What Causes Stairlifts to Break Down and How to Prevent Them
Stairlifts Are Reliable, But They Do Need a Little Attention.
A stairlift is one of those things you quickly come to rely on every single day. So when it stops working, even a small fault can feel like a big problem. The good news is that most stairlift breakdowns are preventable, and with the right care, your stairlift should give you many years of trouble-free use. At AMS Group, we’ve been servicing and repairing stairlifts across Devon and Cornwall for over 20 years, and we see the same issues come up time and again. Here’s what causes them and, more importantly, what you can do about it.
Stairlifts are well-built pieces of equipment and, in our experience, they rarely let people down out of the blue. When faults do occur, there’s nearly always an underlying reason, and understanding those reasons is the first step to avoiding them.
The Most Common Causes of Stairlift Breakdowns
Battery and charging problems are one of the most frequent causes of a stairlift stopping unexpectedly. Most modern stairlifts run on rechargeable batteries that top up automatically when the chair is parked at its charging point. If the lift is left away from the charger for extended periods, or if the batteries are aging and holding less charge, you may find the stairlift becomes sluggish or stops mid-journey. Batteries don’t last forever and will need replacing every few years as part of routine maintenance.
Obstructions on the track are another common culprit. Stairlifts have built-in safety sensors that stop the chair if something is in the way. That’s an important feature, but it also means a stray object left on the stairs, a loose piece of carpet, or even a build-up of dirt on the rail can bring the lift to a halt. Similarly, the track itself needs to be kept clean and free from dust. Over time, debris can work its way into the mechanism and cause unnecessary wear on the motor and drive system.
What You Can Do to Keep Your Stairlift Running Well
The single most effective thing you can do is make sure the stairlift is parked at its charging point when not in use. It sounds simple, but it’s one of the most common causes of avoidable problems. Most stairlifts have a charging point at the top and bottom of the stairs, so get into the habit of leaving it at one of those positions at the end of each journey.
Keeping the rail clean is also worth doing regularly. A quick wipe down of the track with a dry cloth every week or two will stop dust and debris from building up. Avoid using spray cleaners or lubricants on the rail unless an engineer has advised it, as the wrong product can actually attract more dirt and interfere with how the drive mechanism grips the track. If you notice any unusual sounds, a change in speed, or the chair juddering as it travels, don’t ignore it. These are early warning signs that something may need attention, and catching them early is almost always cheaper and simpler than waiting until a full breakdown occurs.
When to Call an Engineer
There are some things that are well within reach to deal with yourself, and some that really do need a trained engineer. If your stairlift has stopped and won’t respond, start with the basics: check the power is on, check the key switch is in the correct position, and make sure the safety sensors on the footrest and seat aren’t being triggered. Some stairlifts also have a manual override or reset button, so it’s worth checking your user guide if you have one to hand.
If those checks don’t resolve it, or if the stairlift is making unusual noises, moving unevenly, or has stopped mid-rail, it’s time to call an engineer. Trying to force the lift or investigate the electrics yourself can cause further damage and, more importantly, could be unsafe. Our engineers are on call 24/7 across Devon and Cornwall, and we fix the majority of faults on the first visit, so you’re rarely without your stairlift for long.
Regular Servicing Makes All the Difference
Most stairlift manufacturers recommend an annual service, and in our experience it really does make a difference. During a service, an engineer will check the battery condition, inspect the drive mechanism, test the safety features, lubricate any moving parts as needed, and look for any signs of wear before they become a problem. It’s not unlike having a boiler service: it won’t necessarily feel any different afterwards, but you’ll have the reassurance that everything has been checked over by someone who knows what to look for.
We offer straightforward stairlift servicing packages across Devon and Cornwall, and we work on all makes and models, not just the ones we’ve supplied ourselves. If you’re not sure when your stairlift was last serviced, or if it’s never had one since it was installed, it’s well worth booking one in. Our engineers are local, our pricing is clear, and we’ll always let you know what we find before we do anything.
We’re Here When You Need Us
Whether your stairlift has stopped working, you’re due a service, or you just want some honest advice about a fault you’ve noticed, we’re easy to get hold of. AMS Group covers the whole of Devon and Cornwall, with local engineers who know the area and can usually get to you quickly. We’re SafeContractor approved and have been trusted by families across the South West for over 20 years.
A stairlift that’s well looked after will serve you reliably for many years. A little regular attention, knowing the early warning signs, and having a local team you can call on when something doesn’t feel right, is really all it takes. If you’d like to book a service, report a fault, or just have a chat about your stairlift, give us a call. We’re always happy to help.