Passenger Lift Installation & System Design
Passenger lifts provide vertical transport between floors in commercial, residential and public buildings. In commercial buildings, passenger demand, peak traffic periods and frequency of use are important considerations when determining the capacity and configuration of the lift.
Every passenger lift installation is specified around the building. Passenger numbers, travel height, available shaft space, accessibility requirements and expected usage all influence the most suitable lift system.
Whether forming part of a new development or being installed within an existing building, passenger lifts can be configured using machine-room-less, traction, hydraulic or low-pit systems to suit the available space and project requirements.
All passenger lift installations are designed in accordance with relevant standards and regulations, including BS EN 81-20 and BS EN 81-50, while supporting the accessibility requirements applicable to the building.
Why Choose a Passenger Lift?
Passenger lifts provide regular vertical transport for occupants and visitors while improving access throughout a building. They are suited to buildings where passenger numbers, frequency of use or travel requirements make a dedicated passenger lift the appropriate solution.
Available in a wide range of sizes, capacities and configurations, passenger lifts can be specified for apartment developments, offices, hotels, healthcare facilities, schools and many other environments. The most suitable system depends on the building layout, passenger demand and operational requirements.
Passenger Lift Planning & Building Requirements
Successful passenger lift installations begin with a detailed assessment of the building. Travel height, passenger demand, available shaft dimensions, accessibility requirements and expected traffic levels all influence the final specification.
For existing buildings, structural limitations, available headroom and pit depth may also affect the type of lift that can be installed. Low-pit and machine-room-less systems can often provide practical solutions where space is restricted.
Early planning helps ensure the lift integrates efficiently with the building while supporting reliable long-term performance.
Choosing the Right Passenger Lift
Passenger lifts are available in a range of configurations to suit different buildings and operational requirements. The most appropriate solution depends on passenger numbers, travel height, available space, desired finishes and how the lift will be used each day.
The passenger lift systems below provide solutions for residential developments, commercial premises and public buildings.
NLS Pure
Compact lift solution for residential properties and low-rise buildings where space and efficiency are key.
NLS Prime
Versatile passenger lift designed for commercial buildings and public spaces, offering balanced performance and capacity.
NLS Pro
High-specification lift system for demanding environments, with bespoke configurations for complex building requirements.
NLS Magna
Heavy-duty passenger and goods lift designed for high-capacity use in commercial and industrial buildings.
Low Pit Lifts
Lift solutions designed for buildings with limited pit or headroom space, ideal for retrofit and restricted shaft conditions.
Bespoke Luxury Lifts
Custom-designed lift systems tailored to architectural requirements, combining performance with high-end finishes.
Which Passenger Lift Is Right for Your Building?
Machine-Room-Less Passenger Lifts
Machine-room-less passenger lifts provide efficient vertical transport while eliminating the need for a separate machine room. They are commonly specified where plant space is limited or where maximising usable floor area is a priority.
Hydraulic Passenger Lifts
Hydraulic passenger lifts are often specified for lower-rise buildings where moderate travel heights and passenger demand make them a practical solution. They offer reliable operation and are commonly used in residential and commercial developments.
Traction Passenger Lifts
Traction passenger lifts are designed for buildings with greater travel heights or higher passenger demand. They provide smooth operation, efficient performance and are commonly used in offices, hotels and larger residential developments.
Low-Pit Passenger Lifts
Low-pit passenger lifts provide a practical solution where structural constraints prevent the construction of a conventional lift pit. They are particularly useful when modernising existing buildings.
Bespoke Passenger Lifts
Bespoke passenger lifts are specified where cabin finishes, architectural integration or premium interior design form an important part of the overall project. They combine functionality with a high-quality appearance tailored to the building.
Passenger Lift Options by Building Requirement
Every passenger lift installation is specified around the operational and accessibility requirements of the building.
| Building Requirement | Typical Solution |
|---|---|
| Limited plant space | Machine-room-less passenger lift |
| Existing building | Low-pit passenger lift |
| Higher passenger demand | Traction passenger lift |
| Lower-rise building | Hydraulic passenger lift |
| Premium interior finishes | Bespoke passenger lift |
The most suitable passenger lift depends on the building layout, expected passenger traffic, available structural space and long-term operational requirements.
Commercial passenger lifts are specified for buildings where occupants, visitors or customers need regular access between floors. Offices, hotels, retail developments, healthcare facilities, educational buildings and other public premises can have very different passenger numbers and traffic patterns, so the lift needs to be selected around the way the building operates.
