Stairlift Batteries and Power Cuts: What Happens?

Almost all stairlifts run on rechargeable batteries rather than drawing mains power while they move. That is why most keep working in a power cut. The lift tops up its charge whenever it is parked at a charge point, so how you park it matters.

How a stairlift is powered

The motor on the carriage is driven by batteries. They are charged either through the rail or at charge points fitted at the top and bottom of the stairs, and the lift tops up automatically when it parks there. The mains supply only has to recharge the batteries, not drive the motor during each journey.

This battery design is a safety feature. If the electricity goes off, the lift can carry on for the batteries' working life. Stairlifts must meet the safety standard BS EN 81-40, which includes safe braking if power is lost, so a power failure should not leave the lift running out of control.

What happens in a power cut

If the mains fails while you are on the lift, you should be able to finish the journey. If it fails while the lift is parked, you can usually keep using it until the batteries run low. How many trips you get depends on the model, the batteries' age and how much of the charge was already used, so we do not quote a figure here. Your installer can tell you what to expect from your lift.

In a longer outage, a few habits help:

• Use the lift only when you need to. Combine trips rather than riding up and down for small things.
• Always park at a charge point. A lift stopped part way up the stairs does not charge.
• When power returns, leave the lift parked so it can recharge.
• If you rely on the lift and the area has frequent outages, which can happen in exposed spots like West Mersea or rural north Essex, tell your engineer.

Why parking position matters

The charge points are only at the ends of the rail. If the lift is left in the middle, or just short of the charger, it may not charge, and the batteries will drain with every trip. Many reported lift "failures" are simply a lift that was not parked properly overnight. Check that:

1. the charge light or indicator shows when you park;
2. nothing is blocking the lift from reaching the end of the rail, such as bags, shoes or a coat on the bannister;
3. the seat and footrest are folded so they do not snag.

A charge point that no longer lines up when the lift parks is a warning sign worth a phone call, and our servicing and maintenance guide lists the others.

How long do the batteries last?

Stairlift batteries typically last about three to five years before they need replacing. A battery that is draining faster than it used to is one of the clearest early signs. The annual service tests the battery under load, because a battery can hold a surface charge and still be close to failure. Do not wait for it to give up on the stairs. Our stairlift repairs and servicing team can replace batteries on most makes.

If the lift stops part way up the stairs

First, stay calm. You are seated, belted and safe. Then work through these steps.

1. Do not climb out or try to walk. Stay seated with the belt on unless the instruction manual for your lift says otherwise.
2. Check the simple things. Is the footrest or seat folded properly? Is the belt fastened? Is something resting on the rail? Many lifts stop when a sensor is triggered by a stray item.
3. Try the controls again. Release the paddle or switch and try once more. Check the key switch, if fitted, is in the on position.
4. Call for help. Ring a family member or a neighbour to stay with you, then call your service provider. If you feel unwell or frightened, call 999.
5. Do not force it. Never try to push the carriage by hand or open covers.

Your lift's manual will describe any emergency features specific to it, so keep it somewhere you can find it. If you have a lift fitted by us, you can reach us through the contact page. We cannot give you a repair promise over the phone, but we will tell you what to check.

Questions to ask your installer

Every lift is different, so the most useful information is specific to yours. Ask the installer at handover:

• Where exactly are the charge points, and how will I know the lift is charging?
• What does the lift do if the batteries run low, and is there a warning?
• Is there a manual release or emergency procedure for my model, and who is allowed to use it?
• How do I replace the batteries, and what does it cost?
• Who do I call out of hours?

Write the answers on a card and keep it near the foot of the stairs. In an emergency, you want information in front of you, not in a drawer. If you live alone, share a copy with a neighbour or relative who has a key.

Also think about practicalities beyond the lift. If a power cut leaves you without lights on the stairs, keep a torch at both ends. If the lift cannot be used and you need the bedroom or bathroom upstairs, it is worth having a plan, such as a relative who can stay, or a camp bed downstairs for the night. Nobody should try to manage the stairs on foot in the dark if they are unsteady.

Reduce the chances of it happening

• Park at the charge point every time.
• Have the lift serviced yearly.
• Keep the rail and docking areas clear.
• Replace batteries as they age, not when they fail.
• Keep our number, or your engineer's, next to the phone.

If you are planning a new lift, our guide to the free stairlift survey shows where the charge points and sockets will go, and the installation page explains the full process. You can also book a free home survey.

Frequently asked questions

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