What is the Marylebone Lift?
The Marylebone Lift is a bespoke vertical set of steps that transform into a hidden wheelchair lift. When activated, the steps descend to create a platform. The user enters the platform, and the rear step rises independently to act as a protective barrier before the platform lifts them to the upper landing.
More information on other hidden step lift models can be seen on the Windsor Lift:
https://www.sesameaccess.com/lifts/windsor-lift
How does the independent rising step work?
The rear step lifts 100 mm above the upper landing level to meet the required toe-guard protection as set out in BS 6440:2011. This rising step prevents wheelchair users from rolling backwards during travel.
Why choose the Marylebone Lift instead of the Edinburgh Lift?
The Marylebone Lift performs a similar role to the Edinburgh Lift (https://www.sesameaccess.com/lifts/edinburgh-lift) but operates differently.
Key reasons to choose Marylebone include:
• It requires less pit depth below the large landing
• It is ideal where a walkway, corridor or fire escape exists beneath the staircase
• It is a more cost-effective solution than the Edinburgh for two-step configurations
• The independent rising step offers layout flexibility
How does the Marylebone compare to the Wellington Lift?
The Wellington Lift (https://www.sesameaccess.com/lifts/wellington-lift) is now one of Sesame’s most commonly specified systems, but it requires a deeper pit beneath the large landing area.
The Marylebone is chosen when:
• Pit depth is restricted
• There is a void, moat or walkway directly under the landing
• A two-step arrangement works better than a larger multi-step system
What pit depth is required for the Marylebone Lift?
From the transcript :
• Typical pit depth under the scissor lift: 385 mm (including 30 mm of cladding)
• Pit depth below the independent moving step: approximately 1200 mm
Both pit depths are measured from the lower landing finished floor level.
These shallow requirements allow installation above service corridors, basement walkways or fire escapes commonly found in London properties.
Can the platform size be customised?
Yes. The standard platform width provides 800 mm usable space between the platform edge and the removable handpost.
With the handpost removed, the usable width is 951 mm.
Length is typically a minimum of 1400 mm.
All dimensions can be adjusted to suit the project.
Can the rise height be customised?
Yes. Sesame can change riser heights, add extra steps or adapt the geometry depending on the site layout. A project manager will confirm the correct configuration based on drawings or a site survey.
What cladding options are available for the Marylebone Lift?
Any architect-specified finish can be used on the treads and risers, including stone, marble, timber or terrazzo.
When the lift descends, the user sees the internal shaft panels, which can be stainless steel or anodised aluminium to match the surrounding finishes.
See cladding examples on the Windsor Lift:
https://www.sesameaccess.com/lifts/windsor-lift
Does the lift require a machinery cabinet?
Yes. The Marylebone Lift uses Sesame’s standard control and hydraulic/mechanical systems, housed in a small machinery cabinet.
For reference layouts, see the Buckingham Lift technical information:
https://www.sesameaccess.com/lifts/buckingham-lift
What access panels are required?
Sesame typically requests:
• An access panel beneath the lift table
• An access panel behind the independent rising step (usually at the rear of the external stair)
These panels assist installation and maintenance but can be adapted if the building layout restricts access.
Does the Marylebone Lift meet BS 6440:2011?
Yes. The independent step rises 100 mm above upper landing level to act as a compliant toe guard.
The shaft walls left and right also act as fixed toe guards around the platform.
Is a barrier or upper landing gate required?
If the travel rise is below 500 mm, a barrier gate may not be required.
If the rise is above 500 mm, a gate or door must be installed at upper landing level.
The standard drawing pack shows an existing front door acting as the upper landing barrier.
When is the Marylebone Lift preferred?
It is usually selected when:
• Pit depth is restricted
• There is a walkway beneath the landing
• A two-step system is required
• The client prefers a more economical alternative to the Edinburgh Lift
• The architectural layout matches the “two equal steps + landing + door” configuration
Can the lift be installed inside or outside?
Yes. The Marylebone Lift works in both indoor and outdoor environments.
For internal layouts, see how Sesame handles complex spaces:
https://www.sesameaccess.com/knowledge-hub/how-sesame-access-manages-complex-lift-projects
Does the Marylebone Lift work with listed buildings?
Yes. Many London heritage projects use this system because it preserves the original staircase geometry and requires minimal excavation.
For heritage guidance, see:
https://www.sesameaccess.com/knowledge-hub/heritage-lift-installation-challenges
Can Sesame create site-specific drawings?
Yes. After quoting and client approval, Sesame produces site-specific CAD drawings and carries out a site survey if required.
Project coordination guidance:
https://www.sesameaccess.com/knowledge-hub/coordinating-bespoke-lift
What is the minimum number of steps required?
The system works best with:
• One or two equal treads at the base
• One large landing
• A final step at the threshold if needed
Other configurations can be discussed with Sesame’s project managers.
Is the Marylebone Lift suitable for narrow entrances?
Yes. The removable handpost and narrow platform options allow the lift to be used in tight townhouse entrances, basements and heritage streets.
Can this lift support heavier wheelchairs?
Load capacity can be increased depending on project requirements. Sesame regularly designs platforms for electric wheelchairs with higher loads.
See general lift capabilities on the Windsor Lift:
https://www.sesameaccess.com/lifts/windsor-lift
Can the pit depth be reduced further?
Small adjustments may be possible, but the 385 mm pit beneath the scissor mechanism is already optimised for maintaining a walkway or void beneath.
If pit depth is extremely limited, Sesame may propose an alternative model such as the Mayfair Stair Lift:
https://www.sesameaccess.com/lifts/mayfair-lift
What is the difference between the Marylebone and Kensington Lift?
The Kensington Lift (https://www.sesameaccess.com/lifts/kensington-stairlift) is a rising platform with horizontal moving steps.
The Marylebone is a vertically transforming staircase system that maintains the look of a traditional staircase.
How long does installation take?
The Marylebone Lift normally installs in around 10 working days, provided site readiness is complete.
If access is fragmented or walls/cladding are incomplete, installation may extend significantly.
Does Sesame provide maintenance?
Yes. Sesame offers UK and international servicing for all bespoke lift systems.
Maintenance documentation is included in the project handover pack.
Where can I see similar projects?
Browse similar hidden platform lifts in the full product range:
https://www.sesameaccess.com/lifts