The lift industry in the UK is undergoing a transformative shift, propelled by the dual forces of sustainability and urbanisation. As cities grow and environmental goals tighten, lift modernisation is redefining vertical transportation, turning lifts into eco-efficient, smart, and integral components of urban infrastructure. This article explores how modernising lifts aligns with these priorities while enhancing passenger experience and safety. Here are the top trends shaping the lift industry in 2025.
1. Smart Lifts and IoT Integration
Smart lifts equipped are now able to be equipped with Internet of Things (IoT) technology.
IoT are sensors, software, and other cool tech that can be integrated into your lift for the specific purpose of connecting, exchanging and sharing data with other devices and systems over the internet. This is revolutionising the lift industry by enabling seamless connectivity and communication between various components. This enables your lifts to leverage real-time data collection and analytics to enhance efficiency, predict maintenance needs, and provide personalised user experiences. Lift mains supply monitoring and predictive maintenance systems can identify potential issues before they become problematic, reducing downtime and extending the life of lift systems. Moreover, smart lifts can adapt to individual user preferences, offering a more intuitive and responsive ride. As IoT technology continues to advance, smart lifts are set to become a cornerstone of modern vertical transportation, delivering enhanced convenience and reliability.
2. Eco-Friendly, Energy Efficient Modern Lifts for Sustainable Living
With many businesses and organisations now having strong sustainability initiatives in place, the lift industry is also embracing the issue of sustainability with eco-friendly designs that reduce energy consumption and minimise environmental impact without having any negative effect on performance.
At VM Elevators energy efficiency is one of our core values. All new installations are installed to the highest energy efficiency rating possible, which is A Class for lifts and A+++ for escalators. We deploy the latest innovative techniques and solutions to achieve these ratings to ensure you spend less and help protect the environment. Measures we utilise include LED lighting, standby modes when lifts are not in use, and regenerative drives that capture the heat generated when the lift is in use and converts this into reusable energy.
These lifts are also constructed using materials with low environmental impact, aligning with global efforts toward sustainable building practices. By reducing our carbon footprint and energy consumption, eco-friendly lifts support the growing demand for green solutions in urban environments. As sustainable living becomes a priority for builders and developers, eco-friendly lifts are expected to become a standard feature in new and retrofitted buildings.
3. Destination Control Systems (DCS) & Touchless Solutions
Lift technology has come a long way in the past few years and some of the improvements involve some rather impressive digital display innovations. Destination Control Systems (DCS) are transforming how lifts manage passenger traffic, particularly in high-rise buildings.
Unlike conventional lifts which only allow selection of the desired travel direction, DCS optimises lift operation by assigning passengers to specific lifts based on their destination floors, significantly reducing wait times. By removing unnecessary stops, creating less crowded lifts and with user friendly touch screen panels this all results in overall improved efficiency and conveniency. This technology is crucial in high-traffic buildings, where efficient traffic management enhances user experience and reduces congestion. As urban environments continue to grow vertically, the adoption of DCS will become increasingly important, setting a new standard for lift performance and user satisfaction.
4. Machine Room-Less (MRL) Lifts
Machine room-less (MRL) lifts are gaining popularity due to their space-saving design and cost-effectiveness. Unlike traditional lifts that require a separate machine room, MRL lifts integrate machinery within the hoistway, making them ideal for urban areas with limited space availability. This compact design offers greater flexibility in building layout and reduces construction costs. As cities continue to expand and space becomes a premium, MRL lifts provide an efficient solution for both new developments and existing buildings seeking modernisation.
5. Biometric Security Features
As security becomes a growing concern in urban environments, lifts are incorporating advanced biometric security features to enhance access control and passenger safety. Biometric systems such as fingerprint and facial recognition ensure that only authorised individuals can access specific floors or areas within a building. These features provide an additional layer of security, making vertical transportation safer and more convenient for occupants. As security technology evolves, biometric features will become an integral part of modern lift design, addressing the need for secure and efficient access management.
6. Aesthetic & Accessibility Upgrades
Modernisation increasingly includes aesthetic enhancements to align lift interiors with contemporary building designs. Customisable finishes, touchscreen call buttons, and updated shaft panels improve passenger experience and building appeal. Accessibility improvements, such as audible indicators and disability-compliant controls, are also key to meeting legal and social responsibilities
Design Trends and Innovations to Enhance Lift Experience
Modern lifts no longer need to look sterile. The interior design of your lift can be created to fit the aesthetics of your building, so it becomes an expansion of that space and not just a box to shuffle people to and from floors within in. Below we look at some of the current design trends that are a huge hit right now to really make your lift stand out.
