Air Vacuum Lift The home lift powered by air
The Air Vacuum Lift is a space-saving vacuum lift that moves between floors using air pressure. There are no cables, no pistons, no pit and no traditional lift shaft, so it suits new homes and many retrofit projects.
Its transparent, self-supporting tube gives you a 360 degree view as you travel. With three cabin sizes, including a wheelchair-friendly model, it makes every level of your home easier to reach.
A vacuum lift designed for limited mobility
Getting between floors can become harder over time. The Air Vacuum Lift gives you a simple alternative to the stairs, in a compact, self-supporting lift that needs very little floor space.
Instead of cables or pistons, air pressure moves the cabin smoothly between levels. The transparent polycarbonate tube gives you a panoramic view the whole way.
The range comes in different cabin sizes to suit your needs. For households looking for a compact disability access lift, the larger models offer an accessible alternative to stairs, and the Air 52 fits a wheelchair user and an attendant.
Selected models improve independence and access without the major structural works that come with many conventional residential lifts.
AS 1735.15 compliant disability access lift for use by those with limited mobility.
How does a vacuum lift work?
A vacuum lift moves up and down by changing the air pressure above and below the cabin. It is a clever, simple system with very few moving parts.
Going up
Turbines on top of the lift draw air out from above the cabin. This creates a vacuum, and the normal air pressure below gently lifts the cabin.
Going down
Air is let back in above the cabin in a controlled way, so gravity lowers it smoothly. No power is needed to go down.
Arriving
When the cabin reaches your chosen floor, its anchoring system activates to hold it in place.
The 3 main components
Every air vacuum lift is made up of three major parts.
- Exterior cylinderA smooth, transparent vertical cylinder made of an aluminium frame and polycarbonate panels. It can be installed almost anywhere.
- Lift carA fully welded, enclosed steel cabin that runs inside the cylinder. It houses the brake and safety systems, with the seal on top of the car. An anchoring system activates when it reaches the selected floor.
- Suction assemblySits on top of the cylinder and houses the turbine engines, valves and control board. A split-unit option lets it be mounted remotely where ceiling height is tight.
3D virtual tour
Step inside in 3DExplore a real Air Vacuum Lift installation from every angle.
Types of Air Vacuum Lift
Choose from three home lift sizes, from a single passenger model to a wheelchair-accessible cabin, plus a marine version for yachts and boats.
1 passenger
Air 30
- Single passenger lift
- 159 kg (350 lbs) lift capacity
- External cylinder diameter 750 mm (30 in)
- Travels 9 m (30 ft) per minute
- Aluminium and polycarbonate structure
- Automatic interior LED lighting and fan
- In-line door openings
2 passengers
Air 37
- Two passenger lift
- 205 kg (450 lbs) lift capacity
- External cylinder diameter 950 mm (37 in)
- Travels 9 m (30 ft) per minute
- Aluminium and polycarbonate structure
- Automatic interior LED lighting and fan
Wheelchair accessible
Air 52
The largest cabin in the range, designed for wheelchair users. Ideal for households that need better access for a family member or visitor with limited mobility.
- Wheelchair-accessible cabin
- Fits a wheelchair user and attendant, or up to 3 passengers
- 238 kg (525 lbs) lift capacity
- Travels 6 m (20 ft) per minute
- Transparent panoramic design
- Automatic internal lighting
- In-line and walk-through door openings
- Compact, self-supporting structure
- Suitable for disability access applications
Marine
Yacht and marine lifts
- Absolute safety
- Space-saving design for flexible placement
- Rests on the existing ground floor
- Plug and play, with no harmful oils
- Elegant design with 360 degree visibility while travelling
- Pre-assembled and safety tested
Vacuum lift technical specifications
Compare the three Air Vacuum Lift models side by side. Scroll sideways on mobile to see every column.
| Specification | Air 30 | Air 37 | Air 52 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Passenger capacity | 1 person | Up to 2 people | Up to 3 people / wheelchair accessible |
| Rated load | 159 kg / 350 lbs | 205 kg / 450 lbs | 238 kg / 525 lbs |
| Speed | 9 m per minute (0.15 m/s) | 9 m per minute (0.15 m/s) | 6 m per minute (0.10 m/s) |
| External diameter | 30 in (750 mm) | 37 in (950 mm) | 52 11/16 in (1,338 mm) |
| Internal cabin diameter (widest point) | 25 in | 32 1/2 in | 46 3/4 in |
| Internal cabin height | 79 in | 79 in | 79 in |
| Entrance width | 20 in | 20 1/2 in | 32 in |
| Stops | 2 to 5 | 2 to 5 | 2 to 5 |
| Maximum travel | Up to 50 ft / 15 m | Up to 50 ft / 15 m | Up to 50 ft / 15 m |
| Drive system | Pneumatic vacuum / air driven | Pneumatic vacuum / air driven | Pneumatic vacuum / air driven |
| Power supply | Single phase, 20 A (3.3 kW) | Single phase, 26 A (5.5 kW) | Single phase, 32 A (6.6 kW) |
| Door configuration | Same-side / in-line | Same-side, pass-through or 90 degree | Same-side or pass-through |
| Pit requirement | No pit required | No pit required | No pit required |
| Hoistway requirement | No conventional hoistway required | No conventional hoistway required | No conventional hoistway required |
| Finished floor hole diameter | 32 in | 39 in | 54 11/16 in |
| Minimum upper floor height | 2,700 mm** | 2,700 mm** | 2,700 mm** |
| Structure | Self-supporting aluminium and polycarbonate | Self-supporting aluminium and polycarbonate | Self-supporting aluminium and polycarbonate |
| Wheelchair accessible | No | No | Yes* |
*The Air 52 is designed to accommodate a standard-sized wheelchair and an attendant. Wheelchair dimensions should be checked against the cabin and entrance dimensions before specifying the lift.
