Features

• Q&A's for the Mayfair Lift

  Product Definition

  Q: What is a Mayfair lift?

  A: The Mayfair is a horizontal retracting stairlift that reveals a platform lift below. It features an upper landing rising barrier system that rises from the upper landing level to protect the void when stairs retract. This distinguishes it from the Kensington, which has no barrier for rises under 500mm.

  Q: What makes the Mayfair different from the Kensington?

  A: The key difference is the upper landing rising barrier. When the total rise exceeds 500mm, British Standard BS6440:2011 requires a gate or barrier at the upper landing. The Mayfair uses a telescopic rising barrier that lowers when not in use, making it invisible, whereas a Regent lift would have a permanently visible gate.

  Q: What's the maximum rise for a Mayfair lift?

  A: The maximum total rise for a Mayfair is 999mm (just under 1 metre). Above this height, you'd need to consider a Westminster Stairlift or other solutions with 1100mm barriers on the lift. We can add manual removable barriers to the lift table of the Mayfair.

  Q: Why would I choose a Mayfair over a Kensington?

  A: Choose a Mayfair when your total rise exceeds 500mm and you want the barrier to be hidden when not in use. It's also one of the most cost-effective options for rises between 500mm and 999mm.

  Q: Is the Mayfair suitable for independent use?

  A: The Mayfair is designed for trained users or staff-operated environments. It features a 100mm toe guard (not full 1100mm barriers), so it's for seated wheelchair users only. The lift switches off automatically after use or 5 minutes of inactivity to prevent standing users from accidentally using it.

  Rise Heights and Regulatory Requirements

  Q: When does BS6440:2011 require a barrier?

  A: British Standard BS6440:2011 requires a gate or barrier at the upper landing when the rise exceeds 500mm. Below 500mm, a Kensington (no barrier) can be used.

  Q: What if my rise is borderline at 500mm?

  A: If you're close to 500mm, consider ramping the lower landing up slightly or the upper landing down to stay below 500mm. This allows you to use a Kensington, which is less expensive and requires less pit depth. However, you must also risk-assess the through-traffic at the upper landing—high traffic areas may still warrant a barrier even below 500mm.

  Q: Can I use a Mayfair for a 400mm rise?

  A: Technically yes, but a Kensington would be more cost-effective. The Mayfair requires a 1.6m pit depth for the rising barrier, whereas a Kensington with the same rise would need significantly less.

  Pit Depth Requirements

  Q: What pit depth do I need below the lower landing for a Mayfair?

  A: This depends on which platform lift option you choose:

  Solid Stainless Steel Skirt (cheapest option):

  • Formula: Total rise + cladding thickness + 150mm
  • Minimum: 435mm + cladding thickness
  • Example: For 30mm stone, minimum is 465mm
  • Maximum (at 500mm rise): 680mm

  For rises 500-999mm, the pit depth increases proportionally with the rise.

  Bellows:

  • Up to 645mm rise: 435mm + cladding thickness (e.g., 465mm with 30mm stone)
  • 645-999mm rise: Cladding thickness + 612mm

  Low Profile Scissor Lift (Mayfair Wheel Stop):

  • Up to 750mm rise: 350mm including 30mm cladding (320mm + cladding)
  • Up to 999mm rise: 350mm including 30mm cladding (320mm + cladding)
  • Platform length increases from 1550mm to 2223mm for higher rises

  Q: What pit depth do I need at the upper landing for the rising barrier?

  A: The upper landing rising barrier requires a minimum pit depth of 1.6 metres below the upper landing finished floor level. This is separate from the platform lift pit depth at the lower landing.

  Q: Can I reduce the pit depth if I have limited space?

  A: Yes, you have several options in order of reducing pit depth:

  1. Stainless steel skirt (deepest but cheapest)
  2. Bellows (shallower, slightly more expensive)
  3. Low profile scissor lift with standard wheel stop (350mm pit, longer platform)
  4. Electric wheel stop system (shallowest at 205mm, significantly more expensive—switches to Thames product)

  Q: If I only have 210mm pit depth available, what are my options?

  A: At 210mm, you cannot use a standard Mayfair. You'd need to switch to the Thames retracting stairlift, which uses an electric collapsing wheel stop system. This allows for very shallow pit depths but is more expensive. However, the Thames is limited to rises under 500mm, so if you need 500-999mm rise with only 210mm pit depth, you will need to add a gate at the top landing by using our Regent model. .

