Types of Commercial Elevators

When it comes to vertical transportation in your building, choosing the right elevator is a functional decision as well as a strategic one. The right elevator system can improve passenger flow, meet compliance standards, and reduce long-term costs. But with several types of commercial elevators available, how do you know which one is the best fit for your property?

At Vertical Options Elevator Services, we help property owners, facility managers, and developers across the Inland Northwest make informed choices. In this guide, we’ll break down the main types of commercial elevators, including their benefits, ideal use cases, and how to weigh the commercial elevator cost.

1. Hydraulic Commercial Elevators

Hydraulic commercial elevators use a piston-driven system powered by fluid pressure. They’re ideal for low- to mid-rise buildings—typically up to five or six stories—and are known for their smooth ride and reliability.

Benefits of hydraulic elevators:

  • Lower initial commercial elevator cost
  • Simple installation and maintenance
  • Operates quietly and efficiently

Hydraulic commercial elevators are a great choice for schools, medical clinics, and smaller office buildings. They offer safe, dependable performance without the complexity or price tag of high-rise systems.

2. Traction Elevators for Commercial Buildings

If you manage a mid- to high-rise building, traction elevators for commercial buildings may be the right fit. These elevators use a system of cables and counterweights to move the elevator car, allowing for greater speed, efficiency, and travel distance than hydraulic models.

Why choose traction elevators?

  • Faster speeds and smoother acceleration
  • Better suited for high-traffic areas
  • Greater energy efficiency over time

Although commercial elevator cost may be higher upfront for traction systems, the long-term savings in energy and maintenance can be significant—especially in buildings with frequent use.

3. Machine Room-Less Elevators (MRL)

Machine room-less elevators are an increasingly popular choice in commercial spaces. Unlike traditional traction elevators, MRL systems don’t require a separate machine room. The compact design saves valuable space, which can be especially important in retrofits or small commercial buildings.

Advantages of MRL elevators:

  • Reduced installation footprint
  • Lower energy consumption
  • Quieter operation with modern technology

If you’re looking to modernize an older building or maximize usable space, machine room-less elevators are worth considering. They offer many of the same benefits as traction systems but with greater design flexibility.

4. Freight Elevators (Commercial Use)

Not all elevators are built for people. Freight elevators (commercial) are designed to move goods, equipment, and heavy loads safely and efficiently.

Freight elevator features:

  • Reinforced cabs with extra-wide doors
  • Higher weight capacities than passenger models
  • Available in both hydraulic and traction models

From warehouses and retail stores to hospitals and manufacturing plants, freight elevators commercial provide the strength and durability you need to keep your operations moving.

5. Passenger Elevators (Commercial Use)

Passenger elevators are what most tenants and visitors interact with daily. These elevators must strike a balance between performance, aesthetics, and safety. They’re available in a wide range of finishes and configurations to match your building’s architecture and foot traffic needs.

Passenger elevator benefits:

  • ADA compliance for accessibility
  • Smooth, comfortable ride
  • Custom cab design options

Whether you’re installing a new system or upgrading an older one, passenger elevators should be reliable, code-compliant, and easy to maintain.

Understanding Commercial Elevator Cost

One of the most common questions we hear is: How much will this cost? The answer depends on several factors, including elevator type, building height, customization, and installation complexity.

Key factors that impact commercial elevator cost:

  • Type of elevator (hydraulic, traction, MRL)
  • Travel height and number of stops
  • Weight capacity and use (passenger vs. freight)
  • Aesthetic upgrades or modernization needs

At Vertical Options, we use non-proprietary parts to help keep your commercial elevator cost as affordable and flexible as possible—without sacrificing quality or performance.

Choosing the Right Elevator for Your Building

Choosing the right elevator comes down to what works best for your building, your people, and your goals. At Vertical Options, we take the guesswork out of the process by helping you compare your options and find the solution that fits your space. It’s not just about picking equipment—it’s also about making sure your elevator supports the way your building runs day in and day out.

Whether you’re planning a new installation or updating an older system, our team walks you through every step with clarity and confidence. We take the time to understand your layout, traffic flow, and long-term needs so we can recommend what will serve you best right now as well as in years to come.

And even after your elevator is up and running, you’re not on your own. With Vertical Options, you get 24/7 local support, honest communication, and flexible maintenance plans designed around your schedule. It’s all about giving you peace of mind and elevators you can count on.