Find the ideal home lift for your specific requirements regarding floor count, living area and personal lifestyle without guessing.

Since many homes in Malaysia are becoming taller and lots are getting smaller, there is more than one reason to select the best home lift available based on matching the performance, safety and installation requirements to the number of stories in your home. If you select the appropriate lift for your home, you could increase property value, gain ease of transportation and gain safety.

To help you determine which lift is right for your home, we have outlined below a simple and practical guide which indicates which Elite Elevators Malaysia models are most suited to the number of floors in your house — plus the criteria to look for when purchasing.

Choosing the Right Lift 

  • Count the number of intermediate stops and the distance between floors — determines whether you require a hydraulic vs. traction lift for your specific type of home and your continuous multi-stop usage.
  • Footprint & civil work required to install the lift, including recess (pit) and machine room and headroom requirements of the lift, determine if the lift can be installed correctly or if it will not fit in your home.
  • Quality of ride and speed through the number of floors may have an effect on the enjoyment of the lift and the extension training space or emergency access to the building.

Start with these three checks and compare below model specifications.

The Best Fit for 2 Story Homes Is E200

The best fit for 2 story homes is E200 hydraulic lifts since most 2 story homes only have one intermediary stop (G + 1). The E200 is a residential hydraulic lift system with no pit or machine room, and it runs on single-phase electricity. This makes the E200 an ideal system for retrofit or new construction projects where there is minimal construction disruption.

When to Use E200

  • You need an economical, reliable lift unit for daily usage.
  • You require minimal civil work (no pit/headroom).
  • You want the benefits of certified safety (EN 81-41) in addition to having a compact lift cab that is suitable for narrow Malaysian residential layouts.

Benefits of E200 For 2 Story Homes

  • Fast & Low Impact Installation
  • Smooth & Safe Rides For Elderly Family Members
  • Great Value: All Required Components Without Over-engineering

The Best Fit For 3 Story Homes Is E300

The E300 home elevators are well-suited for three story homes, where comfort and noise of operation become increasingly important with each new lift stop. The E300 provides a more comfortable ride, quieter operation than the E200, and a premium finish inside the cab. It retains the compact installation benefits of both the E200 (no machine room or deep pit) which makes it ideal for family homes desiring either discretion or maximum comfort of daily use.

When to Use E300

  • You have two intermediary stops (G + 2)
  • There are noise-sensitive areas (bedrooms above living areas) and you need a lift that is whisper quiet.
  • You prefer an upgraded cabin finish with softer start/stop acceleration.

Benefits of E300 For 3 Story Homes

  • Excellent overall comfort level due to the multiple short trips made each day.
  • Minimal Renovation with a High-End Look
  • Dependable Safety Features and Residential Approvals

Why It Works

Higher performance, improved capabilities, and faster operations for 4-storey homes (those that have at least three stops) will be necessary if the house is tall or will be frequently used. With its maximum speed, increased cabin size (1.5m x 1.5m) and ability to service up to G+5 stops, the X400 is an excellent option for applications that have room for this type of lift.

When You Should Opt for the X400

  • For reliably performing lifts in multiple-stop applications or for high-speed operation (up to 1 m/sec) with large cabins to accommodate wheelchairs or large loads (up to ~440 kg).
  • For a visually appealing glass cabin that serves as an architectural focal point.

Advantages of Using the X400 for Four-Storey Homes

  • Increased performance for frequent use by more than one occupant.
  • Greater loading capabilities for furniture, trolleys or wheelchairs.
  • Fine craftsmanship with the added benefit of customisable landing signage.

Other Thoughts Before You Make Your Decision

  • Frequency of use: Heavy daily use, such as in multi-generational homes which are frequently traversed, favour the X400. Low to medium daily use are usually suitable for either the E200 or E300.
  • If you require wheelchair access or heavy-duty loading capabilities, select the X400 because of its larger cabin size and increased loading capability.

When looking for a lift for your 2-storey home, you should consider how much use the lift will receive and what types of lifts are available to you. In addition to the number of storeys and available footprint, you can use an instant checklist which should be made up of the below items:

Instant Checklist

  • Number of floors and the amount of permanent at-grade parking.
  • Dimensions of the available footprint compared to all desired lifts including those being considered by others.
  • Amount of expected daily trips and load being transported by lift users.
  • Level of noise that secondary users of the lift may be exposed to.
  • Preferred style or finish of the lift that allows for fit and finish for the customers with capability to specify whether preferred finish is with natural woods or manufactured laminate finishes.
  • Power requirements necessary to run the lift.

If you have a house with only one intermediate stop and don’t want too much civil work, a compact home lift, such as the E200, is all you need. Hydraulic units start and stop smoothly and are perfect for daily use at home. Higher-rated lifts (such as the X400) should be used for homes with multiple stops, or if you need to go faster or to carry a larger load than what a compact lift will support.

FAQ

1. Can a compact lift be used to provide access to a three-storey house without extensive civil works?

Yes, both compact hydraulic lifts (E300) and compact electric lifts (E300) are designed and built for use in the residential market. They both avoid the requirement for deep dig-out pits or the need for dedicated machine rooms. Retrofit lifts and new lift installations have quiet operation and have been certified to meet safety standards. Typically, you will only require a small amount of structural alteration, not extensive civil works, when installing a retrofit lift.

2. Is the X400 too big for most residential four storey homes?

Not usually. The X400 smart home lifts is designed for actual four (G + 3 stops) storey use, with frequent overall use, and offers a higher speed of operation, larger cabin(s) than E300 models, and a greater overload margin. If you do not intend to use the fourth floor very often and you are on a tight budget, the E300 is an acceptable substitute – you should discuss travel height and duty cycle with the installer before making your final selection.

3. How much disruption will the installation of one of the Elite Elevators Malaysia lift models (E200/E300/X400) be to an existing building?

The three lift models are engineered to ensure low disruption to the existing building and have many models that can be installed without the requirement for deep pit excavations or a separate and/or additional machine room. The lift installer will work to ensure that there is minimum dust, noise and structural alteration when they install a lift into an existing building. Each installer will provide a detailed installation proposal, timeline and outline of the works that will be required to install the lift in your home.

4. Which lift is best to provide wheelchair access in a multi-storey residential building?

The X400 model is the best model to provide wheelchair access and to carry larger loads. The X400 has a larger cabin than the E300 and a higher load capacity (approximately 440kg), making it easier to provide wheelchair access, lift trolleys and allow for frequent family use. Verify the doorway and turnaround space with your installer to ensure you are within the required dimensions for compliance.

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Author

Sarah Zahra

I'm Sarah Zahra, an Research & Development specialist at Elite Elevators Malaysia, focused on advancing home mobility solutions for modern residences. My work involves researching and refining stair lift and home elevator technologies suited to Malaysian homes. I collaborate with global engineering teams to ensure safety, usability, and long-term reliability. With a background in product development, I translate technical insights into practical solutions for everyday living. I'm passionate about bridging innovation and accessibility to support independent lifestyles. Through writing, I aim to guide homeowners toward informed, future-ready mobility decisions. At Elite Elevators, I'm proud to be part of a mission that's transforming how Malaysians experience comfort at home.