The difference between freight elevator and passenger elevator lies mainly in their intended use and structural focus.
Characteristics of freight elevators and passenger elevators
definition of freight elevator:
is built to move heavy goods, not people. It prioritizes strength, large space, and durable finishes.
passenger elevator definition:
focuses on human transport, offering comfort, speed, safety features, and aesthetic appeal.
Freight Elevators vs. Passenger Elevators: A Quick Overview
| Feature | Freight Elevator | Passenger Elevator |
|---|---|---|
| Use | Cargo transport only | People transport only |
| Capacity | Up to 9,000 lbs | 450–2,000 kg |
| Speed | ≤0.5 m/s | 1–10 m/s |
| Interior | Rugged finish | Luxurious decor |
Common types of passenger and freight elevators
Freight elevator type
| Type | Purpose | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Class A Freight Elevator | General cargo transportation | – Cargo transported by trolleys and small pallet trucks – Single cargo weight ≤ ¼ of rated load – Suitable for offices, hotels, hospitals |
| Class B Freight Elevator | Transporting cars or large vehicles | – Designed to carry the weight of an entire vehicle – Wider doors and reinforced cabin floors – Note: B-Class freight elevator can carry passengers only if specific safety standards are met |
| Class C Freight Elevator (Heavy Duty) | Heavy cargo transportation (forklifts) | Subtypes: C1: Forklift and cargo ride together but cannot stay long C2: Forklift places cargo into elevator, leaves separately C3: Forklift and cargo ride together and can stay long – Reinforced floor, shaft, and door structure – Suitable for large warehouses and factories |
| Outdoor Cargo Elevator | Transportation in open-air places and on building facades | – Rainproof, dustproof, and corrosion-resistant design – Suitable for warehouses, docks, construction sites |
| Small Cargo Elevator | Light cargo transportation | – Common in restaurants, libraries, banks – Transports meals, documents, and light items – Compact structure, small footprint, moderate speed |
| Residential Cargo Elevator | Internal cargo transportation in villas, homestays, and self-built houses | – Small load capacity (150–500 kg) – Used for furniture, sundries, daily necessities – Customizable with transparent shaft or closed car design |
When choosing a freight elevator, we need to choose different types of freight elevators according to the usage scenario (industrial/commercial/residential), load-bearing requirements and safety regulations. For example, heavy factories usually choose Class C3, while small catering businesses may choose Small Cargo Elevator.
Passenger elevator type
| Type | How It Works | Best For | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hydraulic Passenger Elevator | Uses a hydraulic piston powered by fluid pressure to lift the car | Low-rise buildings (2–5 floors) | – Lower initial installation cost – No overhead machine room – Smooth and quiet operation |
– Slower speeds – Higher energy consumption – Limited height range |
| Traction Passenger Elevator | Uses steel ropes and counterweights pulled by an electric motor | Mid-rise to high-rise buildings (over 5 floors), offices, hotels | – Faster speeds (1–10 m/s and beyond) – More energy-efficient than hydraulic models – Suitable for tall structures |
– Requires a machine room (unless MRL) – Higher upfront cost |
| Machine Roomless Passenger Elevator (MRL) | Compact motor installed inside the hoistway, no separate machine room | Buildings needing space-saving solutions (residential, malls, hospitals) | – Saves building space – Lower energy consumption – Quieter, better design integration |
– Higher maintenance complexity – More expensive than traditional hydraulic for low-rise |
| Pneumatic (Air-Driven) Passenger Elevator | Uses air pressure to move a lightweight cab inside a vertical tube | Private homes, villas, retrofits with minimal construction work | – No pit or machine room required – Minimal site preparation – Modern, futuristic design |
– Limited to low-rise use (up to 3–4 stops) – Smaller cab and load capacity – Higher initial cost |
Choosing the right passenger elevator depends on a balance between building structure, available space, budget and user expectations.
For low-rise projects, hydraulic or pneumatic elevators offer practical and space-saving solutions.
For mid- and high-rise buildings, traction and machine room-less (MRL) elevators offer greater energy efficiency, faster speeds and improved passenger comfort.
If space maximization and modern aesthetics are priorities, machine room-less elevators and pneumatic systems come to the fore.
