Stairlift Care 101: Simple Maintenance Tips to Extend Your Stairlift’s Life

Your stairlift is a vital piece of equipment—it’s the key to maintaining your independence at home. Like any machine, a little proactive care goes a long way toward ensuring it remains reliable, safe, and operates smoothly for years to come.

The good news? Keeping your stairlift in top shape doesn’t require complex mechanical knowledge. By following a few simple steps, you can significantly extend the life of your stairlift and ensure it’s ready when you need it most.

Here is your essential guide to simple stairlift maintenance.

This is arguably the most critical piece of advice for any modern, battery-powered stairlift.

Most stairlifts today run on rechargeable batteries, which are essential for operating during a power cut. These batteries are designed to be kept topped up at all times.

The Tip:

• Park at the Charging Point: Always ensure your lift is parked at one of the charging points (usually located at the top and bottom of the rail) when you are not using it.
• Never Switch Off at the Mains: Unless specifically instructed by a technician for maintenance, do not unplug or turn off the power outlet supplying your stairlift. Leaving it plugged in is the equivalent of leaving your fridge or freezer plugged in—it’s meant to be constantly powered. If the stairlift is switched off at the mains the battery can not recharge and will eventually die and require a costly replacement.

Why it matters: Allowing the batteries to almost fully deplete shortens their lifespan. Consistent charging ensures the batteries remain healthy, providing reliable power and maximizing their longevity before a replacement is needed.

If you allow your stairlift battery to deplete completely, it cannot recharge and will require replacing entirely which can be in excess of £200 including fitting.

2. Keep the Rail and Track Clean

The rail is where the carriage’s mechanical components meet the stairs. Dirt, dust, and debris can interfere with the smooth running of the lift.

The Tip:

• Wipe Down the Rail: Use a soft, damp cloth (not soaking wet) or a dry duster to gently wipe down the surface of the rail, removing any dust or lint. Do not use abrasive cleaners or chemicals. 
• Clean the Area: Periodically vacuum or sweep the stair treads around the rail to prevent dust and pet hair from being carried up into the mechanism.

A word of caution: Modern stairlifts use internal gear systems or dry lubrication. Never attempt to grease or lubricate the rail yourself, as this can attract dirt and cause damage. Leave any lubrication to your service technician. Avoid cleaning the exposed ‘teeth’ of the rail as this will remove the oils required for operation, and cause issues that may require a full service to replace.

3. Don’t Overlook Safety Sensors

Your stairlift is equipped with crucial safety sensors (often pressure-sensitive edges on the footrest or carriage) that stop the lift if they encounter an obstruction. If these plates are dirty or damaged, the lift may stop unexpectedly or fail to recognize an obstacle.

The Tip:

• Inspect the Footrest: Give the footrest and any plastic casings a quick visual inspection every couple of months. Ensure no cords, long items of clothing, or debris are dangling or resting near the sensors.
• Keep Stairs Clear: Before every trip, quickly check the stairs to ensure there are no toys, shoes, or clutter that could trigger the safety sensors. If there are any objects in front of the sensors the stairlift will not operate for safety.

4. Know When to Call a Professional (Service)

While daily care is simple, periodic professional servicing is mandatory to ensure safety and prolong the lift’s life.

The Tip:

• Follow the Manufacturer’s Schedule: Most manufacturers recommend a professional service visit every 12 months. During this visit, a qualified engineer will check the motor, gear box, battery performance, safety circuit, and all moving parts.
• Be Alert for Changes: If you notice any unusual noises (grinding, clicking), smells, or erratic movement (jolting, slow speed), do not continue using the lift. Call your service provider immediately for an inspection. Some stairlifts have a LED display which will show an error code if it identifies an issue. If you notice the display has changed, contact your service provider and report the issue to avoid the problem escalating.
• Do Not Attempt DIY Repairs: Stairlifts operate on complex electrical and mechanical systems. Only qualified technicians should attempt repairs or component replacements.

5. Be Mindful of Weight Limits

Stairlifts are built to be robust, but they do have specific weight limits. Exceeding this limit, even temporarily, puts unnecessary strain on the motor, gears, and track, accelerating wear and tear.

The Tip:

• Never Carry Heavy Loads: Use the stairlift only for yourself. Do not use it to transport heavy items like laundry baskets, furniture, or groceries. These items should be carried manually or moved via other means.
• Know Your Limit: If you are unsure of your stairlift’s specific weight capacity, consult your user manual or contact your service provider.

By dedicating just a few minutes each week to simple checks and following the charging rule, you ensure your stairlift provides reliable, safe service for its maximum lifespan—and maintains its potential resale value should your needs ever change.

Stairlift Life – What is the Limit?

Although caring for your stairlift and ensuring a regular maintenance schedule will extend your stairlift’s life, eventually a stairlift will need to be replaced. This maybe because the model is outdated to recommended safety measures, parts are no longer available for repairs, or just because the stairlift is no longer suitable for the users needs.

Generally, a stairlift has a lifespan of up to 10 years. If your stairlift is older than 10 years, its worth assessing if it is still serving your specific needs. The likelihood the stairlift will break down after this age will double and it may not be suitable for repair.