Disclosed is a safety system for a stairlift. The Safety system comprises a component for sending and receiving an electromagnetic signal that includes a light emitting device such as an LED and a light receiving device such as a photo resistor, an electromagnetic signal interrupter like a movable vane, a moveable activator, and a processor. The activator is configured to be moved by a user of the stairlift, which in turn causes the signal interrupter to interrupt a first electromagnetic signal.