Mobility issues affect more than 7% of Canadians living with disabilities and can make navigating the home safely without assistance incredibly difficult — if not impossible.
Fortunately, stairlifts empower people living with mobility limitations to travel from floor to floor more safely than ever. The best lifts restore independence and offer years of quality functionality.
However, stairlifts are sometimes susceptible to technical issues like any other type of machine. If yours stops working as it should without warning, you may panic and assume that you need to invest in a brand new model.
But there may be no need to pay for a replacement just yet. One of the numerous common problems could be responsible — and there may be an easier solution than you expect.
In this definitive guide, we’ll look at the most common stairlift problems, what causes them, and how to fix them.
Common Stairlift Issues, Causes, and Fixes
My Stairlift Doesn’t Work When Plugged In
If you secure yourself in your stairlift and push the right button only to find yourself stationary, a power-related issue could be to blame.
Your first step should be to check that the power supply is plugged fully into an outlet. If the outlet has a switch, make sure it’s in the “on” position — it seems obvious, but it’s easy to overlook the simplest solutions.
If adjusting the switch’s position makes no difference, try switching the power supply to another outlet that has no switch. That could solve the problem.
However, if not, a circuit breaker may have tripped. Plug another electrical appliance into the outlet to see if it’s capable of supplying power. If it can, the stairlift could be experiencing a technical issue (rather than your electrics).
You may be able to request assistance from a technician if your stairlift is still under warranty, so check its documentation and speak to your supplier. Every Stairlift we install has our contact info on a label under the seat. The technical problem may be quick and easy to fix, so you could have your stairlift moving again in next to no time.
What’s Wrong with My Key Switch?
The key switch is a safety feature to ensure only the right people can use your stairlift (e.g., if young grandchildren want to ride in the seat when they visit).
However, a key switch may be accidentally turned off and leave you unable to use your stairlift. Check your key switch before you conclude that something has gone wrong with your stairlift. You may find it on the armrest, though it could be located elsewhere in some cases — your supplier or the brand’s website should be able to help you find it. (Note that some stairlifts do not have a key switch and the reset button is the main power switch)
Then, turn the switch off and on to determine whether your stairlift’s problem is deeper or not.
I’m Seeing Codes on My Stairlift Display
Some stairlifts display error codes when technical issues occur. This can help you diagnose the problem, take the necessary actions to fix it, and get your stairlift moving again.
Error codes are usually listed in a stairlift’s user manual, but some may recommend that you contact a specialist to repair the machine. Whatever an error code suggests, never attempt to fix a technical problem affecting your stairlift by yourself — you could damage the internal components and endanger yourself.
My Stairlift Won’t Move Beyond a Certain Point
If your stairlift reaches a specific point on your staircase and stops, there could be an obstacle in its way. The majority of stairlifts use sensors to ensure that your path is free of unexpected objects that could disrupt movement. For example, the Handicare 1100 Straight Stairlift includes safety sensors to stop the lift immediately if it detects any obstruction.
Carefully check beneath the stairlift and along the rail in both directions. Even a small item, such as a pet’s toy or a sock, could prevent your stairlift from moving properly. When you find the obstruction, remove it if safe to do so, then try your stairlift again. Hopefully, it will move along the track smoothly and get you to the other end without incident.
My Stairlift Won’t Stop Beeping
Stairlifts can start beeping or making similar noises (e.g., chirps) at times. This can be concerning (to say the least), but it may simply indicate that:
● The stairlift is not parked at the top or bottom charge point
● The seat is not locked back in the park/travel location (parallel to the wall)
● The batteries have failed to charge properly
● A technical issue is causing problems
● The power supply is not working properly
● Your stairlift needs new batteries
● One or more parts is failing
For example, if you hear beeping and your stairlift moves more slowly than usual, the batteries could be close to wearing out. Check the user manual or contact a stairlift technician to investigate as soon as possible.
My Stairlift Remote Control Won’t Work
Remote controls are a critical part of many stairlifts: you can use it to send the lift up or down stairs without sitting in it. That’s ideal if another member of your household has used your stairlift to reach a different floor but you can’t get to it in its current position.
Understandably, you’re likely to become frustrated and potentially worried if your remote control fails to respond. But the solution may be as simple as taking out the old batteries and inserting new ones. That could be the case if you’ve used the same remote control for years without changing its batteries.
You should be able to slide the back off the remote control and slip the batteries out. However, if you change the batteries and the remote still won’t respond, it may be time to replace it. And if that doesn’t solve the problem, there could be a communication issue with your stairlift.
Where Can I Get a New Stairlift in Toronto and GTA?
Follow the tips in this guide if you experience difficulties with your stairlift and contact a repair specialist if you need professional assistance.
Total Access Solutions offers the best warranty in the industry with simple installations and dedicated technical service. We provide honest advice to ensure you always have the right stairlift for your accessibility needs.