Specifying for Accessibility: Vertical Platform Lifts and LU/LA Elevators Basics

Accessibility doesn’t have to be complicated—or expensive. When a full passenger elevator doesn’t make sense for the space or the budget, Vertical Platform Lifts (VPLs) and Limited Use/Limited Application (LU/LA) elevators are smart, code-compliant alternatives.

Whether you’re working on a renovation, a school, a public building, or any commercial application requiring less than 25 feet of travel, these systems can help you meet accessibility requirements.

The Codes You Need to Know

ASME A18.1 and A17.1

• Governed by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers
• Dictate the design limitations of all elevators and accessibility lifts to ensure safe operation

ADA and ANSI A117.1

• The two main standards that govern accessibility requirements
• Ensure that lift or elevator can be used by someone with a physical limitation without any need for assistance

Vertical Platform Lifts: Small Footprint, Big Utility

If you’re dealing with a rise of 14 feet or less, a VPL is a great option. These are especially useful for stages, entries, or mezzanines in schools, places of worship, or small commercial buildings.

There are four main types of VPLs:

1. Shaftway – Installed in a contractor-built hoistway and can penetrate floors (with or without fire barrier).
2. Enclosed – Come fully packaged with an enclosure from the manufacturer. They cannot penetrate floors but offer a lot of customization options.
3. Unenclosed/open – These can only travel up to 60 inches under A18.1 2011 and require gates at the top and bottom, plus a fascia under the upper landing.
4. Mobile units – Limited to 48 inches of travel, these are portable and great for temporary or occasional use. Top landing gate travels with the unit to accommodate different travel heights, and usually a small bridge is provided at the top to ease the transition to the second landing. All states that adopted the ASME A18.1 2017 now require these lifts to be inspected and in compliance.

Standard platform sizes range from 36 inches by 48 inches to 42 inches by 60 inches, with several cab configuration options: same-side entry/exit, straight-through, 90-degree, and even three-sided platforms depending on the manufacturer. Because of its ease of use for a passenger in a wheelchair, straight-through entry/exit is the most common configuration.

For most VPLs, a 5-by-5-foot footprint is a good rule of thumb. They usually run on a 120V, 20-amp dedicated line, and you’ll need:

• A fused disconnect with auxiliary contact
• GFI outlet (required if it’s in a shaftway)
• A light at the bottom of the shaft (per NEC 620.24(A))

Battery-powered models keep running in a power outage—usually good for 5 full-load cycles—while screw-drive types need manual lowering in emergencies.

You’ll typically need a 3-inch pit, but if a pit isn’t possible, a ramp will do. ADA guidelines call for 1:8 slope in existing buildings and 1:12 in new construction.

Also, call stations should be mounted 15 to 48 inches off the floor, with clear space next to them that’s outside the swing of the door.

LU/LA Elevators: High-Rise Look, Low-Rise Cost

LU/LA elevators are your go-to for travel up to 25 feet. They offer the design elements of a tradition passenger elevator at a lower price point, thanks to reduced construction costs and maintenance requirements.

Some benefits:

• Pits can be as shallow as 14 inches
• Overhead clearance can be as little as 108 inches (retrofits) or 134+ inches (new builds)
• Maintenance is quarterly, not monthly like full passenger elevators

Drive systems come in two flavors:

• Hydraulic – More cost-effective but needs a machine room.
• Geared traction – Great for higher traffic and typically machine-room-less. These come with a “door buck controller” box containing everything from the controller to a manual lowering device.

For LU/LAs, ASME A17.1 requires a fully enclosed, fire-rated shaft, with fire service Phase I for most post-2010 builds. Some jurisdictions will waive this for certain mezzanine or glass applications—but check with your local authority.

Lighting should be at least 50 lux across all landings and inside the platform. For better visibility, shoot for 100 lux. Landing doors must be flush with the hoistway and use code-compliant locks (no electric strikes or magnetic locks). And yes—overhead clearance of 80 inches minimum is still a must.

Local Codes Matter—A Lot

Even if you’re dialed in on national codes, don’t skip the local ones. Jurisdictions often add their own twists, so always check in with your manufacturer or a local installer early in the design process. That can save you from last-minute changes and budget surprises. A knowledgeable local rep can also help interpret gray areas or code updates.

Learn More About Specifying for Accessibility

Check out ADA and ANSI A117.1 Design Standards for Vertical Platform Lifts and Limited Use/Limited Application Elevators on ARCHITECTU.

Earn 1 HSW LU with this recorded presentation from a previously live webinar event presented by Savaria expert Chris Baker. This course focuses on ADA and ANSI A117.1 code limitations and accessibility code requirements for vertical platform lifts and limited use/limited application (LU/LA) elevators.