Myth #1: Stairlifts are installed to the wall and require a building contractor.

It’s a common misconception that stairlifts are attached to the wall. Instead, they are mounted onto the stair treads, with the track running along the length of the staircase. This eliminates the need for any construction work. Occasionally, a minor adjustment, such as trimming a windowsill to avoid collision with the seat, might be necessary, but these modifications are very minor and rarely noticeable.

Myth #2: Stairlifts will start moving on their own.

Stairlifts cannot move on their own when not in use. They only operate when controlled by a person using the toggle or remote control. While you don’t need to be seated on the stairlift for it to move (useful for moving laundry, for example), it can be operated via handheld controls to call or send the stairlift between floors or to a park point for charging.

Myth #3: A stairlift won’t stop if an obstruction occurs.

In the unlikely event that you encounter an obstruction while using a stairlift, safety sensors, known as ‘Safety Edges,’ will immediately activate an emergency stop. This prevents the stairlift from moving in the direction of travel until the obstruction is removed. The stairlift can then only be driven in the opposite direction to enable the obstruction’s removal.

Myth #4: A stairlift will stop working when there is a power outage.

Contrary to popular belief, stairlifts are battery-powered and simply plug into the wall for recharging. They store power in their batteries, allowing them to operate during a power failure. Typically, the batteries hold enough power for multiple trips up and down the stairs. The exact number of trips depends on factors like the type (straight or curved) and length of your staircase and the battery’s amperage. Some stairlifts recharge wherever they are left on the track, a feature known as ‘Continuous Charge.’