How long will your stairlift last?

Stairlifts are among the most popular mobility aids that help thousands of people maintain their independence and move freely around their homes. If you own a stairlift, you might wonder how to make the most of it and keep it running for a long time.

Did you know that the average life of a stairlift is between 7 and 10 years?

However, like any other type of machinery, it can be used for many years to come with regular maintenance and TLC.

Some essential factors can impact the longevity of your lift, though

Quality of your stairlift

If you’re looking to purchase a stairlift, we’d always advise you to purchase it from a reputable company like Stannah. We are not just selling our stairlifts; as a stairlift manufacturer, we design and manufacture our products here in the UK. All of our stairlifts are built on the principles of reliable design, pleasing aesthetics, and long-term value while complying with all safety regulations.

Weight of user/users and frequency of use

Equally important factors regarding the reliable performance and longevity of your stairlift are the number of people using it and their weight. Depending on the user’s weight, there might be more pressure on the seat, which will require more power to run the lift and go down the stairs.
The number of people using the stairlift and how often they use it can affect its lifespan and performance.

Stairlift maintenance and servicing

Just like any other machinery, a stair lift needs regular maintenance to keep it running in perfect condition.
A service contract will ensure your stairlift continues to work smoothly for many years of stress-free stair travel! Taking out a service contract allows you to budget for ongoing repair costs and get quick response times if you have an issue.

During a service visit, one of our fully qualified Stannah stairlift engineers will thoroughly check over your lift, adjust it, and lubricate it if needed to help prevent problems and breakdowns. The engineers will identify any worn or faulty parts and replace them before any issues occur.

Types of stairs (straight or curved)

The most common staircase is a straight staircase with no turns. Stairlifts installed on straight stairs tend to last longer.

On the other hand, a stairlift installed on a staircase with bends or turns, depending on the number of floors it reaches and how narrow the staircase is, can affect its performance and, consequently, its lifespan. A steep incline, for example, will increase the stress on the system.

Type of stairlift (indoor or outdoor)

It’s worth mentioning that the environment where the lift is installed is crucial. Outdoor stairlifts aren’t so protected from different weather conditions, from heavy rain and wind to temperatures that can fluctuate from cold to very hot. That type of stairlift is ideal for a flight of outside stairs or just a few steps down to your garden.

They come with a self-charging battery, which means the outdoor stairlift will continue its journey even during a power cut. Although many companies, including Stannah, also provide a protective cover to shield your stairlift, exposure to harsh weather might impact its reliability.

Other ways to care for your stairlift include regular cleaning to keep dust and dirt off your rail. With an occasional wipe with a damp cloth, you can keep your upholstery looking as good as new for as long as possible.

Quick tips to extend the life of your stairlift

Treat your stairlift with love and tenderness. It’s best to leave your beloved dog or cat to take the stairs! Check our troubleshooting page or call your local service branch if your stairlift is malfunctioning.

What happens to stairlifts that haven’t been used for a long time?

At Stannah, we refurbish stairlifts that have not been used for more than five years. A pre-owned Stannah stairlift will always be fully refurbished and rigorously tested by our engineers. Every refurbished stairlift chair is deeply cleaned, fully tested, and thoroughly inspected for any damage, and it comes with a brand-new battery.

What happens to your stairlift when it’s no longer needed?

If you no longer require a stairlift, you can find a company to remove it for you. The removal will usually take a few hours. If the stairlift was purchased directly from Stannah, you can complete a removal request form on our removals page. Once a request has been received, a member of our removals team will be in touch to confirm the next steps.

Whether you’re looking to extend the life of your current stairlift or considering installing one for the first time, Stannah is here to help. With over 150 years of experience and over a million stairlifts installed worldwide, we understand what it takes to keep you moving safely and independently at home. Contact Stannah today to request a free, no-obligation home survey and discover the best stairlift solution for your needs.