Capacity, travel, number of floors served, expected passenger demand and available shaft space all influence the specification. Larger or busier buildings may also require more than one passenger lift to manage traffic effectively.
Passenger Lift vs Platform Lift
Many projects involve deciding between a passenger lift and a platform lift.
| Passenger Lift | Platform Lift |
|---|---|
| Designed for general passenger transport | Primarily designed to improve accessibility |
| Higher passenger capacity | Lower passenger capacity |
| Suitable for frequent daily use | Typically intended for lower usage |
| Greater travel heights | Usually designed for shorter travel distances |
| Commonly specified for larger buildings | Often installed where space is limited |
The correct system depends on the travel height, passenger demand, available space and accessibility requirements identified during the planning stage.
Passenger Lift Installation Process
Initial Consultation
Every project begins with a discussion about the building, the expected passenger demand and the operational requirements of the lift.
Site Survey
A detailed survey allows us to assess the shaft location, travel height, available space, structural conditions and any builder’s work that may be required.
Lift Specification
We’ll recommend the most suitable passenger lift system, explain the available options and prepare a detailed quotation based on the specific requirements of the project.
Installation & Commissioning
Once the lift has been manufactured, it is installed, tested and commissioned by experienced engineers before being handed over for use.
Why Choose New Lift Solutions?
Passenger Lift Specialists
From straightforward installations through to complex multi-storey developments, we provide practical lift solutions designed around the operational requirements of each project.
Designed Around Your Building
Every building has different operational and accessibility requirements. We specify each passenger lift around the available space, expected passenger demand, travel height and intended use rather than offering a standard solution.
Installation, Servicing & Ongoing Support
From the initial consultation through to installation, servicing and planned maintenance, we provide ongoing support throughout the life of every passenger lift installation.
What Affects the Cost of a Passenger Lift?
The cost of a passenger lift depends on factors including the travel height, passenger capacity, cabin dimensions, finishes, lift shaft configuration, machine-room requirements and any structural or electrical work required.
Cabin finishes, lift size, additional entrances, bespoke features and projects involving significant structural alterations may increase the overall cost of installation.
Following a consultation and site survey, we’ll recommend the most suitable solution and provide a detailed quotation based on the specific requirements of your building.
Frequently Asked Questions About Passenger Lifts
A passenger lift is designed to carry people safely between floors within a building. Passenger lifts are commonly installed in apartment developments, offices, hotels, healthcare facilities, schools and public buildings where regular vertical transport is required.
Passenger lifts are designed for general passenger transport, frequent daily use and higher capacities. Platform lifts are primarily installed to improve accessibility and are usually specified for lower passenger numbers and shorter travel distances. The correct solution depends on the building, expected usage and available space.
Passenger lift projects must be designed around the standards and legal requirements applicable to the building and installation. These may include BS EN 81-20 and BS EN 81-50 for lift safety, Approved Document M for access to and use of buildings, and duties under the Equality Act 2010. The precise requirements depend on the building type, location and intended use.
Yes. Passenger lifts can be installed in many existing buildings, although the available space, structure, pit depth, headroom and possible shaft location must first be assessed. Low-pit and machine-room-less systems can provide practical options where conventional installation space is restricted.
The space required depends on the passenger capacity, cabin dimensions, door arrangement, lift system and travel height. The installation may also require a lift shaft, pit, headroom and suitable access for servicing. A site survey is needed before accurate dimensions can be confirmed.
Passenger lifts are installed in apartment developments, offices, hotels, shops, healthcare facilities, schools, leisure centres and other public buildings. The lift capacity, speed and configuration are specified around the number of floors, expected passenger traffic and daily operation of the building.
Passenger lift capacities vary considerably according to the building and anticipated demand. Smaller systems may be designed for a limited number of passengers, while larger commercial lifts can accommodate significantly higher loads and passenger numbers. The required capacity should be determined through an assessment of building occupancy, peak traffic and accessibility needs.
Passenger lifts should be maintained at intervals appropriate to the lift type, usage level, operating environment and manufacturer’s recommendations. Lifts used in workplaces may also require periodic thorough examination by a competent person under LOLER, which is separate from routine servicing and maintenance.
Have something specific in mind?
Discuss Your Passenger Lift Project
If you’re specifying a passenger lift for a residential development, commercial building or public facility, our team can help identify the most appropriate system for your project. We’ll assess the building, discuss the operational requirements and recommend a lift designed around the way the building will be used.