If the lift is going into a shop, a warehouse or a sports hall, three things decide it: the width, the wheels and the power. Here is what you should check before you book.
The width. Narrow indoor models are around 76–81 cm wide and fit through a standard door frame. Wider models give a larger platform, but then you have to come in through a gate or loading bay. Measure the doorway before you call.
The wheels. Indoor lifts have white or grey non-marking wheels that do not leave black streaks on the floor. This is often an absolute requirement in shops and commercial premises — mention it when you book, as the standard model often has black wheels.
The weight. An electric scissor lift weighs from around 1,000 kg upwards. On an ordinary concrete floor that is no problem, but on upper floors, on a mezzanine or above a basement you must check what the floor can take. If you are unsure, ask the building's facilities manager first.
Indoor scissor lifts run on batteries and are charged from an ordinary 230 V socket. A fully charged battery normally lasts a working day with steady use. If you will be driving back and forth a lot, charge it over lunch.
They are quiet enough to use during shop opening hours and produce no emissions — unlike the diesel models, which must not be used indoors without powerful ventilation.
Installing and servicing lighting, ventilation and sprinkler systems. Painting and ceiling work. Stocking high racking. Rigging for events in halls. Shop fitting and sign installation.
What they all have in common: you stand in one spot and work directly above you. If that is what you need, a scissor lift is the right machine — if you need to reach outwards, look at a boom lift instead.
The narrowest indoor models are around 76 cm wide and fit through a standard door frame. Always measure the tightest passage on the way in, not just the entrance door.
Not if it has non-marking wheels. Ask for them specifically when you book — the standard model may have black wheels that leave streaks.
Electric scissor lifts are quiet and odourless, so technically that is fine. Cordon off the work area and agree it with the facilities manager.
Normally a working day with ordinary use. It charges from an ordinary socket, so put it on charge during breaks if you are driving it a lot.
We list 7 rental companies offering indoor scissor lift across 4 counties. Choose your county and send a request.
The list is based on what the rental companies state on their own websites, so it is not complete — many have equipment they have not listed.