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Alliance Platform Lifts

Luxury Cabin Platform Lifts

Passenger-style cabin lifts for homes and commercial buildings

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Our Cabin Lifts

Alliance Platform Lifts provide premium cabin lifts for residential and commercial properties, delivering the comfort of a traditional passenger lift without major building work.

Our bespoke home lift and cabin lift solutions include expert design, installation and aftercare, creating space-efficient, long-term accessibility for any property.

Finishes

A finish to suit every space

From glazed and mirrored panels to bespoke colours and lighting, every cabin lift is finished to match the property it’s installed in.

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Case studies

Cabin lifts in action

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APL Touch

Touch screen control and a smart handrail

The APL Touch series puts a multifunction touch screen console at the heart of the cabin. Select your floor, change the RGBW car lighting, backgrounds and floor icons, and check the lift’s operating status, all from one intuitive display.

Automatic installations include an elegant vertical handrail for a secure grip. On hold-to-run installations, a smart horizontal handrail with an integrated sensing system moves the lift while your hand stays in contact with it.

  • Touch screen display
  • Smart sensing handrail
  • RGBW LED lighting
  • Touch-to-call landing buttons
Ask an expert →

Hold-to-run

Touch the handrail to travel

On hold-to-run installations, a smart horizontal handrail with an integrated sensing system moves the lift while your hand stays in contact with it, so there are no buttons to hold down.

  • Smart sensing handrail
  • Touch screen display
  • No buttons to hold down

Reviews

What our clients say

Read all our Google reviews →
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We have used Alliance Platform Lifts on various projects over the last 3-4 years and we find them to be professional, punctual and very forward thinking. No problem is too great and the communication at both tender and post installation stage is second to none. We will continue to use APL’s services on any future platform or cabin lift projects we have.Daniel Griffin · Google review
I am so pleased with the service from everyone at alliance platform lifts, they have been so professional and helpful throughout the whole process, would highly recommend!Max Ball · Google review
outstanding service, very pleased with the product and the process from quoting to after sales care. Highly recommended!Kenton Mitchell · Google review
Polite, quick, good service. Quick installation. Helpful staff.Jerry Peters · Google review
Outstanding service from Alliance would 100% recommendAG Detail · Google review
10/10 experience. Highly recommend!Josh · Google review
Why a cabin lift

Space-saving cabin lifts

A cabin lift gives you the comfort of a passenger lift with a far smaller footprint, a low pit and reduced headroom, so it fits where a conventional lift will not.

Designed around your building

Our cabin lifts are sized to the space you have. The APL Elite Cabin Lift starts from just 500 x 550mm for tight refurbishments, while the APL Heavy-Duty Cabin Lift goes up to 1,700 x 2,500mm for larger loads, both with low pit and headroom requirements.

  • From 500 x 550mm
  • Up to 1,700 x 2,500mm
  • Low pit and headroom
  • Glazed or solid shaft options
Plan drawing of a compact APL Elite Cabin Lift with a 600 x 600mm platformPlan drawing, compact APL Elite Cabin Lift.
UK-based installation team.
APL Elite Cabin Lift with glazed sliding doorsAPL Elite Cabin Lift with glazed sliding doors.
Specifications

APL Elite vs APL Heavy-Duty

Key specifications at a glance. Every lift is configured to your building, and our team will confirm the right model and specification for your project.

APLElite Cabin LiftAPLHeavy-Duty Cabin Lift
CapacityUp to 500kgUp to 1,500kg (subject to configuration)
Cabin sizeFrom 500 x 550mmUp to 1,700 x 2,500mm
Maximum travel18m (hydraulic) or 20m (traction)18m
Speed0.15m/s0.15m/s
DriveHydraulic or gearless tractionHydraulic
Minimum pit120mm350mm standard (270mm available)
Minimum headroom2,350–2,600mm, depending on configuration2,700mm
Power supply230V single phase400V three phase
EntrancesSingle, adjacent or oppositeUp to three sides
DoorsSwing or slidingSwing or sliding
InstallationInternal or external, masonry shaft or steel structureInternal or external, masonry shaft or steel structure
Compliance

Cabin lift regulations and standards

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The regulations that apply to a cabin lift depend on your building, how it is used and the model you choose. Our APL Elite and APL Heavy-Duty cabin lifts are CE marked to the Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC, and from 20 January 2027 new lifts must also meet the EU Machinery Regulation (EU) 2023/1230. Depending on your project, requirements can also include Part M of the Building Regulations and the Equality Act 2010.

If you need help with the regulations for your project, ask one of our experts. We will explain what applies and recommend a cabin lift to suit.

LegislationMachinery Directive 2006/42/EC
LegislationMachinery Regulation (EU) 2023/1230
Building regulationsPart M
LegislationEquality Act 2010
Accredited & approved

ISO 9001, 14001 and 45001 accredited, SafeContractor approved, LEIA members and Constructionline Gold.

ISO 9001 accredited
ISO 14001 accredited
ISO 45001 accredited
SafeContractor approved
Lift and Escalator Industry Association member
Constructionline Gold member

How it happens

Support every step of the way

From the first site survey to long-term servicing, one team looks after your cabin lift at every stage.

01

Design & Planning

A specialist site survey, then design and specification matched to your building and how it will be used.

02

Installation

Our projects team checks every detail of the preparatory works, whether by your builders or ours, so installation runs smoothly.

