Delivered NationwideChoosing the right commercial lift is crucial for ensuring safe, accessible, and legally compliant access in any building. This guide is designed for facilities managers, architects, and business owners looking to understand their options.
A Buyer’s Guide to Commercial Lifts in the UK
Unlike residential lifts, which are built for private homes, commercial lifts are engineered to support higher usage, heavier loads, and stricter safety and compliance requirements in public or business environments.
From offices and schools to retail stores and care facilities, commercial lifts help businesses meet legal obligations under the Equality Act 2010, which requires reasonable adjustments for disabled access. And many of our commercial platform lifts listed below meet Part M of the Building Regulations, ensuring DDA (Disability Discrimination Act) compliance.
7 Common Types of Commercial Lift
1. Motala 2000 Platform Lift & Cabin Platform Lift
Commercial platform lifts are one of the most versatile accessibility solutions available. Ideal for settings like schools, retail spaces, and office buildings, these lifts provide smooth vertical transport for wheelchair users and others who find stairs difficult.
These lifts are fully DDA compliant and align with modern building regulations, helping ensure your premises are accessible. Customisation options include glazing, RAL colour finishes, school locking features, and more.
2. ILS 1000kg High Capacity Platform Lift
Large platform lifts are built for demanding environments where size and strength matter. Designed to transport hospital beds, powered wheelchairs, and even light goods, these lifts are ideal for care homes, hospitals, and industrial sites.
They’re engineered to handle high volumes and heavy usage without compromising on safety or comfort. Key features include high-back platforms, wide landing doors, and automatic openers.
3. Vimec V6 & V6s Platform Stair Lift
When space or building structure makes vertical lift installation impractical, wheelchair stair lifts offer a smart, space-saving alternative. These inclined platform lifts are designed to follow the line of a staircase, making them ideal for listed buildings, churches, schools, and other sites where structural changes are limited.
These commercial wheelchair lifts are particularly useful for short-level changes or narrow spaces where traditional vertical lifts won’t fit. With options like wall or stanchion mounting, various platform sizes, and wireless controls, they can be tailored to suit virtually any setting.
4. Phoenix The Rise Platform Lift
External platform lifts are designed to provide reliable, weather-resistant access to buildings where steps or raised entrances create barriers. Built to withstand rain, wind, and temperature changes, these lifts are ideal for heritage buildings, community centres, retail units, and public venues needing outdoor wheelchair access.
With options for auto diallers, voice announcements, full battery backup, and bespoke RAL colour finishes, this commercial platform lift can be tailored to meet the aesthetic and operational demands of almost any site. A ramp at the lower landing removes the need for recessing, simplifying installation.
Goods lifts are essential in commercial settings where heavy or bulky items need to be moved between floors. From warehouses and hotels to manufacturing plants and retail stores, these lifts improve operational efficiency while reducing manual handling risks.
Manual or automatic door options are available, along with attendant controls and enhanced lighting. Every lift is also compliant with UK regulations and supported by Invalifts’ nationwide service network.
6. Step Lifts
Step lifts are a simple yet highly effective solution for overcoming small changes in floor level – typically up to 3 metres. Ideal for entrances, split-level interiors, and locations where space is limited, step lifts offer an unobtrusive way to improve accessibility without major structural alterations.
These commercial step lifts are especially well-suited to schools, shops, offices, and community buildings where ramps aren’t viable. Standard features include integrated platform ramps, manual or powered gates, and weather-resistant finishes. Custom options, such as alternative RAL colours and remote control posts, ensure each installation meets the specific needs of the site.
7. Vimec AR:IA Commercial Cabin Lift
Cabin lifts offer the look and feel of a traditional passenger lift, making them an attractive option for commercial properties that require a more conventional user experience. With a fully enclosed cabin and automatic telescopic doors, they’re ideal for offices, residential developments, hotels, and multi-storey public buildings.
Cabin lifts are suited to environments where appearance, comfort, and functionality are equally important. Features such as voice announcers, mirrored interiors, handrails, and soft-start operation enhance the passenger experience. Optional finishes in RAL colours or wood patterns allow the lift to be customised to its surroundings.
How to Choose the Right Commercial Lift
- Start by assessing the required travel height – small changes in level may only need a step lift, while multi-storey buildings will benefit from a vertical platform or cabin lift.
- User needs are equally important. If your lift must accommodate wheelchair users, ensure it’s fully DDA-compliant and offers sufficient platform size and weight capacity. Consider the flow of people or goods through the space – high-traffic areas may require higher capacity models.
- The building type can also dictate the solution. Heritage or listed sites may restrict structural changes, making a stair lift or external platform lift the better choice.
- And don’t overlook aesthetics – customisable finishes, glazing, and RAL colours can help the lift complement its surroundings.
Wheelchair Lifts & Platform Lifts for Commercial Buildings
We offer full UK-wide installation backed by over 25 years of industry experience, and our engineers ensure every commercial lift is fitted efficiently and safely – whether it’s a straightforward step lift or a bespoke cabin installation. You can contact us today or request a free quote to get started.
For more detailed guidance, explore our advice centre where we cover everything from lift sizing to planning permission. Or browse the case studies on our blog to see how others have tackled similar challenges.
