Residential or Home Elevators that run on air. That’s what a pneumatic elevator is. But what is a pneumatic elevator is a commonly asked question since they are the only elevators powered by the most abundant resource in the world… AIR! As the world’s only Air-Driven Home Elevator, Pneumatic Elevators are ideal space-saving residential lifts. Pneumatic Elevators are ideal space-saving residential lifts that require no harmful gases, oils, or lubricants to operate. Using innovative vacuum technology to generate lift, these eco-friendly home elevators simply rest on the existing ground floor and do not require any pre-construction shaft, pit or machine room to operate.
With its panoramic design and minimal footprint, pneumatic elevators are also an aesthetically pleasing addition to any residence while providing infinite design possibilities for any retrofit or new construction project. Based on the ascending push generated by the difference in atmospheric pressure above and below the sealed cabin, pneumatic elevators gently lower to the ground floor due to gravity and consume less energy than traditional lift systems. Able to travel up to 5 stops or 50 feet in total rise, pneumatic elevators are aesthetically pleasing, space-saving residential elevators that will enhance the value of your home while adding additional accessibility to your residence.
If you ever encounter the question “What is a pneumatic elevator?”, below is a breakdown of the various features found in these innovative home elevators.

FULLY CERTIFIED HOME ELEVATOR
Certified by the Lift Institute and meeting ASME elevator standards, pneumatic vacuum elevators have over 15,000+ successful installations worldwide in 90+ countries since 2002. These home elevators have been tried and tested, successfully passing safety inspections across the globe and certified in all 50 states in the U.S.A.
PRE-ASSEMBLED ELEVATOR
All pneumatic vacuum elevators are pre-assembled & safety tested at our PVE Factory Headquarters, ensuring the highest quality standards, unlike other home lifts + elevators which are fabricated on-site during installation. Pneumatic Elevators are not delivered to your home in a box.
MADE IN THE U.S.A
Unlike alternative, foreign manufactured Air-Driven Residential Elevators home lifts + elevators, Pneumatic Vacuum Elevators are manufactured in the United States at our PVE Factory Headquarters in Miami, Florida, ensuring your home elevator meets all the safety standards and requirements for your project’s needs.
SELF-SUPPORTING ELEVATOR
A fully enclosed home elevator, pneumatic elevators simply rest on the existing ground floor and do not require any pre-construction shaft, pit or machine room to operate. No ramp, unsightly posts or unappealing rail systems are required as these home elevators have the unique ability of being installed almost anywhere inside your home.

ABSOLUTE SAFETY
In the event of a power failure while in operation, gravity is used to slowly
descend the elevator cabin to the ground floor with back-up mechanical brakes & locks still operational. No faulty battery backup system required as you will feel safe gently gliding down due to gravity.
MINIMAL MAINTENANCE
Traditional elevators and home lifts often require annual maintenance.
Per the Pneumatic Vacuum Elevators certification, the first scheduled maintenance for a Vacuum Elevator is after 15,000 lifts or roughly 5 years, and that is simply to replace the seal located above the elevator cabin. No oil changes or gas refills required, saving you time and money.
ECO-FRIENDLY SYSTEM
Using the cleanest technology on the market, pneumatic elevators are unlike other drive systems since no harmful oils, gases or lubricants are required. These are environmentally friendly home elevators which are powered by the most abundant resource in the world… AIR!
SINGLE PUSH ACTIVATION

Unlike the slower, constant pressure, hold to control function operation of home lifts, Vacuum Elevators are single push, automatically operated home elevators which travel at the max residential elevator standard speed of 40 feet per minute. Sit down and enjoy the ride as you gently travel between floors in your panoramic residential elevator.
CUSTOM BUILT FOR YOUR HOME
Manufactured to the height of your home, pneumatic elevators are built specifically to your projects floor-to-floor requirements. With three models to choose from, including the single-passenger home elevator PVE30, ranging from a single passenger to a three passenger wheelchair accessible model, travel up to 5 stops or 50 feet in total rise with a modern and elegant pneumatic elevator.
PLUG & PLAY ELEVATOR
Operating off a 220 Volt Power Supply, these energy-efficient residential elevator have the unique ability of being plugged into your wall, making a pneumatic elevator the most advanced and stress-free addition to your home.
QUICK INSTALLATION
Due to their small footprint and plug & play features, pneumatic elevators have the unique ability of being installed in a home in as little as 2-3 days. With minimal pre-construction items and factoring in our production lead time, you could have a fully certified, custom-built pneumatic elevator ready to be installed in your home in as quickly as 4-6 weeks.
To learn more about Pneumatic Elevators as it pertains to your project’s needs, fill out the information request form below, and PVE will get back to you with further information.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Pneumatic Elevator
1: What are pneumatic elevators?
A pneumatic elevator is an air-powered vertical lift that uses vacuum pressure to move the cabin between floors. Unlike traditional systems, pneumatic elevators do not require cables, pits, or machine rooms. These pneumatic vacuum elevators are commonly used as pneumatic lifts, especially in modern houses where space-saving design and smooth operation are needed.
2: How much does a pneumatic elevator cost?
The cost of a pneumatic elevator depends on model size, travel height, and customization. Entry-level pneumatic lifts for homes typically start lower than traditional elevators, while larger pneumatic elevator residential models with multiple stops and higher weight capacity cost more. Installation complexity and local regulations can also affect pricing.
3: Why are pneumatic vacuum elevators known for their design and visibility?
Pneumatic vacuum elevators combine modern engineering with transparent panoramic cabins, offering clear views both inside and outside the lift. These home pneumatic elevators are often chosen for their visual appeal, compact footprint, and smooth vertical movement, making them a popular option among pneumatic elevators for homes.
4: Are pneumatic elevators safe and certified?
Yes, pneumatic vacuum elevators are certified by the Lift Institute and meet ASME elevator standards. With over 15,000 installations across 90+ countries since 2002, these pneumatic elevators have passed safety inspections worldwide and are approved in all U.S. states. Gravity-assisted descent ensures safe operation during power outages.
5: Where can pneumatic elevators be used?
Pneumatic elevators for homes are suitable for private houses, multi-level living spaces, and light commercial settings. Companies like Nationwide Lifts offer multiple pneumatic residential elevator options, including compact pnumatic elevator models designed for limited spaces while maintaining comfort and reliability.