TL;DR:
- A platform lift is a modern, compact home elevator ideal for villas and duplexes.
- No pit or machine room needed; Cibes platform lifts fits spaces as small as 1×1 m.
- Powered by a screw-driven system with smooth, quiet, and safe operation.
- Fully compliant with EN 81-41 and ISO 9386-1 safety standards.
- Runs on single-phase power, low maintenance, and energy efficient.
- Designed in Sweden with elegant, customizable finishes for UAE interiors.
- Installed in 3–5 days with minimal civil work.
- Includes battery-powered emergency lowering system for safe use during outages.
- Visit Cibes Dubai or Abu Dhabi showroom to test-ride your future home lift.
Introduction: The Rise of Platform Lifts in UAE Homes
A platform lift is more than just a way to move between floors, it’s a modern home lift solution that combines safety, convenience, and Scandinavian design.
In the UAE, where villas and townhouses are built with elegance and vertical space in mind, homeowners are turning to platform lifts as the simplest and most stylish way to add accessibility.
Cibes Lift LLC, a Swedish company with over 75 years of engineering expertise, brings this innovation to the UAE. Their platform lifts are designed for homes, using a screw-driven system that’s compact, quiet, and safe.
What Exactly Is a Platform Lift?
A platform lift is a type of vertical lift designed for homes and small buildings. Instead of using cables or counterweights like traditional elevators, it moves through a screw-and-nut drive system or a simple mechanical system. The passenger stands or rides inside an open or enclosed platform that travels vertically between floors.
Unlike traditional lifts, a platform lift:
- Doesn’t require a deep pit or overhead machine room
- Can fit in tight spaces as small as 1×1 meter
- Operats on a single-phase 230V power supply
In simple terms, it’s a compact, low-maintenance home elevator that delivers both comfort and style, ideal for UAE villas or duplexes.
Why Platform Lifts Are Ideal for UAE Homes
Compact Installation and Space Efficiency
- In UAE villas, space is valuable.
- A Cibes platform lift can fit almost anywhere, even in narrow stairwells or corners.
- Its modular shaft system eliminates the need for a concrete shaft.
- Installation can be done in just a few days with minimal civil work.
- This makes it a perfect choice for homeowners who want an elevator without major renovation.
Stylish Scandinavian Design That Blends With Interiors
- Cibes platform lifts reflect the timeless simplicity of Scandinavian design, with clean lines, glass panels, and refined finishes.
- Whether you choose a panoramic glass shaft or a solid color design, it integrates seamlessly with modern interiors while staying practical.
- The Cibes Air and Cibes V80 models elevate both the look and function of any home.
Accessibility for All Family Members
- Platform lifts provide easy movement for elderly parents, children, or guests.
- They are fitted with intuitive controls and automatic doors that make operation effortless.
- Every Cibes lift follows EN81-41 European Safety Standards, offering peace of mind and reliability for family use.
Energy-Efficient and Sustainable Choice
- A platform lift is one of the most energy-efficient home mobility options available.
- Cibes lifts run on a 230V single-phase supply, consuming less power than most home appliances.
- The screw-driven system requires no oil or counterweights, making it clean, quiet, and eco-friendly.
- This design aligns with the UAE Energy Strategy 2050, which promotes sustainable living and efficient energy use in residential buildings.
A Cibes Air platform lift installed at a penthouse in Dubai, UAE.
Comparing Platform Lifts to Traditional Elevators
| Feature | Cibes Platform Lift | Traditional Elevator |
|---|---|---|
| Shaft Space | As small as 1 × 1 m | 1.5 × 1.5 m or larger |
| Pit Requirement | 50 mm or 0 mm with ramp | 150–300 mm |
| Machine Room | Not required | Usually required |
| Power Supply | 230 V single-phase | 380 V three-phase |
| Installation Time | 5–10 days | 4–5 weeks |
| Maintenance | Minimal (2 / year) | Frequent (6 / year) |
Traditional elevators are built for commercial use, while Cibes platform lifts are purpose-built for private homes, efficient, low-maintenance, and elegant.
How Cibes Platform Lifts Work: The Screw-Driven Advantage
At the heart of every Cibes platform lift is the screw-and-nut drive system, a patented Swedish technology that ensures maximum safety.
Here’s how it works:
- The lift platform is fixed to a carriage that rides on a stationary vertical screw.
- A motor with a drive nut is mounted on the carriage.
- When the motor turns the nut, it climbs or descends the fixed screw, moving the platform up or down.
- If power fails, the system’s mechanical brake locks the platform in place automatically.
In simple terms: the screw doesn’t move; the motor spins a nut that travels along the screw, carrying the platform up or down.
This system eliminates the risk of free fall, reduces maintenance, and operates quietly, making it one of the safest drive mechanisms for home elevators worldwide.
With 75+ years of innovation and manufacturing in Sweden, Cibes continues to lead in screw-driven lift technology.
Why Homeowners Trust Cibes in the UAE
Cibes is not a newcomer to the region. With showrooms in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, homeowners can experience the lifts in person before installation.
The brand’s global presence, headquartered in Sweden with over 100,000 installations worldwide, reinforces its reputation for quality and reliability.
As a factory-direct company, Cibes handles everything from design and installation to after-sales service, ensuring homeowners receive consistent quality and long-term support.
How to Choose the Right Cibes Platform Lift for Your Home
Choosing a platform lift depends on space, design, and number of floors.
Cibes offers several models for different needs:
- Cibes Air: Elegant and fully enclosed design
- Cibes V80: Open platform lift with panoramic shaft
- Cibes Voyager: Advanced design and finishes for luxury homes
Design tiers like Elegance, Aurora, and Galaxy allow homeowners to match the lift with their interior style.
Visit our Cibes Dubai or Abu Dhabi showroom to explore live installations and get expert advice.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Platform Lifts in UAE
Q: Can a platform lift be installed in an existing villa?
A: Yes. Cibes platform lifts use a modular shaft and require no pit, making them perfect for retrofit projects.
Q: Are Cibes platform lifts certified for safety?
A: Yes. They comply with EN 81-41, ISO 9386-1, and Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC, covering design, emergency systems, and accessibility requirements.
Q: Are platform lifts energy-efficient?
A: Yes. They use single-phase 230 V power and consume less energy than a typical washing machine.
Q: How long does installation take?
A: Cibes platform lifts can be installed in between 5 to 10 days depending on the number of floors and site conditions.
Q: Where can I test one in person?
A: Visit our Cibes Lift showrooms in Dubai or Abu Dhabi to experience a live test ride. Book your appointment.
Q: How often should a home lift be serviced?
A: Cibes recommends a preventive maintenance check twice a year. The screw-driven system requires far less maintenance than hydraulic lifts, but periodic inspections by certified technicians ensure continued safety and optimal performance.
Q: What happens if there’s a power outage?
A: Cibes platform lifts include a battery-powered emergency lowering system. During a power outage, the lift remains operational and by pressing the control button, it will safely move to the nearest floor for exit, complying with EN 81-41 Clause 5.8.3 safety requirements.
