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How Much Space Do You Need for a Home Elevator?

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*This content is for educational purposes only and is not a reflection of the capabilities or features of Pneumatic Vacuum Elevators products. Contact PVE directly for more details.

Thinking about adding a home elevator, but not sure if you have enough space? You’re not alone. 

Many homeowners assume elevators are only for sprawling estates—but thanks to advances in compact lift technology, that’s no longer the case. 

Pneumatic Vacuum Elevators (PVE) are designed with space efficiency in mind, making them a smart solution for both new builds and retrofits.

We’ll break down the space requirements for installing a home elevator and explain why PVE lifts are ideal for smaller homes or tight floor plans.

Why Space Matters When Choosing a Home Elevator

Traditional home elevators often require machine rooms, deep pits, and dedicated shafts, taking up valuable square footage. 

But for homes where space is limited or layout flexibility is key, these bulky setups can be a major obstacle. That’s where PVE stands out.

PVE elevators use air pressure and cylindrical self-contained designs to minimize the need for invasive construction or added machinery. The result? 

A lift system that’s not only sleek and modern but also highly adaptable to smaller footprints.

4 Models To Choose From

Are you looking for an in-home elevator? Simply pick your favorite below to learn more.

PVE Elevator Dimensions and Footprint

PVE offers three main models, each designed with different household needs and available space in mind:

PVE30 – Single Passenger

  • External Diameter: 30 inches (750 mm)
  • Internal Cabin Diameter: 20 ½ inches (521 mm)
  • Internal Cabin Height: 6’7″ (79 inches / 2007 mm)
  • Entrance Opening: 20 ½ inches (521 mm)
  • Weight Capacity: 350 lbs (159 kg)
  • Maximum Travel: 50 feet (15 m) over up to 5 stops
  • Minimum Overhead Clearance: Standard Unit: 107 inches (2.72 m) Split Unit: 97 inches (2.46 m)
  • Through-Floor Hole Diameter: 32 inches (813 mm)

Ideal for tight spaces and single-passenger use.

PVE37 – Two Passengers

  • External Diameter: 37 inches (950 mm)
  • Internal Cabin Diameter: 29 ½ inches (750 mm)
  • Internal Cabin Height: 6’7″ (79 inches / 2007 mm)
  • Entrance Opening: 20 ½ inches (521 mm)
  • Weight Capacity: 450 lbs (205 kg)
  • Maximum Travel: 50 feet (15 m) over up to 5 stops
  • Minimum Overhead Clearance: Standard Unit: 107 inches (2.72 m) Split Unit: 97 inches (2.46 m)
  • Through-Floor Hole Diameter: 39 inches (991 mm)

Suitable for two passengers or a single passenger with a cabin seat.

PVE52 – Wheelchair Accessible

  • External Diameter: 52 11/16 inches (1,339 mm)
  • Internal Cabin Diameter: 43 ½ inches (1,118 mm)
  • Internal Cabin Height: 6’7″ (79 inches / 2007 mm)
  • Entrance Opening: 32 inches (813 mm)
  • Weight Capacity: 525 lbs (238 kg)
  • Maximum Travel: 50 feet (15 m) over up to 5 stops
  • Minimum Overhead Clearance: Standard Unit: 107 inches (2.72 m) Split Unit: 97 inches (2.46 m)
  • Through-Floor Hole Diameter: 54 11/16 inches (1,389 mm)

Designed for wheelchair accessibility and larger capacities

Each model can be installed through a floor cut-out or fitted to the exterior of a wall, depending on your home’s layout. No shaft, pit, or separate machine room means minimal construction disruption.

Ceiling Height and Floor-to-Floor Distance

A standard PVE elevator installation typically requires:

  • Ceiling height: ~8 feet minimum per floor
  • Floor-to-floor travel distance: Customizable up to 50 feet (for up to 5 stops)
  • Top floor clearance: At least 8 inches of clearance above the elevator cab

Because of the modular design, PVE lifts can be installed with minimal ceiling modifications, even in homes with lower-than-average ceiling heights.

Structural Considerations

Since PVE elevators are self-supporting and lightweight, they don’t require the structural reinforcements that many traditional elevators do. 

Key benefits include:

  • No Pit Required: Elevators rest on the existing ground floor.
  • No Hoistway or Machine Room Needed: Self-supporting design simplifies installation.
  • Electrical Requirements:
  • PVE30: 25 AMP 220VAC
  • PVE37: 30 AMP 220VAC
  • PVE52: 35 AMP 220VAC

Note: It’s recommended to install a voltage stabilizer to protect electrical components.

This makes PVE elevators perfect for retrofits, townhomes, and residences where layout flexibility is limited.

Ideal Installation Locations

Because of their compact footprint, PVE elevators can be installed in a variety of spaces, including:

  • In the center of a room (as a design feature)
  • Tucked into corners or closets
  • Along staircases
  • As part of exterior wall additions

The flexibility of placement gives homeowners more options when planning mobility solutions without compromising on design.

Elevating the Everyday—With Air

The science behind pneumatic elevators proves that innovation and simplicity can go hand-in-hand. 

By harnessing the natural properties of air pressure, PVEs offer a smooth, safe, and energy-efficient alternative to traditional elevators, without the construction headaches.

Whether you’re preparing your home for aging in place, increasing accessibility, or simply upgrading to a smarter lifestyle, PVE’s air-powered technology delivers the freedom to move beautifully.

Ready to take your home to the next level?

Request a free consultation!

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*This content is for educational purposes only and is not a reflection of the capabilities or features of Pneumatic Vacuum Elevators products. Contact PVE directly for more details.

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