The manual gives specific maintenance and operating instructions and helpful tips. It’s worth keeping your manual handy for troubleshooting, as simple checks often save callout or repair charges.

Stairlifts are designed to transport a single seated person up and down the stairs safely and have the appropriate safety features and design to do so. These should not be tampered with, and the use of this stairlift should be in the manner intended. Your user manual outlines the features of your particular stairlift.

To reset a stairlift, turn the power off for 30 seconds, then turn the power back on again. Whilst you may fix some errors by checking your user manual, you need to know who to call when the stairlift is not responding. Your local Stannah service branch will be on hand, ready to help.

When in use, your stairlift uses up very little energy and unplugging the machine can damage the battery pack, so leave it all turned on, and you should get longer out of your battery life.

Before travel, tuck in clothing items and ensure mobility aids, pets, and people are clear. Most stairlifts are fitted with safety devices to stop the stairlift if there is an obstruction. Clothing getting stuck doesn’t happen often, but we’d hate for someone to lose their favourite cardie. However, small items can get stuck, so always keep the track free from clutter or debris.

If you are home alone, we always recommend you carry a mobile phone to alert others if you need help.

If your stairlift stops on the stairs, it’s best to stay seated and see if you can restart it or summon assistance. If you do have to get off, make sure you can do so safely, take it slowly, and ideally have a family member, neighbour or carer help you.

Stairlift cleaning helps to keep it in good working order. Every week or so, stairlifts should be given a quick dust with a dry cloth or feather duster to prevent dust from building up. This includes the track, seat and footrest.

Important note: Cleaning should always occur when the stairlift is at the bottom of the stairs to avoid any trips or falls, and only if the person can do so.

Whilst you may fix some errors by checking your user manual, you need to know who to call if your stairlift has broken down. If you can't resolve a problem, ensure you have details of your local Stannah service branch saved in your phone or somewhere else handy.

After the warranty, taking out a service plan gives you regular servicing, annual checks, and coverage in case of a breakdown. Stairlift engineers are highly trained and have the skills and knowledge to clean and lubricate the machine and provide helpful advice on maintenance and stairlift spares to replace damaged parts. 

Service contracts vary greatly, so ensure you know if it includes parts and labour and if your service contract includes out-of-hours or weekends.

If you don't have a contract, find a company that covers non-contract callouts and understand what the fees are likely to be. If you rely entirely on your stairlift, sometimes saving money by not taking a contract can be a false economy.

Our engineers can help ensure the continued safe operation of your stairlift, but don't have the specialist skills to assist a user stuck mid-way up the stairs as if not done safely it could cause injury to the person being moved. In these instances it's best to get a family member, carer or emergency services to assist if the user is unable to assist themselves.

Stairlift batteries generally last around 2 to 5 years; of course, this depends on the usage. For example, if the stairlift is often left off its charge point, it reduces battery life.

Batteries and fitting are typically covered on a warranty or 5-star service contract. But expect a charge on lesser contracts. Stannah will safely and correctly dispose of old batteries - so you don't have to worry about them.

Don't be tempted by cheaper alternatives. Choosing non-manufacturer-approved batteries can; damage your stairlift, affect the performance, and may not be fume and fire retardant.

All the batteries Stannah keep as van stock are manufacturer-approved, fully fire retardant, safety marked and have a 2-year warranty.

No, however, all batteries store electrical power and must be treated with care. The batteries we use on our products comply with the highest safety standards and unlike recent fires created by batteries in the news won’t overcharge.