  Platform Dimensions

  Q: What are the standard platform dimensions for a Mayfair?

  A: With removable handheld post or remote control:

  • Platform length: 1405mm
  • Platform width: 1057mm (providing 988mm usable space)
  • Lift pit required: 1484mm long × 1209mm wide

  With low profile scissor lift (Mayfair Wheel Stop):

  • For rises up to 750mm: 1550mm long platform
  • For rises 750-999mm: 2223mm long platform
  • Platform width: 1334mm
  • Pit depth: 350mm

  Q: What's the minimum usable space required?

  A: BS6440:2011 requires a minimum of 800mm usable space for straight-through access. However, we typically recommend at least 900mm to accommodate modern wheelchairs, and some regions require more:

  • Standard UK: 800mm minimum, 900mm+ recommended
  • Scotland: 1100mm required
  • Ireland: 1100mm required

  Q: Can you make the platform wider or narrower?

  A: Yes, all Sesame lifts are bespoke. We can adjust width based on your needs, structural constraints, or wheelchair sizes. Going narrower (down to 800mm) suits historic or listed buildings with tight spaces. Going wider accommodates larger electric wheelchairs or users with medical equipment like oxygen bottles.

  Q: How do I know what width I need?

  A: Consider:

  • Type of building use (public, private, commercial)
  • Types of wheelchairs expected (manual, powered, bariatric)
  • Any medical equipment users might have
  • Local regulations (Scotland and Ireland require 1100mm)
  • Whether you'll have a button station on the side (adds width)

  Pit Width and Stair Pit Dimensions

  Q: What width of pit do I need for the platform lift?

  A: For a standard 1 metre wide usable platform with removable handheld post:

  • Lift pit width: 1132mm

  If you have a button station fixed to the side of the pit (always visible option):

  • Lift pit width increases to approximately 1186mm

  Q: What about the stair pit width at the upper landing?

  A: The stair pit width depends on the type of rising barrier:

  Dog-leg barrier (standard, most compact):

  • Same width as the platform lift pit: 1132mm for a 1m wide lift
  • The barrier vertical members are set back behind the retracted treads

  Straight-line barrier:

  • Width: 1670mm for a 1m wide lift
  • This is wider because the barrier actuators sit outside the stair width

  If handrails are 300mm away from the lift and you need a straight barrier:

  • Width: 1774mm
  • The barrier must extend to within 100mm of the handrails to prevent people squeezing through the gap

  Q: How long does the stair pit need to be?

  A: Standard recommendation: 1200mm from the top step riser to the back of the pit.

  Absolute minimum: 800mm (requires special design or product change)

  Formula for intermediate lengths:

  • If the bottom step riser extends E mm from the top step riser when deployed:
  • Pit length = 1200mm - (0.5 × (1555 - E))
  • Never go below 800mm

  Examples:

  • If E = 1555mm (full extension): Pit length = 1200mm
  • If E = 1000mm: Pit length = 922.5mm
  • If E = 900mm: Formula gives 872mm, but use minimum 800mm

  Cost note: If tread extension (E) is ≤700mm, you can keep the 1200mm pit and use a cheaper single-acting RAM.

  Q: Can I make the stair pit shorter than 800mm?

  A: Not with standard hydraulic stairs. Below 800mm, you'd need to switch to electric retracting stairs (Big Bend system), which require much less space but are more expensive.

  Control Systems and Button Options

  Q: What control options are available?

  A: You have four main options:

  1. Remote control (most common for Mayfair)

     • Given to trained users for independent operation
     • Lift remains switched off when not in use
     • User activates with remote

  2. Removable handheld post

     • Sits on the platform when in use
     • Stores in a cupboard when not in use
     • Just provides something to hold—does not have buttons on it
     • User must have remote control or staff must operate from landing buttons

  3. Fixed button station on the side

     • Permanently visible
     • Can be integrated into handrail
     • Increases pit width
     • Stairs extend/retract in front of it

  4. Rising button post (changes product to Knightsbridge)

     • Drops through the lift table when not in use
     • Requires 1.6m pit depth below lower landing
     • Increases platform width
     • Effectively makes this a Knightsbridge, not a Mayfair

  Q: Where are the landing buttons located?

  A: Typically:

  • Upper landing: Button station to call lift up/control barrier
  • Lower landing: Button station to call lift down

  These can be:

  • Wall-mounted (flush or surface)
  • On pedestals
  • Clamped to glass balustrades
  • Integrated into handrails

  Q: Is the Mayfair suitable for public independent use?

