• Elevators
    • Passenger elevators
      • Overview

        As a leading elevator company, we've engineered our passenger elevators for various building applications, including residential, commercial and public transit.

      • Schindler 3000

        Our flexible passenger elevator solution that matches form with function. The perfect all-around passenger elevator for many different building types and uses.

      • Schindler 5000

        The Schindler 5000 passenger elevator integrates the latest technologies to deliver faster handling times for larger passenger volumes with optimum ride quality.

      • Schindler 6000

        The Schindler 6000 is our premium commercial elevator that combines the latest technology, high-end finishes, larger capacities and custom designs.

      • Schindler 7000

        Meet the Schindler 7000, our passenger elevator for high-rise buildings that exceeds the demanding specifications for tall structures.

      • Schindler Villa Lift

        The Schindler Villa Lift brings a new level of luxury to your family home. With stylish and contemporary design options, it offers unique comfort and opulence.

    • Freight & other elevators
      • Overview

        We provide appropriate solution for freight, goods & special requirements with various types of bed, glass, panoramic & service elevator.

      • Schindler 2600

        Discover the Schindler 2600 freight elevator for warehouses, shopping centers or industrial facilities. It makes lifting heavy loads a lightweight task.

    • Modernization & upgrades
      • Overview

        Explore our comprehensive elevator modernization and building renovation solutions; engineered to enhance your elevator's performance and aesthetics.

      • ReStore solution

        Restore your elevator with our modernization solution which replaces critical electrical components to upgrade the efficiency and performance of your equipment.

      • ReNew solution

        Renew your elevator with our modernization solution including a new controller, inverter, fixtures, and machine upgrade to ensure a smoother ride experience.

      • RePlace solution

        Replace your existing elevator with our modernization replacement solutions. Enjoy improved equipment operation, plus digitally enhanced mobility.

      • Individual components

        Upgrade individual elevator components like drives and cabin doors to reduce operating costs, satisfy tenants and increase your long-term property value.

    • Destination control
      • PORT elevator

        PORT Technology provides passengers with the lowest possible times to their destinations with the best possible comfort.

    • Building Transit Solutions
      • Overview

        An innovative solution also known as the Building Transit Integrator (BuilT-In) that streamlines operation and information flows across multiple applications, from facial recognition to security access system and robot services

      • BuilT-In Facial Recognition

        By integrating Schindler Transit Management System with facial recognition, BuilT-In brings about a whole new level of convenience.

      • BuilT-In QR

        BuilT-In QR PORT Access is a proprietary Schindler solution that includes the ‘BuilT-In QR’ mobile app, PORT terminals, QR readers and BuilT-In Visitor Management System.

      • BuilT-In Robot Service Connection

        With BuilT-In integration robots can easily navigate busy building environments, place elevator calls to their destination floors, and request elevator status information.

      • BuilT-In Landing Destination Indicator

        Advertisements and infotainments are slowly slotting in every corner of the building, no matter on a TV, touch-screen device, elevator door etc.

      • BuilT-In API

        The agile, powerful API enables building management to effectively analyse data and handle daily operations, from biometric access control to robotics applications and real-time passenger tracking.

    • Digital Media Services
      • Overview

        Our digital media services make it possible to turn your elevators into communication platforms. New possibilities to advertise!

      • Schindler Ahead MediaScreen

        This in-car media solution for elevators provides relevant information to your passengers in real-time, with minimal effort and maximum attention.

      • Schindler Ahead SmartMirror

        Our new in-elevator multimedia experience will change the way passengers enjoy their elevator ride.

      • Schindler Ahead AdScreen

        We created the Schindler Ahead AdScreen to maximize your advertising effect with every elevator trip.

    • CleanMobility
      • Overview

        Explore our solutions that help keep elevators sanitary and safe.

      • ElevateMe

        Our new Schindler ElevateMe mobile application gives elevator passengers the control to interact with elevators using their smartphones.

      • CleanCall

        Our Schindler CleanCall lets passengers select their destination with a simple wave of the hand.

      • CleanCover

        Schindler CleanCover is an antibacterial protective film that covers elevator cabin surfaces that are often touched by passengers, such as the buttons, panels, and walls.

