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Key Takeaways
- Curved stairlifts can develop issues such as jerky movement, rail noise, battery faults, misaligned sensors, and error codes.
- The majority of problems are fixable at home with simple checks, such as clearing the rail, resetting the lift, ensuring proper charging, or adjusting the swivel seat.
- More complex faults, such as track alignment issues, gearbox problems, PCB faults, or rail bend damage, require a trained engineer.
- Because curved stairlifts rely on custom-built rails, correct alignment is crucial; even minor movement can cause operational issues.
- Regular servicing (once a year) prevents the most common problems.
Curved Stairlift Problems and How to Fix Them
Below are the most common issues users experience with curved stairlifts, including practical fixes you can try at home and when to call for professional support.
1. Stairlift Stops Mid-Journey
Likely Causes
- Obstruction on the rail
- Safety sensor triggered
- Battery not charging
- Loose wiring
- Rail alignment issue (more common on curved rails)
How to Fix It
- Check for objects on the track (clothing, pet hair, dust).
- Ensure the seat, arms, and footrest are fully locked into position.
- Reset the lift using the on/off switch.
- Make sure the stairlift is parked correctly on its charging point.
When to Call an Engineer
- The lift stops in the same spot every time (rail issue).
- Resetting does not help.
- Error code appears repeatedly.
2. Jerky or Bumpy Ride
Likely Causes
- Dirt or debris on the rail
- Worn rollers or bearings
- Track misalignment (more common on multi-curve systems)
- Loose rail brackets
- Low lubrication on the rack and pinion
How to Fix It
- Clean the rail with a dry cloth (never use oily cleaners).
- Check for visible bracket movement.
- Make sure the user is sitting squarely and that the seat swivel is locked.
When to Call an Engineer
- Movement feels rough or uneven along curves.
- Noises occur during turns or landings.
- The chair vibrates when going uphill.
This usually means the rail is slightly out of alignment, which only a trained technician can safely correct.
3. Beeping or Low Battery Warning
Likely Causes
- The lift is not parked on its charging point
- Faulty charging contacts
- Loose charger cable
- Worn batteries (typically last 2–5 years)
- Power cut or socket fault
How to Fix It
- Park the stairlift fully at the charging station until you hear the charging beep or see the LED indicator.
- Check that the wall socket is switched on.
- Wipe charging contacts gently with a dry cloth.
- Check that the cable to the charger hasn’t been pulled loose.
When to Call an Engineer
- Batteries continue to drain even when charging
- The charging light never appears
- The charger feels hot or smells burnt
4. Error Codes on the Display
Most curved stairlifts have a digital display showing numbers or letters.
Common Causes
- Obstruction
- Low battery
- Safety edges triggered
- Overspeed sensor alert
- PCB (circuit board) fault
How to Fix It
- Reset the chair using the power switch.
- Check the user manual for what the code means.
- Ensure nothing is touching the footrest or safety edges.
When to Call an Engineer
- The same error code returns repeatedly
- Code relates to the motor, PCB, or drive system
- The lift will not move in either direction
Internal electronics faults should only be repaired by qualified technicians.
5. No Power at All
Likely Causes
- Tripped fuse
- Faulty main switch
- Dead batteries
- Loose wiring inside the carriage
- Blown charger fuse
How to Fix It
- Try switching the main power off and on again.
- Check the home fuse box and socket.
- Ensure the emergency stop key is not switched off.
When to Call an Engineer
- The lights do not appear on the carriage
- The lift has been unpowered for several days
- Wiring faults inside the carriage are suspected
6. Loud Noises During Travel
Likely Causes
- Loose rail bracket
- Worn motor or gearbox bearings
- Poor lubrication
- Rail movement (especially on tight curves)
How to Fix It
- Check for debris on the rail.
- Confirm the seat and footrest are locked in place.
When to Call an Engineer
- Grinding, clicking, or knocking noises
- Noise occurs only in certain curves
- Rail movement is visible
Curved rails are more sensitive to alignment issues than straight ones.
7. Swivel Seat Won’t Lock or Release
Likely Causes
- Dirt under the seat mechanism
- Stiff swivel latch
- The user is not applying enough pressure
- Damaged swivel mechanism
How to Fix It
- Apply steady pressure on the lever while turning.
- Remove visible dirt or pet hair.
- Try swivelling with the lift slightly higher or lower on the charging point.
When to Call an Engineer
- The seat won’t lock into the safe position
- Lever movement feels loose or too stiff
- The seat feels unstable
8. Stairlift Only Moves in One Direction
Likely Causes
- Directional switch fault
- Remote control battery issue
- Obstruction on one side
- Track sensor fault on a curve
- PCB issue
How to Fix It
- Replace remote control batteries.
- Reset the stairlift.
- Test the armrest directional switch.
When to Call an Engineer
- Carriage won’t respond to arm controls
- Error code appears
- Only one direction works consistently
9. Stairlift Won’t Start After Swivel Use
Likely Causes
- The swivel seat isn’t fully locked
- Swivel safety switch not engaging
- Misalignment at the curved entry point
How to Fix It
- Turn the seat fully until you hear the click.
- Try moving the seat slightly forward/backward.
- Reset the system.
When to Call an Engineer
- The seat feels loose
- The safety switch has failed
- The stairlift still won’t move after locking
Preventing Curved Stairlift Problems
Annual servicing is essential, especially for curved rails.
Recommended maintenance includes:
- Full ride test
- Rail alignment check
- Safety sensor cleaning
- Battery performance testing
- Lubrication of moving parts
- Motor and gearbox inspection
Curved systems, with their bends and complex drive paths, benefit significantly from regular servicing.
When to Call for Professional Help
Call a mobility engineer if:
- The lift stops frequently
- Grinding or clicking noises develop
- Error codes repeat
- Movement is jerky, especially on curves
- The rail feels loose or misaligned
- Battery drain is unusually fast
- Safety features activate unexpectedly
Never attempt to open the carriage or gearbox; these contain safety-critical components.
Bottom Line
Curved stairlifts are reliable, but their custom-built rails and complex drive systems can cause issues over time. Most minor issues, such as beeping, sensor triggers, and seat alignment, can be resolved at home.
But anything involving the rail, motor, gearbox, or electronics should be handled by a trained engineer.
With proper servicing and quick troubleshooting, a curved stairlift should remain smooth, safe, and dependable for many years.