- Panoramic Views with Glass-Enclosed Lifts:
Lifts with floor-to-ceiling glass panels create a sense of openness and connection with the environment, turning the lift ride into a moving observation deck. This design is especially impactful in buildings with scenic views, such as high-rise offices overlooking city skylines. - Interactive Walls for Engaging Rides:
Incorporating touchscreens or digital displays inside lifts can transform the passenger experience. Interactive walls can showcase art, information, or games, keeping passengers engaged and entertained during their journey. - Dynamic Lighting for Ambience:
Dynamic LED lighting systems can change colour, intensity, and patterns to create different atmospheres within the lift. This allows for the customisation of lighting to match the time of day or the building’s purpose, enhancing the overall aesthetic experience. - Biophilic Design Elements:
Bringing elements of nature into lift design, such as natural materials, living walls, or projected nature scenes, can create a calming and welcoming environment. This design approach is particularly beneficial in settings like healthcare facilities, where a soothing atmosphere is essential.
7. Urbanisation and Market Growth
The UK’s lift modernisation market is growing due to aging infrastructure and urban development. With many lifts exceeding 15–25 years, demand for comprehensive overhauls is rising. The global elevator modernisation market is projected to reach $12.3 billion in 2025, with the UK following similar trends due to urbanisation and regulatory pressures, stricter safety regulations (e.g., BS EN 81-80), and the push for energy-efficient solutions such as regenerative drives and LED lighting.
Modernisation addresses issues in lifts over 15–25 years old, improving reliability, safety, and aesthetics while in some cases, being more cost-effective than full replacements. The market growth is also fueled by smart technologies, including IoT for predictive maintenance and touchless interfaces, aligning with sustainability and accessibility goals.
8. Innovations in Emergency Evacuation
Safety is a cornerstone of lift design and a top priority at VM Elevators. Recent innovations are revolutionising emergency evacuation systems, with advanced technologies such as ropeless lifts and dedicated evacuation lifts ensuring safe and efficient evacuations during emergencies. These systems prioritise passenger safety, enhancing the resilience of modern building infrastructure. As safety standards continue to evolve, these innovations will be crucial in shaping the future of lift design, ensuring lifts are both efficient and safe in critical situations.
Smart lifts, eco-friendly technologies, and customisable aesthetics are redefining the landscape, and will continue to do so in 2025 and beyond, promising a future of vertical transportation that is more efficient, secure, and visually appealing than ever before. By embracing these trends, architects, builders, and developers can create lift systems that not only meet the demands of modern living but also enhance the overall building experience.
There’s increased focus on evacuation lifts in buildings, particularly those over 18m. New regulations require separate firefighting and evacuation lifts to ensure safety during emergencies, driving modernisation projects to incorporate secondary power supplies and communication systems.
Lift Modernisation
At VM Elevators we can cover all your lift modernisation needs. Our dedicated Operational team of experts assess existing vertical transportation infrastructure, employing innovative solutions tailored to enhance efficiency and reliability. From upgrading lift control systems to installing energy-efficient components, we ensure seamless integration of modern technologies while minimising disruptions to daily operations. With a focus on sustainability and customer satisfaction, VM Elevators’ modernisation services breathe new life into aging systems, optimising performance and elevating user experiences.
Benefits of Lift Modernisation
There are many benefits of lift modernisation. Passenger Safety, improved aesthetics, prolonged life of your lift and will most likely be cheaper than a total new lift installation.
Lift Modernisation Services
New Lift Installation
At VM Elevators we offer a premium lift design and new installation service, setting the benchmark in safety, energy-efficiency, and reliability. Our Operations team of skilled professionals meticulously assesses every project, ensuring the seamless integration of state-of-the-art vertical transportation tailored to each client’s needs. From residential buildings to commercial and public complexes, our new installations guarantee smooth vertical mobility, adhering to the highest industry standards. With a commitment to excellence and customer satisfaction, we deliver unparalleled lift installation solutions, elevating experiences and enhancing accessibility for all.
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