If your business property has multiple floors, you may be required to have elevators as part of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). While there are exceptions to this for certain kinds of businesses operating out of smaller properties, catering to clients with limited mobility is a good idea from an inclusivity point of view regardless of whether you’re legally required to do so.
What are the ADA Requirements for Elevators?
For an elevator to meet the requirements of the ADA, it must be located in an accessible public space and meet certain design requirements, including:
- Having doors that stay fully open for at least three seconds
- Offering two-way communication suitable for deaf/blind users
- The car must be at least 51 inches deep and 68 inches wide
- Audible signals must be provided to inform users when a floor is passed or the elevator stops
- Emergency controls must be grouped at the bottom of the elevator control panel
The ADA sets out specific requirements for the size and location of certain control buttons, ensuring that wheelchair users can easily control the elevator. There are additional requirements for destination-oriented elevators to ensure all users can tell quickly and easily which cab they should enter to get to their desired floor.
The ADA Standards for Accessible Design explain the requirements for different types of businesses and sizes of building.
Improve Accessibility With an Elevator Remodel
If your organization is operating out of an older building, or your elevator is showing its age, investing in a new elevator could help make your building more accessible for users with disabilities or limited mobility.
Older elevators are often too small to accommodate modern wheelchairs or were made before modern usability standards were agreed upon, making them difficult for individuals who are living with disabilities to use. Some simple changes can greatly improve the accessibility of your building, for example:
- Elevators that open on both sides, making it easy to ride straight in and out.
- Voice prompts to inform partially sighted users what floor they’re on
- Braille on the buttons of the elevator
- Motion-sensing doors that trigger at multiple heights
- Slower door opening/closing to give those with limited mobility easier access to the elevator
- Grab rails for those who are not using a wheelchair, but may struggle to stand
At Action Elevator, we work with organizations of all sizes and have elevator designs to suit all budgets, helping you make your property more comfortable and easier to navigate for all of your clients. From replacement cabs to full refits, we can bring your elevators up to date and in line with ADA standards.
If you’re considering remodeling your elevator, contact Action Elevator today to learn more about our options for accessible elevators.
Leslie is a key team member at Action Elevator, known for her exceptional service and dedication to customer satisfaction. Her interactions, from scheduling appointments to overseeing repair processes, reflect the company’s commitment to quality and reliability. Leslie’s role in facilitating smooth operations and ensuring clients’ needs are met promptly showcases her importance in maintaining the high standards Action Elevator is known for in the elevator service industry.