Meanwhile, for projects that emphasize luxury finishes and high passenger traffic, such as hotels, shopping malls or office buildings, traction elevators remain the best choice.
Freight vs Passenger Elevators: Quick comparison
| Feature | Freight Elevator | Passenger Elevator |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Purpose | Cargo only | People only |
| Weight Capacity | Up to 9,000 lbs | 450–2,000 kg |
| Speed | ≤0.5 m/s | 1–10 m/s |
| Comfort | Minimal | High (luxury finishes) |
| Maintenance Frequency | Higher (hydraulic wear) | Lower (traction motor longevity) |
| ADA Compliance | No (unless modified) | Yes (standard) |
| Example Special Types | como hacer un elevador de carga casero 20 0 (DIY cargo elevator concept) | hydraulic passenger elevator, small machine room passenger elevator |
Which Elevator Is Best for Your Building Type?
- Industrial or warehouse use: Opt for outdoor cargo elevators or small cargo elevators that can handle rough handling and large payloads.
- Offices, malls, or public spaces: Select the best kind of elevator for commercial passenger use—typically traction lifts or machine roomless passenger elevators for efficiency and design integration.
- Mixed-use buildings: Consider flexible models with service settings, but ensure they meet both cargo and passenger codes.
BDFUJI provides comprehensive solutions across all segments—from heavy-duty freight to elegant panoramic passenger elevators—offering custom shaft dimensions, eco-friendly drives, and modular modernization options.
Which Elevator Has Higher Weight Capacity?
Freight elevators boast capacities ranging from 2,000kg to 5,000kg (up to 9,000 lbs) based on cargo elevator dimensions and standards. They are perfect for moving furniture, equipment, and pallets—sometimes using specialized designs like small cargo elevators or outdoor cargo elevators for logistics centers.
In contrast, elevator passenger capacity usually varies between 450kg to 2,000kg, suitable for normal office or residential traffic.
For residential retrofits, a residential cargo elevator or a compact small cargo elevator can be an efficient solution, balancing cost and function.
Freight elevator vs. passenger elevator: FAQ
Can the freight elevator carry passengers?
Generally, freight elevators are not designed for human transportation. However, a B-class freight elevator may carry an operator or essential personnel under strict regulations. So, can B-class freight elevator carry passengers? Only if it’s specifically designed for service, and even then, passengers must be limited.
If you plan to convert freight elevator to passenger, you must upgrade the system to meet the complete safety mechanism of passenger elevators requirements, including emergency brakes, two-way communication, and infrared door sensors.
What Safety Features Differ Between Freight and Passenger Elevators?
The safety mechanism of passenger elevators includes:
- Emergency two-way voice communication
- Infrared beam protection at doors
- Backup battery power systems
- Overspeed governors and redundant braking systems
Freight elevators, on the other hand, focus on heavy-duty doors, impact resistance, and simple overload alarms.
Systems like hydraulic passenger elevator and machine roomless passenger elevator (MRL) integrate the latest tech for maximum security and energy savings.
BDFUJI, a leading passenger elevator manufacturer, offers both passenger and hybrid elevators, meeting the strictest international safety standards, including EN81-20/50 and ASME A17.1.
How Do Installation and Maintenance Costs Compare?
When evaluating freight elevator vs passenger elevator, cost is a key factor:
- Cargo elevator cost typically starts lower ($30,000–$70,000) due to simpler design but can escalate with maintenance because of hydraulic systems.
- Passenger elevators cost more initially ($40,000–$120,000) but use energy-efficient motors (traction or MRL), reducing lifetime expenses.
Moreover, freight elevators like outdoor cargo elevators or residential cargo elevators require specialized maintenance plans, especially in harsh environments.
A small machine room passenger elevator is often a better investment for low- to mid-rise commercial buildings needing both reliability and lower operating costs.
The choice of a cargo elevator versus a passenger elevator depends entirely on your building’s needs. Be sure to focus on safety, compliance, or efficiency. For mixed-use buildings, consider future-proof solutions such as modular upgrades. Always work with a trusted passenger elevator manufacturer like BDFUJI to ensure your elevator project—whether cargo, commercial, or residential—is designed, installed, and maintained to the highest standards.
