What is the least amount of free passage width required on the stairway for a chairlift?

The minimum free passage width required on a stairway for a chairlift is 20 inches. This measurement is a standard regulation designed to ensure safe and unobstructed passage for users, accommodating various mobility aids such as wheelchairs or chairlifts.

This width allows for adequate spacing for the chairlift to operate without interference and provides enough room for users to navigate safely through the stairway. Ensuring that there is enough width helps prevent accidents and promotes accessibility, which is crucial in any environment where mobility devices are used.

In contrast, smaller widths would not provide sufficient room for safe operation or passage. Therefore, while options such as 18 inches or any width smaller than 20 inches would not meet safety standards, the choice of 20 inches is the recognized and acceptable minimum in accessibility guidelines and building codes.