One of the questions we hear most often is whether a stairlift will still work when the power goes off. It's a fair thing to wonder, but the answer nearly always surprises people: yes, it will. Almost every modern stairlift runs off a rechargeable battery, not directly off the mains — so a power cut doesn't stop it.
What kind of battery is inside a stairlift?
The vast majority of stairlifts use a pair of sealed lead-acid batteries — the deep-cycle type, built to be drained and recharged over and over again. Looked after well, a set typically lasts around three to four years before it needs replacing.
The lift charges these batteries whenever it's sitting on its charge point, which is usually at the top or bottom of the stairs. That's why engineers always tell you to park the lift properly when you're finished — it's how it keeps itself topped up and ready.
Why batteries instead of the mains?
There are two big reasons. The first is safety: running a moving seat straight off high-voltage mains up and down your staircase would be far riskier than a low-voltage battery. The second is reliability — because the seat itself is powered by the battery, the lift keeps working even during a blackout.
It also makes for a much quieter ride. Modern lifts use a DC motor driven by the battery, which hums along far more smoothly than the older mains-powered models ever did.
The one thing to keep on top of
Because the battery is doing all the work, its health is everything. A tired pack is behind the majority of stairlift breakdowns we're called out to. Replacing it every few years — before it gives up rather than after — keeps the whole lift running the way it should.
If your lift is due a fresh set, we fit batteries for every major stairlift brand across all 26 counties. Book online or give us a ring on 087 737 9265.