  A: Yes, as long as it is used by seated users, so this must be managed. The Mayfair has a 100mm toe guard (not full 1100mm barriers), making it suitable for seated wheelchair users only. It must be:

  • Operated by trained staff, OR
  • Used by trained individuals with their own remote control

  The lift automatically switches off after each cycle and after 5 minutes of inactivity to prevent untrained standing users from accidentally using it.

  Q: What if I need standing users as well?

  A: You'd need a Westminster lift instead, which has three rising barriers on the platform (1100mm high) that fully enclose standing and seated users.

  Upper Landing Rising Barrier

  Q: How does the upper landing barrier work?

  A: The barrier is a telescopic goal-post style system with two vertical members (either side or behind the stairs) that rise to approximately 1100mm height. When the stairs retract horizontally, these vertical members telescope upward from the ground to protect the void.

  Q: Why can't it be a solid barrier?

  A: Because the horizontal retracting stairs must pass underneath the barrier when retracting. A solid panel dropping down would block the stairs. The telescopic design with vertical members allows the stairs to slide underneath.

  Q: Can the barrier be glass?

  A: Not for the telescopic rising barrier—it needs to have the open goal-post design. If you require a solid glass or solid panel barrier, you'd need:

  • A swing gate (Regent lift), or
  • Vertical retracting stairs (Wellington lift) that drop down, allowing a solid barrier to drop into a pit base

  Q: Does the barrier meet British Standards?

  A: The open telescopic barrier does not conform to BS6440:2011, which requires solid barriers without perforations. Therefore, the Mayfair is certified under Machinery Directive Annex VIII (CE mark, not UKCA mark).

  This is acceptable because:

  • Risk is significantly reduced through multiple safety features
  • It's a controlled/trained-user environment
  • The lift switches off when not in use
  • Risk assessment shows acceptably low risk

  Q: What safety features does the barrier have?

  A: Multiple layers of safety:

  1. Sensitive edges on the barrier—if touched with >150N force, it reverses direction
  2. Reduced pressure on descent—so low you could stop it with your hands even if sensors failed
  3. Mechanical disconnect—the horizontal members disconnect from the drive if something is trapped underneath
  4. Automatic re-rise after 30 seconds—if the barrier lowers to let someone off, it automatically rises again after 30 seconds
  5. Trained user requirement—significantly reduces risk of misuse

  Q: Can I reduce the barrier height to fit in a shallower pit?

  A: Standard barrier height is 1100mm, requiring a 1.6m pit. In highly controlled private environments (e.g., private club with one trained staff member), the barrier can potentially be risk-assessed to a lower height. However, Sesame is developing new rising barriers that will fit in much shallower pits—these should be available by the end of 2025.

  Q: How is the barrier lowered in an emergency?

  A: There's an emergency lower key switch. The system must detect that either:

  • The lift is in the raised position, OR
  • The stairs are fully extended

  This ensures the void is always protected. The barrier cannot be emergency-lowered if the lift is down and the stairs are retracted, leaving an open void.

  Q: What's the difference between a dog-leg and straight-line barrier?

  A: Dog-leg barrier (standard):

  • Vertical members are set back behind the retracted treads
  • Barrier front edge is no more than 100mm from the top step riser
  • More compact—stair pit width matches platform pit width
  • Most common configuration

  Straight-line barrier:

  • Vertical members align in a straight line
  • Actuators sit outside the stair width
  • Requires wider stair pit (additional 170mm each side)
  • Used when handrails are further away or architectural reasons

  Safety Features and User Protection

  Q: What safety features does the Mayfair platform have?

  A: The platform has a 100mm toe guard that rises around the platform edge to prevent wheelchair wheels from rolling off. This toe guard does NOT protect standing users, which is why the Mayfair is for seated users only.

  Additional safety features:

  • Automatic shut-off after each cycle
  • 5-minute inactivity shut-off
  • Overload detection
  • Emergency stop buttons
  • Emergency lower key switch
  • Optional tape switches for crush hazard protection

  Q: What are tape switches and when do I need them?

  A: Tape switches are sensitive edges on the outside of the lift that detect if something touches the top edge during motion. You need them if there are crush hazards—surfaces within 300mm of the moving lift that protrude more than 1.5mm.

