How Long Does a Stairlift Last?

Stairlifts generally last around 10 years, although this may vary depending on frequency of use, among other factors. To get the most out of your stairlift, you must ensure that any signs of a problem are identified and addressed quickly.

In this article, discover all the factors that affect the lifespan of your stairlift.

Here at Ideas In Action we have a range of stairlifts for customers throughout Birmingham and the West Midlands. Give us a call if you want a new stairlift, or are having issues with your current one – our friendly staff are here to help: 0121 371 0780.

How long do stairlift batteries last?

While stairlifts themselves should last around 10 years, most stairlifts use batteries that will only last between 2-5 years, depending on use. It’s important to know that you won’t need to replace your stairlift entirely when these batteries are used up.

With help from a professional, you can get new batteries installed and have your stairlift back to normal.

What will affect the lifespan of my stairlift?

While most stairlifts should last around 10 years, any of the following factors could shorten its overall lifespan.

Frequent use

The more you use your stairlift, the quicker the parts degrade. A stairlift that is used multiple times a day will probably wear out more quickly than a stairlift used just twice a day.

The user’s weight

The heavier the user, the more pressure that bears down on the seat and the more power that is required to carry the user.

Incline of the stairs

This is another factor that will affect how hard the chair must work to bring the user up the stairs. A sharp incline will put more strain on the system.

Quality of the stairlift

Not all stairlifts are created equally. A stairlift manufactured with low-quality materials will typically break down earlier, leading to you having to spend more money to replace it.

Internal or external unit

Stairlifts that are exposed to the elements are more likely to degrade over time. Although most stairlifts are used indoors, those that are used outdoors are unlikely to see 10 years of uptime.

How to increase the lifespan of your unit

Simple checks should be done regularly to catch any signs of an issue before they get worse. These checks include:

• Checking the tracks for damage or rust
• Checking moving parts for loose screws
• Checking the batteries to see how much power they hold
• Checking mounting bolts to ensure they are fitted correctly

When to get maintenance?

The best way to get the most out of your stairlift is have it professionally serviced. A general check should be scheduled periodically, and you should also have your stairlift serviced if you notice any issues.

For more question about Stairlifts, see our comprehensive Stairlift FAQ Guide – for anything else, give our team a call.

Ideas In Action is a leading provider of stairlifts across Birmingham. We offer a range of units for internal or external use on curved or straight stairs. All our products come with insurance and we even offer professional stairlift maintenance and repair services to ensure downtime is kept to a minimum.

Give us a call on 0121 371 0780, to book an appointment or ask about our stairlifts.