Calculate Lift Power
Enter the lift and building parameters to generate an indicative power and energy estimate.
What Determines Lift Motor Power?
Lift motor power is not determined by passenger capacity alone. The required power depends on rated load, speed, effective lifting load, counterweight arrangement, motor efficiency, drive technology, travel and whether the lift is traction or hydraulic.
Lift Capacity
Higher rated capacity generally increases the potential lifting load and can increase motor power requirements.
Lift Speed
Higher speed generally requires greater mechanical power for the same effective lifting load.
Counterweight
Traction elevators normally use counterweights, reducing the net load that the traction motor needs to lift.
Motor Technology
Gearless PMSM, geared traction, induction motors and hydraulic power units have different characteristics.
Travel Height
Travel affects operating time and energy use. Motor sizing is primarily influenced by effective load and speed.
Lift Usage
Daily trips, loading and operating hours influence electricity consumption even when the installed motor power remains unchanged.
Typical Lift Motor Power Ranges
| Lift Application | Typical Capacity | Typical Speed | Indicative Motor Range* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Home / Residential Lift | 250–400 kg | 0.3–0.5 m/s | Approx. 2–5 kW |
| Small Passenger Lift | 320–630 kg | 0.63–1.0 m/s | Approx. 3–8 kW |
| Standard Passenger Lift | 630–1000 kg | 1.0–1.5 m/s | Approx. 5–15 kW |
| Large Passenger Lift | 1000–1600 kg | 1.5–2.0 m/s | Approx. 10–25 kW |
| High-Speed Passenger Lift | 1000–1600+ kg | 2.0–4.0+ m/s | Approx. 15–50+ kW |
| Hydraulic Lift | 400–2000+ kg | 0.3–1.0 m/s | Approx. 5–30+ kW |
*Indicative planning ranges only. Actual motor ratings vary according to manufacturer, counterweighting, traction arrangement, acceleration, travel, efficiency, duty and project design.
Lift Power Calculator – FAQs
How much power does a lift consume?
Lift power consumption depends on rated load, lift speed, motor type, counterweight arrangement, efficiency, travel height, number of trips and building usage.
How do I calculate lift motor power?
A basic lift motor power estimate considers effective lifting load, lifting speed, gravitational force and overall system efficiency. Actual motor selection also considers traction arrangement, counterweighting, acceleration and duty cycle.
What is the power consumption of an MRL lift?
MRL means machine-room-less. It does not represent one fixed motor power. Power depends on capacity, speed, travel, counterweighting, motor technology and manufacturer design.
How much power does a 10 passenger lift need?
A 10-passenger lift does not have one fixed power requirement. Motor power depends on rated load, speed, counterweighting, traction arrangement, travel and efficiency.
Does lift speed affect motor power?
Yes. For a given effective load, increasing lifting speed generally increases mechanical power requirements. Acceleration and drive characteristics also influence final motor selection.
What is the difference between geared and gearless lift power?
Geared traction systems use a gearbox between the motor and traction sheave, while gearless systems drive the traction sheave directly. Their power and efficiency characteristics differ according to application and manufacturer design.
Does an MRL lift consume less electricity?
Not necessarily in every application. MRL describes the machine-room-less configuration. Actual electricity consumption depends on motor technology, counterweighting, capacity, speed, duty cycle and control system.
Does a hydraulic lift require more power?
Hydraulic lifts use a hydraulic power unit to raise the car. Energy consumption depends on capacity, travel, speed, loading and operating frequency.
Can this calculator select the final elevator motor?
No. This calculator provides an indicative planning estimate. Final motor, drive and electrical system selection should be based on manufacturer engineering calculations, applicable standards and project-specific requirements.
Need Lift Electrical Planning?
Evaluate lift capacity, motor power, electrical requirements and project-specific elevator requirements.