- Which Elevator Boutique lift series is right for my home?
Choose the A-Series hydraulic for proven reliability and smaller spaces—it requires just 7.5 in of pit depth, serves 2 to 6 levels, and carries 5–6 persons (880 lbs; 950 lbs in the City of LA). California's best seller since 2012, it's available throughout California, including the City of LA.
Choose the E-Series electric gearless for premium performance and capacity—it serves 2 to 6 levels, carries 6–7 persons (950 lbs), travels at 59 or 108 fpm and runs silently. It's our premium gearless option—faster, larger and designed for luxury multi-level homes—and is available throughout California, excluding the City of LA. Both series are powered by Italian engines. During your showroom visit and site assessment, we help you compare the differences and select the right series for your home.
- How do I choose the right lift drive?
Your drive type is the engine that powers your elevator, and both of our options are Italian engines. The A-Series is hydraulic; the E-Series is electric gearless. Speed, sound levels, pit depth, capacity, machine space and price can all vary between the two.
The best way to understand the differences is to visit one of our luxury showrooms. Our team will guide you through the A and E Series so you can confidently choose the right option for your home, layout and budget.
- Which lift is best for a narrow shaft or tight footprint?
Our A-Series is the best choice for narrow shafts and tight footprints. It requires minimal pit depth (7.5 in) and our Italian engineering allows flexibility in cabin dimensions to fit your exact shaft opening. Options for swing or sliding doors help optimise tight spaces.
If your shaft is extremely tight, we work with you to optimise cabin size and door configuration. Our expert design team reviews your shaft dimensions and recommends configurations that maximise usable space.
- What are the differences between the A-Series and E-Series?
The A-Series is hydraulic: 5–6 persons, 880 lbs capacity (950 lbs in the City of LA), 59 fpm speed (40 fpm in the City of LA), 40 amp single-phase power, 7.5 in pit depth, 105 in headroom, and 10 seconds between two floors. It requires a small machine room cabinet, and is best for proven reliability and smaller spaces.
The E-Series is electric gearless: 6–7 persons (950 lbs), 59 or 108 fpm speed, 25 amp single-phase power, 12 in pit depth, 108 in headroom, and 5 seconds between two floors. It uses a vertical machine cabinet alongside the shaft. Fastest, most spacious and silent—our premium option.
- Why does pit depth differ between the A and E Series, and what does that mean for cost?
Pit depth differs because of the engineering of each series. The A-Series hydraulic needs just 7.5 in of pit depth. The E-Series gearless traction needs 12 in to accommodate the counterweight system.
Shallower pit depth (A-Series) is less expensive to construct and suits retrofits. Deeper pits (E-Series) require more excavation and structural work, which can increase builder costs.
- What's included in a standard install (scaffold, storage, GSM), and what isn't?
We include scaffold for safe installation, free 1 month storage, a GSM emergency phone in the cabin, and In-Cabin Self-Rescue (ICSR) at no extra cost on both the A and E Series (note: ICSR is not available for jobs in the City of LA). Our 3-year parts-and-labour warranty and the first year of servicing are also included.
Not included are builder works (shaft construction, pit preparation, structural modifications) and electrical upgrades beyond standard connections.
- Do I need a machine room?
Both series use a machine cabinet rather than a full traditional machine room. The A-Series hydraulic needs a small machine room cabinet (27 x 18 x 61 in; 36 x 48 x 85 in in the City of LA). The E-Series uses a vertical machine cabinet positioned alongside the shaft (15.5 x 11 x 82.5 in).
We confirm the exact machine location and space requirements during your site assessment. Lower and alternative dimensions are often possible.
- What power supply does a home lift need?
The A-Series hydraulic requires 40 amp single-phase power. The E-Series gearless requires 25 amp single-phase power. Both operate on standard domestic electrical infrastructure.
We assess your power supply during the site visit and advise if upgrades are needed.
- How many floors can each series serve?
Both the A-Series and E-Series serve 2 to 6 levels. The E-Series carries up to 6–7 persons, making it ideal for larger multi-level homes.
We recommend the best option based on your floor plan and total travel height.
- Can I choose single/opposite/adjacent door openings?
Yes. Single, opposite and adjacent openings are available in both swing and sliding doors (some sliding/adjacent orientations may not be possible and are confirmed at design stage). Single doors are standard, opposite doors allow through-cabin traffic, and adjacent doors suit corner installations.
Please note: swing-door elevators within the City of LA must include a Bus Door to comply with the Los Angeles Municipal Code (LAMC) and the ASME A17.1 Elevator Safety Code. Our design team will recommend the best configuration for your space.
- What is included in the price of an Elevator Boutique lift?
Our price includes lift supply, installation, testing, handover, scaffold, storage, GSM phone, and In-Cabin Self-Rescue (where permitted; not in the City of LA), plus our 3-year parts-and-labour warranty with the first year of servicing included.
Builder works are excluded and quoted separately.
- How does Elevator Boutique's warranty compare to the industry?
Elevator Boutique offers a 3-year parts-and-labour warranty;which begins once the elevator is installed and ready for test. Being parts and labour, it is among the most comprehensive coverage available.
The first year of servicing is included and can be extended, all servicing is carried out by Elevator Boutique technicians, and service customers receive 24-hour support. We currently support more than 11,400 elevators across California and Australia.
