What is the Speed of a Domestic Lift?
A conventional elevator in a skyscraper typically travels at speeds ranging from 0.5 to 1.5 m/s. Some high-speed elevators reach speeds of up to 18 m/s or more, which are ideal for busy high-rise buildings—but impractical for private residential settings with just 2–3 floors. The space and infrastructure requirements (e.g., machine room, pit) make such systems unsuitable for platform lift for home use.
SWIFT offers a compact, built-in platform lift solution designed specifically for private homes. These platform liftsrequire minimal space and still deliver safe vertical mobility. SWIFT Pro and SWIFT Lite operate with a maximum elevator speed of 0.15 m/s within Europe, and 0.3 m/s outside Europe. Door speeds can be adjusted via the control display.
Components That Influence Elevator Speed
1. Drive System
Traction elevators—especially with gearless motors—achieve higher speeds than hydraulic or screw-driven systems due to reduced resistance.
2. Motor Power & Control
More powerful motors and advanced controls like VVVF (Variable Voltage Variable Frequency) allow smoother acceleration and higher speeds, improving comfort.
3. Counterweight Balance
In traction systems, a well-balanced counterweight lessens motor load and supports faster, more efficient travel.
4. Building Height
Taller buildings often require high-speed elevators to cover large vertical distances quickly, especially in commercial or high-traffic environments (high-speed elevator applications).
5. Safety Regulations
Even if the system is capable of higher speeds, regulatory limits and safety compliance determine the actual average speed of an elevator.
How to Calculate Elevator Speed
To determine the average elevator speed, measure the vertical travel distance between floors and time how long it takes. Use the formula:
This gives a clear insight into the elevator’s actual speed performance (e.g., m/s or ft/min), useful when comparing specs or planning new installs.
For more on how elevator speed impacts user experience and home mobility solutions, check out SWIFT Pro’s advanced features and performance details.
Learn more about SWIFT Pro speed and features >>
