A stair lift is a purchase most people hope to make only once. A well-made lift that is looked after properly will give many years of dependable service. How many depends on a handful of things you can influence.
What affects the life of a stair lift
- How often it is used. A lift making a couple of trips a day wears far more slowly than one shared by several people.
- The load it carries. Staying within the weight rating protects the motor and the gears.
- Where it is. An outdoor lift faces weather that an indoor one never sees.
- How well it is maintained. This is the factor that makes the biggest difference.
The parts that wear first
Batteries are the most common item to need replacing, because they lose capacity with age like any rechargeable battery. Rollers, the seat swivel and the folding hinges also see steady use. The rail itself usually outlasts everything attached to it.
Simple care that pays off
- Leave the lift parked on its charging point so the batteries stay topped up
- Wipe dust and pet hair from the rail with a dry cloth
- Keep the stairs clear so nothing catches under the footrest
- Do not use the folded lift as a shelf or a handrail
- Listen for changes in sound, which are often the first sign that something needs attention
Professional servicing
A technician checks the things you cannot easily see: the drive, the safety sensors, the battery condition and the fixings that hold the rail to the stairs. An annual visit is a sensible minimum.
Signs it needs attention
- A slower or jerky ride
- Beeping or a warning light
- The chair stopping partway along the rail
- A seat that no longer locks firmly after swivelling
Repair or replace?
Most faults are inexpensive to put right. Replacement makes sense when parts are no longer available, when repairs become frequent, or when the rider’s needs have changed and a different model would suit them better.
Service in your area
Nationwide Lifts of New York installs and services stair lifts around Albany, Glens Falls and Poughkeepsie. Call 888-323-8755.