‘How much does a passenger lift cost?’ is one of the most frequently asked questions at Future Lifts. Excellent question, but not always the simplest to respond to!
It is difficult to place a rough price on how much a passenger lift might cost. While a passenger lift may appear to be just a box that moves up and down in the air, the goods are actually complex and can vary in a wide range of ways, all of which have an impact on the project’s overall cost.
In this blog we’ll have a look at passenger lifts cost as well as the cost of passenger lift installation.
How much does a passenger lift cost?
The cost of a passenger lift varies depending on factors like the type of lift mechanisms, the size of the lift car, and specific installation requirements. On average, you can expect installation costs to start from around £10,000 for a basic model, with prices rising significantly for more advanced systems and custom designs.
Larger lifts or those with specialised features may cost upwards of £50,000, depending on the building’s height and complexity. Maintenance and energy efficiency also impact long-term expenses, so it’s important to choose the right lift for your needs.
What is a passenger lift?
People are moved between floors in buildings using passenger lifts, one of the most prevalent kinds of lifts available. There are countless varieties of passenger lifts, and you can find them in buildings all over the nation.
Any building owner seeking to improve accessibility, increase foot traffic, provide users with opulent travel options, and raise the value of their property should strongly consider installing passenger lifts. With more multi-story buildings being built in key UK cities and towns, the demand for passenger lifts is also continuously increasing. Of course, more passenger lifts are required as there are more high-rise structures!
Read More: How Are Elevators Built? Your Guide
Types of passenger lifts
Despite the variety of elevator experiences that are now accessible to each of us, the fundamental structure of an elevator is still a platform that is pulled or pushed by mechanical means. We now experience this platform as the passenger cabin.
A variety of shaft-less elevators that use a guide-rail system are now available. Up until recently, the elevator could only work inside an enclosed space known as a lift shaft.
Traction lifts
In traction elevators, the cabin is moved by passing ropes over a wheel that is driven by a motor stored in a separate machine room, which is situated above the elevator shaft. A counter weight is used to generate an opposing force, reducing the stress put on the electric motor and increasing the effectiveness of the lifting process. The benefits of traction elevators are their great capacity and speed potential.
Machine room-less lifts
A common option for low- to mid-rise structures is the MRL elevator. The machine room has been replaced by an override space at the top of the shaft, which contains the equipment, even though the elevator still uses a traction mechanism to operate. This system has the benefits of using 80% less energy than hydraulic systems, creating more usable space, and operating without using any oil.
Hydraulic lifts
When control buttons are pressed, the hydraulic elevator employs a piston mechanism to raise and lower the passenger cabin. An electric engine powers the piston, which as it rises pumps hydraulic fluid into it; as the fluid is released, the lift descends. Due to its constrained reach and slow operating speed, this elevator is typically only used in low-rise structures or for home lifts.
Pneumatic lifts
A valve at the top of the shaft and a vacuum located above the passenger cabin provide the power for this type of elevator. When the valve is closed, the cabin is pulled upward; when it is released, the cabin is pulled downward. The pneumatic elevator’s form is determined by the vacuum pump turbine, which is circular, and by the acrylic shaft. Only 1-3 people can ride in this type of lift at once.
How much do home lifts cost?
Home lift costs typically start at around £10,000 for a basic model and can go up to £30,000-£50,000 or more depending on the design, number of floors, size of the lift car, and the type of lift mechanisms used. Installation costs for home lifts are generally lower than those for commercial passenger lifts, as they are often designed for low-rise buildings and lighter use.
Hydraulic and pneumatic lifts are popular choices for homes, with hydraulic systems offering more power for larger loads, while pneumatic lifts tend to be more energy-efficient and compact. Ongoing maintenance is also a factor, so it’s important to budget for annual service checks to keep your home lift running smoothly.
Passenger lift prices
There are elevators for every price range, but you should prepare to spend several thousand pounds on a high-quality passenger lift.
You won’t likely find an installation for less than £1,000, though costs will differ between models and installation services. However, the fee per use can be very cost-effective when you take into account how frequently the lift will be used.
Always consider your options thoroughly before moving forward with an installation, and ask a qualified team for guidance. The annual expense of maintenance and repairs will also need to be taken into account, you can also expect the same of domestic lift prices.
One decision which definitely lowers expenses and especially operational costs is installing energy efficient lifts.
What kind of maintenance do passenger lifts require?
It is your duty to keep up maintenance and repairs after a lift installation. Every six months, an experienced engineer must examine your lift. All significant parts will be put to the test at this point, and any repairs that are still needed will be noted.
Many lift companies give maintenance packages if you have multiple lifts or are looking for a more affordable option. These frequently include inspections, repairs, and additional maintenance services at a discounted price. regular maintenance will prolong your lift’s lifespan.
Learn More: How Much Does It Cost To Fix an Elevator? UK Guide
Looking For Expert Lift Installation, Maintenance or Modernisation in the UK?
We trust that this guide has been useful in helping you understand the expenses associated with building and keeping various types of passenger lifts. Please don’t hesitate to get in touch with our team of specialists if you have any more inquiries.
We are experts in installing, maintaining, and modernising lifts for all kinds of residential and business properties in the UK. With more than 25 years of expertise, we’re sure we can give you a high-quality service that satisfies your unique needs and demands.
Get in touch with us today to find out more about our modern lift services or to request a free, no-obligation quote.
Passenger lift costs FAQs
How much does a hydraulic home lift cost?
Hydraulic systems are more affordable to implement than traction elevators, cheaper to repair and maintain and better for moving large goods.
What is the difference between a passenger lift and a platform lift?
Where speed, traffic movement, and capacity are crucial factors, passenger lifts are preferred. Platform lifts are typically best suited for use in low rise buildings where people are more likely to use the steps or in buildings that are difficult for the disabled to access.
Do you need planning permission to install a lift?
Before installing a lift, it is always advisable to talk with the local authority. If the lift shaft or lift cabin is added externally and the building is listed, planning approval will always be needed.