Screw-Driven vs. Hydraulic vs. Vacuum Lifts vs. Traction vs. Stair Lift: Which One Is Safest for Elderly People?

As India’s population ages, more seniors are living at home and require safe, convenient ways to move between floors. By 2030, the country’s elderly population (age 60+) will nearly double to around 192 million. For many families, installing a home lift can be a game-changer for accessibility. However, ensuring these lifts are safe and reliable for elderly people is paramount. Recent reports from India highlight that poor-quality components and a lack of maintenance have led to serious lift accidents. In this context, it’s crucial to understand the pros, cons, and upkeep needs of different home lift technologies. This article compares four common types—hydraulic, vacuum (pneumatic), traction, and screw-driven lifts—with a focus on safety and maintenance, especially for use by seniors in residential settings.

Screw-Driven Home Lifts 

A screw-driven elevator has a simple but ingenious system for elevation: the platform or cabin of the elevator is attached to a drive nut that moves up and down the screw, powered by an electric motor. When the motor turns one way, the drive nut makes the elevator travel upwards, and when the motor turns the other way, the drive nut makes the elevator travel downwards.

Hydraulic Lifts: The Old School Option — But Are They Still Safe?

Hydraulic lifts have been around for a long time. They work using a piston and fluid system that pushes the lift car up and down. Sounds reliable, right? Not always.

These lifts depend on hydraulic oil, and over time, leakage, overheating, or pressure issues can crop up. For elderly users, stairlifts may present several concerns. As the lift ages, the ride can become increasingly bumpy, potentially affecting comfort and safety. In the event of a power outage, there’s also the risk that the lift could get stuck mid-way, leaving users stranded. Additionally, oil leaks from the machinery may lead to slippery surfaces, posing a slipping hazard or even a fire risk in extreme cases. Regular maintenance is essential to keep the lift operational, but this can become both costly and frequent over time.

In 2023, multiple reports surfaced across Indian cities where elderly individuals got trapped due to power outages or suffered minor injuries from sudden jerks in older hydraulic systems. One such case in Pune highlighted how a 78-year-old woman was stuck for over 40 minutes due to a delayed emergency response system in a residential lift. In 2022, a case in Hyderabad saw an elderly couple injured due to a malfunctioning hydraulic piston, prompting serious discussions around safety standards in home lift systems.

Vacuum Lifts: Futuristic, But Flawed in Indian Context

Vacuum lifts (or pneumatic lifts) are referred to as air-driven lifts and work on air pressure differences. Controlled pressure changes allow the cabin to move in a cylindrical shaft without cables or counterweights.

For elderly users, vacuum lifts may seem sleek and modern, but they come with notable limitations. The ride is generally slow, and the enclosed transparent tube design can feel claustrophobic to some, especially older adults. Repairs can be frustrating as parts are not always readily available in India, leading to long downtimes. The load capacity is also limited, making it a less practical option if a wheelchair or caregiver needs to accompany the user. Additionally, vacuum lift performance can be sensitive to environmental factors like temperature and altitude—a real concern in Indian cities such as Delhi or Shimla, where weather fluctuations are common.

In Mumbai last year, a vacuum lift stopped midway due to pressure failure, and an elderly woman was stuck inside for over 30 minutes. She was okay, but imagine the stress in that moment!

Traction Lifts: Smooth Ride, But Heavy-Duty and High Maintenance

These are the lifts you often see in commercial spaces. They use ropes or cables and counterweights to move the lift. Many luxury homes in India go for these.

Traction lifts might work well in big apartment buildings, but when it comes to private homes, especially ones with elderly people, they’re not the easiest fit. For starters, installing one in an existing house can be quite a project. They need more space than you might expect and even a separate machine cabinet, which can be tricky to accommodate. Over time, the cables that run the lift start to wear out, meaning more maintenance down the road. And if the lift suddenly stops while someone’s inside, it can be a pretty scary experience, especially for older folks who may already feel nervous using it. All in all, traction lifts can feel like more hassle than they’re worth in a home setting. In one Delhi case from 2021, a traction lift abruptly stopped during descent, and the elderly man inside hurt his back due to the sudden jolt.

Stair Lifts: Simple and Affordable, But Not Always Safe

Stair lifts are motorized chairs that move up along your staircase — often seen as a cheap alternative. For homes with just 1 or 2 floors, people think this is a good fix.

Stair lifts might seem like a simple solution, but they’re not the safest option for elderly users. If someone were to faint or lose control while using one, there’s really no built-in protection to keep them safe. For seniors dealing with arthritis, vertigo, or balance issues, getting on and off the chair can be quite difficult—and even dangerous. Stair lifts also aren’t wheelchair accessible, which makes them unusable for many people with limited mobility. And if there’s a power outage halfway up the stairs, being stuck in place can be a frightening experience, especially for someone already feeling vulnerable.
In 2023, two separate cases in Kerala made headlines — one stair lift malfunctioned mid-way, and in the second, a seatbelt didn’t lock properly, causing an elderly user to lose balance and fall.

