UK Can one speed up a slow stair-lift.

[CJBOLTER]

I installed an Acorn stairlift for my wife. It is very good and takes a "double-back route due to the stairs being "Z format".

The thing is so slow that she is reluctant to use it through frustration, and we are in danger of her becoming isolated upstairs !!.

Can one speed the thing up ??. How does one do that ??.

Any help would be very much appreciated, and quite urgent. Funds are readily available !!.

vbr ChrisA.

 

[UNG]

It would probably easier to call Acorn and ask them

 

[Spoon]

I installed an Acorn stairlift for my wife. It is very good and takes a "double-back route due to the stairs being "Z format".

The thing is so slow that she is reluctant to use it through frustration, and we are in danger of her becoming isolated upstairs !!.

Can one speed the thing up ??. How does one do that ??.

Any help would be very much appreciated, and quite urgent. Funds are readily available !!.

vbr ChrisA.

As above, ask Acorn, there may be some risk reason why it is the speed that it is.
Also tampering with the lift will invalidate your warranty.

 

[snowhead]

Has the O.P installed this lift themselves or has someone else?
Has it been programmed?
Google brings up a few suggestions why it might be slow.
Does it slow down at the bends or is it the same speed throughout?

 

[Spoon]

This is from their web site, regarding the speed:
A stairlift's speed is quite slow, traveling up to a maximum rated speed of 0.15 meters per second (0.34 mph) this ensures a safe, comfortable ride.

There is no one available on their Live Chat, so I can't ask them if the speed can be increased.

Best for you to contact them.

 

[buzzlightyear]

Has the O.P installed this lift themselves or has someone else?
Has it been programmed?
Google brings up a few suggestions why it might be slow.
Does it slow down at the bends or is it the same speed throughout

 

[telectrix]

 

[ipf]

I suppose you could install a slide for coming down? but I think she's going to have to bite the bullet and try to be patient going up.
Acorn are your contact, as above.
Sorry for joking.....but this might make you smile, too.

And get that multi plug folks.

 

[Timbo]

I am not too familiar with stairlifts, but I do work with moving and handling equipment.
Unless you are prepared to alter the gearing from manufacturer's specifications (and accept the responsibility for so doing) there is not a lot can be done.
Generally they are 24v DC motors, so possibly you could replace with another of a faster rpm, but this could/would put greater stresses on the rest of the unit with the great risk of premature failure of other (safety critical) components.

 

[brianmoooore]

Generally they are 24v DC motors,

36v supply??

 

[CJBOLTER]

36v supply??

Hi Guys, installed by Acorn, some 3 years ago.
Yes it does slow for the grade changes and turn around the newel post, half way up.
But, it has always been so blooming slow !!.
SWMBO gets so frustrated, doesn't come down stairs.
Need help if anyone can.
VBR ChrisA.

 

[Timbo]

36v supply??

Where did you get that from?

2 x 12v batteries in series, normally 7Ah, no room for anything other. All control circuitry is 24v, likely to blow something if you increase the voltage by 50%.

 

[Jim_e_Jib]

Where did you get that from?

2 x 12v batteries in series, normally 7Ah, no room for anything other. All control circuitry is 24v, likely to blow something if you increase the voltage by 50%.

But the OP wants more speed!

 

[timhoward]

I know someone (now retired) who has worked on these. As he happened to phone me from his holiday caravan in Scotland, gloating away with malt whiskey in hand, I asked what he remembered about them. According to him they have 3 speeds: creep, bend, and full. (slow, medium and full speed)
They need programming when to use each and the installer would have done this. If when approaching a stop (at top or bottom) it slows down, it is already running at full speed. As already mentioned, if it slows down for bends, that is a further indication it's running at full speed.
Two other things can reduce speed - there's an overspeed safety device which keeps it in creep mode if it detects it moving too fast, and needs resetting. (Unlikely as it slows down for bends)
Also power supply / battery charging problems can slow it down (unlikely if it's new).
Basic advice is to speak to the installer, but from the sound if it he says it's most likely operating at full speed already which is 5 inches / second.
So sorry to say that it doesn't sound like there's a manufacturer approved solution.

 

[Dave OCD]

I'd imagine this stairlift must be driving them up the wall. ?