Choosing between the Stiltz Duo Plus and Trio Plus affects space requirements, accessibility features, passenger capacity and installation considerations. The right model depends on your mobility needs, available space and whether wheelchair access is required.
Below is a practical comparison of Duo Plus vs Trio Plus home lifts.
Duo Plus vs Trio Plus: Key Differences
The core difference between these two stiltz home lifts comes down to compact design versus wheelchair accessibility.
- The Duo Plus is a compact through floor lift designed for 1 to 2 people. It focuses on space efficiency, fitting into tight corridors, cupboard spaces and corners where a larger domestic lift simply would not work. It has a small footprint and is ideal for tight spaces and small homes.
- The Trio Plus is a larger, wheelchair accessible through floor lift. This innovative three person lift can carry up to three passengers or a full sized wheelchair with a companion. It features wider entry points for easier access and a gently angled ramp for walking frames and wheelchair users.
Both models share the same self supporting structure built on unique dual rail technology that does not require load bearing walls. They plug into a standard 13 amp power socket, include a battery back up system and use a quiet electric drive motor rather than noisy hydraulics.
Size and Space Requirements
Space is often the deciding factor between these two through floor lifts. The Duo Plus utilizes a smaller footprint of roughly 0.55 m², while the Trio Plus requires approximately 1.25 m² to accommodate its large interior cab space and accessibility features.
Duo Plus Space Efficiency
The Duo Plus external dimensions measure approximately 1047 mm wide × 810 mm deep × 2390 mm high, including the dual rail system. That compact footprint makes it one of the smallest options in the home lift range.
Ideal placements include narrow hallways, corner positions, wardrobe or cupboard spaces, and even dead space within a staircase void. The Duo Plus is designed for two people in a compact space, making it suitable for homes where every square metre matters. If your property has limited available space, this compact home lift upgraded with modern technology delivers practical floor-to-floor travel without dominating a room.
Trio Plus Space for Accessibility
The Stiltz Trio Plus external footprint measures approximately 1040 mm wide × 1206 mm deep. The deeper cabin is specifically designed so that Trio Home Lifts can fit a standard sized wheelchair comfortably, with room for an extra person compared to the Duo Plus.
The Trio Plus features wider entry points for easier access, a gently angled ramp for smooth wheelchair and walking frame entry, and an optional ThruCar (double entry) configuration that allows entry from opposite sides for easier maneuvering. Standard maximum travel height is around 4.5 metres, with an optional 6 metre travel for homes with taller ceilings.
Capacity and Accessibility Features
Passenger capacity and weight limits separate these two models clearly.
The Duo Plus has a maximum weight capacity of 170 kg (approximately 375 lb), supporting two standing adults. It is not designed for wheelchair users and has an entrance width of approximately 587 mm, too narrow for a standard sized wheelchair.
The Trio Plus has a maximum weight capacity of 250 kg (approximately 550 lb). Stiltz Trio lifts can carry up to three passengers, or a wheelchair passenger with a companion. This increased maximum weight capacity also makes the Trio Plus better suited for transporting heavy or awkward items between floors.
The Trio Plus allows for easier access for users with mobility aids. As a home wheelchair lift, it includes wider doors, a gently angled ramp, optional powered automatic door operation and clear side panels. The Duo Plus offers an interior grab rail and moulded fold down seat but lacks the dimensions a wheelchair lift requires.
Safety Features and Technology
Both models share all the same features when it comes to core safety. The key features include:
- A half height light curtain as standard, with an optional full height light curtain upgrade, detecting obstructions at the entrance and halting lift car motion
- Weight limit sensors to prevent overload
- Obstruction detection sensors on the lift lid and base
- A battery backup system that lowers the lift car to the ground floor during a power cut, allowing safe exit
- Emergency stop button, hold to run controls and key switch isolation
- An interior telephone connecting to emergency assistance
- A fall arrest mechanism for additional security
- Remote control operation, with remote controls included for calling the lift remotely from either floor
Both lifts include safety sensors and light curtains for safe travel. Stiltz lifts operate on a quiet electric motor drive system, delivering a smooth home lift experience without the noise of hydraulic alternatives.
For the Stiltz Trio Plus specifically, additional safety considerations for wheelchair users include the gentle ramp gradient, wider clearances, optional powered doors and more interior space to manoeuvre safely. The Trio+ lift features clear sides for a less intrusive design, which also improves visibility for the wheelchair passenger and any companion.
Installation and Building Work
The installation process for both models benefits from Stiltz’s self supporting structure. Because the dual rail technology bears the weight of the lift car independently, neither model needs attachment to load bearing walls. Both models can be installed with minimal structural disruption.
Installation requires minimal building work and disruption. The primary structural task is cutting an aperture in the ceiling and floor between storeys. Beyond that, changes to the building fabric are minimal.
Stiltz lifts can be installed in just one day for the lift fitting itself. However, installation typically takes around 3 to 4 days for building work when including preparatory carpentry, floor cutting, making good and finishing. The Duo Plus often completes faster due to its smaller footprint, while the Trio Plus may take one to two days for the lift installation alone, depending on whether a single door or double entry ThruCar configuration is chosen.