03

Maintenance

Service and maintenance plans keep your lift running safely and reliably, backed by a 24/7 emergency call-out service.

FAQs

Cabin lift questions

Answers to the questions we are asked most often. Can’t find what you need? Call 01206 803 132.

What are Cabin Lifts?

Cabin lifts are fully enclosed elevator systems with a complete lift car, providing a safe and comfortable way of moving between floors. Unlike platform lifts, which often feature open designs, cabin lifts create a secure and private space for passengers. Designed for all abilities, cabin lifts are operated with a simple press of a button, making them ideal for use in homes, offices, and even industrial settings where dependable and accessible transport is required.

What Is the Maximum Weight a Cabin Lift Can Carry?

The APL Elite Cabin Lift carries up to 500kg, while our APL Heavy-Duty Cabin Lift is available with a capacity of up to 1,500kg, making it a perfect choice for larger groups or applications that require transporting heavier loads.

How Do Cabin Lifts Work?

A cabin lift moves a fully enclosed car between floors along guide rails. The APL Elite is available with a hydraulic drive or a gearless traction drive with the machinery housed in the shaft, while the APL Heavy-Duty uses a hydraulic drive. Both travel at 0.15m/s with a smooth start and stop.

Do Cabin Lifts Need a Lift Shaft?

Not always. Our cabin lifts can be installed within a masonry shaft or supplied with their own self-supporting steel structure, which removes the need for a traditional lift shaft. The right option depends on your building, and we confirm it at the site survey.

What Safety Features Do Your Cabin Lifts Have?

As standard, our cabin lifts include battery-powered emergency operation to bring the car to a landing during a power cut, a safety device that stops the car from falling, emergency lighting and an alarm that both work in a blackout, an overload warning, safety locks on every landing door and an emergency stop button. Hydraulic models also have a safety valve on the piston, and a GSM emergency call system is available on the APL Elite.

How Much Does It Cost to Install a Cabin Lift?

The cost of installing a cabin lift depends on several factors, including the type of drive system used, the materials and finishes selected, the number of stops required, and the overall lifting capacity. For instance, hydraulic and traction systems may vary in price, as do custom finishes or advanced features. The total number of floors the lift serves can also impact the installation cost, with more stops typically leading to higher prices. To determine the exact cost for your specific requirements, contacting our team for a tailored quote is the best approach.

What Happens During a Site Survey?

Our specialist survey assesses the floor openings, ceiling height and headroom, pit depth, access routes, electrical supply and any structural work needed, alongside who will use the lift and what it needs to carry. We then recommend the right model and supporting structure for your building.

How Do I Choose the Right Cabin Lift?

Consider who will use the lift, how many floors it needs to serve, the space available, whether it is a new build or a retrofit, the capacity you need, where the doors and entrances need to be, the finishes you want and ongoing servicing. The APL Elite suits homes and lighter commercial use, while the APL Heavy-Duty is built for larger loads and busier buildings. Our team will help you compare the options.

Where Are Cabin Lifts Best Installed?

Cabin lifts are adaptable and can be installed in a range of settings, including residential, commercial, and industrial spaces. In homes, they not only provide the necessary accessibility for elderly individuals, wheelchair users, or parents with prams but they can also add value to a property and help with the movement of heavy items. In office environments, cabin lifts contribute to efficient movement between floors, supporting both employees and visitors. For industrial spaces, they ensure the safe and reliable transport of people and goods. Their flexibility makes them suitable for almost any building where convenient and accessible transportation is a priority.

What’s the Difference Between an Enclosed Platform Lift and a Cabin Lift?

Enclosed platform lifts consist of a moving platform within a protective shaft and constant pressure operation, offering a straightforward solution for elevation. In contrast, cabin lifts include a fully enclosed car that offers passengers added comfort and safety during use, for this reason cabin lifts can be supplied with single press operation as well as automatic sliding doors, which make them more comparable to traditional passenger lifts. This makes cabin lifts the preferred choice for those seeking a more complete lift experience.

How Do Cabin Lifts Compare to Passenger Lifts?

Cabin lifts are particularly well-suited for low-rise buildings, as they only require a very small pit and headroom, operate at slower speeds, and consume less energy than traditional passenger lifts. They are more cost-effective to install and maintain, making them an attractive choice for residential properties and smaller commercial buildings. Passenger lifts are typically designed for high-rise buildings, offering faster travel speeds and accommodating larger numbers of passengers.

What Design Options Are Available for Cabin Lifts?

Cabin lifts can be customised to suit various finishes, including modern styles or materials that blend with your property’s interior design. Door options, such as swing doors or automatic sliding doors, can be selected based on your preferences and the space available. Interior features, such as customised lighting and controls, can also be tailored to your style. These customisation options ensure your cabin lift not only serves its purpose effectively but also complements your building’s overall design.

How Energy-Efficient Are Cabin Lifts?

Cabin lifts are designed with energy efficiency in mind, particularly for low-rise buildings. The APL Elite runs on a standard 230V single-phase power supply thanks to its compact drive system and slower speed, while the APL Heavy-Duty uses a three-phase supply to handle heavier loads. Many models incorporate eco-friendly technologies, further reducing energy use and operational costs over time. This focus on sustainability makes cabin lifts an excellent long-term choice for residential and commercial properties looking to minimise their environmental impact.

Platform lift installation by Alliance Platform Lifts
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