Will a stairlift work during a power cut?
Battery-powered stairlifts can continue travelling while their batteries retain sufficient charge, even when the mains supply fails. The mains electricity normally replenishes the batteries through the charger; it is not the same as the power stored for travel.
HomeGlide and Flow X use rechargeable batteries. Available travel during an outage depends on charge, battery condition, route and usage. Do not rely on a universal number of journeys or treat a battery-backed lift as unlimited access during a long outage.
Manufacturer references: HomeGlide and Flow X specifications. Follow the instructions supplied with your exact model.
Before an outage: know the normal charging position
Have the installer show you where the chair should park, what indicates charging, and which switches should remain on in normal use. Charging arrangements differ between products; advice for a continuously charging rail should not be applied to a model with designated charging points.
Keep the route clear and report a recurring low-battery or charging warning before an outage makes the problem more disruptive. Do not disconnect the charger as a daily energy-saving routine.
At the next service visit, ask about battery condition if performance has changed. A battery that completes normal short trips may still have less reserve than it once did.
During a longer power cut
Limit unnecessary journeys and follow the manufacturer’s operating guidance. Do not repeatedly test a lift that is warning of low charge. Keep a phone available and agree how you will get help if access between floors becomes unavailable.
If the lift stops with someone aboard, contact support and follow their directions. Do not attempt an improvised transfer from the chair onto the stairs. Immediate danger or urgent medical need requires emergency assistance.
Once mains power returns, normal charging should resume only if the charger and parking arrangement are correct. If warnings persist, use the repair contact details rather than opening covers or trying a generic internet reset.
Raise battery concerns early
Changes in performance or charging warnings should be discussed with the support team. Ask about battery checks during servicing and the terms for replacement. Battery age alone is not a reliable guarantee of remaining capacity.