How to Manually Move a Stair Lift

How to get this people mover moving without power

Mechanical chair lift
Photo: annebel146 / Adobe Stock
Mechanical chair lift
Photo: annebel146 / Adobe Stock
C.E. Larusso
Written by C.E. Larusso
Contributing Writer
Updated Dec 4, 2024
SKILL LEVEL
Easy
COMPLETION TIME
1 hour
COST
$0
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Stair lifts are essential to have in your home if you or a family member has limited mobility or simply needs a little more help getting up and down stairs. While normally stair lifts operate with electricity, there might be times when you need to manually move the stair lift yourself, because the power went out, for a deep cleaning, or to fix a mechanical issue. Here’s how to safely move a stair lift manually and keep things running smoothly in your home.

Angi Tip

If a stair lift is improperly installed, the homeowner risks injury and/or damage to the stair lift. It's highly recommended to contact a pro to ensure the installation is done properly.

Ryan Noonan
Ryan Noonan
Content Editor, Angi

Prepping to Manually Move a Stair Lift

Before moving your stair lift, it’s imperative that you consult the manual that came with your specific stair lift model. Even if you don’t have the original hard copy, which might be the case if you rent (instead of buying and owning) your stair lift, most manufacturers share PDF versions online.

Different models have different instructions and procedures, so it’s critical that you review the steps outlined in the manual.

In addition to reviewing the manual, you should shut off all power sources to the stair lift before attempting to move it. Check both the main power switch and any auxiliary switches. 

How to Manually Move a Stair Lift

Automatic stair lift on staircase
Photo: annebel146 / Adobe Stock

Whether the power has suddenly gone out or you just wish to perform a cleaning, knowing how to manually move a stair lift is an important skill to know.

  1. Shut Off the Power Supply

    To prevent electrical injury, you should turn off all power sources to your stair lift before attempting to move it. Stair lifts often have multiple power sources, so check both the main switch and any auxiliary switches. The power light on the stair lift should be off.

  2. Find the Manual Release

    Your stair lift’s manual should help you determine the location of its manual release mechanism. The mechanism could be a level, a handle, or a key; it is typically located near the seat or beside the stair lift track. Disengage the manual release mechanism—doing so allows the stair lift to move without help from the motor.

    In addition to disengaging the manual release, your model of stair lift might require that other components be in place before you attempt to manually move it. These instructions might include:

    • Locking the armrests and footrest

    • Rotating the chair to the proper position, sometimes with the aid of a manual swivel lever

    • Securing hinged rails by locking them into place

  3. Check for Obstructions

    Check the track for any obstructions that might be causing a blockage, and remove any you find.

  4. Move the Stair Lift

    With the manual release mechanism disengaged and obstructions removed, you can now carefully move the stair lift. Gently push or pull it along the track until it is where you want it to be.

    Your stair lift might also come with a hand winder, which is usually found on the side, front, or bottom of the machine. If so, you can rotate it until the stair lift is in your desired location.

    When moving the stair lift, move slowly—it’s a heavy, cumbersome machine, and moving deliberately is important to prevent injuries.

  5. Re-engage the Locking Mechanism

    Once your stair lift is in the desired position, you should re-engage the locking mechanism to keep it in place after you restore power. Forgetting to lock the stair lift could be a recipe for injury, as the heavy machine could shift as soon as the power supply is back.

Frequently Asked Questions

Generally speaking, yes, it is possible to move a stair lift to another home, although moving curved stair lifts can be costly and challenging since they are custom-built for individual stairways. Straight stair lifts are much simpler and usually can be moved to other straight staircases relatively easily and with the help of a local stair service pro.

Most stair lift manufacturers and suppliers will offer to remove older stair lifts for a fee. The cost for this service varies depending on the type of stair lift you have—it will also cost more if you have a curved stair lift vs. a straight stair lift. Curved stair lifts often require more than one engineer to remove, raising the fee.

The cost to install a stair lift is $7,050 , on average, including the stair lift itself. While a used stair lift can cost as little as $1,500, if you have a curved stair lift, the installation fee could be as high as $3,000 . The final price will vary based on factors such as the need for additional technicians, like electricians, during installation.

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C.E. Larusso
Written by C.E. Larusso
Contributing Writer
A professional content writer, C.E. has written about all things home, family, and wellness for a variety of publications, including HomeLight, Noodle, and Mimi. A third-generation Los Angeleno, she is always looking for ways to make the most of the sun, whether it be building an urban garden or decorating with the help of some low-maintenance, air-purifying plants.

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