Essential stairlift information

How long does a stairlift last?

A stairlift can be an invaluable addition to your home, transforming the way you manoeuvre around, increasing your happiness, and allowing you to regain your independence. However, as the installation of a stairlift can have such a positive impact on your day-to-day life, you may be feeling apprehensive that it may stop working at any moment. 

The average stairlift lasts for around ten years, although regular services and stairlift maintenance will ensure that it lasts longer. What is brilliant about this is that you can purchase a second hand or a reconditioned stairlift with the confidence that it will last for years to come. There are a number of different things that you can do in order to make sure that your stairlift will provide you with the service you require for the length of time you desire, including adhering to the weight limit and only using the stairlift when necessary.

How long do stairlift batteries last?

We’ve covered how long stairlift batteries last in the stairlift aftercare guide, which can be found here but to recap; stair lift batteries last between three to five years on average. This can vary depending on how much the stairlift is used or if the batteries are left without power for long periods of time. The cost of a replacement stairlift battery is about £50. But with up to five years of battery life, you have great peace of mind and as mentioned above, the stairlift itself lasts even longer.

How much electricity does a stairlift use?

It may sound as though a stairlift, which uses a constant supply of electricity, might cause a hike in your charges and you may find yourself wondering 'do stairlifts use a lot of electricity'? However, the running cost of a stair lift is minimal, with one using as little electricity as possible. When the stairlift is docked, it is charging the batteries which means there is very little power outage. This allows them to hold power which can be used in a scenario such as a power cut but also means that the operating cost is kept at a minimum. Due to the stairlift batteries' ability to charge, you are using less electricity than other household appliances. As a result of this, you can estimate that the average yearly charge for a stairlift is £10.

If you’re curious as to the other costs that accompany stairlifts, such as the installation prices and the average cost of a stairlift itself, the guide to financing a stairlift can help.

Are stairlifts noisy?

As stairlifts use a low voltage, they are quiet to run. Thanks to their battery, they offer a smooth ride, with their noise levels comparable to that of a microwave. That said, if a straight stairlift does start to become noisy, with a whirring or grinding noise coming from the tracks, it is essential that you contact an expert who can address the problem for you through an MOT, as this will minimise any further issues from arising. 

Take a look at the service and support page for more information if you are having any issues with your stairlift.

How does a stairlift work?

Your stairlift is operated by a battery-powered motor which provides the electricity needed for your chair to travel up and down from top to bottom of the stairs. When in motion, the motor moves a gear that allows the stairlift to move upwards along the track, and dependent on the direction which the gear is moving, the chair will travel either upwards or downwards.

If there is more than one person in your household who uses the stairlift, there will be times when the stairlift is at the opposite end of the stairs to them. In order to summons the chair, a call/send switch is pressed with a remote control. Not only is this beneficial if there are multiple people using the lift, but also if you like to keep your chair out of sight when not in use, docking it at the top of the stairs until needed. Many stairlift companies offer a variety of added extras that can be added to your straight or curved stairlift to make it more functional for you, these can include perch seats, swivel seats and seats with extra weight capacities.

For more information on how stairlifts work, check out the guide which can be found here. 

How fast is a stairlift?

You may be wondering 'how fast does a stairlift go'? To ensure that you have a safe and comfortable ride, most stairlifts travel slowly, covering about 100-150 mm per second at 0.16-0.34 mph. This speed means that you feel secure in your seat whilst swiftly moving from floor to floor. Whether you have a straight or curved stairlift, the speed at which it travels will remain the same. 

Investing in and planning to buy a stairlift can be a big decision and can have a positive impact on your life. However, you may have a plethora of questions that you need answering. Fortunately, the stairlift tips and advice page offers a series of guides that cover different areas of your stairlift, so take a look for more information.