Stairlift Safety Guide

Stairlifts are motorized devices designed to help those with mobility impairments navigate stairs. While stairlifts can make life easier for older adults and people with disabilities, they can also pose a safety hazard when used incorrectly. The following tips from Upward Mobility can help you avoid an accident and stay safe while using a stairlift.

If you’re in the market for a stairlift, come check out our selection here at Upward Mobility. You can find us in Essex Junction, VT.

Stairlift Safety Tips

Fly Solo

This may seem obvious enough, but stairlifts are not designed to transport more than one passenger at a time. No matter how much your grandchildren would like to ride on your lap, you should resist the temptation to indulge them! Protect yourself and your equipment by riding the stairlift alone.

Know the Weight Limit

This ties into the last point, but you should be familiar with the weight limit of your stairlift, and never exceed it. When purchasing a stairlift, make sure to choose one that can easily accommodate your weight. If you have heavier items that need to be transported up or down the stairs, ask someone else to carry them.

Clear the Way

Before using a stairlift, make sure your stairs are free of any obstructions that could impede its movement. Even something as simple as a loose floorboard could be problematic, and should be addressed before operating the stairlift.

Buckle Up

Your stairlift might not seem like a motor vehicle, but it is one – and just like a car, it comes with a seatbelt. Remember to always buckle up when using the stairlift. If a malfunction should cause the stairlift to jerk around or come to a sudden stop, the seatbelt will keep you safe and secure.

Fold the Seat

When you are done using your stairlift, be sure to collapse the seat. This is especially important if you live with other people who don’t use the stairlift. When the seat is deployed, the stairlift becomes a dangerous obstacle to people climbing the stairs.

Stay On Top of Maintenance

Just like any piece of equipment, your stairlift needs regular upkeep to stay in good condition. Make sure to maintain your stairlift per manufacturer instructions, and never operate a stairlift that needs repair. Riding a faulty stairlift can be dangerous, and it can make the problem a lot worse.

If your stairlift is not working as it should, you should seek the assistance of a technician that specializes in medical equipment. If you’re looking for stairlift services in Vermont, look no further than Upward Mobility. Our factory-trained technicians can handle all your medical equipment repair needs. We welcome customers from all over the state, and from Albany, NY.