01/23/2026
As we prepare for the possibility of one of the worst winter storms in the last decade, now is an excellent time to review some best practices and safety tips for our most common products. Following these tips will help to keep your equipment in working condition for as long as possible during a power outage or emergency and avoid any service fees after the storm is over.
Aluminum Ramps:
Maintaining traction is key to preventing falls during a snow or ice storm. We recommend spreading a magnesium chloride ice melt on your ramp prior to any weather. These products work well at low temperatures. We do not recommend using rock salt (sodium chloride) on your aluminum ramp as it can accelerate corrosion and shorten the lifespan of your ramp.
Stairlifts:
All of the stair lifts that we carry operate on battery power. You may ask "well, then why is it plugged into an outlet?" That is to keep your batteries fully charged at all times. If you lose power during a winter storm, your stair lift will begin to beep. This indicates that the unit is no longer charging. To help keep the lift working as long as possible it is best to follow these steps:
1. Make sure your stair lift is at the top or the bottom of the steps. For lifts with a hinged rail, make sure it is at the top. These are the typical charging locations.
2. Turn off the power switch. This is located on the stair lift's carriage, and is typically on the lower end, but could also be on the top end or above the footrest on the carriage's side. Some stair lifts cover this switch with a simple shroud. Remove the shroud to access the power switch.
3. Only use the lift when absolutely necessary. There is no guaranteed number of trips that you can make with a stair lift on battery power. Trips should be reserved for emergencies.
4. Once the power is back on, turn the power switch back on. If your lift was without power for a long period of time (1+ days) or was used heavily while on battery power only, we recommend letting the unit charge at least 4 hours (preferably longer) before your next use.
5. If you have an outdoor stair lift, make sure your cover is securely fastened before any weather.
Vertical Platform Lifts (VPLs)
Most, but not all, VPLs are battery operated (or have battery backups). If you are unsure if your VPL operates off battery power, here's how to verify:
1. Find the power cord for the unit (typically at the bottom of the tower).
2. If the power cord runs to your breaker box or to a disconnect switch, it is not battery operated. If you lose power, you will not be able to use the lift in a power outage.
3. If the power cord runs to an outlet, unplug the power cord. If the unit works and begins to beep, it is battery operated. If it does not work, it is not battery operated and you will not be able to use the lift in a power outage.
To get the most life out of the batteries in a power outage:
1. Before the storm, be sure to put ice melt on your sidewalk, but also underneath the carriage (the part you ride on). If snow accumulates underneath the carriage, it could trigger the safety pressure sensor underneath the carriage, which would keep you from getting off of the lift in emergencies.
2. Turn the unit off. There is an on/off key switch on the control panel in the carriage. For many units there is also a secondary switch that will need to be turned off. This is typically located at the lower entrance on the side of the tower.
3. Only use the lift when absolutely necessary. There is no guaranteed number of trips that you can make with a stair lift on battery power. Trips should be reserved for emergencies.
4. For outdoor VPL's, remove any snow from the platform, if possible, prior to using the lift. Significant amounts of snow can add considerable weight to the lift which could push the lift over its weight capacity and possibly cause damage to the machine.
5. Once the power returns, if you were out of power for 24hrs+ give your machine at least 4 hours to recharge the batteries.
Scooters and Power Wheelchairs
Much like stair lifts and VPLs, getting your scooter or electric wheelchair batteries to last as long as possible is the goal. Before the storm:
1. Bring your powered mobility device inside. If you cannot, make sure it is covered or in an area that is protected from water. Water damage is not covered under any manufacturer's warranty. If your unit has removable batteries, you do not have to bring the whole machine inside to charge, you can bring just the batteries.
2. Fully charge your batteries. If you have additional batteries, make sure they are fully charged as well.
3. Use only as necessary. When not in use, turn the device off.
4. When the power returns, give your unit ample time to recharge. If the battery is very low, charge it overnight.
Recliner Lift Chairs
Some, but not all, lift chairs come with a battery back-up. If your lift chair has a battery back-up, it would be located on the power transformer (typically a black, but sometimes white, gray, or silver, box that is part of the power cord assembly). Older lift chairs have a slot for a 9v battery. Before the storm, make sure you have a fresh battery. Newer lift chairs come with a lithium-ion battery back-up. This battery stays constantly charged when you have power. Treat these batteries as a one-time use. If you are reclined in the chair when the power goes out, use the controller to get up like you normally would. Do not attempt to recline the chair again while the power is out. You may get reclined, but you may not get back up.
We are always here to help. If you have questions, call us any time at 855-737-0357 or email us at https://ezmobilitysolutions.com/contact-us/
Take care and be safe this weekend!
