Choosing a home lift is a big decision. It’s not just about getting from one floor to another – it’s about safety, convenience, and making your home ready for the future. With several residential lift types available in Australia, it can be tricky to know which one suits your space, lifestyle, and budget.
In this guide, we’ll look at the key factors to consider when picking a lift and help you decide between models like the Compact Elegance and Compact Elegance Plus.
Understanding residential lift types
Home lifts come in different styles and drive systems. In Australia, the most common options for multi-level homes include screw drive lifts, hydraulic lifts, and electric lifts.
Screw drive lifts use a motor to rotate a screw that moves the platform. They’re energy-efficient, quiet, and require minimal space. Hydraulic lifts, on the other hand, rely on fluid pressure to move the lift. They’re smoother but usually need more structural work and can be noisier.
Electric lifts, like the models from Compact Lifts, combine the best of both worlds. They’re quiet, energy-efficient, and easy to install without a full lift shaft or heavy construction. This makes them a popular choice for modern Australian homes.
Size and footprint
Before picking a lift, think about where it will go. Compact Home Lifts are designed for tight spaces and can even fit in hallways, corners, or cupboard areas. The Compact Elegance is perfect for couples or individuals, while the Compact Elegance Plus comfortably accommodates wheelchairs and walking aids.
Before picking a lift, think about where it will go. Compact home lifts are designed for tight spaces and can even fit in hallways, corners, or cupboard areas. The Compact Elegance is a 2-person lift with a 170 kg capacity and a remarkably small 0.8 sqm footprint. Its clear dome lift car body helps it blend into any room configuration.
The Compact Elegance Plus is one of the smallest vertical wheelchair lifts on the market, with a 1.44 sqm footprint and a 250 kg lifting capacity. It features a larger cabin and an angled ramp for easy wheelchair or walker access while retaining the same safety features as the Elegance.
A small footprint doesn’t mean compromising on safety or comfort. Both models include a full-height light curtain/motion sensor with optional full-height door, weight sensors, and hold-to-run controls, ensuring safe use for all passengers.
To help you find the perfect spot for your lift, the team offers a complimentary in-house surveyor inspection. During this visit, a qualified professional assesses your home, identifies the most suitable location, and ensures the lift fits seamlessly without disrupting your living space.
Power requirements
Energy efficiency is another consideration. Our compact lifts plug into a standard 10 A power outlet and use very little electricity, often less than boiling a kettle. Going down, they rely on gravity, so power usage is minimal.
For anyone concerned about reliability, our lifts also come with battery backup. In a power outage, the lift can safely descend to the lowest level, allowing passengers to exit safely.
Safety features
Safety should always come first. Compact Lifts include multiple built-in features that make them among the safest on the market:
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Top and bottom safety pans stop the lift if anything is in the way.
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Hold-to-run press buttons gives passengers complete control during the ride.
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Swing doors lock until the lift reaches the chosen floor.
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Fall arrest mechanism and the over-speed governor protect against unlikely mechanical failures.
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Travel sensors and phone access add extra layers of security and peace of mind.
These features mean families, carers, and elderly residents can use the lift confidently every day.
Cost considerations
Home lift cost in Australia can vary depending on size, model, and installation requirements. While screw drive lifts or hydraulic lifts might require extensive structural work, Compact Home Lifts are much easier to install. With minimal building work, many homes can have a lift installed and operational in under two working days.
For a more detailed breakdown, check out our guide: Home lift costs explained: What you need to know.
Making the right choice
When choosing a lift, it’s important to consider:
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How much space do you have
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Whether you need wheelchair access
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Your household’s daily use and mobility needs
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Energy efficiency and ongoing running costs
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Safety features that suit your family
Compact Home Lifts offer a practical, stylish solution for most Australian homes. With quiet electric motors, flexible placement, and comprehensive safety systems, they make everyday life easier without disrupting your home’s design.
Why a Compact Home Lift is a Smart Long-Term Choice
Selecting the right home lift isn’t just about moving between floors. It’s about improving accessibility, maintaining independence, and adding a feature that can serve your home for decades. Whether you choose the Compact Elegance or Compact Elegance Plus, you’ll get a lift designed for safety, comfort, and long-term convenience.
Investing in a lift is more than a purchase – it’s a way to future-proof your home while supporting the well-being of everyone who lives there.
