When a stairlift stops working, the first worry is usually how to get up or down the stairs. The good news is that many stairlift problems have a simple cause you can check yourself in a few minutes, without tools and without opening anything.
Work through the checks below in order. If none of them help, or if anything seems damaged, stop and call an engineer.
Safety first
- Do not open any covers on the chair, carriage or rail.
- Do not touch the rail, gears or wiring.
- Do not try to bypass or hold down a safety edge. They are there to stop the lift if it touches something.
- If someone is stuck on the lift or cannot get up or down the stairs safely, get help from someone nearby and see our emergency stairlift repair page.
Eight safe checks
1. Is the power on at the wall?
Find the plug for the stairlift, usually near the top or bottom of the stairs. Make sure the socket switch is on. Plugs sometimes get switched off by mistake when cleaning or using a vacuum.
2. Is the key switch turned on?
Most stairlifts have a key or on/off switch on the chair, often on the armrest or under the seat. Check it has not been turned off.
3. Is the chair parked at a charging point?
Most modern stairlifts run on batteries that charge only when the chair is parked at a charging point, usually at the top and bottom of the rail. If the lift was left part way up the stairs, the batteries may have run down. If you can, use the controls to send it to the end of the rail and leave it to charge. Our stairlift battery problems guide explains more.
4. Is the seat locked straight?
If you have a swivel seat, it must be fully turned back and locked into the travel position. Many lifts will not move if the seat is even slightly out of place. Swivel it until you hear or feel it click.
5. Is anything touching the footrest or carriage?
The footrest and carriage have safety edges that stop the lift if they press against anything. Look for slippers, bags, post, a loose stair carpet edge or a step mat. Clear the stairs and try again.
6. Is the footrest fully down?
On many lifts the footrest must be fully lowered before the lift will move.
7. Are the remote batteries flat?
If the lift works from the armrest control but not from the call-and-send remotes on the wall, the remotes probably need new batteries. They usually take standard small batteries.
8. What is it telling you?
Listen for beeps and look for lights or a code on the display. Write down what you see and hear. This helps the engineer, and our stairlift beeping guide explains the most common signals.
When to call an engineer
Call an engineer if:
- you have done the checks above and the lift still will not move
- the lift beeps constantly or shows an error code that will not clear
- it moves but makes grinding, clunking or scraping noises
- it judders, runs very slowly even after charging, or stops at the same spot each time
- the batteries do not seem to hold charge any more
- there is any burning smell, damage or loose parts
We can put you through to an independent local stairlift engineer in Liverpool and across Merseyside. If you are not sure whether it is urgent, tell us what is happening and we will help you decide.
Under warranty or provided by the council?
If your stairlift is still under the manufacturer’s warranty, or you have a service plan, call the manufacturer or installer first. If the council provided your lift, read our guide to council stairlift repairs in Liverpool before booking anyone else.
What a repair might cost
Checkatrade’s Liverpool cost guide puts typical stairlift repairs at about £95 to £162, with an average of around £122. Which? reports that call-outs outside warranty can be up to about £275 plus parts. Our stairlift repair cost guide has more detail.
Preventing the next breakdown
Many breakdowns come from worn batteries or small faults that build up. Always park the lift at a charging point, keep the stairs clear, and book a regular stairlift service. If your batteries are a few years old, ask about stairlift battery replacement before they fail.
Frequently asked questions
Why has my stairlift stopped halfway up the stairs?
The most common reasons are low batteries, something touching a safety edge, or the seat not being locked. Check those first. If it still will not move, call an engineer.
Can I move a stuck stairlift by hand?
No, please do not try. Do not open covers or force the chair. Call an engineer, and if someone is stuck, get help from someone nearby.
My stairlift works from the chair but not the wall remote. Why?
The remote batteries are probably flat. Replace them with new ones of the same type. If that does not help, the remote may need an engineer.
Why does my stairlift only work after it has been left for a while?
That usually points to weak batteries that recover a little when rested. They may need replacing; see stairlift battery replacement.
Is it safe to use a stairlift that is making a noise?
If it is grinding, clunking or juddering, stop using it and call an engineer to check it.
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