Being able to get around safely is important—especially in the dark. For many people with limited mobility, stair lifts provide a trusted means of safe transport between the floors of their homes. But what happens when your home loses power? Well, there’s a backup plan for that! Stair lift batteries are designed to provide you with uninterrupted mobility, giving you peace of mind when you need it most.
Many people are surprised to learn that when the power goes down, you can still go up because stair lifts don’t rely solely on your household electricity. They’re powered by heavy duty batteries. Let’s take a closer look at why stair lifts need batteries and the benefits of a more dependable ride.
How a Stair Lift is Powered
Like many other items in your home, your stair lift must be plugged into a standard household electrical outlet. In combination with the stair lift batteries, this will complete a reliable power system that you can use even if the power goes out.
This dual-power approach starts with a plug, but rather than powering the lift directly, the outlet continuously charges a pair of heavy-duty 12-volt batteries, the same voltage as most car batteries. The stair lift batteries power your trip up and down the stairs.
When your stair lift isn’t in use, the battery charger stays plugged into the wall to keep the batteries charged and ready to go. This battery power ensures a smooth, steady ride every time—without sudden surges or interruptions should you lose power in your home.
Our stair lift experts make it easy to find the perfect spot for your outlet and stair lift setup—even in older homes where it can be a bit tricky. With extensive experience in installations, we know exactly where to look. Your installation team will also ensure the charger is mounted in the ideal location and make any necessary adjustments for both indoor and outdoor use.
What Are the Benefits of Stair Lifts Using Batteries?
Stair lift batteries provide safety and reliability—two of the most important factors for any stair lift. With a dependable battery, you can move freely between levels of your home, knowing you won’t be stuck upstairs or downstairs during a storm or power outage.
During inclement weather or a problem with the grid, the stair lift battery system will also help protect your motor from power surges, which means your stair lift is likely to last longer and require fewer repairs over time.
Since stair lift batteries deliver consistent power, it makes for a smoother ride. No need to worry about jerky movements or sudden stops.
What Happens if Your Stair Lift Batteries Stop Working?
With proper maintenance and care, you can enjoy uninterrupted performance from your stair lift batteries. The system is equipped with built-in safeguards to provide both protection and backup power. Most models are designed with enough reserve power to make several trips up and down in the event of a power outage.
However, if your battery does stop working, your stair lift will not work either. So, the best way to prevent this is through regular maintenance visits. Our highly qualified Technicians can advise when your battery is due for a replacement. And we’ll ensure your lift is fully functional as soon as possible.
You may be tempted to try to fix the problem yourself, but our Technicians do more than just swap out batteries. We will check the entire charging system, test your connections, and ensure all safety features work correctly. We can often also spot potential problems before they materialize.
For this reason, it is always best to enlist the help of a professional if you are experiencing any issue with your batteries. However, it is especially important to contact a professional if you are noticing either of the following signs:
- A stair lift moving slower than usual or a ride that’s not as smooth.
- A model that is beeping or displaying warning lights.
If you see signs that something needs attention, our team is only a call away. We’ll come out to troubleshoot and have you charged up and ready to go.
Star Lift Batteries Make for a Dependable Ride
Ultimately, your stair lift’s battery system is more than just advanced engineering—it’s a vital component that ensures independence and reliability, providing seamless mobility even in unexpected situations.
While smooth operation and consistent power are important, the real benefit is the peace of mind that comes from knowing you’ll be prepared for in-home mobility even during a power outage. It’s this thoughtful design that transforms a stairlift from a useful mobility tool into an essential part of aging safely at home.
By understanding and properly maintaining your stairlift’s battery system, you’re not just caring for a piece of equipment. You’re protecting your freedom to move safely and navigate your home, no matter what’s happening with the power.
