The earliest documented use of a lift dates back to Roman times, when the Greek engineer and mathematician Archimedes built a lift using hemp rope in 235 BC, operated by animals. Since then, lifts have evolved significantly, mirroring advancements in modern architecture and technology.
In 1857, Elisha Otis introduced the first commercial passenger elevator in a New York department store and coined the term “safety lift” for his invention. This innovative lift featured technology that prevented it from falling if the cable broke.
Two decades later, at the Mannheim Trade Exhibition, German inventor Werner von Siemens presented the “electric lift,” the first elevator powered by an electric motor. It travelled at 2.9km per hour.
Historically, lifts were associated with commercial spaces such as shopping centres, airports, hotels, and multi-story parking garages. In contrast, home mobility solutions typically involved stairlifts—devices that attach to stair treads and include a chair for the user. However, stairlifts require considerable strength and agility to use, which can be challenging for those with limited mobility.
Moreover, stairlifts can occupy significant space in a home and may obstruct the use of stairs for others, raising additional safety concerns. The need for multiple walking aids can further increase risks. Many people are also unaware that modern stairlifts are battery-powered, requiring regular recharging or replacement. Batteries typically last between two and five years but may need replacing sooner if the stairlift is frequently removed from its charging station.
A new approach to home mobility was long overdue. The initial home lift solutions were wheelchair lifts, also known as platform lifts, which were first developed by American inventor Ralph Braun in 1966. These lifts were designed to elevate wheelchairs, allowing users to overcome obstacles like steps and doorways, both indoors and outdoors. However, because these lifts were based on commercial models, they often had a bulky, unattractive appearance that suited more institutional settings than residential environments.
Compact Home Lifts now provide the latest evolution in this space, with innovative products that overcome previous limitations.
Unlike older home lifts that required separate machine rooms, pits, and load-bearing walls, our lifts feature a compact electric motor discreetly integrated into the lift vehicle. This allows the lift to operate using a standard household power socket, making it efficient and user-friendly.
Compact Home Lifts are designed with a small footprint and are modular for easy installation. They fit seamlessly into various spaces, including narrow hallways, cupboards and stairwell voids. The lift’s weight is supported by rails rather than supporting walls, reducing the strain on the property and allowing the lift to move along parallel vertical rails, sometimes referred to as “stilts.”
Unlike traditional lifts, which often require extensive and noisy construction, Compact Home Lifts can be installed quickly—sometimes within a single day—once the initial building work is completed. These lifts also posses a sophisticated design which enhance the look of the home, rather than detract from it.
