Lift car dimensions to meet EN 81-70:2021 +A1: 2022
There are five lift car types, the table shows the lift car size requirements and the min door opening for each lift car type.
| Lift Car Type | Min Car Dimensions | Min Door Opening | Reference Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1000 mm (w) x 1300mm (d) (450 kg) | 800mm | Existing buildings only, and only when the building constraints do not permit a Type 2. Can accommodate one wheelchair user without an accompanying person. |
| 2 | 1100 mm (w) x 1400mm (d) (630 kg) | 900mm | Minimum sizes for new buildings. Can accommodate one wheelchair user and an accompanying person. |
| 3 | 1100 mm (w) x 2100mm (d) (1000 kg) | 900mm | Can accommodate one wheelchair user and some other passengers. Can accommodate stretchers. |
| 4 | 1400 mm (w) x 1600mm (d) (1000 kg) (1000 kg) | 900mm | Can accommodate one wheelchair user and a few other passengers. Allows a wheelchair to rotate within the car. Minimum size for a car with adjacent entry. |
| 5 | 2000 mm (w) x 1400mm (d) (1275 kg) | 1100mm | Can accommodate one wheelchair user and a few other passengers. Allows a wheelchair to rotate within the car. |
Lift car dimensions are measured between structural lift car walls. When decorative lift car finishes are added they must not exceed 15mm thickness from the measurements shown in the table included in this article.
As to not restrict persons using wheelchairs no additional features should be attached to the walls below 800mm. No mirror or glass should be used below 300mm above the finished lift floor.
Lift car Doors EN 81-70
Lift car door requirements to meet EN 81-70 are as follows:
Only automatic power operated horizontal sliding doors are allowed.
Door dwell time to be adjustable (2 s – 20 s). At least 6 s recommended for persons with reduced mobility.
Stopping accuracy +/- 10 mm.
Levelling accuracy +/- 20mm.
Door Edge protection <25mm >1800mm sensor preventing physical contact with door.
Although EN 81-70 only requests a clear entrance, BS8300 requires a clear manoeuvring space at the lift car entrance of: 1500mm x 1500mm.
For additonal information on EN 81-70:2021 +A1: 2022 download our pdf here
This was correct to our knowledge at date of publishing in April 2025.
