What to check when your Stannah stairlift stops or beeps
Would you like to know what to check when your Stannah stair lift won’t move? Read on if your chair lift is either not working or beeping

Stairlift not working? Making a beeping sound when not in use?
If your stairlift is not working, don’t panic! It could be something as simple as the stairlift being accidentally switched off, or it isn’t in the correct position on the rail to allow the batteries to charge. Here are a few simple checks you can do to get your stairlift working again.
Is your stairlift switched on?
There are several switches on your stairlift, and all need to be in the “on” position for the stairlift to work.
Red on/off
switch

- This switch is located on the arm of your stairlift. The switch needs to be switched on with “I” pressed down. There is a power light that surrounds the switch, this should be illuminated when in the “on” position.
Keyswitch and
master switch

- The key and master switch are located underneath the seat of your stairlift at the front of the carriage.
- The power key must be fully inserted and turned to the “on” position.
- The master power switch must be switched on with “I” pressed down.
Main power
socket

- When we install your stairlift, we will have either fitted a new power socket or used an existing one near either the top or the bottom of your stairs. Ensure that the power socket switch is switched on.
Is your stairlift making a continuous beeping sound?
A straight stairlift will continually charge regardless of where it is positioned on the rail. A curved stairlift only has charge points located usually at the top or bottom of the rail. If your stairlift is beeping it could indicate that the batteries are not being charged or, if you have a hinge arm, that the stairlift is causing an obstruction.
If you have a rail without a hinge arm
- If the chair is located at the bottom of the stairs and is beeping, it may be that it has not come fully down to the bottom of the rail and is not sat on its charging point. To fix this, simply press the down button on the wall control to allow the stairlift to finish its travel.
- If this happens whilst the chair is at the top of the stairs, simply press the up button on the wall control until the stairlift completely finishes travelling.
If you have a rail a hinge arm
- Whilst the hinge arm is in the down position, it is causing an obstruction at the bottom of your stairs. The stairlift will continue to beep until you have moved the hinge arm out of the way. To do this, simply press the up button on the wall control to move the hinge arm and the stairlift unit to its charging point.
If you are continuing to have issues with your stairlift once you have completed the above checks, please contact your local service branch who would be happy to help. Please remember, switching your stairlift off, or not allowing it to charge correctly can cause the batteries to deplete, resulting in replacement batteries being required sooner.
Stopping or beeping FAQs
Why is my stairlift noisy?
If your stairlift has started making more noise than usual whilst running, you will need to get it looked at by a service engineer. There may be issues with the internal elements, such as the motor, which may need repairing or replacing.
Why does my stairlift keep beeping?
If your Stannah stairlift is beeping while not in use, the batteries are not charging correctly. If this happens, first double-check that the wall connection is on. Then check that the lift is parked correctly at either the top or bottom of the stairs; the battery will not charge if the chair is parked incorrectly. If the Stannah stairlift beeping noise continues, contact your Stannah service branch.
Why won't my stairlift move?
If your stairlift isn’t moving, first check it is receiving power: double-check the on/off switch and the master power switch, then turn the key from the off to the on position. Next, ensure that the chair is swivelled to its travelling position and that nothing obstructs the safety edges.
Why is my stairlift running slowly?
Issues with the stairlift battery commonly cause slow running. If your stairlift is going slower than its usual pace, gradually slowing as the upward journey progresses, or your stairlift stops on the stairs after a short distance and then continues, we would count this as slow running. Firstly, ensure that the power is turned on at the wall and the chair is correctly parked (to allow the battery to charge correctly). If the problem persists, contact your local service branch.
My automatic swivel doesn't work?
If your automatic swivel stops working, you need to contact your local Stannah service branch for a repair. Until fully repaired, you can locate the manual swivel levers under the seat.
Why is my stairlift stopping short of stairs?
If a stairlift stops before it has reached the top of the stairs, there may be an issue with the rail it runs along. Firstly, check that there are no obstructions and remove any objects or blockages that may be causing your stairlift to stop. Secondly, check that the rail is clean, dry and not over-lubricated. Wipe your rail with a lightly damp cloth (but only if you feel safe doing so); also, if you have one, check that your hinged rail is in the correct position.


