Buying a used elevator may seem like a good way to save money, but it carries significant risks for the safety and economy of the building. In general, an elevator has a limited lifespan (about 20–25 years), after which breakdowns become frequent and costly. Below, we detail the main reasons to avoid second-hand elevator equipment (residential, commercial, industrial, or freight elevators), aimed at owners, architects, and administrators:
Equipment safety and integrity.
The absolute priority in any elevator installation is user safety. Older elevators often lack the latest safety technologies, such as comprehensive door sensors, updated emergency brakes, and modern speed limiters, meaning they do not comply with current standards. In fact, experts point out that up to 93% of elevator accidents occur in installations that do not have the minimum safety improvements required today. An old elevator that has not been upgraded is therefore prone to serious failures.
In addition, old equipment that has not been upgraded can suffer from overloads, sudden braking, or unexpected electrical failures that endanger passengers and cargo. In short, the lack of maintenance and modernization of used equipment compromises the protection of people (e.g., doors that close without stopping when they encounter obstacles), making it much more dangerous than a modern model.
Regulatory compliance and legal responsibility
Purchasing a second-hand elevator involves verifying that it complies with current regulations, which can be complex in the case of older models. Owners are responsible for keeping inspections up to date: according to the new regulations, if an elevator fails its periodic inspection, the equipment must be shut down immediately until the inspection is carried out. Buying a second-hand elevator without a guarantee of compliance means assuming the obligation to invest large sums of money to bring it up to date or, failing that, facing penalties and service stoppages. In short, it is unlikely that a second-hand elevator will be “ready to go” without adaptation, which can lead to unexpected costs and legal procedures.
Technological obsolescence and energy efficiency.
Elevator technology is constantly evolving in terms of efficiency and comfort, so second-hand equipment can quickly become obsolete. Older models tend to be slower, noisier, and less accurate than current ones. Modern installations incorporate digital controls, soft starters, and state-of-the-art motors that reduce energy consumption. Replacing old components with new ones results in real savings on the electricity bill—up to 35% less energy, according to studies—and improves the speed and precision with which the cabin stops. In addition, obsolete elevators lack current features such as connectivity for remote diagnostics or advanced detection systems. This technological gap not only means higher operating costs, but also requires the replacement or modernization of much of the equipment to bring it up to the standard of a modern elevator. Such upgrades are often complex and costly, negating the supposed initial price advantag
Maintenance and availability of spare parts
The mechanical interior of a modern elevator is a good example of the complexity of its components. However, this modernity contrasts with the reality of older elevators, as their spare parts may be obsolete or discontinued. According to one report, when critical parts are discontinued, owners face rising maintenance costs and prolonged downtime, as obtaining replacement parts is “costly and time-consuming.” The result is prolonged downtime that is inconvenient for both users and building operations.
The shortage of original spare parts is due to the fact that second-hand elevators are often older models that are no longer in production. In such cases, obtaining genuine parts is virtually impossible, resulting in lengthy repairs and increased downtime:
- Shortage of original spare parts: used lifts are usually older models that are no longer in production. In these cases, obtaining genuine parts is practically impossible, which means repairs take longer and downtime increases.
- Use of non-certified components: in the absence of official parts, it is common to use generic or adapted spare parts. This not only makes repairs more expensive (as special designs or reconditioning are required), but also increases the frequency of failures and can compromise safety.
- High costs and delays: Finding or manufacturing spare parts for obsolete elevators increases the price and lengthens repair times. According to experts, obtaining the right spare part can be “difficult, slow, and costly,” which increases operating expenses and prolongs equipment downtime.
Warranty and liability.
Unlike new equipment, used lifts do not usually come with a manufacturer's warranty. Most used lifting platforms are “no longer covered by warranty.” This means that any hidden defects or structural faults discovered after purchase must be borne by the owner. There is also no insurance from the seller or manufacturer to protect against hidden defects, so there is a significant financial risk. Consequently, the buyer assumes all risks: if the lift fails, they will have to pay all repair costs and any compensation for accidents, without being able to claim against third parties.
Total cost of ownership
Although the purchase price of a used elevator may be lower, the total cost of ownership will be much higher. In addition to the initial price, there are several hidden costs to consider:
- Transportation and installation: moving bulky and heavy equipment from another location may require special cranes and additional labor.
- Immediate repairs: often, a used elevator needs repairs or replacement parts before it can be put into service.
- Regulatory updates: adapting the equipment to the new ITC (sensors, load, controls) involves an extra investment.
- High energy consumption: an old elevator tends to use more electricity during daily operation, which makes it more expensive to use.
- Recurring maintenance: a larger and more frequent budget will be required to keep it running.
These factors mean that the initial savings are quickly eroded. In fact, when all the costs (modernization, repairs, and consumption) are added up, the total investment may be equal to or greater than that required to install a new elevato
Why is it not advisable to buy used elevators?