Many of us ride elevators every day and rarely stop to think about the technology behind this life-changing invention. These are the most interesting facts you probably don’t know about elevators.
Elevators by the Numbers
Absorb these mind-blowing statistics about elevators:
- The United States has about 700,000 elevators.
- The average daily elevator user goes up and down twice a day.
- A single elevator cable can carry its load to a height of 1,700 feet.
- More than 325 million people around the world ride on an elevator every day.
The Evolution of Elevators
When did elevators first come into use? These historical facts might surprise you:
- The pulley and winch system that forms the basis of the modern elevator, was invented by Greek mathematician Archimedes around 235 BC.
- The first recorded use of an elevator occurred in Ancient Egypt, when a man-powered version of this technology was used to build the Great Pyramids of Giza.
- Some evidence exists that elevators were also used in Ancient Rome and Europe during the Middle Ages.
- A nine-story building in New York City was home to the first public elevator, which opened in 1857.
- Early elevators were more like movable rooms and even included upholstery, furniture and decor.
Fun with Famous Elevators
Most elevators are more or less the same. However, a few unique versions elevate the art form (no pun intended). Some of our favorites include:
- The Lacerda Elevator was the first one built in Brazil and also ranks as the busiest elevator in the world.
- The Taipei 101, a high-speed elevator in China.
- The elevator at the Luxor Hotel in Las Vegas, which has a 30-degree incline to mirror the pyramid-shaped building.
- The Hammetschwand Lift, the largest outdoor elevator in the world, found in Lake Lucerne, Switzerland.
If your commercial elevator requires maintenance service, repair or complete replacement, Action Elevator can assist in Maryland or the Washington DC metro area. Call (410) 774-4573 or email us at john@actionelevator.info to learn more about our comprehensive offerings.