Pneumatic elevator/Lifts

[globalmax]

Anyone who has used or familiar with Pneumatic elevators. Looking to give some guidance to a friend of mine who is thinking of putting a elevator as part of a new home construction. To me, these looks like a great option in terms of cost than building a space/shaft for a home elevator and then putting a typical elevator. A typical elevator itself will be $30k to $35k PLUS the construction cost for enclosed elevator space to go up and down .
Starting price for pneumatic elevator seems to be in $30K's

Home Elevators - Cube Lifts

cubelifts.com

Homepage

Home Elevators by PVE Homepage

www.vacuumelevators.com

 

[cvairwerks]

I'll have to quiz my little sister as to what they have in their lakehouse. It's 3 story and incorporates a lot of ADA compatible features.

 

[wssix99]

I saw one of these work in a movie once.

 

[Crabman]

@globalmax

We looked at conventional hydraulic elevators pretty closely for our home in Virginia. The big issue for us was that they had to be put in a fire rated structure, which took too much floor space and was costly.

We went with a pneumatic elevator, I think they are built in Argentina. We have had it for about ten years and we love it. Simple vacuum motor, can't get stuck between floors, kind of like the tubes at the bank drive in window. I think they come in 3 diameters, we chose the medium. The large accommodates a wheelchair as I recall.

We used Daytona Elevator. They install all over the country and they were great to work with.

Here are pictures on their website.

Gallery

Ours looks like this one.

 

[Zeke]

I didn't know there was such a thing. That's neat.

Our Big Party Garage member @don long has an electric forklift parked at his loft. He built a cab for it with a safety door and using the typical remote, he can lift the cab one floor. I don't think a FL will look to good in your home.

 

[Monza Harry]

I didn't know there was such a thing. That's neat.

Our Big Party Garage member @don long has an electric forklift parked at his loft. He built a cab for it with a safety door and using the typical remote, he can lift the cab one floor. I don't think a FL will look to good in your home.

Decor dependant +/- LOL!!!!
Personally I am more comfortable thinking about cable, screw, or a cylinder, to move me through heights. A vacuum cleaner doesn't give me that same confidence. Just my opinion. Harry

 

[Zeke]

A push pull air system would be great.

 

[globalmax]

Thanks everyone. Based on what I have seen so far, these pneumatic elevators were used for last 15 years plus, considered pretty safe.
Biggest advantage I see is the flexibility to install compared to building a elevator shaft for conventional elevators

 

[rharman]

I believe @nadogail has an elevator in his home. Hopefully, he'll chime in.

 

[billconner]

There's a lot of elevators that don't require a shaft. Some require a wall to anchor to, and some are free standing. One: https://www.stiltzlifts.com/

Search for LULA elevators (Limited Use Limited Application). There's a lot. They are mostly electric motor driven, don't require pits (some a recess), and can bevel exposed or in a plain drywall shaft with interior swinging doors at landings if you want inconspicuous.

Of course you could look at a conveyor belt man lift.

 

[blazemaster83]

I work on big yachts and last year installed an elevator into a big one for a customer that was handicapped. It looked just like the one crabman posted.

 

[BombShelter]

While they might not be as deep as a commercial elevator (4'-8' below the basement floor), I'd waterproof the exterior since they tend to be the lowest point in the building. This is out of the CETCO Voltex DS Guide, using bentonite membrane for waterproofing, and if the walls are poured,using Waterstop RX (also bentonite) in the keyways.

There's nothing worse than having water in your pit, especially hydraulic where the jack shaft goes down as much as it goes up. Worse case with flooding, the inspector might make you replace your shaft if it gets too wet. I don't know if residential lifts get regular inspections like commercial but the elevator guys love selling you new shafts.

The installation cost is fairly cheap considering how much protection you get, remedial waterproofing can get very expensive depending on how it's done, in most cases you can't cut a trench and put in drain tile, the floor is a structural part of the lift.

 

[nadogail]

I believe @nadogail has an elevator in his home. Hopefully, he'll chime in.

My elevator is operated by a chain drive and a counter weight. There are no pneumatics involved.

I am very happy with the elevator and will respond to requests for more information.

 

[globalmax]

Just realized that Pneumatic elevator is built only by 1 company I am assuming they have some sort of patent.

You can shop around for dealers who will install this but all three models offered are built by this company. "Pneumatic Vacuum Elevators, LLC is the designer and manufacturer of the Vacuum Elevator, the world's only Air-Driven Home Elevators. PVE currently manufactures three versions of its air driven residential elevators, ranging from single to a three-passenger, wheelchair-accessible home elevator."

Homepage

Home Elevators by PVE Homepage

www.vacuumelevators.com

 

[denis4x4]

We have a conventional elevator with the cable/drum lift system in a shaft. It was about $35K 12 years ago. never had any issues. The drum motor is 12v and the original battery is still holding a full charge. This system will still operate during a power outage. Once a year, a tech spends about half a day checking all of the components. Only down side is that we have to maintain a landline inside the car. Cell phones won't work in ours and my wife never has hers with her anyway. Finally, try putting a mattress in one of the those tube type elevators!

 

[JohnKumar]

Opting for a pneumatic elevator in new home construction is a cost-effective choice. With starting prices around $30K, these elevators eliminate the need for a traditional shaft, saving on construction costs. Their compact design adds a modern touch and low maintenance makes them a practical option. Consult suppliers for detailed quotes, and enjoy low maintenance and potential energy efficiency. For a stylish and budget-friendly vertical mobility solution, a pneumatic elevator could be the perfect fit.

 

[Crabman]

@globalmax

The PVE is what we have, and it has been great as I said.