  BS6440:2011 states surfaces must be either:

  • Less than 10mm from the lift, OR
  • More than 100mm away, OR
  • Completely plumb and flush

  If you have protrusions between these limits, you either:

  • Move the lift 300mm away from the hazard, OR
  • Install tape switches

  Q: Can I position the Mayfair next to a wall or handrail?

  A: Yes, with considerations:

  • Plumb flush surfaces: No problem if less than 10mm or more than 100mm away
  • Protrusions >1.5mm: Need 300mm clearance OR tape switches
  • Handrails: Consider the rising barrier needing to be within 100mm of handrails

  The advantage of horizontal retracting stairs is that tape switches can be hidden under the stairs when extended, unlike vertical retracting stairs where they'd always be visible.

  Q: What happens if the lift loses power?

  A: There's an emergency lower key switch in the machine room cabinet that allows trained engineers to lower the lift to the lower landing so users can evacuate safely.

  Q: Can motion sensors be used instead of tape switches?

  A: Motion sensors can be installed in gaps but they can fault due to leaves and debris, requiring regular cleaning. Tape switches are generally more reliable for managed systems.

  Wellington vs Mayfair Decision

  Q: When should I choose a Wellington over a Mayfair?

  A: Consider a Wellington if:

  • You have unlimited pit depth (Wellington needs approximately 1412mm for a 999mm rise)
  • You want to conform to BS6440:2011 (Wellington can have solid rising barriers)
  • You want a potentially cheaper option (currently slightly less expensive)
  • You want glass or powder-coated solid barriers

  The Wellington uses vertical retracting stairs, so the barrier can drop into a pit base, allowing solid construction.

  Q: What if I have a 999mm rise and very deep pits available?

  A: At 999mm rise:

  Mayfair with stainless steel skirt would need:

  • Platform lift pit: 1179mm deep
  • Upper landing barrier pit: 1600mm deep
  • Open telescopic barrier (Machinery Directive certified)

  Wellington would need:

  • Approximately 1412mm pit depth (uniform)
  • Solid barrier option available (BS6440 compliant)
  • Potentially lower cost

  In this scenario, the Wellington is often the better choice unless you specifically need horizontal retracting stairs for architectural reasons.

  Drawing Packs and Documentation

  Q: What drawing packs are available for the Mayfair?

  A: We have standard drawing packs for:

  1. Mayfair Stairlift (solid stainless steel skirts) - two versions for different rise ranges
  2. Mayfair Stairlift LSUB TR999 (bellows) - for 999mm rise with bellows
  3. Mayfair Wheel Stop 750mm rise (low profile scissor lift)
  4. Mayfair Wheel Stop 999mm rise (low profile scissor lift)
  5. Mayfair Low Profile Wheel Stop 750mm rise
  6. Mayfair Low Profile Wheel Stop 999mm rise

  Q: How do I get drawings and pricing?

  A: Give us a call or email. If you need site-specific drawings, we arrange a Microsoft Teams meeting to gather detailed information.

  Q: What information do I need to provide for a quote?

  A: Key information needed:

  About the stairs:

  • Total rise (height from lower to upper landing)
  • Number of steps
  • Riser height of each step
  • Tread depth of each step

  About the pit:

  • Available pit depth below lower landing
  • Available pit depth below upper landing (for barrier)
  • Any structural constraints

  About the finishes:

  • Cladding thickness on lift table
  • Cladding thickness on upper landing
  • Cladding thickness on risers and treads
  • Material types

  About the installation:

  • Internal or external?
  • Handrail positions and distances
  • Space available for machine room cabinet
  • Conduit route length possibilities

  Installation and Environment

  Q: Can the Mayfair be installed externally?

  A: Yes. For external installations:

  Material changes:

  • Mild steel components: Galvanised (painted for internal)
  • Stainless steel: 316 grade near the sea; 304 grade elsewhere

  Drainage required:

  • Option 1 (preferred): Gravity drain with pit floor sloping to building's stormwater system
  • Option 2: Sump pit and pump inside the lift pit (requires lift to be raised for maintenance)
  • Option 3: Separate sump chamber with surface hatch outside the lift pit (allows independent maintenance)

  External installations have the same technical performance but require additional waterproofing and drainage considerations.
  

  Q: Where should the machine room cabinet be located?

