What Is a Shaftless Home Elevator and How Does It Work?

For many homeowners, mobility challenges can make moving between floors difficult or even unsafe. That’s where shaftless home elevators come in — a modern, space-saving solution designed to bring safety, comfort, and independence right into your home.

At Oakley Home Access, our mission is to help families create homes that are not only accessible but also comfortable and stylish. Shaftless elevators are one of the most innovative ways to achieve that goal.

What Exactly Is a Shaftless Home Elevator?

A shaftless home elevator is a compact vertical lift that moves between two floors without requiring a traditional enclosed shaft or machine room. Unlike commercial elevators, which demand major structural work, a shaftless model is designed specifically for residential spaces.

It operates using a simple guide rail system and a self-contained drive mechanism, allowing the lift to travel safely through a small floor opening. Because there’s no need for a full hoistway, these elevators take up far less space — often about the footprint of a standard closet.

For homeowners looking to age in place or make their home more accessible, this makes shaftless elevators an ideal choice.

How Does a Shaftless Home Elevator Work?

Shaftless home elevators are powered either by a hydraulic drive or a traction system, depending on the model. Both are engineered to move smoothly and quietly between floors.

Here’s how they typically work:

1. Call System – The elevator is summoned using a simple wall-mounted control or remote.
2. Smooth Start & Stop – The lift begins moving gradually, avoiding jerks or sudden stops.
3. Travel Path – The cab moves along guide rails through a custom-cut floor opening to the next level.
4. Safety Sensors – Built-in sensors detect any obstructions and stop the lift instantly if necessary.
5. Automatic Braking System – Once the elevator reaches its destination, the brakes engage automatically for stability and safety.

This design ensures a quiet, energy-efficient ride with minimal maintenance required — perfect for everyday use.

Benefits of Installing a Shaftless Home Elevator

A shaftless elevator offers more than convenience. It provides life-changing benefits for individuals with mobility challenges, seniors, and families planning for long-term accessibility.

Here are some key advantages:

• Compact Design: Fits easily in smaller homes without extensive renovation.
• Cost-Effective: Typically less expensive to install than a traditional elevator.
• Energy-Efficient: Consumes less power due to the lightweight design and short travel distance.
• Safety Focused: Includes advanced safety features such as emergency lowering and battery backup.
• Future-Ready: Ideal for homeowners planning to stay in their home as they age.

Shaftless Elevators vs. Stair Lifts

Both shaftless elevators and stair lifts provide safe access between floors, but the right choice depends on your home layout and mobility needs.

• Stair lifts follow the path of your staircase and are great for individuals who can transfer in and out of a seat easily.
• Shaftless elevators offer full standing or seated transport between levels and are ideal for wheelchair users or anyone who prefers a more discreet, design-integrated solution.

Related blog: Top Home Elevator Models in 2025

At Oakley Home Access, we proudly install Brooks and Handicare stair lifts as well as vertical platform lifts and other accessibility solutions. Our team can help you decide which option best suits your lifestyle and space.

Why Homeowners Choose Oakley Home Access

Founded by Justin Oakley and Mike Vieira, Oakley Home Access is built on a deep understanding of both healthcare and home modification. As licensed contractors and occupational therapists, we approach every project with your safety, function, and comfort in mind.

We’ve proudly served homeowners throughout Rhode Island, Massachusetts, and Eastern Connecticut, providing customized accessibility solutions — from ramps and stair lifts to shaftless home elevators that redefine how you move through your home.

Contact Oakley Home Access for Home Elevator Installations in Massachussets, Connecticut, and Rhode Island!

Whether you’re planning ahead or looking to improve day-to-day mobility now, a shaftless home elevator could be the perfect upgrade for your comfort and independence.

Our experts at Oakley Home Access offer free home safety assessments to help you find the right solution for your space, budget, and lifestyle.

Call us today or visit our Narragansett showroom to see our full range of accessibility products in action — including Wheelchair ramps, stair lifts, and vertical platform lifts.

Let’s make your home a place where safety and independence meet comfort and style.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How much space does a shaftless home elevator require?

Most shaftless home elevators only need about a 4’ x 4’ area, making them ideal for smaller homes. Because they don’t require a full shaft or machine room, they can be installed almost anywhere — even in tight spaces like a hallway or closet corner.

2. Are shaftless home elevators safe to use?

Yes. Modern shaftless elevators include multiple built-in safety systems such as emergency brakes, obstruction sensors, battery backup, and smooth-start technology. Oakley Home Access installs only trusted brands designed for long-term safety and reliability.

3. How long does it take to install a shaftless elevator?

Installation typically takes a few days to a week, depending on your home’s layout and structural requirements. Our licensed contractors and occupational therapists at Oakley Home Access handle every step — from assessment to installation — ensuring minimal disruption to your home.

4. What’s the difference between a shaftless elevator and a stair lift?

A stair lift follows the path of your staircase, carrying you up and down while seated. A shaftless elevator, on the other hand, moves vertically between floors and allows full standing or wheelchair access. It’s the best choice for those seeking long-term accessibility and a seamless, modern look.