Last Updated: 30.04.26
When a long and cold winter is fast approaching, it’s worth taking a bit of time now to think about your outside stairlift and how it’s going to cope when the weather turns.
Cold, wet, frost. It all adds up. And small issues that you wouldn’t notice in summer can turn into bigger problems when temperatures drop.
Outside stairlifts are invaluable tools to those who rely upon them.
Whether they help you in and out of your house due to steps near your front door, or if you have one in your back garden to aid mobility when you’re outside enjoying the fresh air, they’re fantastic pieces of equipment.
They’re not just convenient, they’re part of your day-to-day routine. So when they stop, even briefly, it’s noticeable straight away.
As with all things, though, they need to be properly cared for to ensure they continue to operate successfully.
And winter is usually when things get tested the most.
When it comes to outdoor stairlifts in winter, proper care and maintenance are invaluable.
Here are our top tips for taking care of your outside stairlift during the winter:
Make Sure Casings & Hard Covers Are Intact
The first piece of advice when it comes to looking after your outdoor stairlift during the winter months is to perform a general health check and inspect the machine regularly.
Just a quick look every so often is usually enough. Nothing over the top.
Outside stairlifts are built to withstand harsh weather conditions, but to do so, the hard covers and protective elements need to be in good condition.
Check for any cracks on the unit casing, no matter how small.
Once water gets in or cold air starts affecting the mechanism, that’s when faults tend to show up.
If cold air and rain can reach the motor or even the seat, problems will probably not be far behind.
This is often where winter call-outs start.
Clear The Rail As Often As Possible
During both autumn and winter, falling leaves and other foliage can cause issues for outside equipment with moving parts.
It’s easy to ignore at first. A few leaves don’t seem like much.
But they don’t stay a few for long.
To ensure your outdoor stairlift continues to run smoothly, regularly clear the rail and check for any leaves.
If debris builds up, it can slow the lift down or, in some cases, stop it partway through a journey, which is the last thing anyone wants in cold weather.
Also, clean off any other dirt as often as you can with a damp cloth.
Even rain showers can leave the stairlift covered in grime, so the more often you clean and maintain it, the better it will be in condition.
It’s a small job but it prevents bigger ones later.
Cover The Stairlift When Not In Use
Most, if not all, outside stairlifts are supplied with covers that can be used to protect them when not in use.
And they’re genuinely worth using, especially in winter.
If you’re not using your stairlift for a prolonged period, or even if you use it regularly, always ensure these covers are replaced after each use.
It helps keep moisture out and reduces wear on exposed parts that would otherwise be sat in the cold and rain.
This will help protect the workings and moving parts of the stairlift, as well as the seat and armrests for your comfort.
It also means fewer surprises when you come to use it again.
Check Everything Before The Worst Weather Arrives
There are so many things that are crucial to a household during the winter that homeowners will not check until winter is upon us, for example, your central heating and boiler.
And by then, you usually need them working immediately.
Well, your outside stairlift is the same.
Rather than waiting until the heavy winter arrives to make general health checks on the equipment, get out there and do it now before the worst weather hits.
It only takes a few minutes and it’s a lot easier than dealing with a fault when it’s freezing outside and you rely on it to get in and out of the house.
This one piece of advice could save you a fortune in repair bills down the line and a lot of inconvenience when you least want it.
Here To Help
If you are looking to install an outside stairlift in your property, or you’re unsure whether your current one is ready for another winter, it’s worth getting it checked before the cold really sets in.
We can talk you through what would suit your home, the condition of your existing lift and whether anything needs attention.
Just fill in our quick enquiry form and we’ll get back to you. We can arrange a FREE home survey if needed, or have a straightforward chat about what’s best for your situation.