Residential elevator
The residential elevator: vertical mobility at the heart of the home
A residential elevator is any lifting device installed in a residential building—whether an apartment complex, a housing development, a condominium, or a single-family home—designed primarily to transport occupants and their personal belongings. As the leading vertical mobility solution in France in terms of the number of installations, the residential elevator is subject to specific requirements regarding safety, accessibility, and energy efficiency.
OCTÉ Lift offers a comprehensive range of residential elevators for all types of housing, from duplexes to large apartment complexes, for both new construction and renovation projects.
Regulations applicable to residential elevators
Mandatory Installation
Law No. 2005-102 of February 11, 2005, on equal rights and opportunities, participation, and citizenship for people with disabilities mandates the installation of an elevator in any new multi-unit residential building with more than three stories above the ground floor (ground floor plus three or more upper floors). Below this threshold, installation is optional but strongly recommended to enhance the property’s value and ensure the comfort of aging occupants.
Technical Standards
Any residential lift installed in France must comply with the Lifts Directive 2014/33/EU and, among others, standards EN 81-20 (safety) and EN 81-70 (accessibility for persons with reduced mobility). For existing buildings with structural constraints, standard EN 81-21 offers validated alternative solutions (reduced pit depth, limited headroom at the top level).
Mandatory Technical Inspection
The decree of September 9, 2004, mandates a technical inspection every five years (CTQ), carried out by an accredited body, for all elevators serving residential buildings. The inspection report may identify mandatory compliance work that must be completed within the regulatory timeframes.
Types of residential elevators
MRL Elevator (Machine Room-Less)
The MRL (Machine Room-Less) solution is the standard choice for new residential buildings. The gearless motor is integrated directly into the elevator shaft, eliminating the need for a dedicated machine room and reducing energy consumption by 30% to 50% compared to geared systems; it is the most widely installed solution for new residential projects in France.
Residential Hydraulic Elevator
The hydraulic elevator is suitable for low-rise buildings (2 to 5 levels). Offering quiet operation and simplified installation in existing buildings, it provides a cost-effective alternative to electric systems for condominiums with limited budgets.
Home Elevator
In private homes, compact, space-saving solutions—such as platform lifts or small-scale elevators—enable access between levels without requiring major structural work. These units comply with the EN 81-20 standard or, depending on the type, the Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC and, from January 2027, the Machinery Regulation 2023/1230.
Accessibility for People with Reduced Mobility in Residential Buildings
The EN 81-70 standard mandates minimum car dimensions of 1,000 x 1,300 mm to ensure access for a wheelchair user, with or without an accompanying person (for Type 1 lifts). OCTÉ Lift residential elevators compliant with EN 81-70 feature Braille controls, audible floor announcements, a handrail, and a rear-wall mirror to meet all accessibility requirements.
Energy Savings and Environmental Performance
OCTÉ Lift residential elevators utilize permanent magnet motors (IE3 class), variable frequency drives, and regenerative braking systems that feed energy generated during descent back into the electrical grid. LED cabin lighting and an automatic standby mode complement these energy-efficiency features, helping to lower the building’s electricity costs.
Finishes and Customization
OCTÉ Lift residential elevator cabins are fully customizable, offering options such as brushed, lacquered, or mirrored stainless steel finishes; vinyl, stone, or wood flooring; ambient LED lighting; and stylish control panels. Cabin modernization is also available as a standalone service for building management bodies wishing to refresh the appearance of their existing elevators.
Whether for new installations or renovation projects, OCTÉ Lift supports property managers, developers, and private clients through every stage of the process—from defining requirements to final commissioning.
