The European standard defining minimum accessibility requirements for lifts serving persons with disabilities, wheelchair users, visually impaired passengers, and elderly people.
Full Definition
EN 81-70:2021 specifies physical and operational provisions enabling universal elevator use. Key requirements: minimum car internal dimensions 1 100 mm × 1 400 mm (Type 2) for wheelchair access; minimum door clear passage width 900 mm; directional audio announcements and floor number annunciation at each stop; COP buttons with raised tactile markings and Braille or raised numerals at 900–1 200 mm height; door re-opening by light curtain or pressure sensing; rear-wall mirror or reflective surface for wheelchair users reversing out; handrail on at least one wall; minimum 100 lux floor-level illumination. The standard is referenced throughout EU building regulations and by codes in MENA, Asia, and other regions requiring inclusive design.
