Low Headroom & Pitless Passenger Lifts
Passenger-style lifts with minimal pit and headroom
Our Low Headroom & Pitless Passenger Lift
Low headroom and pitless passenger lifts provide an effective solution for buildings where structural constraints make traditional lift installations impractical.
They are ideal for properties with restricted pit depths, limited headroom, or where maximising usable space is essential. Our APL Elite Cabin Lift and APL Heavy-Duty Cabin Lift feature all the key characteristics of a typical passenger lift, including an enclosed cabin, capacity up to 1,500kg, smooth operation, and automatic doors, while operating at a travel speed of 0.15m/s.
APL Elite Cabin Lift
Up to 18m travel · Up to 500kgView specification →
APL Heavy-Duty Cabin Lift
Up to 18m travel · Up to 1,500kgView specification →
APL Circular Glass Cabin Lift
Ø1,300 to 1,600mm · 300kg per m²View specification →
A finish to suit every space
From glazed and mirrored panels to bespoke colours and lighting, every low headroom lift is finished to match the property it’s installed in.
Case studies
Low headroom lifts in action
The library wanted a reliable, discreet lift that would blend into its traditional interior, set within a new glass atrium that lets in natural light and gives visitors a scenic ride.
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
About our low headroom lifts
A low headroom lift is designed for buildings where ceiling heights or pit depths rule out a conventional passenger lift, giving you passenger-lift comfort within tight structural limits.
Where standard lifts will not fit
We have extensive experience specifying and installing low headroom and pitless passenger lifts, working closely with you to suit the building and its users. All are designed and installed to the Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC.
- Reduced headroom
- Minimal or no pit
- Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC
- Residential or commercial
Features of our low headroom pitless passenger lift
Materials, finishes, car size, door configuration and layout can all be specified to suit your property, with modern operating systems for smooth, reliable travel and straightforward maintenance.
- Choice of car sizes
- Door configuration options
- Modern control systems
- Easy to maintain
Benefits of low headroom pitless passenger lifts
Less excavation and structural work means a faster, lower-cost installation, which is ideal for listed and historic buildings.
- Less excavation
- Minimal disruption
- Quiet, smooth travel
- Ideal for listed buildings
- Cost-effective to run
Low headroom passenger lift.
Wolfson College.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 Lift | APLHeavy-Duty Cabin Lift | |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity | Up to 500kg | Up to 1,500kg (subject to configuration) |
| Cabin size | From 500 x 550mm | Up to 1,700 x 2,500mm |
| Maximum travel | 18m (hydraulic) or 20m (traction) | 18m |
| Speed | 0.15m/s | 0.15m/s |
| Drive | Hydraulic or gearless traction | Hydraulic |
| Minimum pit | 120mm | 350mm standard (270mm available) |
| Minimum headroom | 2,350–2,600mm, depending on configuration | 2,700mm |
| Power supply | 230V single phase | 400V three phase |
| Entrances | Single, adjacent or opposite | Up to three sides |
| Doors | Swing or sliding | Swing or sliding |
| Installation | Internal or external, masonry shaft or steel structure | Internal or external, masonry shaft or steel structure |
The regulations that apply to a low headroom 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 low headroom lift to suit.
ISO 9001, 14001 and 45001 accredited, SafeContractor approved, LEIA members and Constructionline Gold.
How it happens
Support every step of the way
From the first site survey to long-term servicing, one team looks after your low headroom lift at every stage.
Design & Planning
A specialist site survey, then design and specification matched to your building and how it will be used.
Installation
Our projects team checks every detail of the preparatory works, whether by your builders or ours, so installation runs smoothly.
Maintenance
Service and maintenance plans keep your lift running safely and reliably, backed by a 24/7 emergency call-out service.
Low headroom lift questions
Answers to the questions we are asked most often. Can’t find what you need? Call 01206 803 132.
What type of passenger lift is suitable for me – traction or hydraulic?
These are both types of technology that are highly effective for driving lifts, including low headroom passenger lifts.
As for which option would be most suitable for your reduced headroom lift, in high-rise buildings that see high passenger usage, a traction lift is likely to be the best solution. In a low-rise building, however, a hydraulic passenger lift will probably be the most competitive choice.
Do I need a machine room?
Both our hydraulic and traction models come with compact control cabinets, eliminating the requirement for a machine room.
What types of buildings are suitable for a low headroom lift?
A low headroom lift is particularly well suited to buildings where structural constraints make the installation of a conventional passenger lift impractical. This includes existing residential properties, listed and period buildings, refurbishments, and extensions, where ceiling heights and floor build-ups are often restricted. Low headroom lifts are also ideal for low-rise commercial buildings, such as offices, healthcare facilities, schools, and retail premises, where maintaining usable space is essential. By accommodating reduced headroom and pit requirements, these lifts provide a practical, compliant solution for improving accessibility without the need for extensive structural alteration.
How much does a pitless passenger lift cost?
The cost of a pitless passenger lift can vary depending on the travel height, number of floors, finishes and specification.
Please feel free to reach out to the Alliance Platform Lifts team today to request an accurate quote.