  A: Ideally:

  • Within 10m conduit route of the lift (longer distances possible but require upgraded hoses/pumps at extra cost)
  • In a damp-free room (preferably internal)
  • With 900mm clear working space in front of the closed doors
  • With adequate ventilation
  • Temperature controlled (0-35°C)

  Cabinet dimensions:

  • Height: 1615mm (raised so engineers work at head height)
  • Width: 1144mm
  • Depth: 300mm

  Q: Can the machinery be installed inside the stair pit instead of a cabinet?

  A: Rarely, and only for internal installations where the area is protected from damp. This requires at least a 1.2m stair pit for the stairs to retract into. The standard machine room cabinet is much more common and accessible for maintenance.

  Q: What power supply is needed?

  A: Standard (up to 645mm rise with single scissor lift):

  • Single phase 230V AC
  • 16 amp breaker
  • Motor: 1.1kW

  Low profile scissor lift:

  • Single phase 230V AC
  • 16 amp breaker
  • Motor: 1.5kW

  Double scissor lift or larger systems:

  • Single phase with increased flow rate, OR
  • Three phase supply with inverter (converts single to three phase)

  The sump pump (if required) needs an independent power supply provided by the main contractor.

  Access and Maintenance

  Q: How do engineers access the lift pit for maintenance?

  A: Two methods:

  1. Service hatches at upper landing: 2-3 removable hatches (depending on material weight) that engineers lift to climb in from above

  2. Engineer's override: Key switch in machine room cabinet raises the lift above upper landing level. Engineers then install safety bars and can climb underneath the raised lift safely.

  Q: How often does the lift need servicing?

  A: Standard maintenance schedules apply. Access via service hatches or engineer's override is straightforward. If you have an external installation with a sump pump, that requires periodic cleaning/maintenance which is easier with the separate sump chamber option.
  

  Customization and Finishes

  Q: What finishes are available?

  A: Standard (most cost-effective):

  • Stainless steel: Brushed finish trims
  • Pit trim frame: Anodized aluminium panels
  • Internal mild steel: Powder coated
  • External mild steel: Galvanised

  Custom finishes (at additional cost):

  • Powder coating in specific RAL colours
  • Electroplating
  • Custom anodized finishes
  • Polished stainless steel

  Cost consideration: When the lift is at rest, you only see the top 3mm trims of the service hatches and the wheel stop/pit trim at the lower landing. Making all visible stainless steel components a custom finish (for when the lift moves) is significantly more expensive than just finishing the "at rest" visible elements.

  Q: Can you match the lift to existing architecture?

  A: Yes, the lift is fully bespoke. We can match:

  • Stone types and thicknesses
  • Tile patterns
  • Metal finishes
  • Handrail styles (our button stations can integrate with your handrails)

  Cost Considerations

  Q: What makes a Mayfair more or less expensive?

  A: More expensive:

  • Bellows vs. stainless steel skirts
  • Double scissor lift vs. single scissor lift
  • Low profile scissor lift vs. standard
  • Electric wheel stop vs. hydraulic wheel stop
  • Longer platform lengths (for higher rises with limited pit depth)
  • Wider platforms
  • Custom finishes on all moving components
  • Conduit routes longer than 10m
  • Straight-line barriers vs. dog-leg barriers
  • External installations (galvanising)

  Less expensive:

  • Maximum available pit depth (allows stainless steel skirts + single scissor)
  • Standard 1200mm stair pit length
  • Standard width and length
  • Dog-leg barrier
  • Internal installation
  • Standard brushed stainless/anodized aluminium finish

  Q: Is the Mayfair one of the cheapest options?

  A: For rises between 500-999mm requiring a hidden barrier, yes—the Mayfair with stainless steel skirts and standard dimensions is one of the most cost-effective solutions. It's more expensive than a Kensington (no barrier) but less than systems with full enclosing barriers like the Westminster.

  Product Comparison Summary

  Q: Can you summarize when to use each product?