      • kNOw Touch

        kNOw Touch easily replaces conventional touch-based buttons with a sensor interface that requires no physical contact to activate.

      • PORT Technology & myPORT

        Visitors navigate their way through buildings equipped with Schindler PORT and myPORT using only their phone or personal access card.

      • UV CleanAir

        With Schindler UV CleanAir, the air in elevator cabins is sanitized and cycled more frequently and efficiently.

      • UV CleanCar

        Our Schindler UV CleanCar uses UV-C ultraviolet light to destroy bacteria and viruses in elevators reducing the risk transmission between passengers.

      • CleanSpace

        With Schindler CleanSpace, you can adjust the maximum load capacity in elevators to keep cars from becoming overcrowded.

  • Escalators & Moving walks
    • Escalators
      • Schindler 9300

        Enhanced safety features, energy efficiency, and space savings, the Schindler 9300 escalator defines state-of-the-art for moving people in commercial & public spaces.

      • Schindler 9700

        The Schindler 9700 escalator is the ideal mobility solution for large public spaces with high-traffic demands, like airports and train stations.

    • Moving walks
      • Schindler 9500 inclined

        Developed with shopping malls in mind, the Schindler 9500 inclined moving walk provides quiet and comfortable transportation from floor to floor.

      • Schindler 9500 horizontal

        Explore the Schindler 9500 horizontal moving walk, the ideal solution for public transportation.

    • Modernization
      • Overview

        Our professional and highly experienced technicians can modernize your escalators and moving walks from simply installing updated components to performing a full replacement.

      • InTruss

        The existing escalator/moving walk is extracted, keeping its truss in place. A new Schindler escalator or moving walk is assembled inside the existing truss.

    • Digital Media Services
      • Overview

        Utilizing the captive audience and dwell time, Schindler Digital Media Services will enhance the passengers experience with value adding content, information and entertainment.

      • Schindler Ahead AdSpot

        The urbanization of our world means we are traveling up and down a lot more frequently than ever before. So it is no surprise that our media is also going vertical.

    • CleanMobility
      • Overview

        At Schindler, we’re continuously developing solutions to help keep escalators and moving walks sanitary and safe.

      • Ultra UV & UV Pro

        Schindler Ultra UV and Ultra UV Pro help to keep handrails clean and reduce bacteria and viruses with an innovative and effective UV-C light system.

  • Services
  • Careers
    • Overview
    • Who we are
      • Overview

        Schindler’s mission is to keep the urban world moving.

      • Our values

        Our values are the foundation of everything we do, and allow us to remain a leading global player in the elevator and escalator industry.

      • Inclusion and diversity

        Our global presence gives us access to the full spectrum of human diversity – reinforcing our ability to adapt and innovate.

    • Why Schindler
    • Work and grow at Schindler
      • Compensation and benefits

        Discover more about Schindler employee compensation packages and benefits – and why competitive salaries are just the start.

      • Professional development

        The key to maintaining our proud legacy of Swiss precision engineering, attention to detail, and quality is making sure that all our people – at every level – are trained and ready.

      • Leadership growth

        We strongly believe in fostering a corporate culture of continuous development and providing a platform where our employees can grow.

      • Career development

        We prioritize career development, offering tailored paths for growth and advancement. Explore diverse roles, acquire new skills, and seize opportunities for progression within our global organization.

      • International careers

        International assignments are a key part of how we develop our people. Grow your career internationally with Schindler.

      • Work-Life balance

        Finding the right balance between work and life can be tough. We make it easier through flexible modern policies designed to meet diverse needs.

    • Who we look for
      • Students and graduates

        Explore the extensive possibilities for students and recent graduates at Schindler.

      • Experienced professionals

        Explore our open opportunities across various business functions, from engineering, IT, sales, and marketing, to communications, finance, quality management and HR, and embark on a thriving career with us.​

    • Open positions
  • Segments
  • References
  • Innovations
  • News and media relations
  • About us
Contact us

A short guide to ensure a successful apartment elevator modernization

Essential information for planning your elevator upgrade. Better late than never, goes the saying. But in the case of elevator modernization, leaving it too long can cost you dearly. That’s why the best time to start planning your modernization is now. And we’ve got the advice to help you do just that.


