The French want more modern lifts

According to a survey by the French lift association “Fédération des Ascenseurs”, a large proportion of the French population would like to see older lifts modernised.

The findings are based on the "The French and Lifts 2026" barometer, which Ipsos bva recently carried out on behalf of the French association. According to the survey, 91 per cent of respondents consider the refurbishment of lifts older than 40 years to be necessary. 52 per cent are in favour of a systematic refurbishment of such installations.

According to the survey, 72 per cent of French people use a lift regularly. User satisfaction with availability is rated at 7.4 out of 10; according to the association, this is the highest score since 2017. The French association conducts the survey annually. Comfort scores 7.1 out of 10, whilst space scores 6.9 out of 10.

57 per cent of users state that they have witnessed anti-social behaviour in lifts at some point (littering, damage to property, inappropriate behaviour). This behaviour is seen as the cause of higher maintenance costs (39 per cent), more frequent breakdowns (35 per cent) and premature wear and tear (34 per cent).

LIFTS ARE A DECIDING FACTOR WHEN CHOOSING A PROPERTY

According to the Fédération des Ascenseurs, lifts should be given greater consideration in political and construction strategies, particularly with regard to maintaining independence and quality of life, as well as access to housing. "The French no longer want half-measures when it comes to modernising lifts. They now expect clear guidelines, shared commitments and a long-term vision. This is precisely the message the Lift Industry Association is conveying to the authorities," explains Florence Bigé, Chair of the Lift Industry Association.

The barometer also reveals a remarkable shift in expectations regarding housing. Among French people for whom the lift is a decisive factor when choosing a property (39 per cent of respondents), 56 per cent consider it indispensable from the first or second floor upwards – well below the thresholds traditionally applied in the construction industry.

According to its own figures, the Fédération des Ascenseurs represents around 170 companies in the French lift sector, including lift manufacturers, operators, maintenance providers, component manufacturers and service providers. Since 2016, companies from the lifting and platform systems sector have also been represented.

More informations: ascenseurs.fr