The compact scissors lift includes a chassis having a body, a pair of wheels disposed at one end and a pair of steering wheels at the opposite end; a lifting linkset assembly disposed substantially within the base, the linkset assembly shaped to form space for the steering wheels; a steering system operatively connected to the steering wheels in front of the linkset assembly; and a deployable safety guard mechanism, on at least one side of the chassis. Having the linkset assembly within the chassis body reduces the overall stow height of the lift to thereby increase access to work areas, decrease physical expenditure on the user, increase stable steering and increase safe operation on potentially hazardous terrain.