On 08/06/2021 20:39, AnthonyL wrote:
On Tue, 8 Jun 2021 17:22:16 +0100, Roger Mills
wrote:

If it runs out of battery away from a parking/charging location, there
should be a cranking handle you can fit to wind it to the end, after
removing a small cover. But that takes for ever - so find a socket which
fits the spindle and power it with an electric drill instead.

Good tip - thanks. Not sure if the neighbour knows where any bits
are.

If he needs a stairlift, a cranking handle will probably not help him.

IIW a concerned Y I would fit new batteries, the expense is
insignificant compared to the cost of renewing the whole shebang, and
maybe contact a third-ish party maintainer to give it the once over,
unless the original vendor is prepared to look at after this extended
hiatus.

These things tend to either work or not work. The most common
"intermediate" thing will be battery renewal, or possibly "the end of
track "sensor" has slipped", or physical damage to the "stop bumpers".

As before, the market for this sort of thing is horrendously pushy,
feeding on people's fears, and if I had power, I would open up
maintenance a good deal, no sdoubt accompanied by delightful wails and
gnashing of teeth from the rip-off mob.