Our Guide to Scissor Lifts
Last Updated: 21 November 2025
In this blog we look at what you need to know about scissor lifts, from what they are, what you can use them for and what you need to know before you hire or buy.
What is a scissor lift?
So, what is a scissor lift? If you’re not already familiar with them they are a type of powered access platform machinery that can move up and down vertically. Designed to get workers to up to heights of 22.5 meters easily and safely. They get their name due to the criss-cross or ‘scissor’ of the machinery.
What are scissor lifts used for?
Scissor lifts are a great tool for any tasks that require workers and/or tools to be at height. They can be used in place of ladders, scaffolding or towers. They provide a safe and easy elevated work platform, perfect for construction, maintenance tasks, lighting installations and tree works.
What are the benefits of using a scissor lift?
Scissor lifts provide many additional benefits when used compared to more traditional equipment, including ladders or scaffolding. Some of the key benefits are:
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Safety
Unlike traditional access equipment, such as ladders and scaffolding, scissor lifts are fitted with safety railings, fall protection systems and other safety features – making them a safer option when working at height.
Even though training is not a legal requirement, providing MEWP training, such as IPAF training, to your operators can increase safety when operating scissor lifts, by educating workers on how to use a scissor lift, while being able to identify any risks and reducing them.
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Ease of Use and Productivity
Scissor lifts can be used as soon as they arrive and make getting to height quickly and easily boosting productivity. With easy to use controls allows workers to operate and move the machinery easily and efficiently.
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Versatility
Scissor lifts can be used indoor and outdoors and for a range of tasks, with their compact size they can easily fit through narrow doorways or tight spaces. Move them around wherever you need them.
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Environmentally friendly
Many scissor lifts are fully electric which produce zero emissions making them perfect for indoor use but also helping improve air quality and reduce pollutants in the air. Scissor lifts are also available in hybrid models, which means you can switch between electric and diesel modes, which can help reduce the amount of overall pollutants they produce while in use.
What should you consider when choosing a scissor lift?
When choosing a scissor lift there are a few things to consider, we’ve put together some questions to help find the perfect machine for your needs and requirements.
- What is the maximum height requirement you need?
- What load capacity do you require?
- Will you be using your scissor lift indoors or outdoors?
- What type of terrain will you be using your scissor lift?
- Are you looking to hire or buy a scissor lift?
- How long will you need the scissor lift for?
Types of scissor lifts
There are a couple different types of scissor lifts to choose from, we’ve listed them below. If you’re still unsure on what the best type of scissor lift for you, then please feel free to get in touch.
Electric Scissor Lifts
Powered by electric motors rather than diesel engines, electric scissor lifts are great for indoor use. The compact dimensions make these work platforms easy to manoeuvre in tight spaces like hallways and warehouse isles. Because an electric scissor lift is often smaller than its diesel counterpart, they work best on level surfaces. We have a range of electric scissor lifts in our fleet, including the Skyjack SJ4740 electric scissor lift and the Dingli JCPT2212DC electric scissor lift.
If you’re operating on rough terrain, we have electric rough terrain models, including the Dingli models, for example the Dingli JCPT1418DC Rough Terrain Electric Scissor Lift or for something a little bigger the Dingli JCPT1823DCB 4×4 Rough Terrain Electric Scissor Lift.
Diesel Scissor Lifts
Diesel-powered scissor lifts can provide the power and efficiency needed to manoeuvre over troughs and peaks in the dirt. With a diesel engine and larger wheels, you’ll find that the power of a diesel scissor lift will bring safety, stability, and efficiency.
These scissor lifts will take up more space than an electric scissor lift, so making sure that it will fit in your work site is essential. Some of the diesel scissor lifts in our fleet, include the Skyjack SJ6826RT diesel scissor lift or the Genie GS 3384RT diesel scissor lift.
Hybrid Scissor Lifts
In some cases, you’ll find yourself on work sites that require both indoor and outdoor use of a scissor lift. When this happens, you’ll need both electric and diesel engines. In this case, a hybrid scissor lift will fit the bill. In our fleet,
These scissor lifts can be powered by both electricity and diesel, making them the perfect lift for multi-site jobs. In our hybrid scissor lift fleet, we have the Skyjack SJ6832 RTE Scissor Lift.
Indoor Scissor Lifts
Indoor job sites in need of a scissor lift will typically use an electric powered scissor lift. Diesel engines produce gases that are toxic to humans. When used in areas with low ventilation, this can cause a buildup of harmful fumes. On the other hand, an electric scissor lift releases zero emissions, making them much safer for indoor use.
Electric scissor lifts will often be more narrow than diesel, making them easier to manoeuvre indoors as well.
Outdoor Scissor Lifts
When working outdoors, you’ll often need features that allow rough terrain capabilities. This will typically mean a powerful engine, rough terrain tyres, and a large stable body.
Looking to hire or buy a powered access platform?
If you’re ready to hire a powered access platform, we have both diesel and electric cherry pickers, scissor lifts, or low-level platforms to choose from—we have over 4,000 powered access machines in our fleet and access to over 10,000 platforms nationally.
Alternatively, if you’re looking to purchase or hire electric or hybrid powered access platforms, then you’re in the right place. At Star Platforms, we have new and used access platforms for hire and for purchase.
If you’re in need of a generator for your next project, our sister company, Star Power, has a range of temporary power solutions including generator hire and battery energy storage systems. If you need help choosing the right equipment for your needs and requirements, then our team at Star Platforms can help – get in touch today.
- Access Platforms Explained: A Straight-Talking Guide for UK Sites - 3 October 2025
- How to Choose the Right Scissor Lift for the Job - 19 September 2025
- Can Scissor Lifts Be Used Outside? - 19 September 2025
