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Navigating stairs becomes increasingly challenging as someone ages due to low muscle strength. A stairlift may be the perfect solution if you or a loved one is having trouble ascending and descending stairs. However, since modern stairlifts use rechargeable batteries, you may want to know how long these batteries take to charge to prevent navigational interruptions.
Stairlifts are designed with trickle chargers to constantly charge and be ready for use even during a power cut. Therefore, the charging duration is never an issue since they charge when parked. They have charging set points at the top or bottom, so you never have to worry about charging.
In the rest of this article, I’ll discuss how to know when a stairlift battery is fully charged. I’ll also provide an overview of how to charge a stairlift battery and tips to prolong the battery. Keep reading!
How To Know if a Stairlift Battery Is Fully Charged
Now that you know that a stairlift’s battery charges when parked, how do you when it’s fully charged?
Modern stairlifts are designed to make charging easier. These lifts have LED lights that indicate when charging and when the battery is fully charged and ready for use.
The presence of a green LED light on the stairlift’s display indicates a fully-charged battery. When this light comes on, the stairlift is ready for use.
A yellow light on the display is a sign that the battery is still charging. Therefore, when you see this, you should leave the lift on the charge and wait for a green light.
How To Charge a Stairlift Battery
Charging a stairlift battery is as simple as parking it at the top or bottom landing of your stairs. The charging set points at these landings ensure that the chair’s battery continuously charges while not in use.
If you need to charge your stairlift elsewhere, you can plug it into a wall outlet with its designated 13-amp charger.
The YouTube video below shows how stairlifts charge:
But what if there is a power cut and the stairlift’s battery doesn’t have enough power? Will your elderly mother or father be stuck on the stairs? Fear not! Most stairlifts have a manual override feature. This allows you to take control of the lift and manually move it to the nearest charge point or landing.
Alternatively, you can invest in walkers to keep your loved one in motion even when facing a power outage. The Stander Lightweight Walker (available on Amazon.com) is suitable for the elderly since it’s light and won’t be a hassle to move. The walker is also foldable for portability and can support up to 400 pounds (181.44 kg).
How To Change a Stairlift Battery
Changing a stairlift battery is not a walk in the park. It’s an activity that requires sufficient knowledge of the lift’s parts and how they work.
Some signs to know when the battery needs to be changed are:
- The battery runs low frequently.
- The stairlift moves slowly, especially when going upwards.
- The stairlift keeps stopping after a short distance.
If you notice the above signs, you need to hire a trained technician to test and change the battery. The process involves disassembling some parts from the lift and reassembling them once done. This requires an experienced person to prevent potential damage to the lift or injuring yourself.
Moreover, a technician will have a load tester to test the battery’s cell capacity. Changing the battery is only recommended when its cell capacity is low. Therefore, you should schedule an appointment with your provider’s technician to have them change the battery.
Stairlift Battery Location
Most stairlifts, including Stannah, have batteries inside the compartment under the chair. This location is ideal for the safety of the battery and the lift’s occupant. Since the compartment is hidden, the battery is always safe from burglars who may try to steal it when left to charge.
Additionally, having the battery inside the chair allows for a smoother ride since there is no added weight on the sides of the stairlift.
How Long Does a Fully Charged Stairlift Battery Last?
Depending on the lift’s brand, a fully charged battery should cover between 15 and 20 trips. The factors that affect the number of trips a fully-charged stairlift battery can make include the following:
- The length of the stairs: The stairs’ length determines the distance covered by the stairlift. For this reason, the longer the stairs, the more power the stairlift uses and the fewer trips it can make.
- The occupant’s weight: The heavier the person using the lift, the more power the lift needs to move them up the stairs and vice versa. Consequently, a fully-charged battery covers fewer trips for a heavier person than a lighter one.
- Rail inclination: A steeper stairs rail means the lift uses more power to overcome the gravitational pull to move the person up. Consequently, the battery is discharged faster, leading to fewer trips than a flat rail.
Tips for Prolonging Your Stairlift’s Battery Life
Here are some tips to ensure your stairlift battery lasts for as long as possible:
- Charge the battery fully before use. Removing the stairlift from the charger frequently before it’s fully charged lowers the battery’s cell capacity. Therefore, you should charge the battery fully or at least 80 percent of its capacity before using the lift.
- Avoid using the lift unnecessarily. Using it to carry heavy objects up and down the stairs can strain the battery and reduce its lifespan.
- Regular maintenance. It’s recommended to schedule regular maintenance with your provider’s technician to check for any potential problems that may affect the battery’s performance.
- Invest in a quality battery. When it’s time to change the battery, invest in a high-quality option from your provider or a trusted brand. This ensures that the battery will have a longer lifespan and better performance.
- Avoid disconnecting the stairlift from the charge point. Disconnecting the stairlift from the charge point frequently can strain and damage the battery’s connection, resulting in reduced performance and a shorter lifespan.
When the elderly use a stairlift, it’s important to know when the stairlift battery is about to die. Read my guide to learn how you can check a stairlift battery. How To Test a Stairlift Battery (Easy Guide)
Final Thoughts
Charging a stairlift battery can take longer, inconveniencing you for a few hours without the lift’s use. However, stairlifts have a constant trickle charge to ensure the battery is always ready for use. Your stairlift’s battery can last three to five years with proper maintenance and care.
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