Stair lift maintenance

Annual service. Have it done by a company that can get parts for your model. Ask what the service includes - safety sensor test, battery condition, rail cleaning, seatbelt and swivel mechanism, and a full functional test with a person on it. Get the report in writing and keep it with the lift's documentation.

Batteries. Most lifts run on batteries that charge at parking points on the rail. The single most common cause of a lift stopping is that it was parked away from a charging point overnight, or the outlet was switched off. Teach everyone in the house to park the lift on the charge point every time.

Weekly checks anyone can do. Look for anything on the stairs in the rail path - safety sensors will stop the lift, which is correct behavior but reads as a fault. Check the seatbelt latches. Listen for new noises. Confirm both remote controls work from top and bottom. Check the charging indicator light.

Learn the manual lowering procedure. Every lift has a way to move it manually if the power fails with someone on board. Have the installer demonstrate it at handover to whoever is in the house, and keep the instructions where a caregiver can find them. This is a five-minute conversation that prevents a very bad hour.

How to choose

Book the annual service and keep the report

Around $100-$200 a year. It is cheap relative to a call-out with someone stuck on the stairs.

Always park on the charge point

This single habit prevents most stoppages. Make it a rule for everyone in the house, including visitors.

Keep the rail path clear

Safety sensors are supposed to stop the lift when something is in the way. Shoes, laundry and pet toys on the stairs are the usual culprits.

Learn the manual lowering procedure

Ask for a demonstration at handover, and keep written instructions near the stairs, not in a drawer of paperwork.

Use a servicer who can get parts for your model

Ask about parts availability for your specific model before you commit to a service contract with a third party.