What specific maintenance tasks are included in your Handicare stairlift service package?

Our Handicare stairlift service package includes a structured inspection, functional testing, cleaning, lubrication where appropriate, safety checks and minor adjustments. The technician assesses the lift as a complete system, including the rail, carriage, seat, controls, batteries and safety features, then explains any faults, wear or parts that may require further attention.

The service usually covers the following tasks:

• Operational and safety checks: The stairlift is run along the full length of the track to check starting, stopping, speed, smoothness of travel and operation at the top and bottom of the stairs. The technician also checks that the lift responds correctly to the controls and stops safely when required.
• Track and carriage inspection: The rail is examined for damage, obstruction, loose fixings and signs of unusual wear. The carriage, drive mechanism and visible moving parts are checked for secure mounting and correct operation. Where suitable, components are cleaned and lubricated in line with the manufacturer’s requirements.
• Seat and swivel mechanism checks: The seat, armrests, footrest, swivel seat and any relevant interlock are tested. The technician checks that the seat locks correctly in the travel position, the swivel mechanism operates as intended and the footrest is secure and free from damage.
• Safety-edge testing: The safety sensors and edges around the footrest, carriage and other relevant areas are tested. These features should stop the stairlift if it encounters an obstruction, so they must move freely and respond correctly.
• Controls and remote controls: The armrest controls, direction controls, emergency stop function where fitted and wireless remote controls are tested. The technician checks for sticking buttons, delayed responses, damaged casings or unreliable operation.
• Battery and charging checks: The batteries, charging points and charger connections are inspected. The technician checks that the stairlift charges correctly when parked, that the charging contacts are clean and that warning indicators or low-battery alerts are functioning as expected. Batteries that no longer hold charge may need replacement rather than adjustment.
• Wiring and connections: Accessible wiring, plugs, terminals and connections are checked for looseness, visible damage or signs of overheating. Any issue that could affect safe operation is recorded and discussed before further work is undertaken.
• Cleaning and minor adjustments: Dirt and debris are removed from relevant accessible areas, particularly around the rail, carriage, footrest and charging contacts. Minor adjustments may be made to improve alignment, secure fixings or correct normal operational changes, provided this can be done safely during the service.

After the inspection, the technician carries out a final functional test and records the condition of the stairlift. If a component is worn, damaged or approaching the end of its serviceable life, this will be explained clearly. Routine servicing does not automatically include every replacement part or major repair; those items may involve an additional charge, particularly where a fault requires specialist parts or substantial labour. No significant remedial work should be carried out without explaining what is needed and agreeing the next step with you.

Regular servicing cannot prevent every fault, and it does not replace day-to-day care. Keep the rail and charging points clear, avoid placing objects on the footrest, follow the operating instructions and report unusual noises, juddering, unexpected stops or battery warnings promptly. If the stairlift becomes unsafe or stops working, stop using it and contact us for advice rather than attempting to dismantle or repair it yourself.