The 10 DO's and DON'TS of Stairlifts | Stairlift Safety Guide 2026

Stairlifts are great to have at home, bringing back independence for those who may be unsteady on stairs. They are relatively safe devices, but you should be aware of how to handle them properly.

In this blog, we'll share the 10 DO's and DON'Ts of stairlift safety. Keep reading to make the most of your stairlift.

The DO's

1) DO - Use The Seatbelt

A lot of stairlift models come with a seatbelt to wear whilst going up and down the stairs, which will ensure that you or the person using it won't slip or fall off the stairlift. It's important to wear this whenever you use the stairlift for your safety.

2) DO - Schedule A Service

If you're using your stairlifts daily, they can experience eventual wear and tear on some components. It's a good idea to schedule a service for your stairlift for a service at least once a year.

Regular maintenance means that any faults can be spotted before a total breakdown, and you can be reassured that your stairlift is safe and ready to use. At Solent Mobility Centre, we offer servicing on stairlifts in the Hampshire region. If you're in need of some stairlift maintenance, don't hesitate to get in contact.

3) DO - Stay Seated

When travelling up or down your stairs on a stairlift, make sure you remain seated until the stairlift has fully come to a stop. Attempting to get up while the stairlift is in motion could put you at risk of injury.

4) DO - Use The Stairlift Features

Stairlifts come with plenty of features to ensure your safety and give you comfort whilst travelling up and down stairs. Some models will come with a footrest and armrest; make sure you use these, so your arms and legs don't get in the way of the stairlift's movements.

Other stairlift models can also be folded up when not in use, which clears the stairway for other people who need to get up and down the stairs without using the stairlift.

5) DO - Be Cautious

You should always be cautious of anything that you carry with you up and down the stairlift. If you're carrying food, drink, or other liquids, make sure that they are in a secure container.

Spilling food or liquid on the stairlift could stain it or damage its components, potentially leading to costly repairs.

The DON'Ts

1) DON'T - Tamper With Your Stairlift

You should NEVER tamper with the mechanisms of your stairlifts, especially if you have never worked with a stairlift before. Messing around with the controls could lead to serious damage to your stairlift and even to yourself!

If you feel like you need something tweaked on your stairlift, always call up a professional. Our stairlift experts in Hampshire are always happy to help if you need any assistance.

2) DON'T - Ignore The Weight Limit

All stairlifts come with a maximum weight limit; it's essential that you take note of this limit and never exceed it. Applying too much weight to your stairlift can lead to damage and put you at risk of injuring yourself.

3) DON'T - Install A Stairlift Yourself

Never attempt to install a stairlift yourself unless you are professionally trained. You may believe that you can do it, but it isn't worth the risk. There is extreme potential for injury and damage to your home and stairlift if you attempt this.

If you're looking for a stairlift or installation, get in contact with our trained stairlift experts in Hampshire at 02392 009999

4) DON'T - Block The Path

Always keep the path around your stairlift clear; some models of stairlifts have sensors that will stop when it detects an obstacle. Having a clear pathway ensures your stairlift will get from A to B without stopping or disruptions.

5) DON'T - Lean Over

When your stairlift is in motion, you should never lean forward or over it. These devices have a centre of gravity, and throwing them off centre can damage the stairlift faster. Always ensure that you are sitting up straight.

As we conclude our stairlift safety guide, we want to remind you that, at Solent Mobility Centre, we're always happy to help with any stairlift enquiry you have.

Our professionally trained experts are ready to help if you need a stairlift installation, service or guidance. Call us on 02392 009999 or pop us an email over at cs@solent-ltd.co.uk for further assistance.