How can I accurately estimate the electricity costs associated with running a stairlift?

The most accurate way to estimate a stairlift’s electricity cost is to measure, or obtain, its energy consumption in kilowatt-hours (kWh), then multiply that figure by your electricity unit rate. The calculation should include energy used while the stairlift is travelling and electricity drawn by the charger when the lift is parked and connected to the mains. Your electricity standing charge is not normally included, as it applies to the property rather than to the stairlift specifically.

Use this basic calculation:

Electricity cost = energy used in kWh × your tariff rate per kWh

For example, if a stairlift used 0.1 kWh over a chosen period and your tariff was charged at 30 pence per kWh, the electricity cost for that period would be 3 pence. This is an illustration only: the actual result depends on the stairlift model, the way it is used, the charger’s consumption and your tariff.

Check the stairlift’s electrical information first. The installation documentation, user manual or charger label may state the input power, charging requirements or energy rating. However, do not automatically treat the motor’s maximum power rating as its normal electricity consumption. A stairlift operates from rechargeable batteries, so the motor generally runs for short periods while travelling rather than continuously. The power rating may describe the maximum demand during operation, not the total energy used over a day.

Battery charging also makes a significant difference to the calculation. The charger may draw electricity while replenishing the batteries and may continue to use a small amount when maintaining the charge. This is sometimes described as standby, trickle or maintenance consumption. If the stairlift remains plugged in, include this electricity even when the lift is not being used. A specification that only describes motor power will not give a complete estimate.

To estimate the cost from operating time:

1. Find the stairlift’s operating power in watts, if the manufacturer provides it.
2. Convert watts to kilowatts by dividing by 1,000.
3. Estimate the total time the motor runs during the period being assessed. Include every journey, not just the number of journeys in one direction.
4. Multiply the power in kilowatts by the operating time in hours.
5. Add an allowance for electricity used by the charger while the stairlift is parked.
6. Multiply the resulting kWh figure by the unit rate shown on your electricity bill.

This method is useful for a preliminary estimate, but it can be less precise for battery-powered equipment because the motor does not necessarily draw its rated power throughout a journey. A curved stairlift, for example, may have a longer track or require more changes in direction than a straightforward installation. The user’s weight, the number of journeys, the length and gradient of the staircase, and features such as powered swivelling or folding mechanisms can also affect consumption.

Measuring the stairlift’s actual consumption is usually more reliable. A plug-in electricity monitor can be connected between the charger and the mains socket, provided the equipment is suitable for the charger and used in accordance with its instructions. Leave it connected for a representative period that includes the usual pattern of use, then record the total kWh shown. Multiply that reading by your tariff’s unit price to calculate the cost for the same period. You can then work out a monthly or annual estimate by comparing the measured period with your normal usage.

Where the charger is connected to a dedicated circuit or cannot be accessed with a suitable plug-in monitor, a smart meter or energy-monitoring system may help. Whole-property meter readings are less useful because they include lighting, heating, appliances and other equipment. If you use whole-house readings, switch off or account for other significant loads as far as safely practical, and compare readings over a period when the stairlift is used normally.

When checking your tariff, use the electricity unit rate in pence or pounds per kWh, including any applicable VAT. If your tariff has different rates at different times, apply the correct rate to the periods when the charger or stairlift is using electricity. A standing charge should generally be left out of the stairlift calculation. If your tariff changes, update the calculation rather than relying on an older estimate.

A simple practical approach is to record the charger’s measured consumption over a normal period, note the number of journeys during that time, and repeat the calculation when the usage pattern changes. This gives a more realistic figure than multiplying the motor’s maximum wattage by the number of hours in a day. If consumption appears unexpectedly high, the batteries do not hold their charge, or the charger stays unusually warm, contact Independent Stairlifts or your servicing provider for advice rather than trying to alter the charger or electrical connections yourself.