**Lower ceiling heights may be possible. Ask our team to check your home.
Features and benefits
- Disability access lift options for people with limited mobility
- Wheelchair-accessible configuration available
- Self-supporting structure with minimal construction
- No conventional cables or pistons
- Minimal footprint for retrofit and new builds
- Smooth pneumatic vacuum drive technology
- Transparent panoramic cabin for better visibility
- Automatic door operation on selected configurations
- Multiple landing and door entry configurations
- No traditional lift shaft required
- Emergency and safety systems built into the design
- Energy-efficient operation
- AS 1735.15 compliant configuration available for disability access
Why an air-powered home lift makes sense
An air-powered lift avoids most of the building work a traditional home lift needs. Here is what that means for your home.
Design
Panoramic and round. The perfect fit for any home decor.
Vacuum technology
Air driven home lift. No cables or pistons.
Installation
Self-supporting structure. Installed in as little as two to three days.
Plug and play
Runs on 230 V single phase power.
Minimum construction
Modular design for a quick and clean installation.
No pit required
Installed directly on the finished floor.
A home lift for those with limited mobility
Keeping access to every level of your home matters when stairs become difficult or unsafe. An Air Vacuum Lift is a practical mobility solution for older Australians, wheelchair users and anyone with reduced mobility.
Its compact construction means it can often fit into an existing home without the extensive building works a traditional passenger lift needs. With wheelchair-accessible models available, it helps create a more accessible and comfortable home.
Still comparing options? See our full range of limited mobility lifts, our wheelchair lifts, or every model in our home lifts range.
Options, upgrades and colours
Options and upgrades
Frame colours
Standard Gray is included. Light Gray, White, Black, Taupe and Silver are upgrades. Swatches are a guide only. View our lift colours chart.
Brochure, design pack and free quote
Everything you need to plan an Air Vacuum Lift for your home, or talk it through with our team.
Air Vacuum Lift projects across Australia
Our Air home lift range fits into almost any home without major building works. Take a closer look at a few of our installations and get inspired.
Home liftReid, ACT
Rounded home liftNew South Wales
Home liftHarrington Park, NSW
Rounded residential liftMelbourne, VIC
Home liftParadise Point, QLD
Air 30 small home liftMerimbula, NSW
Rounded home liftSunnybank Hills, QLD
Air 37 home liftBronte, NSW
Air 37 home liftNorthbridge, NSW
Air home liftPotts Point, NSW
Vacuum lift FAQs
How does a vacuum lift work?
A vacuum lift moves with air pressure. Turbines on top draw air out from above the cabin, and the normal air pressure below lifts it up. To go down, air is let back in slowly and gravity lowers the cabin, using no power. There are no cables or pistons.
Do I need a pit or a lift shaft?
No. The Air Vacuum Lift is installed directly on the finished floor and has its own self-supporting structure, so no pit or conventional hoistway is required.
How long does installation take?
Thanks to its modular, self-supporting design, an Air Vacuum Lift can be installed on site in as little as two to three days.
Can a vacuum lift fit a wheelchair?
Yes, the Air 52 is designed to fit a standard-sized wheelchair and an attendant. We recommend checking your wheelchair against the cabin and entrance sizes in the specifications table before choosing a model.
How many floors can it serve?
Each model serves 2 to 5 stops with up to 15 m (50 ft) of travel, so it suits most two, three and four storey homes.
How much ceiling height do I need on the top floor?
The standard setup needs about 2,700 mm on the upper floor. Lower ceilings may be possible, so ask our team to check your home.
What power supply does it need?
It runs on a 230 V single phase power supply, just like most household appliances, and all cabin circuits run on 24 V. The exact rating depends on the model, so check the specifications table or ask our team.
What happens if the power goes out?
If there is a power outage, the lift safely descends to the lowest level and the mechanical door lock lets the passenger step out.
How much does a vacuum lift cost?
The price depends on the model, the number of stops and your home. Get a free quote for an accurate price, or read our guide to compact home lift prices.
Ready to add a vacuum lift to your home?
Get friendly, expert advice from Direct Lifts Australia and find the right Air Vacuum Lift for your home.
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