 

[JohnKumar]

Hey there! I just had to jump in when I saw your post about pneumatic elevators. I took the plunge a few years back and installed one in my new home, and let me tell you, it was the best decision ever!

I was in the same boat you and your friend are in. Traditional elevators seemed crazy expensive, plus all that construction for the shaft just wasn't appealing. Pneumatic elevators caught my eye for a few reasons:

• Cost-saver extraordinaire: Seriously, these things are way lighter on the wallet compared to traditional options. I snagged mine for around $30k, and that included everything – no hidden shaft construction fees!
• Space magic: Forget a whole room dedicated to an elevator. Pneumatics are like space ninjas, fitting in seamlessly without gobbling up square footage. My capsule is just 4 feet wide, leaving plenty of room for living (and dancing!).
• Installation breeze: No epic construction project here! Setting up my pneumatic elevator was a breeze compared to the horror stories I heard about traditional ones. It was in and up and running in no time.
• Eco-conscious friend: Bonus points for being energy-efficient! These bad boys use way less juice than their clunky cousins, which makes me feel good about my environmental footprint (and my electricity bill).

Of course, it's not all sunshine and rainbows. Here are a few things to keep in mind:

• Weight Watchers: They're not weightlifters, these capsules. My limit is around 500 pounds, which works for me and my family, but might not be ideal for everyone.
• Slow and steady: Forget zooming to the top floor. Pneumatics take their time, cruising at around 30 feet per minute. Think leisurely stroll, not Olympic sprint.
• Cozy vibes (maybe too cozy): It's not a ballroom in there, folks. Some people might find the enclosed space a bit tight, especially if claustrophobia is a thing.
• Accessibility check: Not everyone will be comfortable with these. If your friend has mobility limitations, a traditional elevator might be a better fit.

Ultimately, it's all about your friend's priorities. If budget and space are tight, and everyone's on board with the "cozy capsule" experience, then pneumatic elevators are a game-changer. They've been a dream for me, and I wouldn't trade them for the world!


Oh, and speaking of dreaming, check out Nibav Lifts – they've got a ton of info and options on their website: https://www.nibavlifts.us/. Happy elevator hunting!

 

[JohnKumar]

Just realized that Pneumatic elevator is built only by 1 company I am assuming they have some sort of patent.

You can shop around for dealers who will install this but all three models offered are built by this company. "Pneumatic Vacuum Elevators, LLC is the designer and manufacturer of the Vacuum Elevator, the world's only Air-Driven Home Elevators. PVE currently manufactures three versions of its air driven residential elevators, ranging from single to a three-passenger, wheelchair-accessible home elevator."

Homepage

Home Elevators by PVE Homepage

www.vacuumelevators.com

They're another pneumatic elevator manufacturer, offering competition and more options. Compare models, prices, and dealer experience from both PVE and Nibav Lifts Inc., to find the right fit for your home!

 

[NORTON'S SHOP]

They're another pneumatic elevator manufacturer, offering competition and more options. Compare models, prices, and dealer experience from both PVE and Nibav Lifts Inc., to find the right fit for your home!

First glance, I would say it looks like you'd have a shower in your living room.

 

[gungatim]

Hey there! I just had to jump in when I saw your post about pneumatic elevators. I took the plunge a few years back and installed one in my new home, and let me tell you, it was the best decision ever!

I was in the same boat you and your friend are in. Traditional elevators seemed crazy expensive, plus all that construction for the shaft just wasn't appealing. Pneumatic elevators caught my eye for a few reasons:

• Cost-saver extraordinaire: Seriously, these things are way lighter on the wallet compared to traditional options. I snagged mine for around $30k, and that included everything – no hidden shaft construction fees!
• Space magic: Forget a whole room dedicated to an elevator. Pneumatics are like space ninjas, fitting in seamlessly without gobbling up square footage. My capsule is just 4 feet wide, leaving plenty of room for living (and dancing!).
• Installation breeze: No epic construction project here! Setting up my pneumatic elevator was a breeze compared to the horror stories I heard about traditional ones. It was in and up and running in no time.
• Eco-conscious friend: Bonus points for being energy-efficient! These bad boys use way less juice than their clunky cousins, which makes me feel good about my environmental footprint (and my electricity bill).

Of course, it's not all sunshine and rainbows. Here are a few things to keep in mind:

• Weight Watchers: They're not weightlifters, these capsules. My limit is around 500 pounds, which works for me and my family, but might not be ideal for everyone.
• Slow and steady: Forget zooming to the top floor. Pneumatics take their time, cruising at around 30 feet per minute. Think leisurely stroll, not Olympic sprint.
• Cozy vibes (maybe too cozy): It's not a ballroom in there, folks. Some people might find the enclosed space a bit tight, especially if claustrophobia is a thing.
• Accessibility check: Not everyone will be comfortable with these. If your friend has mobility limitations, a traditional elevator might be a better fit.

Ultimately, it's all about your friend's priorities. If budget and space are tight, and everyone's on board with the "cozy capsule" experience, then pneumatic elevators are a game-changer. They've been a dream for me, and I wouldn't trade them for the world!


Oh, and speaking of dreaming, check out Nibav Lifts – they've got a ton of info and options on their website: https://www.nibavlifts.us/. Happy elevator hunting!

wow, you don't sound like a sales bot at all!

 

[ArcReactorKC]

They're another pneumatic elevator manufacturer, offering competition and more options. Compare models, prices, and dealer experience from both PVE and Nibav Lifts Inc., to find the right fit for your home!

If you aren't a bot, you are a very obvious sales shill for this company. While there isn't anything wrong with being a salesman and promoting your companies products this just feels slimey.

 

[NORTON'S SHOP]

He's associated with both companies he's hocking.