EN 81-70: Accessibility to Lifts for Persons Including with Disability

EN 81-70 specifies the accessibility requirements for lifts for persons including those with disabilities. It defines minimum car sizes, door widths, control heights, tactile and audible signalling, and handrails, and is widely referenced in public-building tenders.

What EN 81-70 requires

The standard sets minimum car and door dimensions, reachable control positions, tactile and Braille markings, audible floor announcements, mirrors, and handrails so wheelchair users and people with sensory impairments can use the lift independently.

Impact on modernization

Accessibility upgrades typically drive cab, fixture, and signalling modernization: new car operating panels at compliant heights, voice annunciation, tactile buttons, handrails, and sometimes car enlargement — common scope in public-sector and residential modernization tenders.

How Vertisk helps

Vertisk helps estimators identify accessibility scope in tender documents and map it to compliant fixtures, signalling, and cab components, so EN 81-70 requirements are captured and priced rather than discovered on site.

Frequently asked questions

Is EN 81-70 mandatory for all lifts?

It is most often required for lifts in public and accessible buildings through national regulation or the tender specification. The applicable accessibility type depends on the building use and local rules.