How Fast Does a Stairlift Go?

At Senior Stairlifts, we know that investing in a stairlift can be a big decision, so we’re here to answer all of your questions, large or small, and to make the process that bit easier.

One common question we get is “How fast does a stairlift go?”, so in this article, we’ll give you the answer, as well as touch on what to do if your stairlift is slowing down, how much a stairlift can carry, and how to keep your stairlift running smoothly!

So, to find out more, keep reading, or get in touch with the Senior Stairlifts team!

So, How Fast Can a Stairlift Go?

The average straight stairlift can travel between 0.07 metres (or 7 cm) per second and 0.15 metres (or 15 cm) per second, which equates to a top speed of 0.34 miles per hour.

Curved stairlifts are marginally slower than straight stairlifts, at around 0.30 miles per hour on average. For a user though, this isn’t a noticeable difference.

Why are Stairlifts Slow?

Some stairlifts may have adjustable speeds, but they are always highly speed-limited. As a safety feature first and foremost, it’s so important that your stairlift doesn’t travel too quickly. This helps to prevent any injuries that could be caused by a sudden stop at higher speeds, or any collisions which may affect the safety of the user and anyone else using the stairs.

Stairlifts are designed to easily and comfortably transport users at a practical, but most importantly safe speed. Many people with mobility issues find that even at low speeds, the ease with which a stairlift can be used has a massive impact on their overall quality of life.

Does Weight Affect Stairlift Speed?

Yes, weight can affect stairlift speed, but as long as you choose the right stairlift for your needs at the outset, it’s unlikely that weight will cause your stairlift any major issues. The average maximum limit for a UK stairlift is 25 stone or 160kg.

It is important, however, that you always abide by the weight restrictions of your specific stairlift model. You should never allow children or anyone else to ride the stairlift at the same time as another user, as this may overload the weight restrictions putting more strain on the motor, and potentially leaving you with a broken stairlift. It can also be dangerous for both people on the stairlift and others.

While weight can affect stairlift speed, there are many different models on the market to ensure you get the perfect stairlift for your accessibility needs. Several other factors can also affect the speed of your stairlift, such as the type of motor, the maximum weight capacity, the weight of the stairlift chair and accessories, and the length of the stairlift track.

Why is my Stairlift Slowing Down?

If your stairlift is slowing down, battery issues are the most likely culprit. You should first check to make sure your battery is plugged into the mains and is fully charged. If it is, and your stairlift is an older model, the stairlift battery likely needs to be replaced. 

While stairlift batteries can last a long time (sometimes up to 10 years!), they will expire eventually and need to be replaced to make sure your stairlift is running at optimum speed.

Whether you’re looking into getting a new, rented, or refurbished stairlift and need advice, or your existing stairlift is slowing down, Senior Stairlifts is here to help. Our friendly expert team can give you all the information you need to feel confident that your stairlift is enhancing your life or the life of your loved ones. Contact us today to get started.