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Stair lifts have been receiving global recognition, with the US market predicted to be worth over $1 billion by 2026. These devices are instrumental for the elderly who have trouble climbing stairs because of their body fragility. However, a stair lift with bad or expired batteries is as good as useless.
Stair lift batteries will typically last two to five years. Their lifespan depends on how you use and maintain the stair lift. Performing routine checks and maintenance and using the stair lift regularly can help extend the lifespan of stair lift batteries.
The rest of this article will discuss the factors that affect the lifespan of a stair lift battery. I’ll also discuss how you can tell if your stair lift batteries are bad. Let’s get started.
Factors Affecting the Lifespan of Stair Lift Batteries
Your stair lift batteries should usually last up to five years if you’re dealing with quality products. Generally, good-quality stair lift batteries shouldn’t last less than two years.
There are a few factors that determine how long your stair lift battery will last. They include:
- Battery quality
- Usage practices
- Frequency of use
- Frequency of maintenance
Let’s discuss each of these factors in more detail.
Battery Quality
If the battery of your stair lift isn’t good quality, there is little chance it will last up to the expected lifespan. Unfortunately, stair lift batteries come preinstalled, so customers cannot choose their preferred battery. So when purchasing a stair lift, always make sure to buy from a reliable brand.
When it comes to stair lifts, there are many companies to choose from, and the best brands may seem expensive. However, one of the dividends you can enjoy with the more reputable brands is lengthy battery life: you can be sure that the battery will last long with optimal usage.
According to Forbes Health, the best stairlift brands (and their price ranges) include:
- Handicare ($2,000 – $12,000)
- Lifeway Mobility ($2,200 – $26,000)
- Stannah ($2,800 – $16,000)
- Savaria ($2,500 – $8,500)
- Bruno ($2,000 – $16,000)
Some qualities you should look out for when choosing a stairlift for seniors include:
- Battery details: You’re encouraged to do further research on the stair lift’s battery type and capacity to get a more accurate estimate of the battery’s lifespan. Consult an authorized technician who can provide you with expert advice.
- Comfort: An elderly parent who requires a stair lift already has some difficulty handling stairs. Stair lifts are a highly customized product, so choosing a stair lift that doesn’t meet their specific needs will only add to their discomfort.
- Staircase design: Staircases come in many different forms. Design features such as the width of the staircase, any curves or turns, and the location of the staircase can influence the type of stair lift that is best for you.
- Warranty: A warranty can give you an idea of how long your stair lift battery will last. Most stair lifts come with a guarantee of one year, but because of stiff competition in the industry, some companies offer longer warranty periods.
- Budget: Depending on your elderly parent’s level of mobility, a stair lift may be a necessary investment. However, make sure that you purchase something that falls within your financial capacity without jeopardizing comfort and functionality.
- Maintenance: Regular maintenance will help keep your stair lift in good shape. The company you buy from should provide you with a regular maintenance schedule and a qualified technician at each scheduled appointment.
Usage Practices
Every electronic product, including a stair lift, has a lifespan within which it will spoil, but your usage could either reduce or preserve it.
Improper use can threaten the durability of a stair lift battery and the stair lift itself. For example, some things you should never do with a stair lift include:
- Neglecting to use the seatbelt
- Standing, jumping, or otherwise not sitting on the stairlift like you’re supposed to
- Neglecting to carry out regular maintenance
- Letting more than one person use the stairlift at a time
- Going over the stair lift’s weight limit
- Using the stair lift to transport items up and down the stairs
Using a stair lift in any way outside of its intended purpose or directions for use is a sure way to deplete its battery power and overall lifespan.
Frequency of Use
Like most battery-operated electronic devices, the batteries in a stair lift can slowly lose voltage if the stair lift goes unused for a prolonged period. Eventually, the batteries may be unable to charge, and you will have to replace them – no matter how old they are.
It’s recommended that you always leave your stair lift switched on, even though you think it won’t be in use for a while. This prevents it from sitting idle for too long, which in turn keeps the batteries in good shape. Stairlifts are designed to be extremely energy-efficient, so you won’t have to worry about running up your energy bill by leaving it on.
Frequency of Maintenance
It’s crucial to perform regular maintenance and check-ups if you want your stair lift batteries to perform optimally over their entire lifespan. Proper maintenance of your stair lift should start as soon as you make the purchase.
Ensure you have conversations with the sales consultant or technician highlighting the dos and dont’s of the particular stair lift you are interested in. In addition, inquire about their maintenance policy to get a better idea of what you can expect from their maintenance service. Remember, it’s always better to leave routine checks and repairs to the manufacturers.
How To Know When Stair Lift Batteries Are Almost Used Up
Stairlift batteries are not built to last forever. So regardless of how much you preserve them, they will still need replacement at some point in the future.
Some of the signs that your stair lift batteries are almost used up include:
- The stair lift is moving slower than usual.
- The stair lift is making unusual sounds while it’s running.
- The battery won’t charge.
I recommend reading my complete guide on how to test a stairlift battery. Read my guide to learn more about the topic. How to Test a Stairlift Battery (Easy Guide)
Conclusion
Stairlift batteries will typically last three to five years, depending on the quality of the battery, your frequency of use, and your usage and maintenance practices.
If your batteries begin to show signs of wearing out, ask a qualified technician to take a look at them and get a suitable replacement.
Overall, to lengthen the battery life, it’s always best to have your stair lift regularly serviced by a professional. In addition, avoid using the stair lift outside of its intended purpose, and always follow the directions for use.
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