Proper Operation of your New Stairlift

Stairlifts should be considered essential equipment that are not toys. For this reason, it is strongly recommended that you follow the use instructions and suggestions provided by the manufacturer. Follow basic and proper operation tips to ensure the safety and performance of your new stairlift.

There is a lot to know about your new stairlift. With time, using this mobility aid properly will be second nature, but until then, make sure to use safety and follow manufacturer’s instructions for optimal performance.

Know that you can reach out to speak with a qualified mobility professional about stairlifts and aids at any time. They will be happy to answer any questions that you have!

Here are some stairlift tips for proper use and operation of your new lift:

• Never allow anyone besides a professional mobility technician install or repair your stairlift for you. Allowing anyone that does not represent the company you bought it from may make your warranty null and void.
• Always wear the safety belt and buckle up when riding up or down on the lift. It may seem unnecessary or inconvenient to always remember to buckle up, but it is imperative. You could sustain an injury if the device runs into an obstacle or something unexpected. Make sure that you are able to fasten the safety belt or ask for assistance from someone else in the home.
• Sure, stairlifts look like a lot of fun, but remember they are not a toy. Always supervise children around your mobility aids and equipment, including stairlifts. Do not set the standard that it is okay for children to sit on or play with the lift. It is not and it can be dangerous. Always use the child-proof immobilization feature when there are children in the home.
• Remember to fold the seat back up when not in use for others in the home who do not use the lift. When the seat is folded up, it is out of the way and does not serve as an obstacle or a fall risk to those that are not watching out for it.
• Engage and ask retailers to demonstrate the obstruction sensors on your stairlift; most current and contemporary lifts have this feature. These sensors detect when something is on the rail or in their path and stop. This makes the lift safer in homes with pets, children, and toys. Always err on the side of caution and keep an eye out for pets when using your lift to ensure they steer clear when it is in operation.
• Always advise those using stairlifts to be wary and try to avoid wearing loose, drapey clothing on their lift. Long, loose items can become caught in the mechanisms of your stairlift, which is a recipe for disaster. This situation could cause injury to the user and damage to the device.
• Remember that stairlifts and liquids do not mix. Do not try to transport liquids, open drinks, or containers up and down the lift. Always use a lid to prevent any kind of spill that can harm your lift. If you do happen to disregard this warning and spill liquid on the stairlift’s parts, contact the lift’s manufacturer right away to ask for further advice and assistance. Avoid using the lift in the meantime to prevent injury.
• Stairlifts have very clear weight and usage restrictions. Pay heed to these if you want your stairlift to last and work properly. Never allow more than one person to use or ride the lift at one time and always adhere to the weight restrictions and limits set by the manufacturer. Check your stairlift owner’s manual if you are unsure about what the weight limit is.
• Do not carry heavy loads or big items up or down on the stairlift. This is not the intended purpose, and it could damage the lift at the very least but cause serious injury, too. Also, it is too easy to underestimate the weight of objects, belongings, and loads which could exceed the weight limit for the device. This can cause damage to the lift as well as injury to the rider.
• Make sure to have your stairlift serviced and inspected regularly, too. This ensures it works safely and properly for years to come! If you have any concerns or the lift is not working properly, contact your dealer or manufacturer about service, which is usually covered by the warranty.

Servicing your stairlift as recommended by the manufacturer also addresses safety issues before they can become problems. Consult with the owner’s manual accompanying your lift to learn more. Don’t have a manual? Contact the retailer, dealer, or manufacturer to obtain or download one today!

Do you have a new stairlift? Use these tips to use it properly and safely. Also, talk to the team at Pacific Mobility for more recommendations or to learn more about your lift.