Elevator manufacturers have failed to update weight limits for over two decades, creating safety risks as average body weights continue to rise. a study presented at the European Congress on Obesity found that while lift capacities increased alongside growing weights until 2002, they have remained stagnant since—despite the average British man now weighing 86kg (up from 75kg in the 1970s) and the average woman 73kg (up from 65kg).

The 2002 freeze: Why lifts haven't kept up with obesity trends

Professor Nick Finer of the International Prader Willi Syndrome Organisation analyzed 112 lift weight limit signs across Europe, manufactured between 1970 and 2024. His findings showed that between 1972 and 2002, the average weight allowance per person rose from 62kg to 75kg, trcaking increases in body weight. However, since 2002, manufacturers have not adjusted these limits, despite continued weight gain in populations.

According to the report, US scientists proposed raising the standard to 80kg per person in the 2020s, but this recommendation was not widely adopted. The stagnation in weight limits means lifts are now at risk of overloading even when carrying the stated maximum number of passengers.

Outdated assumptions: Why oval-shaped floor space no longer works

Beyond weight limits, Professor Finer noted that manufacturers' assumptions about passenger body shapes are also outdated. Lifts are designed assuming each person occupies a small oval-shaped floor area, but rising obesity rates mean many individuals now have larger, rounder waistlines. This mismatch increases the risk of overcrowding and overloading, even if the total weight remains within the stated limit.

Who is responsible for updating lift safety standards?

The study raises questions about accountability in elevator safety. While manufacturers have not updated their weight limits, regulatory bodies have also failed to enforce changes. The lack of action leaves passengers at risk, particularly in buildings with older lifts that may already be operating near their original capacity limits. The European Congress on Obesity did not specify which organizations should take the lead in revising these standards.

What happens when lifts exceed their weight limits?

Overloading lifts can lead to mechanical failures, including sudden stops, free falls, or even structural damage. While modern lifts have safety mechanisms, such as emergency brakes, these systems are not foolproof.. The risk of injury or fatality increases when lifts are pushed beyond their designed capacity. However, the report does not provide specific data on the frequency of such incidents.