What should I do if my Handicare stairlift suddenly stops working?

If your Handicare stairlift suddenly stops working, release the control, keep the lift stationary and carry out a few safe checks: confirm the stairlift is switched on, check that the key is inserted, make sure the seat and armrests are correctly positioned, and ensure the lift is parked fully on its charging point. If it still does not operate, do not force it or attempt electrical repairs; contact Independent Stairlifts for a professional assessment.

Start with these safe checks:

• Check that the power switch is on. Depending on the installation, this may be located on the stairlift, beneath the seat or near the top or bottom of the stairs.
• Make sure the key is inserted and turned to the operating position, if your model has a key switch.
• Check that the seat is fully swivelled back into the travelling position and that the armrests are lowered.
• Release the joystick, toggle or control and try operating it again gently. Do not hold the control continuously if the lift does not respond.
• Look along the stairs for an obstruction, such as a household item, pet or loose clothing, that could be affecting the safety sensors or the footrest.
• Check that the mains plug has not been disconnected and that the relevant power switch has not been turned off.

A stairlift may stop because it has not been left on a charging point, its batteries are low, or the charging supply has been interrupted. Park the lift fully at its charging point and leave it there while you check that the charger is connected and switched on. If the stairlift has a display or indicator lights, note what they show. Beeping, a warning light or a message can help an engineer identify whether the problem relates to charging, an obstruction, a safety switch or another fault.

If the stairlift stopped while travelling, do not try to push it along the rail, move it by hand or repeatedly switch it on and off. Keep clear of the stairs if you can do so safely. If you are on the lift and cannot dismount safely, remain seated with the seat belt fastened, use the telephone or an alarm to summon assistance, and follow any instructions provided for your model. Do not attempt to climb past the stairlift or reach underneath it.

Some models include a manual lowering facility or emergency release, but the correct procedure varies. Only use it if you have been shown how to do so for your particular stairlift and the instructions are available. Never remove covers, bridge a safety switch, access the battery compartment or work on the mains supply yourself.

If the basic checks do not restore operation, the likely causes may include worn or discharged batteries, a charging fault, a failed safety sensor, a control fault, an obstruction on the rail or a problem with the drive system. These faults require appropriate testing rather than guesswork. Contact Independent Stairlifts and provide the stairlift model if known, where it stopped, whether it was travelling up or down, any display message or beep pattern, and whether it had been charging normally.

Arrange professional attention promptly if the stairlift stops repeatedly, loses power during a journey, makes an unusual noise, smells of burning, shows visible damage or will not charge. Switch it off at the appropriate isolation point if there is smoke, burning smell or damaged wiring, keep away from the equipment and seek urgent technical advice. Once repaired, a qualified engineer should check the fault, charging system, batteries, safety devices and rail before the stairlift is returned to normal use.