Understanding Commercial Lift Types For Your Building
In commercial buildings, lifts are rarely noticed when they work well, but the moment they fail, the impact is immediate. From offices and hotels to healthcare facilities and schools, the right lift plays a vital role in accessibility, safety, efficiency, and overall user experience. Yet many property owners and facilities managers are unsure which lift solution best suits their building.
At Arrival Lifts, we regularly speak to clients who know they need a lift, but don’t fully understand the different commercial lift types available or how to choose between them. This guide is designed to change that by breaking down the most common options, where they work best, and what to consider before making a decision.
If you’d like tailored advice for your building, please contact our expert team on 0208 544 4888 or email enquiries@arrivallifts.com.
Choosing the right commercial lift isn’t about buying the biggest or most expensive option; it’s about selecting a system that fits your building, your users, and your long-term goals. At Arrival Lifts, we help businesses make informed, future-proof decisions every day.
Why Understanding Commercial Lift Types Matters
No two commercial buildings are the same. Footfall, space constraints, accessibility requirements, and load demands all influence which lift system will perform best over time. Selecting the wrong lift can lead to higher running costs, increased downtime, and unnecessary modernisation sooner than expected.
Understanding commercial lift types allows property owners to:
- Improve user flow and efficiency
- Ensure legal compliance and accessibility
- Reduce long-term maintenance costs
- Enhance the value of the building
As an independent lift company with over 25 years of experience, we’ve installed, maintained, and modernised every type of commercial lift across London, Surrey, and Kent.
1. Passenger Lifts For Commercial Buildings
Passenger lifts are the most common solution for commercial properties. Designed to transport people safely and comfortably, they’re found in offices, residential blocks, hotels, and public buildings.
Where Passenger Lifts Work Best
- Office buildings
- Apartment blocks
- Hotels and leisure venues
- Retail and mixed-use developments
Passenger lifts are engineered for smooth travel, energy efficiency, and consistent performance. Modern systems can be tailored with interior finishes, control systems, and speed options to suit both functional and aesthetic needs.
At Arrival Lifts, our passenger lift services include installation, maintenance, repairs, and modernisation, ensuring long-term reliability and compliance.
2. Goods And Service Lifts
Goods lifts (often called service lifts) are designed to transport heavy loads rather than people. These systems are built for durability and strength, making them essential in operational environments.
Typical Applications
- Warehouses and industrial units
- Supermarkets and retail stockrooms
- Hotels (for back-of-house operations)
- Hospitals and commercial kitchens
Goods lifts come in a range of load capacities and configurations. Some models allow accompanied travel, while others are strictly goods-only for safety reasons.
Understanding these distinctions is crucial when comparing commercial lift types, particularly in buildings where both people and goods move vertically.
Our commercial lift repair and maintenance services ensure goods lifts remain safe, compliant, and operational even under heavy daily use.
3. Platform Lifts For Limited Spaces
Platform lifts are a practical solution where space or structural constraints prevent a complete passenger lift installation. While smaller in scale, they play a crucial role in accessibility.
Common Uses
- Schools and colleges
- Offices with split-level access
- Retail units
- Community and public buildings
Platform lifts are often used to improve mobility access and comply with disability legislation. Despite their compact design, they must still meet strict safety standards.
Our team regularly installs and maintains platform lifts for commercial buildings, ensuring they operate reliably and remain compliant with current regulations.
4. Access Lifts And DDA-Compliant Solutions
Accessibility is no longer optional; it’s a legal and social responsibility. Access lifts are designed to provide inclusive movement for wheelchair users and those with limited mobility.
Why Access Lifts Matter
- Support DDA compliance
- Improve user independence
- Enhance building usability for all
Access lifts can take the form of platform lifts, enclosed lifts, or low-rise passenger systems, depending on the building layout. Choosing the right option requires careful assessment of space, usage, and user needs.
At Arrival Lifts, our access lift and DDA services focus on practical, compliant solutions that integrate seamlessly into commercial environments.
Lifts For Sector-Specific Commercial Buildings
Some environments demand specialist lift solutions due to safety, hygiene, or operational requirements.
Healthcare Lifts
Healthcare settings often require lifts that can safely transport patients, staff, and equipment. Reliability is critical, and downtime can disrupt essential services.
Our healthcare lift services support GP surgeries, clinics, hospitals, and care homes with dependable, regulation-compliant systems.
Hotel Lifts
Hotels rely on lifts for both guest experience and operational efficiency. Passenger lifts, service lifts, and goods lifts often work together behind the scenes.
We provide hotel lift installation, maintenance, and modernisation to ensure smooth, quiet operation with minimal disruption to guests.
School And Education Lifts
Schools require safe, accessible lifts that support students, staff, and visitors. Platform and access lifts are particularly common in educational buildings.
Our school lift solutions prioritise safety, compliance, and long-term reliability.
Choosing The Right Commercial Lift For Your Property
When comparing commercial lift types, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. The right choice depends on:
- Building layout and available space
- Number of users and frequency of use
- Load requirements
- Accessibility and compliance needs
- Budget and long-term maintenance planning
This is where expert consultation makes a real difference. Our engineers assess your site, clearly explain your options, and recommend solutions that align with both your immediate needs and future growth.
Final Thoughts
Understanding the different commercial lift types empowers property owners to make informed, cost-effective decisions that benefit users and protect their investment. Whether you’re planning a new installation, upgrading an existing system, or reviewing maintenance options, expert guidance is key.
At Arrival Lifts, we take pride in offering honest advice, reliable workmanship, and personalised service across every commercial sector.
If you’d like to discuss the best lift solution for your property, call 0208 544 4888 or email enquiries@arrivallifts.com. Our team is available 24/7 to help.