Have you ever tried to get an ancient Walkman repaired? Even an old iPod? If you have, you’ll know that few places have the right parts. If you do find somewhere that can fix it, you could end up paying more than if you simply replaced your technology. Sure, the old tech has nostalgia value, but it can’t do half what the latest gadgets can.

It’s the same with elevators. While we can usually repair your equipment, at some point it makes sense to upgrade or modernize instead. Most elevators are more than 30 years old and reaching the end of their useable life. It’s best to plan ahead for updates or you risk leaving your tenants or visitors in the lurch when your equipment breaks down.

Updating your elevators can also boost the value of your property, improve energy efficiency and help you comply with the latest codes and standards.

Better to bite the bullet and get on with your elevator modernization before it’s too late. In this article we look at:

  • When to plan your apartment elevator modernization?
  • What isthe right type of modernization for you?
  • How to pay for your modernization?

When to plan your modernization

Elevator modernization can seem daunting. But the first step is simple: you just need to determine if the needs of your elevator or escalator have changed, or if there’s a problem with your equipment.

The lifespan of an elevator is usually 25-30 years. You might sensibly assume that if your elevator is around that age, you should modernize it. But there are many factors that can shorten the life of the elevator. For example, how many trips it makes per day, or if it’s used for carrying heavy equipment.

By answering some important questions, you can decide if your elevator should be modernized in the near future:

  • Does the elevator no longer meet the latest safety requirements?
  • Is the elevator breaking down more often?Is it becoming harder to replace parts?
  • Or are the parts already obsolete?
  • Have the inspection reports found major issues?
  • Is the equipment visibly damaged?
  • Or do you want to improve the aesthetic?
  • Do you want better performance or traffic-handling?

If you answered ‘yes’ to any of these questions, then you should seriously consider a modernization. The next step is understanding what type of modernization best suits your needs.


What is the right type of modernization for you?

There are two main types of modernization available:

Partial modernization

This type of modernization addresses the biggest problems in your elevator with packages that upgrade specific components, such as the fixtures or the controller.

With a partial modernization, you can have the work done over time rather than all at once. This reduces the downtime of the equipment and the impact on your budget. You can start by targeting the most at-risk components and update the rest as the need arises.

With a partial modernization, you can also take advantage of some of the new technologies available. These include remote monitoring and servicing of the equipment. Depending on the options you select, you might also see improved energy efficiency. Always good for green credentials and your bottom line.

But there is a catch with a partial modernization. Many of the components will still need to be updated at a later date. This means the work takes longer, giving residents the impression that the elevator is ‘always’ being repaired.

Complete modernization

This type of modernization works within the existing shaft space but replaces almost all of the existing elevator system (guard rails, for example, are often kept). This choice is the best if you want to completely renovate the interior or replace old-style doors (such as swing or manual doors) with the latest versions.

With a complete modernization, you get all the benefits of a new elevator while working within the available space. You increase the value of the building, and your tenants see a visible improvement. Plus, you can take advantage of the many energy efficient components that have been developed in recent years. 

A complete modernization does need more time, typically around 3-5 weeks. If you only have one elevator, tenants will have to use the stairs for the whole of this period. Or, for a building with multiple elevators, the wait time for an elevator will be longer than normal. However, adding a destination dispatch system, like Schindler PORT technology, can help reduce wait times during the modernization. A complete modernization also needs more upfront financing, rather than spreading the costs over time.  


How do I pay for it?

Once you’ve decided what type of modernization is right for you, the next question is how do you pay for it?

In some countries, you can get government support, either via grants or tax deductions, to help you make your elevator more energy efficient. It’s often possible to finance the modernization of elevators through a bank loan as well.

To help you decide which modernization is right for you and understand the financing options available, get in touch. We carry out a thorough assessment of your equipment and share these results with you. Based on this information, we provide transparent recommendations about the best options for your building. And, if there are government programs and financing programs available in your country, we can even help you apply.


Get expert help with your elevator modernization

There’s another saying that’s more suited to elevator modernization: never put off until tomorrow what you can do today. So, don’t leave your elevator in the past.Get started on your plans as soon as possible. Your tenants, and your accountant, will thank you.