stair lift?

i bought a stair lift and have a mate whom is an electrician and have tried to wire it up. its a lift able one. there was power going to it but soon as i tried to move the chair it moved a few centermeters and cut off. there is no power to it, could you tell me some possibilties to take action on. thank you
robert, May 2009
What make and model is it?

Minivator Tech, July 2009