Wondering how to use a stair lift? Most stairlifts are pretty user friendly. Simply push a button and up you go, or down you go, depending in what direction you want to go! Some stairlifts have a joystick on the armrest, and others use a button; depending on your particular model of stairlift.
Usually though if you have a button on your armrest, you will push it in the direction of travel, in order to move, and with a joystick you would do the same. If this isn’t working, consult your user manual.
How To Use A Stair Lift – Troubleshooting
If your stairlift doesn’t move when you depress the button, there could be a few issues affecting operation. Firstly, make sure it’s plugged in! Strange though this sounds, it’s a common problem. Stairlifts are battery operated which means they can work without being plugged in to the mains for a few trips before the battery will give up.
So make sure they are plugged in to the mains electricity and give them some time to charge. A few hours at least should give the batteries some juice, but again, refer the user manual for your particular stairlift if you have it.
How To Use A Stair Lift – Stairlift Not Responding To The Remote
Often the stairlift will have a particular charging point on the stairlift rail. This is to save space if it’s not placed at the top or bottom of the staircase when not in use.
So if your stairlift is placed on the rail, and not at the base or top of the stairs, you can use the remote to call it. It will respond and move towards you if it’s operating properly. If not, check your remote batteries and the above tip to make sure your chairlift and the remote are functional.
How To Use A Stair Lift – From Folded Position
If you have a chairlift which is in the folded position, before you use it you’ll need to unfold it! This can often be done by folding out the leg stand and seat, sometimes a button (or lever) allows you to do this automatically. With certain models, you’ll need to unfold the arms too, so you can sit down.
Once in the seated position you should be able to see the buttons on the arm rest. Press the button in the direction of travel to move the lift.
You’ll need to hold down the button to continue moving. This is a safety feature on most stairlifts and prevents you from moving in the case of an emergency. So, if you thought you could depress the button just once (and let go) to get up the stairs, this won’t work! You must hold the button down in the direction of travel for it to work.
Still Not Working?
If you lift still doesn’t work you can check the base unit for a fault code. If a fault code is showing, it’s typically a job for a trained engineer. Give us a call on 0800 046 3438.
You can also check the charging plates. Depending on your stairlift model, you may have contact points on the rail where the stairlift charges. Over time, these can attract dust and grease and clog up. When this happens, they stop charging the battery properly, or they become less efficient at charging it.
Find the charging strips on the stairlift rail and give it a wipe with a cloth, removing any dirt. This helps create better contact points and helps the battery charge up properly.
Make sure you place the chair in the charging position too, to fully charge the battery. If it’s not in it’s charging position on the rail, it won’t charge the batteries.
How To Use A Stairlift – Stairlift Beeping
A stairlift might be beeping for a number of reasons. Check your user manual for details of your particular model. It could be indicating a low battery, a faulty sensor, obstruction or something else. Check your stairlift is charging properly and connected to the mains. The main switch on the stairlift base should be in the on position.
Make sure your charging contact points are clean, so your stairlift can charge properly. Do you have a charging position for your stairlift? If so, make sure you’re leaving it in the correct position to charge properly. Otherwise the battery will run flat – another potential reason for beeping.
The beeping may indicate the arm rests, or if you have a moving rail, may not be in the correct position.
Summary
Stairlifts today are pretty simple to use and if there’s a problem it can often be solved fairly quickly. Check your user manual for troubleshooting tips to diagnose your problem if you have one.
Generally a stairlift shouldn’t give you many issues but it is an electrical item and they can present problems over time, particularly if they are older. It’s worth keeping up with regular servicing to avoid problems arising. Your stairlift technician will service your stairlift, and make sure it is running properly and in prime condition.
If you have any other questions or queries about the subject of how to use a stairlift, checkout our frequently asked questions page here.
If you have an issues with your stairlift and would like a technician to help, give us a call on 0800 046 3438.