If you have experienced mobility issues and finally have a scooter, your newfound freedom can be exhilarating. However, if you own your home, you might find you are still faced with accessibility challenges. An excellent solution is to consider installing a scooter lift in your home to assist with mobility. Here’s how scooter lift installation helps. Exterior Access If your home has steps to the door, you still have to contend with getting out of your scooter, and then finding a way to get the scooter into your home. For some, this means not being able to leave their homes with their scooters, or not being able to use their scooters inside the home. You shouldn’t have to decide where you can use your scooter. With a scooter lift, you can easily get in and out of your home, so you make the most of your scooter and enjoy full mobility when home and when out and...

Elevators are notorious for spreading germs. The more frequently the elevator is used, the more germs that can be found on its surfaces. Here we provide your complete guide to elevator disinfecting to reduce the risk of spreading illness.  Disinfecting Wall Panels, Doors, and Handrails Start by first cleaning your elevator surfaces using your preferred cleaning solution, following the manufacturer’s instructions. Be careful when going over the panel where the electrical components are contained. These areas are safest to clean using the tips provided below. The walls, doors and handrails require a material appropriate cleaner that won’t cause damage. For example, stainless steel requires a special cleaner that won’t leave unsightly smudges or stains. Once your walls are clear of dirt and grime, use the following disinfecting steps: Use non-abrasive, spray-on...

Elevators have changed the landscape of our cities and towns. They allowed builders to erect buildings higher and higher impacting the space available for both commercial and residential use. However, as buildings became higher and could accommodate more people, elevator travel became a little more challenging. In many office towers workers found that highway traffic was not the only jams they had to contend with when trying to get to work. Lines for elevators also became problematic. However, elevators for industrial use also became more popular. This posed both efficiency and safety issues for commercial use. This led to the need for improved technology to make elevators more efficient. Hydraulic elevators are one of the improvements that help keep elevators efficient for both human and freight transportation. Here’s why they might be the better choice for some...

Understanding elevator maintenance basics can be very helpful when seeking an elevator maintenance provider. Since elevator maintenance contracts are complex, these tips can help educate yourself on the basics of elevator maintenance. Why You Need a Maintenance Plan Elevator maintenance plans ensure:   All maintenance performed will ensure the elevator operates in accordance with applicable codesRepairs and maintenance conducted ensures the elevator will pass required local inspectionsMaintenance inspections will ensure passengers are safeService is designed to reduce and/or avoid costly repairs With the right plan in place, you can feel confident your elevators operate at optimum performance. Two Types of Maintenance There are generally two types of elevator maintenance contracts: 1. Full Maintenance: This provides both routine maintenance and service...

When you invest in a home elevator, you are installing a major piece of machinery in your house. As with anything mechanical, it’s important to understand the basics that keep your home elevator safe and operational. Here we review the basics of home elevator safety and maintenance so you are ready to solve issues should they arise. Safety First Let’s start with safety, as you want to ensure you avoid accidents when using or maintaining your home elevator: Make sure you know your elevator’s weight limit, so you avoid dangerous overloadsWhen riding the elevator keep all limbs and anything you are carrying with you at least 5 CMs from the cab gate and wallsKeep the landing doors closed when the elevator is not in useIf you are encountering issues with the car gate or landing door locking system don’t use the elevator and don’t try to bypass or tamper with the door...

No doubt the pandemic of 2020 has called for adaptations to accommodate a germ obsessed world. The elevator industry is providing innovations that will help meet expectations imposed by the pandemic. Here are the elevator innovation trends that will shake up 2021 – in a good way. Rising To Meet Traffic Demand Now that people have become accustomed to travelling in less tight quarters, transporting people to and from the floors of a high rise face new challenges. However, with the arrival of multi and TWIN elevator systems, the use of more than one car in a shaft will allow buildings to move people from floor to floor more efficiently. The TWIN is more common in Europe but will continue to see growth in North America. By accommodating two cars in one shaft, and using devices to monitor the distance between the cars, they can travel independently without risk of colliding. The...

There isn’t a single industry not affected by technology. Improvements to efficiencies, safety, user enjoyment and even cost savings are just some of the benefits technology provides. However, as demand for technology rises, so too can the costs to keep up with industry changes. Therefore, it’s important to understand the pain points of your industry so you can determine if technology can help you resolve them, or if it is in fact causing them. Here we look at the main challenges facing the elevator industry and how technology is helping overcome them.  Compliance Checks With technology comes noticeable improvements that affect safety. This places pressure on building managers to find ways and means to introduce new technology that can help them remain compliant with these safety and code changes. Legislations differ from location to location, adding to the complexity....

Experiencing elevator equipment failures greatly interferes with the day to day operations of your building. It can prove to be a landlord’s worst nightmare, especially when equipment failures lead to ongoing tenant complaints. Many common elevator problems cannot only cause costly wear and tear on your elevators, they can also put tenants at risk. Here are common elevator problems and the prevention tactics you can use to avoid them. Worn Sheaves Worn sheaves lead to rope wear, creating an endless cycle which in turn leads to even more wear on the shaves. The best way to avoid this damage is to have sheaves regrooved to help prevent rope failure. Contamination As elevators age, wear and tear on parts causes tiny metal particles to release into the oil that keeps everything running smoothly. When this happens the tiny particles eventually disrupt proper function of the...

Glass elevators deconstruct the traditional dark elevator shaft and add a modern design aesthetic that elevates the architectural details of a building. They make stunning impressions, both when you enter the building, as well as when ascending to the floors above. They enhance a space, adding an unexpected design element that combines superior functionality with sophistication. With many designers and architects leaning towards minimalist designs, glass elevators offer a timeless elegance that works perfectly in commercial spaces. They also offer a calming effect in elegant hotel lobbies to help relax weary travelers. Because glass elevators can also blend seamlessly into the background, they work well in grand foyers, lobbies, and atriums where other design elements are meant to shine. Glass can easily be combined with other interesting materials, with a special affinity to...

Whether you ride elevators several times a day, or just hop on board occasionally, nothing is worse than realizing a few floors in you’re with a less than desirable travel companion. Here are six of the most awkward elevator rides you hope to avoid. 1 - Unpleasant Co-workers or Neighbors Stepping into an elevator where people are clearly enjoying an inappropriate, “you had to be there” conversation can make you experience a high school peer pressure flashback that takes the wind out of your sails. Not only are these people having a good time, but they also make it seem it’s at your expense. Their loud laughs and voices shrink down to evil whispers and giggles that make it clear you’re not welcome. They act like you’re invisible yet still manage to insult you, clearly on purpose. 2 - Boss Encounters of the Third Kind Many people make an effort to avoid their boss...