Elevator numbers in France lag behind other countries

France has significantly fewer elevators per capita compared to countries like Spain and Switzerland, with only nine elevators per 1,000 inhabitants. This is less than Spain's 27 elevators per 1,000 inhabitants and Switzerland's 22 elevators per 1,000 inhabitants. Approximately half of residential buildings in France are not equipped with elevators, raising concerns about access and mobility, particularly as the population ages.

Aging population and building types affect elevator use

The lower number of elevators in France is partly due to the type of buildings and their construction periods. About 45% of main residences are collective buildings, a much smaller proportion than in Spain, where collective buildings make up about two-thirds. Additionally, about one in four of the 661,000 elevators in maintenance in France is over 40 years old and requires increased vigilance. Only 1.6% of the elevator fleet is modernized each year.

Maintenance costs and challenges

Maintenance of the elevator fleet is essential, as each elevator is involved in 3 to 4 calls per year for technical problems or misuse. The cost of repairs can vary between 20,000 and 200,000 euros, depending on the number of floors and the type of intervention, with a share of about 10,000 euros per owner during major operations. Owners must also fund the change of electronic systems due to the end of 2G and 3G telecom networks, which represents a cost of several hundred euros.

Heatwaves strain elevator systems

During heatwaves, the number of elevator calls doubles, according to the Elevator Federation. Elevators located on rooftops suffer from overheating, similar to trains and electrical networks. "Elevators are not designed to operate under 40 degrees," explained Alain Meslier, the general secretary of the union. Considerations are underway regarding the availability of technicians during the summer or the installation of air conditioning systems.

Modernization grows, but new installations decline

Modernization of elevators has increased by 8% in value in one year in France, making it the first driver for the sector. However, the installation of new elevators is declining, affected by the bleak context for new construction. Despite this, there is still a pool of buildings that could be equipped with elevators, including Haussmann-style buildings.

Lobbying for policy changes

The Elevator Federation is lobbying the government to better integrate elevators into housing policy and energy renovation work, as elevators are energy-intensive equipment. Currently, elevators do not benefit from public aids such as Ma Prime Adapt' or Ma Prime Rénov'. Previous government "elevator plans" have been abandoned due to political instability.

Recent legislative efforts

The Federation met with the Minister of Housing, Vincent Jeanbrun, in early September. Since then, three government amendments to the housing bill have been adopted by the Economic Affairs Committee. One amendment aims to include the issue of elevators in the third urban renovation program (Anru 3). Another proposes to systematically include elevators in the "Multi-Year Work Programs" (PPT) of co-ownerships. A third aims to ensure that elevators are part of the provisions for major works. These amendments could be debated by deputies if retained on the agenda.