How Are Stairlifts Powered?

Modern stairlifts are powered by rechargeable batteries which are housed in the base of the stairlift. Stairlifts typically have two 12-volt batteries that power a 24-volt motor. This means that even during a power cut, your stairlift can still be operated. A power outage used to be a problem when stairlifts were powered directly from the mains electricity, years ago. This meant that stairlifts would stop working immediately during a power cut! Not a great result if you’re half way up the stairs!

Today, thanks to rechargeable batteries, you can still use your stairlift several times even in a power cut. The rechargeable batteries make them more independent from the mains electricity. However, they are still using mains electricity to charge. So, if your mains connection is cut, your batteries will slowly start to run down.

 

How Are Stairlifts Powered – Rechargeable Batteries & Mains

If your stairlift isn’t plugged in, batteries will run out within a few trips. So it’s important that you maintain the mains connection and that your stairlift is charging properly when at rest. This is a common problem for stairlift users. Their stairlift batteries run down and they don’t know why it won’t work! The stairlift may start beeping and eventually stops working altogether.

Stairlift Not Charging – Problem Solving – Battery Life

Here’s a few common reasons why your stairlift might not be charging properly:

• It’s not plugged in to the mains or it’s switched off at the socket – check your mains plug is attached to your stairlift and it’s switched on.
• Your stairlift isn’t in it’s charging position – make sure your stairlift is in the correct position to connect the battery to the charging plates on your stairlift rail, otherwise it won’t charge when not in use.
• The contact points on your rail are dirty, give them a wipe and make sure the contacts are clean so the stairlift charges properly when in the charging position.
• Your batteries need replacing – unfortunately rechargeable batteries do have a lifespan of between 2 and 10 years. The lifespan of a rechargeable battery depends on the type of battery and how often they are used.

If you’ve tried everything else and think your batteries need replacing, give us a call on 0800 046 3438. We offer servicing, maintenance and repairs on stairlifts around the UK.

How Are Stairlifts Driven – Mechanics

The power from the batteries drives a motor inside the stairlift chair unit. This drives the stairlift according to the type of drive system used. Chain drive stairlifts are a reliable and affordable option, while screw and pinion drive systems are generally quieter and smoother. Rack and pinion drive stairlifts are the most expensive option but offer the smoothest and quietest ride.

• a rack and pinion system

A rack and pinion system allows the stairlift chair to move up and down the rail which acts as the “rack” while the drive system (pinion) resides inside the chair base. Here you can see the “teeth” on the rail which are the rack, while the pinion and motor hide inside the chairlift base. This model is a Flow X stairlift from Thyssen.

Summary

Modern stairlifts are powered typically by two 12 volt rechargeable batteries housed in their base. The batteries are mains charged when at rest. If there’s a problem with a stairlift it is often because of power issues. Either the battery isn’t being charged from the mains or it has run down completely.

If your stairlift is beeping, it could be a power issue. See our recent article my stairlift keeps beeping for more info on this.

If you’re having trouble with a stairlift, call our team and we will help. We may even be able to give you advice over the phone, or alternatively you may need a call out. Call us on 0800 046 3438.