What Are the Advantages of a LULA Elevator?

Public buildings function at their best when they are as accessible and safe as possible, especially for those with mobility challenges.

Of course, when you are a commercial property owner or designer, there are expense and timeline factors that you need to consider when optimizing a space. Putting all the pieces together can be challenging, but a LULA elevator offers a practical and cost-effective solution, especially when space is limited.

LULA elevators are compact compared to full-size passenger elevators and require less square footage and power. As a result, they’re an efficient and practical option for places like churches, schools, restaurants, and medical buildings. 

Find out more about how a fully customizable LULA elevator can serve your needs.

What is a LULA Elevator?

LULA stands for limited use/limited application. A LULA elevator looks similar to a standard passenger elevator, although smaller in size and designed to travel shorter distances. LULA elevators accommodate up to five people (1,400 pounds) per ride.

Also known as a LULA lift, a LULA elevator works well in spaces that are too small for a standard elevator but need to travel greater distances and/or provide more capacity than a one-person vertical platform lift can accommodate.

Key Features of a LULA Elevator

LULA elevators’ key attributes illustrate why they’re a smart choice for builders and property owners. LULA lifts are: 

• ADA accessible. All new commercial construction and renovations must comply with Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) accessibility laws regulating handicapped access to buildings and structures. When built and installed properly, LULA elevators meet all ADA accessibility standards and requirements, including having an ADA hands-free phone. 

• Compact and economical. A LULA elevator has a much smaller footprint than a commercial passenger elevator, saving you space, time, and money. Intended for use in tight areas, LULA lifts can travel up to 25 feet high. Other features include:
  • Most LULA elevators measure about 4 feet by 4.5 feet, for a total of 18 square feet of space, with 36″-wide sliding doors for a single-entry cab. 
  • LULA elevators have a 14-inch pit requirement, the shallowest in the industry, and far less than the 4-foot pit required for larger passenger elevators. 
  • They are installable with as little as 8’10” (106″) overhead clearance, compared to 12 feet, like most passenger elevators.
  • LULA elevators only require a single-phase power supply as opposed to a more costly three-phase power supply for a full-size passenger elevator.

• Code compliant. LULA elevators comply with the American National Standards Institute A117.1 – Accessible and Usable Buildings and Facilities. This safety code sets the standards and regulations to ensure buildings are accessible to people with disabilities and mobility challenges. LULA lifts also comply with ASME A17, a safety code for elevators and escalators. 

• Fully customizable. Whatever type of facility you own or are building, LULA elevators can be specially made to fit your design needs and specifications. With a variety of wood, metal, and laminate interior selections, you can tailor your elevator to best suit your decor, from modern and sophisticated to warm and inviting. And, you can complete the look with various fixtures and controls. 

LULA Elevators Provide Access Solutions in Multiple Settings

The versatility of LULA elevators makes them a great mobility option for many commercial buildings and facilities. As a result, you’ll commonly find LULA lifts in these locations:

• Places of worship. A big part of attending a church, mosque, synagogue, or another place of worship is to feel welcomed and comfortable. But in some cases, people with mobility challenges may feel frustrated and overlooked if they can’t access all parts of the building. A LULA elevator can help eliminate any physical barriers and improve overall safety. 

• Retrofitted environments. LULA elevators are ideal for building renovations and retrofit projects. The elevator’s small footprint, limited overhead and pit requirements, and single-phase power supply mean a less cumbersome construction process, which translates into significant savings. Plus, a LULA elevator can broaden the appeal and accessibility of an older commercial building, making it more convenient and accommodating.   

• Stadiums. Stadiums usually have multiple walkways, stairwells, and points of entry designed to accommodate large, diverse crowds. But for people with mobility challenges, navigating a stadium can be daunting. LULA elevators provide an easy solution to help everyone in attendance move about safely and efficiently.  

• Shopping centers. Rather than schlepping bags up and down stairs, busy shoppers can use a LULA elevator to quickly and easily navigate retail centers and explore different stores. LULA lifts also provide accessibility for shoppers with mobility challenges. 

• Schools. LULA elevators help ensure anyone with a disability or mobility challenge has equal accommodated access to educational opportunities.

An Affordable and Practical Mobility Option

LULA elevators offer advantages for many commercial uses. ADA and building code compliant, these compact, economical, and customizable elevators are ideal for schools, stadiums, churches, shopping centers, and small businesses. 

They’re also a great option for homes. Easily accommodating mobility aids like walkers and wheelchairs, LULA elevators provide a safe and easy way to move between floors. And, they can add flair and style to any residence with high-quality materials and a full range of elegant design options.  

To ensure you get the right LULA elevator to fit your needs, consider a trusted company like Arrow Lift. Family-owned since 1985, our multigenerational business has locations across much of the U.S. and a team of industry experts who closely oversee every step of the installation process. For more information, request a free consultation today.