There’s no doubt a home elevator can enhance convenience and accessibility between floors. No more trudging up and down stairs — just a smooth, effortless transition from one level to another.
The only problem?
Some existing homes don’t have the space for a traditional elevator shaft, and may require something with a smaller footprint.
That’s where shaftless home elevators come in. These streamlined lifts move directly through the floor without needing an enclosed shaft, making them a practical and space-saving solution for modern homes. Whether you’re looking to future-proof your home, add a touch of luxury, or simply maximize efficiency, a shaftless elevator could be the perfect fit.
Let’s take a closer look at how shaftless home elevators work, including how to use them and the key components that ensure a smooth and safe ride.
What Is a Shaftless Home Elevator?
Shaftless home elevators, also known as home lifts, through-the-floor elevators, or through-floor lifts, are user-friendly. Shaftless home elevators provide a seamless way to move between floors without requiring a traditional enclosed shaft or hoistway. Instead, they operate along a simple track or rail system mounted vertically against a wall (or in some cases, free-standing). These compact lifts — also known as home lifts or through-the-floor lifts — pass through small floor openings, making them a space-efficient solution.
Shaftless elevators are designed for two-story travel, which is ideal for homes with limited space. Their compact, open design allows for easy integration without major structural modifications. Installation is straightforward and efficient since there’s no need to build a full shaft or excavate a pit in the foundation. This makes shaftless lifts a flexible option for homeowners looking for a convenient and space-conscious way to add an elevator to their home.
Components: A Look Inside How Shaftless Home Elevators Work
The compact design of shaftless elevators is a true feat of engineering. Here’s a closer look at the components required to make these systems work safely and effectively.
Cabin
The cabin of a shaftless home elevator includes the following components:
- Platform. This is the area where passengers stand or sit.
- Cabin enclosure/walls. The platform is enclosed by glass or plexiglass walls that provide an open view on all sides.
- Door. Shaftless home elevators often have a single door for entry and exit. Some models feature pass-through doors that allow you to enter and exit from different sides of the cabin.
- Lights. Low-voltage overhead LED lights ensure clear visibility any time of day.
- Phone. A telephone is required and mounted to the cabin wall in case of emergencies.
- Controls. Push-and-hold buttons enable the cabin to move up and down. Emergency stop, alarm, and light switches are also located within the cabin.
- Handrails. Handrails provide added stability for entering, exiting, and standing securely while the cabin is in motion.
Rail or Track
The rail or track is the structural component that allows a shaftless home elevator to move between floors. Mounted from floor to ceiling, it’s typically installed close to a wall but can be mounted nearly anywhere in the home on some home lift models.
Drive System
The drive system is run by a motor that enables the through-the-floor elevator to move, typically 14 to 20 feet per minute. A winding drum drive for a shaftless home elevator uses ropes wound around a drum driven by a motor.
Battery Backup
Shaftless home elevators receive power from standard electrical connections but require an emergency backup system. Battery backup power allows the elevator to maintain operation during a power outage.
Safety Components
These lifts are equipped with multiple safety components to ensure a secure ride. The elevator will only move if its doors are closed and secured, and its push-and-hold control button design gives the rider complete control over the cabin’s movement.
As noted, an emergency backup battery will activate in the event of a power outage. The required emergency telephone also allows the user to call for assistance while inside the through-the-floor elevator. Many shaftless home elevators also include an upper safety pan, which prevents the car from passing through the upper floor if something is on top of the cover, and a lower safety pan, which stops downward travel if an obstacle is in the way.
Optional Features
As a centerpiece of the home, shaftless home elevators can be customized to fit your specific needs and preferences. Optional features vary by model and can include:
- Seating: A tip-up or fold-down seat that stores out of the way when not needed.
- Custom color finishes: Design the color of your lift, the flooring inside, and more.
- Custom colored lighting: Remote-controlled, color-changing LED lighting means users don’t have to stick with standard white lighting.
- Powered door operation: Cabin doors can be equipped to open and close automatically.
- Auto emergency phone dialer: Set the phone to automatically dial a pre-programmed number if needed.
How to Use a Shaftless Home Elevator
Once you know how shaftless home elevators work, operating one is simple and intuitive. Follow this three-step process to use your shaftless home elevator:
- Enter the home lift. Shaftless home elevators have a hinged door that opens by grasping the built-in handle. A shallow ramp (often less than 1 inch high) allows for easy entrance.
- Use controls to travel safely between levels. Once inside, close the door and use the elevator’s built-in controls to move the home lift by pressing and holding the up or down arrow.
- Exit the home lift. Once the lift is secure on the destination floor, open the door and step carefully down the ramp.
NOTE: In addition to the controls located in the cabin, through-the-floor elevators can be equipped with controls at either landing to call the elevator up or down when needed.
If you have questions about shaftless home elevators, we encourage you to visit a local Arrow Lift® Showroom. There, you can speak with an experienced Arrow Lift® Home Elevator Expert and try out the lift for yourself.
Shaftless Home Elevator FAQs
Shaftless home elevators have become increasingly popular in recent years. Here are answers to some of the most common questions about how shaftless home elevators work.
Q: How many people can use a shaftless home elevator?
A: Shaftless home elevators are designed for one to two people at a time, depending on the elevator size and weight capacity.
Q: How large is a shaftless home elevator?
A: Multiple shaftless home elevator sizes are available, from smaller single-rider lifts to wider wheelchair-accessible options. Typical through-the-floor elevators are between 70 and 76 inches high, 29 and 35 inches deep, and about 33 and 40 inches wide.
Q: What is the weight capacity of a shaftless home elevator?
A: Depending on the model, a shaftless elevator can hold anywhere from 350 to 550 pounds.
Q: Are shaftless home elevators safe?
A: Yes. Shaftless home elevators come equipped with a range of safety features, including alarms, battery backups, and systems to prevent the car from moving when the doors aren’t completely closed. All home lifts are also required to have a phone for emergencies.
Where to Buy a Shaftless Home Elevator
Designed for efficiency and versatility, shaftless home elevators can be an ideal solution for many homes — especially where space is limited. These safe, accessible lifts blend right into your home’s footprint and enable you to move quickly and easily between floors. Their simple operation makes them easy for anyone to use.
If you’re interested in installing a shaftless home elevator, working with a trusted lift company like Arrow Lift® gives you access to some of the best experts in the industry. Our family-owned business has installed numerous home lifts since its founding in 1985, and our experienced Technicians will guide you on proper operating procedures. We welcome the opportunity to help you meet your in-home mobility needs!
