Every successful building project hinges on detail, and choosing the right lift type is one of the most important design decisions you’ll make. Whether you’re designing a commercial development, residential complex or public facility, the lift system must align with the building’s function, the people who use it, and adhere to UK and European lift regulations.
According to the European Lift Association (EN 81-70:2021 + A1:2022), lifts must provide safe, accessible travel for all users, including those with reduced mobility. That’s why developers and architects across the UK partner with trusted lift companies like Lancs & Cumbria Lifts, to combine technical expertise with regulatory compliance.
Understanding the Main Lift Types
The term lift types covers a wide spectrum of designs – each built for specific demands. Choosing the correct one depends on your building’s layout, occupancy level, and accessibility needs.
Passenger lifts are the most common, designed to move people efficiently between floors. They can range from standard traction lifts in offices to high speed models in multi-storey developments. For smaller buildings or retrofit projects, platform lifts offer a compact, cost-effective alternative that still provides full wheelchair access in compliance with Building Regulations M4(2) and EN 81-70.
In industrial or commercial environments, goods lifts (or service lifts) are vital for transporting materials safely. For lighter loads, dumbwaiters are ideal – freeing staff from carrying items manually. Each type of lift brings its own installation, servicing and maintenance requirements, so understanding their distinctions early in the design process saves time and cost later.
1. Passenger Lifts: Comfort, Capacity and Compliance
A passenger lift is the heart of any public or multi-storey building. Modern traction systems deliver smooth, quiet journeys while maximising space efficiency. When selecting a passenger lift, consider load capacity, speed, cabin size and design aesthetics.
UK accessibility laws require passenger lifts to comply with Approved Document M and EN 81-70, ensuring they accommodate wheelchair users and meet strict safety standards. Features like automatic sliding doors, tactile buttons, audible announcements and visual indicators are mandatory in most new installations.
Lancs & Cumbria Lifts design and install bespoke passenger lifts for offices, residential complexes and public buildings across the UK. From energy efficient gearless traction systems to designs for refurbishments, every project is delivered with durability and compliance in mind.
2. Platform Lifts: Accessibility Without Compromise
Platform lifts have revolutionised building accessibility. Compact yet robust, they provide reliable travel for wheelchair users and those with limited mobility, especially in sites where space or structural limitations prevent a traditional lift shaft.
Platform lifts are particularly suited to schools, retail spaces and listed buildings where minimal structural disruption is key. They typically travel shorter distances (up to around 12 metres) and operate at slower speeds than full passenger lifts.
Under EN 81-41 and Building Regulations M, platform lifts must offer sufficient platform space, automatic doors or gates, and accessible control heights. When integrated into a maintenance plan, they deliver years of dependable service with minimal energy consumption; a major benefit for sustainability minded developers.
3. Goods Lifts and Service Lifts
Where heavy lifting is part of daily operations, goods lifts and service lifts make the job much easier. In warehouses, hotels, hospitals and manufacturing sites, these systems move everything from catering trays to pallets of stock safely between levels.
Goods lifts are typically built for strength and durability, featuring reinforced cabins, robust door gear and advanced safety interlocks. Depending on your requirements, you might opt for a freight lift, trolley lift or dumbwaiter system. Each variation has unique load capacities and entry configurations.
Lancs & Cumbria Lifts supply and maintain heavy duty lift systems built to BS EN 81-3 standards, ensuring reliability under continuous use. Our engineers work closely with contractors during installation to integrate mechanical and electrical elements seamlessly, avoiding costly retrofit issues later.
Choosing Based on Building Type and Use
Residential Buildings
- Quiet and energy efficient passenger lifts enhance everyday comfort and accessibility.
- Ideal for apartments, homes, and small residential blocks.
- Prioritises smooth operation, low noise, and compact shaft design.
Commercial Offices
- Speed and design are top priorities to keep staff and visitors moving efficiently.
- Focus on aesthetics, ride comfort, and energy efficiency for frequent use.
- Optional glass or panoramic finishes for a modern, open feel.
Healthcare & Education Facilities
- Require spacious, accessible lift cars that meet the highest safety standards.
- Must comply with EN 81-70 for accessibility and LOLER regulations for ongoing safety.
- Designed for wheelchairs, beds, and stretchers, with wide doors and easy controls.
Historic or Space Restricted Properties
- Platform lifts or hydraulic systems offer flexible solutions without major structural work.
- Compact installation ideal for retrofits, heritage sites, or limited headroom.
- Retains building character while ensuring full accessibility.
High Rise Developments
- Traction lifts deliver faster speeds, smoother rides, and lower long-term energy use.
- Suitable for multistorey commercial, residential, and mixed use buildings.
- Modern control systems ensure reliability and reduced downtime.
A professional survey from Lancs & Cumbria Lifts assesses shaft size, pit depth, usage frequency and accessibility compliance to recommend the best configuration. Every installation meets LOLER and EN 81-20 safety obligations, protecting both passengers and building owners from risk.
Maintenance and Aftercare of Your Lift
Ongoing lift maintenance is what ensures safety and reliability long after installation. Regular servicing keeps systems compliant with LOLER 1998 and PUWER 1998, and is vital for both insurance and legal purposes.
Lancs & Cumbria Lifts provide nationwide maintenance contracts tailored to each client’s needs. From quarterly inspections to 24/7 emergency callouts, our accredited engineers deliver consistent, dependable support. Routine maintenance not only extends equipment life but also prevents costly breakdowns and downtime.
Get In Touch with Lancs & Cumbria Lifts!
Selecting the right lift type shapes how your building performs, feels and functions for decades to come. From passenger and platform lifts to heavy duty goods systems, each choice must balance design, compliance, and lifecycle value.
By partnering with a trusted national lift company, you gain more than an installer – you gain an expert advisor who understands both engineering and legislation. Lancs & Cumbria Lifts combine technical skill, transparent service, and genuine care for client outcomes.
If you’re planning a new build or refurbishment and need guidance on the best lift type for your project, get in touch today. Lancs & Cumbria Lifts will help you design a solution that’s safe, compliant and built to last.