  Kensington:

  • Rise: <500mm
  • No upper landing barrier
  • Cheapest option
  • Seated users only

  Mayfair:

  • Rise: up to 999mm
  • Upper landing rising barrier (hidden when not in use)
  • CE mark (Machinery Directive)
  • Seated users only
  • Cost-effective for this rise range

  Regent:

  • Rise: up to 999mm
  • Upper landing gate (permanently visible)
  • Can be UKCA marked (BS6440 compliant)
  • Seated users only
  • Alternative to Mayfair when solid barrier acceptable

  Knightsbridge:

  • Rise: up to 999mm
  • Upper landing rising barrier + rising button post on platform
  • Requires 1.6m lower landing pit depth
  • Seated users only
  • More expensive than Mayfair

  Westminster:

  • Rise: up to 3000mm
  • Upper landing rising barrier + three platform rising barriers (1100mm)
  • Standing AND seated users
  • Significantly more expensive
  • Independent use possible

  Wellington:

  • Rise: up to 999mm
  • Vertical retracting stairs
  • Solid upper landing barrier possible (BS6440 compliant)
  • Requires deep uniform pit (~1400mm for 999mm rise)
  • Currently slightly cheaper than Mayfair
  • Standing AND seated user options available

  Thames:

  • Rise: <500mm
  • Electric collapsing wheel stop (very shallow pit: ~205mm)
  • No upper landing barrier needed (<500mm)
  • More expensive than Kensington
  • Use when pit depth severely restricted

  Next Steps

  Q: What's the process for ordering a Mayfair?

  A: 1. Initial inquiry: Provide basic information (rise, approximate pit depths, internal/external) 2. Drawing pack: We send standard drawings and indicative pricing 3. Feasibility review: You and your client review budget and feasibility
  4. Teams meeting (45 mins): We gather detailed site information, drawings, photos 5. Site-specific drawings: We produce detailed drawings for your design team and main contractor pricing 6. Planning application: Use our drawings (Sesame has never had a planning rejection) 7. Order placement: Once planning approved and budget confirmed 8. Manufacture: Bespoke fabrication (lead times vary) 9. Installation: By Sesame installation team 10. Commissioning and training

  Q: Have you ever had a planning application rejected?

  A: No. Sesame Access has not yet been rejected for planning, which is an important consideration for listed buildings and conservation areas.

  Q: Can I book a consultation?

  A: Yes. We offer Microsoft Teams meetings with our project managers and design team. During these meetings, we'll select the correct product, discuss all variables, and provide accurate pricing. If the project proceeds, a longer detailed meeting extracts all site-specific information for custom drawings.
  

• The Lift

  The Mayfair Stairlift uses our Wheelstop mechanism. A solid stainless steel toe guard that rises around the platform to prevent wheelchair wheels from rolling off the lift. Please see On Lift Barriers for more information.

  The lift table can be made to accept any cladding material, the thicker the cladding the deeper the pit depth.

  Nominal Platform dimensions for this lift can very due to site requirements. However they are more than or equal to:

  1408mm (l) x 1010mm (w) x 0-999mm (h)

  Please see The Lifting Actuator link for more information on the mechanism used to raise and lower the stairlift.

• The Stairs

  The Mayfair Stairlift can accommodate up to 7 stairs, or a total rise of 999mm.

  Please see the retracting stair technical page for more information.

• The Upper Landing Barrier

  The Mayfair Stairlift houses an automatic rising barrier at the upper landing to protect the fall hazard that is created when the stairs retract.

  Please see Upper Landing Barriers for more information.

• User Type

  The Mayfair Stairlift is for wheelchair users only. Non wheelchair users are often presented with a wheelchair to travel whilst seated on this wheelchair platform stair lift. Please see on lift barriers for more information.

• System Requirements

  The Mayfair Stairlift can come with either bellows to reduce the pit depth, or a solid stainless steel skirt below the lift. Please see Concealing the underside of the lift for more information.

  For details on the power supply please see the lift power supply.

  For general details on the pit depth please see the lift pit.

  If the surrounding area presents a crush zone the lift table can be fitted with safety edges to detect an obstruction. Please see Crush hazards surrounding the moving lift for more information.

  Please click on the The Sesame Stair Lift Controls for more information on the controls for this style of lift.

• Variations to the Mayfair Stairlif​t​​

  The upper landing rising barrier can be replaced with an automatic gate as seen here: Regent Wheelchair Platform Stairlift

  The permanently fixed on-lift button post can be upgraded to a rising button post that rises through the lift platform when the stairs retract. The post then retracts completely out of site when not in use. This system with an upper landing rising barrier rather than the gate can be seen here: Knightsbridge Stair Lift.

  The permanently fixed on-lift button post can be replaced with a removable hand held post as seen here: Kensington Stairlift in London 1052.

  If the pit depth is an issue the Sesame Thames Stair Lift sits within a pit depth of 160mm + cladding thickness.

  If the horizontal pit depth is an issue then the Sesame Victoria Stair Lift with vertically retracting stairs may be a solution.