A technical survey checks measurements before installation, covering floor to floor height, ceiling constraints, available space and power socket positioning. Stiltz lifts plug into a standard 13 amp power socket, so no specialist electrical work is typically needed. A Building Notice rather than full planning permission is usually sufficient.
Design and Aesthetics
Both models in the Stiltz lift range are designed with a sleek and contemporary appearance that distinguishes them from other domestic lift options.
The Duo Plus features curved panels with transparent acrylic sides that allow light through, reducing visual bulk. Its compact profile means it blends unobtrusively into hallways and living spaces. Customisation options include a different colour lift car finish and choice of internal flooring.
The Stiltz Trio home lift offers a more generous cabin with clear sides for improved visibility and an open feel. Internal LED downlights are standard, and design options include bespoke colour lift car panels to match existing décor. Stiltz lifts come in subtle colourways to match home decor across both models.
In both lifts, the drive motor is roof mounted and concealed, and the rails are recessed to remain discreet. The use of translucent panels across the home lift range helps each model feel lighter and less imposing than many competing through floor lifts that rely on enclosed shafts.
Cost Considerations
The Duo Plus generally has a lower cost than the Trio Plus. This reflects its smaller cabin size, fewer components and simpler configuration, no ramp, narrower entrance, and fewer accessibility features.
The Trio Plus involves higher upfront investment due to its larger footprint, ramp, wider doors, optional powered door mechanism and greater structural clearance. However, as a wheelchair accessible lift, it may deliver better long-term value for users whose mobility needs are likely to change.
Several factors affect the final price of either stiltz lift:
- Cabin configuration (single door vs double entry ThruCar)
- Travel height requirements
- Customisation choices (colour, flooring, powered doors)
- Site-specific building work complexity
VAT relief may apply for lifts installed for disabled persons under HMRC rules, potentially reducing the cost to 0% VAT. This can make a significant difference, particularly on the higher-priced Trio Plus. A free home survey from Multicare Home Lifts provides accurate, site specific pricing so there are no surprise costs.
Both models are energy efficient, running from a standard 13 amp power socket with electricity consumption comparable to a household appliance. Annual servicing is recommended for both.
Future-Proofing Your Home
Choosing between these two industry leading home lifts is not only about current needs, it is about anticipating what comes next.
The Stiltz Trio Plus offers more long term flexibility. Because it accommodates a full sized wheelchair, walking frames and up to three passengers, it protects against declining mobility without requiring a future upgrade. For homeowners planning to age in place, the Trio Plus is the only wheelchair lift in the Stiltz range that provides full wheelchair accessibility from the outset.
The Duo Plus from the duo home lift range makes sense for those with relatively stable mobility who want a space efficient, lower cost solution. However, if wheelchair access becomes necessary later, upgrading from a Duo Plus to a Trio Plus would involve more invasive changes, larger floor apertures, additional space allocation, ramp installation and potentially repositioning the lift entirely.
If there is any possibility that wheelchair access, a carer companion, or heavier load requirements might be needed in future, selecting the Trio Plus now avoids costly and disruptive modifications later.
Duo Plus vs Trio Plus: Which Should You Choose?
Choose the Duo Plus if:
- You have limited floor space and need a compact home lift with a small footprint
- Your mobility allows standing travel between floors
- Stiltz lifts have a compact design for small spaces that suits your property
- Budget is a primary consideration and wheelchair access is not required
Choose the Stiltz Trio Plus if:
- You need a wheelchair accessible lift now or may need one in the future
- You want to carry an extra person or transport heavy or awkward items
- You require wider entry points, a gently angled ramp or double entry configuration
- Long-term accessibility and future-proofing are priorities
Both models deliver professional installation, minimal building work and the reliability of Stiltz’s unique dual rail technology. The best starting point is a free home survey where an expert can assess your property, measure available space and recommend the right model based on your specific circumstances.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the Duo Plus accommodate a wheelchair user? No. The Duo Plus entrance width is approximately 587 mm, which is too narrow for a standard sized wheelchair. It is designed for standing passengers only. For wheelchair users, the Trio Plus is the appropriate choice, it is the only wheelchair lift in the Stiltz lift range that accommodates a full sized wheelchair.
How long does installation take for each model? Stiltz lifts can be installed in just one day for the lift fitting itself. Building work preparation, including floor cutting, carpentry and finishing, typically takes around 3–4 days in total. The Trio Plus may take slightly longer depending on whether a single door or ThruCar configuration is selected.
What happens if there’s a power cut with either lift? Both models include a battery backup system. During a power cut, the lift car will descend to the lower floor, allow passengers to exit safely, and remain stationary until power is restored.
Do both models require the same maintenance schedule? Yes. Both the Duo Plus and Trio Plus benefit from annual servicing to maintain safety sensors, the quiet electric drive motor and other moving components. Routine checks cover sensors, the battery back up system and general wear.
Is planning permission needed for either Stiltz lift model? In most cases, full planning permission is not required. A Building Notice is typically sufficient. Stiltz and your installer handle much of the compliance. However, listed or period properties may have additional considerations. A home survey will clarify requirements for your specific property.