Lift Upgrades

London's building stock includes thousands of passenger lifts that are ageing, unreliable or no longer fully compliant with current standards. For many building owners, a full lift replacement carries a price tag and programme disruption that is difficult to justify when the shaft, car and structure are still sound. Lift modernisation delivers most of the benefits of a new lift at a fraction of the cost. London Lifts has been modernising passenger lifts across the capital since 2006, working for commercial landlords, housing associations, hotels and public-sector bodies.

This page explains when to upgrade rather than replace, what a modernisation programme typically involves, how we bring lifts into Equality Act compliance, and how upgrades improve energy performance. Request a free lift modernisation survey.

Why Upgrade Rather Than Replace?

A full lift replacement requires demolishing the existing car and shaft fittings, disposing of the old equipment, manufacturing a new lift and carrying out a full installation programme. Depending on the building and lift type, this typically takes eight to twelve weeks with the lift out of service throughout. The total cost includes not only the new lift but structural work, lost tenant goodwill and, in some buildings, alternative access provision for disabled users.

A modernisation programme replaces only the components that are failing or non-compliant, using the existing shaft, guide rails and often the existing car structure. Downtime is significantly shorter, typically two to four weeks, and costs are often 40 to 60 per cent lower than full replacement. The result is a lift that performs as reliably as a new installation and fully meets current standards.

Our survey engineers assess the condition of every component and give you an honest recommendation on whether modernisation or replacement is the better option for your specific lift. In most cases where the shaft and structure are sound, modernisation is the right answer. Book a free condition survey.

What Does a Lift Modernisation Include?

Control and Drive Upgrade

Replacing the control panel and variable-frequency drive is the single biggest improvement most ageing lifts can receive. Modern PLC-based controllers improve floor-levelling accuracy, reduce door fault rates, allow remote monitoring and make fault diagnosis much faster. A new variable-frequency drive replaces the energy-hungry direct-on-line starting used in older systems, cutting energy consumption significantly. We install controllers and drives from leading manufacturers and can adapt the new system to your existing shaft wiring in most cases.

Cab Refurbishment

The lift car interior is the most visible element for building users. We refurbish car walls, flooring, ceilings and lighting to a specification agreed with you, from a practical commercial finish to a high-end hospitality standard. LED lighting packages improve lux levels while reducing energy consumption. New car operating panels with modern displays and tactile floor buttons improve usability for all passengers. Handrails and mirror panels are fitted or replaced as part of the refurbishment scope.

Door System Upgrades

Door systems are responsible for the majority of lift faults in ageing installations. We replace door operator motors, hangers, door panels, sills and interlocks with modern components that meet the reopening device sensitivity requirements of BS EN 81-20. A new door system dramatically reduces call-out frequency and improves passenger safety. We can also widen door openings as part of an Equality Act compliance programme where the existing opening width does not meet current accessible design standards.

DDA and Equality Act Compliance

The Equality Act 2010 places a duty on service providers and employers to make reasonable adjustments to confirm disabled people can access their premises and services. For building owners and landlords, this typically means confirming lifts are accessible to wheelchair users and visually or hearing-impaired passengers. Many lifts installed before 2000 do not meet current accessible design standards.

Our modernisation programme can address the most common Equality Act shortfalls, including: widening car door openings to at least 800 mm clear, fitting voice annunciators and floor indicators, installing tactile and Braille buttons at the correct height, and fitting handrails on three sides of the car interior. We advise on the reasonable adjustment standard applicable to your building type and confirm what improvements will meet it. Discuss Equality Act compliance for your lift.

Energy Efficiency Improvements

Older lifts with direct-on-line motors and relay-logic controls consume far more energy than modern equivalents. A variable-frequency drive retrofit typically reduces motor energy consumption by 20 to 30 per cent by matching motor speed to actual load rather than running at full speed throughout the journey. Standby mode programming keeps the lift in a low-energy state between calls. LED lighting in the car and shaft cuts lighting energy by up to 70 per cent compared with fluorescent or incandescent fittings.

For building owners with EPC or net-zero commitments, a lift energy upgrade contributes measurable reductions in the building's overall energy profile. We can provide estimated energy savings as part of the modernisation survey report, giving you the figures needed to justify the investment to your board or asset manager.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Do I Know Whether to Modernise or Replace My Lift?

The condition of your shaft, guide rails and car structure determines whether modernisation is viable. If these elements are sound, modernisation is almost always the better financial and practical choice. Our survey engineers assess every component and give you a clear recommendation. There is no obligation to proceed, and the survey is free of charge.

How Long Will My Lift Be Out of Service During a Modernisation?

A typical control and drive upgrade with door system replacement takes two to three weeks with the lift out of service. A full cab refurbishment carried out at the same time adds approximately one week. We agree the programme in writing before work begins, coordinate with your building management team, and aim to complete within the agreed timescale.

Will My Lift Need a New LOLER Inspection After Modernisation?

Yes. Any significant modification to a lift requires a new thorough examination under LOLER 1998 before the lift is returned to service. Our engineers carry out the post-modernisation LOLER inspection as part of the project scope, issuing the required written report and confirming the lift is safe for use. Read more about LOLER inspections.

Can You Upgrade a Lift That Is Still Under a Manufacturer's Maintenance Contract?

Yes. Modernisation work can be carried out on any lift regardless of the current maintenance arrangement. After the modernisation, you may choose to transfer the maintenance contract to us or continue with your existing contractor. We provide a full set of technical documentation for the new components to support whoever maintains the lift going forward.

Do You Offer Finance or Staged Payment for Modernisation Projects?

Lift modernisation projects can often be structured in phases to spread costs across financial years. We discuss phasing options during the survey and can produce a programme that separates the safety-critical works from the aesthetic improvements, allowing you to prioritise spending. Speak to our survey team about the options available for your specific lift and building.