Screw-Driven Lifts: The Safe, Smart Choice for Seniors

Now let’s talk about screw-driven lifts—a technology that stands out from the rest.

When it comes to home elevators, especially for elderly users, screw-driven lifts are quickly becoming the go-to option—and for good reason. Unlike traditional lifts that rely on ropes, fluids, or complex machinery, screw-driven lifts use a simple, durable mechanism: a sturdy steel screw and a motorized “nut” that moves the lift car up and down. It’s a clean, compact system with very few moving parts, which means far fewer chances of something going wrong.

One of the biggest advantages is safety. If the power goes out, there’s no free-fall risk. The lift simply stays put on the screw, unlike traction lifts (which rely on brakes) or hydraulic lifts (which depend on valves). And since there’s no oil or fluid involved, there’s no chance of leaks, mess, or fire hazards. Most screw lifts also come with smart features like battery backup, emergency stop buttons, and sensors to detect obstacles.

They’re also low-maintenance. You don’t need monthly check-ups or oil changes. In many cases, a once-a-year visit for basic checks is enough. Some models even lubricate themselves automatically while running. With a lifespan of 25–30 years for the screw mechanism, it’s built to last. That’s a huge bonus for families who want peace of mind without constantly worrying about breakdowns or service calls.

Screw-driven lifts are also space-saving and flexible. Since they don’t need a big machine room or heavy equipment, they can be installed in tight corners, through a floor opening, or in homes that weren’t originally designed for elevators. They usually support 2–4 people and travel across 4–6 floors—plenty for most homes. While they move at a slower pace, the ride is smooth and quiet, which is actually a comfort for elderly passengers.

In India, more homeowners are turning to screw-driven lifts, especially in bungalows and duplexes, where reliability matters most. Yes, the upfront cost may be a bit more than a basic hydraulic lift, but the long-term savings on maintenance and the added safety often make it worth it.

In short, while all home lift types have their uses, screw-driven lifts check all the right boxes for elderly care: safe, reliable, quiet, easy to maintain, and designed to run smoothly when you need them most.

If you’re choosing a lift for elderly family members or designing a senior-friendly space, safety should be your number one priority. While hydraulic, vacuum, traction, and stair lifts all have their place, they come with risks that can become significant with age and time.

Screw-driven lifts offer a balance of safety, simplicity, and long-term reliability, making them arguably the best choice for elderly users in Indian homes and apartments.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why is home lift safety important in India?

With a rise in home lift installations and reported accidents, safety is critical. Faulty installation, poor maintenance, and outdated lift designs can put lives at risk. Choosing a lift with advanced safety features ensures peace of mind for families.

2.  What makes vacuum elevators less reliable for seniors?

Vacuum lifts may look modern, but they often struggle with weight limits and service issues in India. There have been reports of sudden descents and door malfunctions. Their compact size also makes them uncomfortable for caregivers and seniors using wheelchairs.

3. Can I install a screw-driven lift in an existing home?

Yes, screw-driven lifts are perfect for retrofitting in existing homes. They don’t need a deep pit or machine room and can fit in tight spaces like stairwells or corners, making installation quick and space-efficient.

4.  Are traction lifts a safe choice for elderly people?

Traction lifts are widely used and safe when properly installed and maintained. However, accidents caused by cable failure or poor maintenance have occurred in India. Regular servicing is essential, and failure to do so can lead to serious incidents.

5.   Why are hydraulic lifts not ideal for Indian homes with elderly people?

Hydraulic lifts can leak oil and require regular maintenance. In India’s hot climate, oil viscosity changes can lead to slowdowns or slips. If maintenance is ignored, it may result in performance failures that are unsafe for elderly users.

For more information, please contact Cibes Lift brand home lifts at Cibes Lift (India)  Pvt. Ltd. 

Lift  showroom in Gurugram 

Ground, Emaar Mgf The Palm Drive Vatika Professional Point, Badshahpur, Sector 66, Gurugram, Haryana 122002 

Lift showroom in Bangalore 

Ward No. 67, 8th Block, Regent Sunnyside, Ground Floor, Corporation No. 581, Koramangala, Karnataka 560095 

Lift (only office) in Kolkata 

1st Floor, Anuj Chambers, 24, Park St, Park Street area, Kolkata, West Bengal 700016 

For more information about our screw home lifts, please get in touch with us or dial +91 8800 887 887  to receive a callback and a quote.