Enhancing Building Accessibility: The Impact of Lift Modernisation

Accessibility should be at the heart of contemporary design, and lift modernisation is no different. There are a whole host of modernisation options on the market to enhance safety, accessibility and energy saving, whilst also being compliant with the latest UK laws including The Equality Act 2010 and Building Regulations 2010. We’ve come a long way in lift design, with upgrades available such as braille buttons, voice controls and intelligent door sensors, all of which are designed to improve quality of life and mobility for disabled and elderly users. The development of modern lift technology marks a commitment to inclusivity, reliability, efficiency and safety. 

In this blog, we share some of latest modernisations available alongside their benefits, costs, and the financial rewards of investing in them. We’ll also explore the legislative details to be aware of when you’re looking to modernise your lift technology and hardware. 

Why is lift modernisation important – and what are the key benefits of upgrading?

Keeping your lifts up to date is essential not only for your user's wellbeing, but also to stay compliant with UK laws for both residential and commercial spaces. The Equality Act specifies that buildings must be accessible for all, including those with disabilities. There are a number of key reasons why lift modernisation is important, each with various benefits for users, landlords and building managers:

Enhancing accessibility

Improving communication makes lifts easier and safer for users with additional needs. Some modern lifts employ voice controls to give users a hands-free experience, which is essential for those with limited mobility. Braille buttons and auditory signals can also be installed and are critical for those who are visually impaired, with intelligent door sensors with wider frames which allow for safer access for wheelchair users. 

Safety improvements

Updating controllers, cables, and door systems with the latest technology ensures that lifts remain one of the safest modes of transport. Installing emergency calling software, braking systems, door interlocks and adding light curtains in lift cars also improves safety for both users and technicians, as well as improving the efficiency of operations. 

Added value to the user and the building 

Upgrading your equipment not only benefits the user by offering a smoother, more reliable, and quieter ride, but also shows your commitment to higher standards and inclusivity which makes a building more attractive for future buyers or tenants. Keeping up to date with the most recent technologies available has the added benefit of reducing maintenance downtimes, minimising disruption and the possibility of higher costs further down the line. Increasing the aesthetic appeal of the cabin through design-oriented upgrades can also increase the value of a property by up to 20%, and many design features are now sustainable, simultaneously improving the environmental credentials of lifts making accessibly upgrades an even smarter and more cost-effective investment. 

Performance, energy, and cost efficiency

Upgrading your systems to ensure users can be in and out as quickly as comfortably possible is key. Modernising your drive, door systems, controllers and frequency converters leads to smaller wait times and fewer unnecessary trips for the user. Integrating regenerative drives feeds energy back into the grid, and LED lights make operations much more cost-effective and energy efficient. Modernising lifts is a sensible decision as the upgrades available help you be proactive with maintenance, extend the lifespan of the machine and reduce the risk of higher damage costs further down the line and the subsequent downtime required to repair. 

How much does modernisation cost, and are there any financial benefits? 

Whilst the upfront costs for lift modernisation can be a little daunting, it’s important to keep in mind that it’s an investment that will pay dividends in the future. The long-term benefits are threefold.

1. Reduced maintenance
2. Energy-saving devices
3. Reduced downtime

There is also a big financial incentive in place through potential government grants and tax breaks, which are specifically designed for buildings that are upgrading their equipment to make their property more energy efficient and accessible. There are a wide range of different upgrades to consider, all with varying costs, but many of these additions are designed to reduce your utility bills, repairs, and maintenance as a whole and so will reduce your operational costs significantly, further offsetting the initial outlay. 

To give an indication of the costs involved, generally changing the look of the inside of the cabin could be as little as £4,000, changing the control panel can vary from £10,000 - £20,000, and extensive modernisation can increase from this amount in varying degrees depending on the size and age of the machine. For more information or tailored advice on the specific costs of each modernisation component, chat with a member of our expert team today. As each building has bespoke needs, they can discuss with you what options would be best suited for your unique requirements.  

Compliance with UK laws and guidelines 

When considering modernising your lift, keeping up to date with the latest guidelines and regulations is key to avoiding hefty fines and safety issues. The most important compliance factors to consider in lift legislation for new and existing buildings are The Building Regulations 2010, which focuses on the performance and safety of lifts, and the Equality Act 2010, which ensures comfort and ease of use for all users including those with disabilities. The Lift Regulations 2016 ensures that all lifts on the market as well as any modernisation applied comply with health and safety requirements, whilst the BS EN 81-80:2003 standard focuses on the improvements to safety specifically for existing lifts.

To make sure you’re compliant during your upgrade, it’s important to plan any works carefully. This means you need to be clued up on the latest standards and thoroughly vet any partners you plan to work with. Working with certified professionals like the UK Lift and Escalator Industry Association (LEIA) is a good option to give you complete peace of mind – but you should prioritise receiving the correct certifications to confirm you’ve met all of the standards and schedule regular maintenance checks and inspections to catch issues early on, so they don’t have the opportunity to snowball into larger, more hazardous (and potentially expensive) issues to fix. Being proactive with your lift upkeep will keep you compliant with the law, helps you to retain high standards and keeps your lift running smoothly long-term. 

Upgrading your lift is more than just a necessity - it’s a crucial step in making your building more safe, accessible and valuable. We recognise that the upfront costs can seem steep, but it’s important to think of lift modernisation as an investment that pays you back over time. By making the jump into modern lift technology, you’re staying in line with UK regulations, saving on energy bills, maintaining an inclusive and accessible building, reducing your maintenance costs, and prolonging the life of your lift - not to mention the ways a modernised lift can significantly add to your property’s appeal and value.

Are you thinking of embarking on a modernisation project? Reach out to a member of our team today to learn more about modernisation support available for your unique needs.