Home mini elevators: which to choose

1. What a mini lift is and how it works

Contrary to what the word mini might suggest, a mini lift is not just a small system: it can be small in size, but this is not essential. Instead, a mini elevator is the most suitable choice where it is not possible to install a traditional elevator for moving between floors. Sometimes this is due to the lack of a suitable shaft or the architectural characteristics of the building. Other times it is a question of space.

But what distinguishes a mini elevator from a classic elevator? Let’s review the main differences:

• speed: mini-lifts can reach a maximum speed of 0.15 m/s while traditional elevators start at 1.5 m/s and can reach higher speeds;
• load capacity: as a rule mini-elevators can carry a maximum of about 6 people, while elevators used in large buildings (such as shopping or residential centers) are designed to bear much greater and higher loads;
• Consumption: the maximum power used by a mini elevator is comparable to that of a household appliance, less than the energy consumption of a standard elevator.

For these reasons, mini elevators are the recommended choice in:

• private homes: apartments, buildings, small villas;
• small apartment buildings (up to 3 floors);
• commercial activities such as shops, bars and restaurants.

2. Why install a mini elevator for indoor use

The picture painted so far already takes into account the numerous advantages offered by the installation of a home mini elevator. But if this is not enough to guide your choices, here are other features not to be underestimated:

• Reduced dimensions: since the cabin of a mini elevator can start from a minimum width, space optimization is guaranteed even in small homes.
• maximum versatility: there are no limits to the installation of a mini elevator, which is why it is the recommended system for accessing attics and garages, or for making use of space in stairwells, closets or built-in wardrobes;
• energy saving: the low power consumption of a mini elevator allows you to optimize resources with an eye on the family budget and the planet;
• excellent accessibility: a home mini elevator guarantees mobility between floors even for people in wheelchairs or with reduced mobility;
• Highly customizable: you can choose the materials and finishes of the floors and doors (landing and cabin) so that they integrate perfectly with your environment. You can choose the shape of your home mini elevator (rectangular, round, trapezoidal). In addition, you’ll have a range of different accessories available, such as handrails, displays, buttons, button panels (for the cabin and landing), handles, door opening/closing systems.

Finally, where the space and structure of the building do not allow for the installation of an internal mini elevator, it is always possible to opt for an external mini elevator: a choice that maintains all the advantages listed above, with the addition of extreme functionality combined with design. Thanks to the glass infill panels and the possibility of inserting the mini elevator inside a masonry compartment or a specially painted metal structure, the system will become one with the environment, reflecting the aesthetic result you desire.

3. How much space do you need for a mini elevator?

We mentioned above that the lifts we’re talking about in this article take up little space. Let’s take a closer look at this aspect.

The width and depth of the mini elevator may be minimal but they are able to satisfy every need. When it comes to a system for the disabled, on the other hand, the measurements must respect the requirements of the regulations in force (ministerial decree no. 236 of 14/06/1989): such as to allow maneuvering of the wheelchair.

On the other hand, the headroom and pit volume can be reduced compared to those of a traditional elevator.

4. How to choose a home elevator

Mini elevators for apartments, for an existing stairwell, for an attic, for outdoor use, for the disabled, for one person or for several people. There are many variables to consider if you opt for this kind of floor transportation system: contacting an experienced dealer is the recommended way to arrive at an informed and considered decision that respects your specific needs.

But what should you focus on when requesting an inspection and a quote? Here are some important aspects:

• where do you want to position your mini elevator: inside or outside your home? This question already opens up several scenarios, given that positioning the elevator outside the building requires a series of permits, unlike positioning it inside;
• how much space do you have available: an essential parameter for creating a customized project;
• who will use the elevator: a disabled person, an elderly person, a person with reduced mobility;
• how many people it will have to transport: one, two, three or more;
• how many floors it will serve: one, two, three or more;
• which type of system to choose: electric, hydraulic, machine room-less (MRL);
• how it will integrate into the environment in terms of design, materials, style, colors and any modifications (structural or to the walls) to your living space.

To help you evaluate all these variables and make your choice, you can contact us at ARE: we will be able to suggest the nearest dealer in your area so you can arrange an inspection and get a free estimate. However, if you want to consider your investment in relation to the tax deductions you can take advantage of and the maintenance of a mini elevator, read on!

5. Maintenance of home mini lifts

Like any other lifting system, home mini lifts must undergo periodic checks to ensure their safety and proper functioning. So if you decide to install one, remember to provide for:

• six-monthly maintenance to examine the condition of the mechanical components and carry out the necessary cleaning and lubrication;
• a check every two years to verify the efficiency of the safety devices and the various parts of the system, in compliance with the previous checks and the provisions of current legislation (DPR 162/99 and DPR 23/2017).

6. Tax breaks for the installation of home mini elevators

• Elevator bonus 2024 valid until December 31, 2025 to obtain a 75% deduction on expenses incurred between January 1, 2022 and December 31, 2025 for the installation or replacement of elevator systems against documentation certifying the intervention;
• 50% renovation bonus valid until December 31, 2024 for the elimination of architectural barriers in the context of home renovations with a maximum expenditure limit of 96,000 euros per property unit;
• Superbonus, valid, if the elevator system is one of the so-called “trailing interventions” included in the building’s energy efficiency plan established and approved thanks to specific “trailing interventions”. It consists of a deduction of 70% for expenses incurred in 2024 and 65% for those incurred in 2025.

We remind you that the bonuses cannot be combined and it is no longer possible to take advantage of the transfer of credit or the discount on the invoice (except for the exceptions provided by law).

7. All the advantages of ARE mini-lifts

To conclude the article, let’s review the main benefits offered by our mini elevators to further help you choose this type of floor-moving system. ARE domestic mini elevators are characterized by:

• recovery of the energy produced in particular conditions that is stored in the batteries to be used in subsequent runs. A type of self-powering that guarantees a real reduction in consumption and translates into lower running costs;
• recharging from photovoltaic panels thanks to ARE SMART POWER technology that uses sunlight to recharge the batteries and minimize the draw from the electricity grid;
• maximum power used comparable to that of a common household appliance: it is therefore not necessary to modify the supply contract or install a higher power meter;
• anti-blackout system: the use of batteries as the main power supply guarantees normal operation even in the event of a power outage (on average for 60 runs);
• Safety: the speed limiter prevents uncontrolled movement of the cabin wherever it is located;
• Respect for the environment because they do not use any type of oil, not even as a lubricant for the sliding guides;
• Uniqueness due to the fact that they are the result of solutions designed on the basis of the specific needs of each customer.

We hope that our advice will be useful to you in your choice, but in any case, please contact us for a personalized quote: we will be able to direct you to our local dealer for your mini elevator.