Comparing Different Types Of Lifts: Which Is Best For You

Lifts serve as an integral part of modern buildings because they offer suitability, accessibility, and safety for both individuals and items. Depending on their function, residential and commercial buildings have different types of lifts. This article will highlight some common types of lifts, namely passenger lifts, service lifts, platform lifts, and access lifts (including DDA-compliant), which will help decide which one to settle for.

An excellent way to ensure your building is more functional and accessible is by picking out a lift that meets all its requirements. For expert advice on choosing passenger lifts, service lifts, platform lifts and DDA–compliant lifts, contact us on 0208 544 4888 or email enquiries@arrivallifts.com.

Understanding The Different Types Of Lifts

1. Passenger Lifts: The Most Common Choice

A passenger lift is the most well-known type of lift for passengers, and it is used to carry people to different floors. They are found in homes, offices, shopping centres, and hospitals and provide efficient vertical movement. Depending on the model’s design, the home lift system is available in different sizes and can accommodate about 6 people.

Passenger lifts have many customisation options, including various interior designs, finishes and safety features. Those who manage big buildings often find a passenger elevator necessary as it enables easy access for everyone, including older adults and those with disabilities.
Advantages Of Passenger Lifts

• Comfort and convenience – A passenger lift is made for transporting people comfortably; it usually has smooth operation, silent motors and modern designs.
• Broad applications – Suitable for residential and business premises.
• Customisation – One can include advanced technologies such as touchless controls, LED lights, or emergency communication systems.

Considerations

• Cost – Installations might prove costly compared to other lifts, especially for significant buildings.
• Space requirement – Passenger lifts need more space for setup, such as lift shafts, machine rooms, and entry/exit areas on every floor.

2. Service Lifts: The Ideal Solution For Moving Goods

Service lifts are specifically designed to transport goods rather than people and are also called dumbwaiters or goods lifts. In places like restaurants, hotels, hospitals or warehouses where movement of supplies, food or equipment is frequent and needs to be efficient, they are commonly used.

Service lifts can be small (for example, dumbwaiters in a restaurant) or much more significant depending on what the building needs at that time. For quick vertical movement of products between floors without hindering human traffic flow, these lifts are critical because they reduce risks of accidents that may result from employees carrying heavy loads upstairs.
Advantages Of Service Lifts

• Effectiveness – Makes the transfer of goods within busy environments like hotels and restaurants faster.
• Conservative on space – Service lifts occupy less room than passenger lifts since they don’t need to accommodate persons.
• Less manual handling – Reduces muscle strain during transporting of goods.

Considerations

• Not for humans – Service lifts do not allow people inside but are purely meant for carrying goods.
• No room for customisation – They come mainly designed with function over beauty.

3. Platform Lifts: Simple Accessibility For Everyone

Platform lifts are specifically designed to assist individuals with limited mobility. In public buildings, private homes or any location that poses an obstacle for wheelchair users or individuals with limited mobility, these lifts are often used. Hence, they provide a practical and cost-effective way to make any building more accessible without structural changes.

Platform lifts can travel indoors or outdoors over short distances, usually not exceeding two floors. Though they operate slower than passenger lifts, they enable smooth and reliable movement.
Advantages Of Platform Lifts

• Cost-effective – Platform lifts are cheaper and easier to install than their passenger counterparts.
• Versatile – This option comes in handy when installing a full-size passenger lift that would be impractical or unnecessary.
• Accessibility – All buildings must have platform lifts to meet disability regulations and ensure accessibility for everyone.

Considerations

• Speed – Platform lifts are slower than traditional passenger lifts, which may discourage their use in busy places.
• Weight limit – Usually, such lifts possess lower weight capacities than those of service or passenger types.

4. Access Lifts And DDA Compliance: Ensuring Accessibility For All

Access lifts, which include DDA-compliant lifts (Disability Discrimination Act), are designed to ensure that buildings meet the laws of accessibility. According to DDA legislation, all public spaces and buildings must be accessible to each individual, including those with disabilities. Access lifts have different types, which include platform lifts and passenger lifts that are purposely made to accommodate wheelchair users. These lifts are fitted with wide doors, tactile buttons and low-level controls.
Advantages Of Access Lifts

• Compliance – Access lifts enable construction firms to adhere to DDA standards and other legal demands towards disabled persons’ access.
• Accessibility – Inclusiveness enables physically challenged people to move around a building freely and independently.
• Versatile installation – It can fit in numerous building types ranging from small family structures to enormous public buildings.

Considerations

• Cost of compliance – Installing lifts that comply with DDA regulations can be prohibitive, especially for older buildings that are not intended to be accessible at first.
• Space requirements – Some access lifts, especially those meant for larger wheelchairs, may need ample room for fitting.

Which Lift Is Best For You?

Choosing the correct type of lift depends on several factors, including the lift’s purpose, the building’s layout, and your budget. Here’s a quick guide to help you decide.

1. Passenger Lifts

This type is highly recommended for high-foot traffic premises like offices, apartments, hospitals and shopping malls. When it comes to transporting humans comfortably and efficiently, this is the most appropriate alternative.

2. Service Lifts

These are ideal for industries such as restaurants, hotels, or warehouses that require transporting goods across floors. They tend to be user-friendly, hence no congestion regarding people’s movements.

3. Platform Lifts

If your primary concern is accessibility, especially for individuals having mobility difficulties, platform lifts will provide an easy solution at an affordable price. They are perfect for small spaces and short distances.

4. Access Lifts and DDA Compliance

Access Lifts and DDA are perfect to ensure full accessibility for disabled persons in public places, schools, and businesses. If your building has to meet the laws regarding accessibility, this is the lift you need.

Conclusion

Different types of lifts have different merits according to the specific requirements of your building.

Before coming up with a final decision, it is essential to think about the needs of the building itself, its traffic flow, and any existing legal standards concerning accessibility.

Ensure that your building has a seamless flow and is accessible by scheduling an appointment with our team. Whatever it is, whether for transporting goods or human beings, we have the best lift solutions for you. Contact us on 0208 544 4888 or email us at enquiries@arrivallifts.com today.