What happens if there is a power outage while using a stair lift?

A power outage will not usually leave you stranded on a modern stair lift. Most domestic stair lifts run from rechargeable batteries, while the mains supply is used to recharge them when the lift is parked at a charging point. If the electricity fails while you are travelling, the lift can normally continue using its stored battery power and reach a landing safely.

The exact response depends on the stair lift model, the battery’s charge level and whether the lift was charging correctly before the outage. A fully charged battery should provide sufficient power for normal use during a short interruption. However, a battery that is old, poorly charged or already showing a fault may not have enough capacity to complete the journey.

If the power fails while you are using the lift:

• Remain seated and keep your seat belt fastened, if one is fitted.
• Keep your hands and feet inside the lift and do not try to climb off on the stairs.
• Continue towards the nearest landing using the normal control, provided the lift is moving correctly.
• If the lift stops, stay calm and use its alarm, telephone or two-way communication facility if available.
• Contact Independent Stairlifts or the support number provided with your lift for advice.

Do not attempt to force the lift to move, release covers, disconnect the battery or climb onto or around the equipment. The stair lift’s safety brakes are designed to hold it securely on the rail if power is lost, so a stationary lift should not run away down the stairs.

If you are able to reach a landing, leave the lift only when it has stopped fully and the seat or platform is positioned safely. If you cannot get off without assistance, remain seated and contact a relative, carer, the lift support service or the emergency services as appropriate. Call 999 if there is an immediate risk to your health or safety, such as a serious medical emergency, injury or danger in the property.

During an extended power cut, avoid making unnecessary journeys on the stair lift. Each trip uses battery capacity, and the batteries will not recharge until the mains supply is restored. If the lift is left away from a charging point, it may gradually lose charge even though it is switched off. Once the electricity returns, park the lift at its designated charging point and check that the charging indicator shows that it is receiving power.

If the lift does not work after the power has been restored, check only the simple items covered in your user instructions, such as whether the mains switch or dedicated power supply has been turned on. Do not reset or alter electrical equipment unless the instructions specifically tell you how to do so. Contact Independent Stairlifts if the charger indicator remains off, the lift repeatedly stops, the battery warning sounds or the lift will not operate normally.

Regular servicing helps reduce the risk of a power-related failure. During maintenance, the batteries, charger, charging points, controls and safety systems can be checked. Batteries are consumable parts and may eventually need replacing; a warning light, reduced travel performance or frequent low-battery alerts should not be ignored.

For additional preparation, keep the user manual and support number somewhere accessible, test the alarm and communication controls as recommended, and keep a charged mobile phone nearby if power cuts are common in your area. If someone in the household relies on electrically powered medical equipment or has particular difficulty being evacuated, contact the electricity supplier about its Priority Services Register as well as arranging an appropriate household emergency plan.