6 Things Every Owner Should Know About Stairlift Batteries
Stairlifts are powered by rechargeable batteries located in the chassis of the chair, making proper battery care essential for getting the best use out of your stairlift. If you're thinking of renting or buying a stairlift, or if you have started to notice some issues with the performance of your existing stairlift, knowing the basics about stairlift battery function, replacement, and care will help you stay safe and ensure that your stairlift works when you need it to.
What Type of Battery Does a Stairlift Use?
Stairlifts generally have two 12-volt batteries wired in series that power a 24-volt motor. The batteries themselves can be anything from 4 Ah (amp-hours) to 12 Ah, with higher amperages providing more power (high-power batteries are usually used in heavy-duty stairlifts).
As far as the type of battery used, stairlift batteries are usually sealed lead acid (SLA) and often use absorbent glass mat technology to allow for a higher amperage and faster charging. For the customer, an SLA design results in a rechargeable, maintenance-free battery that can withstand high and low temperatures and offers a long service life.
How Are They Charged?
The stairlifts that we stock at our Denver, Colorado store use a battery-powered wired rack-and-pinion system that is charged continuously by a power outlet at the bottom or top of the staircase. Most models can be powered on anything between 120 V and 240 V of alternating current (AC) with 50 to 60 cycles per second (50 to 60 Hz).
How Long Do Stairlift Batteries Last?
Stairlift batteries typically last between three and five years. The frequency of use, the length of the stairs, the weight of the user, and the age of the chair lift will affect the actual lifespan of the batteries. If you use your stairlift every day, it’s advised to change the batteries every three years or sooner if needed.
A Note about Warranties
When purchased or rented from a dedicated mobility retailer, you should receive a one-year warranty on your stairlift batteries and a longer warranty on the motor. Using batteries other than those recommended by the manufacturer could render these warranties void, which is why we always recommend using original equipment manufacturer (OEM) batteries and parts.
Signs that Your Stairlift Battery Needs to be Replaced
Even if it hasn't been three years, you'll know it's time to replace the batteries if:
The stairlift is moving slower than usual
The stairlift moves a few inches and then stops when it's going up
The batteries are flat and no longer recharge
How Much Do Stairlift Batteries Cost?
The cost of replacing your batteries varies depending on the amperage and the manufacturer. Batteries are generally sold as a pair with no wire harness or mounting accessories included. Be sure to check the compatibility of the product with your power outlets if purchasing internationally.
On top of the cost of replacement batteries, you'll also need to take into account the cost of a service call from a professional technician. Battery replacement requires partially dismantling the stairlift chassis, and installing the new batteries incorrectly could create a safety risk when using the stairlift.
Stairlift Battery costs can vary widely depending on size, amperage, stairlift make and model. You always want to use a certified technician to avoid voiding any warranties and ensuring you get the right batteries installed the correct way.
Tips for Helping Your Stairlift Battery Last Longer
To maximize the lifespan of your stairlift batteries:
Invest in long-lasting, high-performance batteries that are compatible with your stairlift.
Keep the stairlift plugged into the power outlet and turned on all the time so that it is constantly charging.
Run the stairlift a few times a week. If you go away for a few weeks, have the person who comes over to walk the dog and water the plants run the stairlift for you.
Schedule a stairlift service and maintenance call every year. In this visit, a technician will:
Test the batteries with a load tester to confirm the battery level and cell stability
Check that the charging circuit is delivering the correct voltage to the rail contacts and the mainboard and that there are no electrical problems like inadequate grounding or short circuits—the latter of which could increase the risk of fires and electrocution
The Power That Keeps You Mobile
Stairlift batteries ultimately provide the power to help people with mobility issues move between the levels in their home quickly, easily, and safely. Investing in quality batteries, caring for them properly, and replacing them every three years (or sooner if needed) will ensure that the stairlift user(s) in the home will be safe and won't find themselves suddenly restricted to one floor.
Above all, it's essential to have your stairlift installed and maintained by an experienced professional technician rather than trying to DIY. Professional installation and battery replacement might cost a little more in the short term but will ensure user safety and the best long-term operation of the lift.