PRM and PRM-equivalent
PMR Elevators and EPMR Platform Lifts: Two Types of Equipment, Two Sets of Regulations
When it comes to ensuring vertical accessibility for people with reduced mobility, two categories of equipment coexist: PMR elevators and EPMR platform lifts. While both serve the same purpose—enabling anyone, regardless of their mobility status, to move between a building’s levels—they fall under distinct regulatory frameworks, cater to different uses, and adhere to specific design standards. SECA is expert in both product ranges and helps you select the solution best suited to your project.
Elevator for people with reduced mobility
Definition
An accessibility-compliant elevator (often referred to as a PMR elevator in French) is a standard elevator—governed by the Lifts Directive 2014/33/EU and the EN 81-20 standard—whose design incorporates, from the outset, all accessibility requirements defined by the EN 81-70 standard. It can serve an unlimited number of floors at any speed and is sized to accommodate an occupied wheelchair along with an accompanying person. (Note: A “Type 1” accessibility elevator is designed for use without an accompanying person.)
It is the standard solution for public-access buildings (ERPs), multi-story residential buildings with more than three floors, commercial buildings, and any project where the elevator must be accessible to all users without distinction.
Technical specifications for an elevator for persons with reduced mobility (PRM)
- Cabin with minimum dimensions of 1,000 x 1,300 mm (EN 81-70 standard), accommodating a wheelchair and an accompanying person
- Door opening width of at least 800 mm for wheelchair access
- Clear landing area of 1,500 x 1,500 mm in front of each elevator entrance
- Braille and tactile controls on the operating panel and landing call buttons
- Audible announcements for floors and cabin travel direction
- Handrail at an appropriate height (900 mm ± 25 mm) on at least one side of the cabin
- Mirror at the rear of the cabin to allow wheelchair users to see the exit without turning around
- Flush door threshold to eliminate any remaining step between the cabin and the landing
- Emergency intercom compliant with EN 81-28, accessible from a wheelchair
Typical applications for accessibility lifts
Accessibility lifts are installed wherever regulations mandate universal access: multi-unit residential buildings, new or renovated public-access buildings (shops, town halls, schools, medical facilities), office buildings, hotels, and shopping centers. It is the most versatile solution, suitable for all travel heights and traffic volumes.
The PRM Lift
Definition
A PRM lift (Lift for Persons with Reduced Mobility) is a lifting device specifically designed to provide accessibility for people with reduced mobility; it falls under the Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC rather than the Lifts Directive 2014/33/EU. This major regulatory distinction entails a different certification procedure (CE marking under the Machinery Directive) and specific usage limits, with standard EN 81-41 governing all technical specifications.
The PRM lift is the preferred solution when the vertical distance to be covered is limited, when the architectural layout does not allow for the installation of a conventional elevator, or when the cost of a masonry shaft must be avoided. It enables PRM accessibility in confined spaces, in both renovation and new construction projects.
Types of PRM lifts offered by SECA
Vertical lifting platform
The vertical lifting platform is the most compact type of PRM lift. It bridges height differences of up to 3 meters between levels (typically a single split-level step or raised access). As it does not require a pit or shaft in certain configurations, it can be quickly installed in private homes, public-access buildings (ERP) with split-level access, shops, or medical practices. The platform can be open (with guardrails) or enclosed within a custom-made casing.
Enclosed PRM lift
The enclosed PRM lift, which serves multiple levels (generally up to 6 levels, with a maximum travel distance of approximately 12 meters depending on the manufacturer), functions similarly to a standard PRM elevator but remains subject to the Machinery Directive. The shaft can be constructed of masonry or be self-supporting (metal or glass structure). Its speed is limited to 0.15 m/s under the Machinery Directive, making it suitable for applications where speed is not a priority.
Inclined lift
For straight or curved staircases, the inclined lift (commonly known as a stairlift or inclined platform lift) is another type of platform lift for persons with reduced mobility (EPMR). It attaches to the staircase structure and moves the platform along the incline. OCTÉ can evaluate this solution in cases where there is insufficient space at the foot of the stairs for a vertical lift.
Standard lift vs. platform lift (EPMR): how to choose?
- Applicable directive: standard lifts for persons with reduced mobility fall under the Lifts Directive 2014/33/EU (standards EN 81-20 + EN 81-70); platform lifts (EPMR) fall under the Machinery. Directive 2006/42/EC (standard EN 81-41).
- Travel height: standard lifts have no height limit; platform lifts are limited to 3.2m in public-access buildings (ERP) (decree of Dec 8, 2014), but have no limit in private homes.
- Speed: standard lifts can reach speeds of 2.5 m/s or more; platform lifts are capped at 0.15 m/s.
- Cost and footprint: platform lifts are generally less expensive and take up less space for low travel heights; standard lifts are essential for multi-level buildings.
- Regulatory requirements: in public-access buildings (ERP) and new multi-unit residential buildings, the law may mandate a standard lift (Lifts Directive) rather than a simple platform lift—OCTÉ can assess your specific obligations.
Accessibility Regulations and Requirements
In France, the Law of February 11, 2005, on equal rights and opportunities—along with its implementing decrees—mandates accessibility for public-access buildings (ERPs), multi-story residential buildings (exceeding three floors), and commercial/office buildings. Depending on the building’s layout and the vertical distance to be covered, the appropriate solution will be either an EN 81-70 compliant elevator for persons with reduced mobility or an EN 81-41 compliant platform lift (Machinery Directive). SECA assists property managers and project owners in assessing their legal obligations and selecting the most suitable solution.
