If you run a small business or are working with limited space, you still want your business to be accessible to all guests who visit. This also includes individuals who use mobility aids such as walkers, canes, and wheelchairs. Many of these individuals cannot safely climb stairs, so how do you make these areas more accessible to them? One mobility tool that works great in smaller spaces is a LULA elevator, and understanding LULA elevator dimensions can help you determine if it’s the perfect fit for your space.
What is a LULA Elevator?
For starters, LULA stands for limited-use, limited-application. A LULA elevator is a smaller elevator that can transport individuals with mobility aids like wheelchairs up and down different floors. Unlike the typical commercial elevators in hotels, LULA elevators are in their own category.
LULA Elevators were developed as a lower-cost alternative to commercial passenger elevators. Commercial elevators are much larger than LULA elevators, can carry multiple passengers, and as such can accommodate a higher weight capacity. LULA elevators are designed to carry one or two passengers at a time, and they can travel only a few floors. They are also more compact, which makes them a great accessibility option for low-rise commercial buildings with limited space.
Are you thinking about investing in a LULA elevator but want to make sure it’s the right fit for you? You’ve come to the right place. We’ll tell you everything you need to know about these elevators so you can make an informed decision. This article will go over the typical LULA elevator dimensions, their space requirements, and the ADA requirements for installing a LULA elevator in your commercial space.
What Are the Standard LULA Elevator Dimensions?
LULA elevators are designed to only carry a couple of passengers at a time. Some are even small enough to only allow one person on at a time. The average weight limit for these elevators is around 1,400 pounds. The standard elevator sizes for the interior cabin are 42” x 54” and 48”x 54”. However, there are also customizable options that can fit virtually any shaft dimension.
As for the shaft of the elevator, the size varies depending on the space available and how far it needs to travel. LULA elevators can travel up to 25 feet vertically, while the width of the shaft depends on how much space is available in the building.
For a LULA elevator to meet ADA requirements, it needs to have adequate space on both landings for a wheelchair user to easily enter and exit the elevator. Make sure this area is not too cramped and a wheelchair can easily navigate through it to get on the elevator.
Space Requirements for LULA Elevators
LULA elevators are a great option for small to medium-sized buildings due to their compact size and smaller dimensions. They require less space to install, and their dimensions are smaller than a traditional commercial elevator. Because of the smaller cabin size, they also need less overhead and pit space.
When installing a LULA elevator, it is important to have your general contractor and architect work with your installation professionals early on to coordinate and plan how and where the elevator will be installed. This ensures that the elevator has the proper space and meets ADA requirements for size and safety.
ADA Compliance and LULA Elevators
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) ensures that businesses and commercial properties are accessible for all individuals with disabilities and mobility issues. While a LULA elevator will make your building as a whole more accessible, the ADA also has requirements for the elevator itself. To make sure your elevator is sufficient and up to code, you need to abide by ADA’s LULA elevator requirements.
ADA requirements for a LULA elevator include the following:
- Door Opening: The door to the elevator should either be a single entry door, an open-through door, or an adjacent door. The standard is the automatic 36” wide two-speed car and hoistway door.
- Location: The elevator should be located somewhere that is easily accessible to all patrons, including wheelchair users.
- Safety Features: The elevator should include safety features such as door sensors, a stop button, emergency lighting, and a call button.
LULA elevators are a cost-effective alternative to a commercial passenger elevator and a more refined fully featured alternative to a wheelchair lift. They are a great accessibility solution for smaller businesses with limited space. If you’re installing a new elevator in your space, be sure to work with your contractors to ensure it follows ADA regulations for space and accessibility.
Let Our Expert Elevator Technicians Install Your LULA Elevator
Does your business need a lift? DME Elevators & Lifts knows everything there is to know about LULA elevators. Our team of elevator experts will take a look at your space and create an elevator solution that’s right for you.
Contact DME Elevators & Lifts today to schedule a consultation with one of our local elevator advisors! We’re proud to serve our local communities in Illinois, Indiana, and Wisconsin.
