilizing handrail, it ensures that Ms. Ding’s mother can move safely and comfortably each time—easily traveling between floors and regaining the freedom and convenience of daily life. Its simple operation makes it especially suitable for seniors!
CityFly Technology｜Protecting Your Mobility with Stairlift Chairs
No matter which type of stairlift chair you choose, user‑friendliness and safety should always be the core considerations. Only then can you truly enhance mobility and maintain dignity in daily life. If you have any questions about selecting or installing a stairlift chair, or if you’d like to learn more product details, feel free to contact us anytime!
Further Reading
Tips to reducing knee pain when climbing up and down stairs.
Home Safety Guide for Seniors: 4 key planning points to prevent falls
Who is suitable to use a stairlift? Make the most of assistive devices to overcome mobility challenges!
