In order for the seat to get low enough for the user to sit on, it is necessary for the track to extend beyond the staircase to the lower floor level. In some cases, there may be a doorway close to the bottom of the stairs and the track may intrude across this. In these circumstances a hinged track should be installed. This means that the track can be folded away from the doorway giving clear access.

Curved stairlifts can be supplied with a powered hinged track that extends when you go downstairs, and folds up when you go upstairs or want to park the lift out of the way, allowing clear access on the lower level.

The powered hinge cannot be combined with the Perch seat.