How Long Will a Stairlift Last?

Because purchasing a stairlift is a significant investment, many users want to know how long they can expect their new piece of mobility equipment to last. While it’s challenging to provide an exact timeframe because there are several factors to consider, we can safely say that your stairlift will last 7 to 10 years with proper maintenance. You may find that your stairlift will continue to work long after 10 years, maybe making it 15 to 20 years before you need to replace the equipment. On the other hand, your stairlift may only be usable for 3 to 5 years if routine maintenance is neglected.

Much like any other piece of equipment, your stairlift’s longevity will depend on how well you care for it and several other factors. Let’s take a look at some of these factors now.

4 Factors That Affect the Longevity of Your Stairlift

The average stairlift will last about 10 years before it needs to be replaced. However, the quality of the stairlift, the amount of wear and tear it experiences, how well it is cared for, and the incline of the stairs may shorten this lifespan significantly.

Quality of Your Stairlift

When investing in stairlifts, you don’t want to cut any corners. When you purchase stairlifts manufactured with low-quality materials, you’ll have to pay more in the long run than if you had bought a highly rated stairlift like the Handicare Freecurve in the first place. Protect your bank account (and your ability to move about your home freely) by investing in a stairlift that will give you your money’s worth.

How Often You Have Your Stairlift Serviced

Your stairlift should be professionally serviced at least once a year. However, a lift used extensively should be inspected every six months. A qualified stairlift engineer will do everything from cleaning the lift to lubricating its moving parts to inspecting the safety circuits. If you skip this service, your lift will not last anywhere near 10 years.

Between service appointments, you can use a damp cloth to remove dust and pet hair from the track and chair. Also, closely follow your manufacturer’s user manual to ensure you use the chair properly.

User’s Weight and Frequency of Use

Stairlifts are designed with a specific weight capacity in mind. It’s important to follow these guidelines to ensure undue pressure isn’t exerted on the equipment. Additionally, the more you use the chair in a single day, the faster its parts will wear out. This isn’t to say you should change your daily habits in order to extend the life of your stairlift. Instead, it’s meant to explain why your stairlift may last longer than your friend’s — they use their lift multiple times per day while you use it only twice.

Incline of the Stairs

A final factor that will play a role in the longevity of your stairlift is your staircase’s incline. The steeper your stairs are, the more your stairlift has to work to get the chair up or down. Over time, this strain will add up, and your stairlift may not last a full 10 years.

Is Your Stairlift Not Working Because of the Batteries?

Sometimes, it can seem like your stairlift is breaking down when all you need to do is replace the batteries. Battery-powered stairlifts can be equipped with batteries that last anywhere from 1 to 5 years. It would not be uncommon for you to need to replace your stairlift’s batteries at least once or twice before you need to install a new stairlift.

Signs It’s Time to Upgrade Your Stairlift

How do you know it’s truly time to replace your stairlift? Watch out for these telltale signs you need a new stairlift installation:

• Your stairlift frequently stops in the middle of going up or down the stairs
• Your stairlift makes a chirping, beeping, or scraping sound
• Your stairlift has exposed wiring
• Your stairlift is covered in black or gray debris
• Your stairlift shutters or jumps during operation

Outfit Your Home With a High-Quality Stairlift

While the lifespan of your stairlift may vary from the average, you can protect its longevity by installing a quality stairlift from a leading manufacturer and scheduling routine maintenance. At 101 Mobility of Greater Philadelphia, we carry the best stairlifts on the market, and we can help you find the perfect stairlift for your home. If you have only a temporary need for a stairlift, we also provide home stairlift rentals that can meet your needs as long as you need. Get in touch with our team today to discuss the stairlift options that are right for you!