Scissor Lift Hire Guide: Everything You Need to Know
Last Updated: 21 November 2025
Finding the right equipment for the job, quickly and efficiently is vital for getting a job completed on time. Hiring powered access platforms is becoming increasingly popular, due to the convenience and speed of delivery. At Star Platforms, many of our machines in our hire fleet are available for next day delivery and all of them are fully serviced and maintained meaning you can get to work straight away.
In this blog, we explore everything you need to know about hiring a scissor lift.
Choosing the right scissor lift for hire
With different types of scissor lifts on the market, choosing the right one is crucial for getting the job done safely and efficiently.
Within our fleet, we have many types of scissor lift for hire. Factors to look out for when choosing a scissor lift include working height, power, width, platform capacity, and terrain/surface capabilities. If you’re having trouble deciding which will work best, our team can give you expert advice.
As well as looking at the capabilities of the scissor lift, we have electric, diesel and hybrid models.
Electric Scissor Lifts Powered by electric motors rather than diesel engines, electric scissor lifts are perfect for use indoors. With compact dimensions they are easy to manoeuvre in tight spaces. Looking for an electric scissor lift?
Diesel Scissor Lifts Diesel-powered scissor lifts can manoeuvre over more difficult terrain (make sure to choose a rough terrain model!). With a diesel engine and larger wheels, diesel scissor lifts tend to have more power and higher levels of safety, stability, and efficiency. Diesel scissor lifts are bigger than electric scissor lifts, so make sure that they will fit where required. Looking for a diesel scissor lift?
Hybrid Scissor Lifts Hybrid scissor lifts can be operated by both diesel and electric, perfect for works sites that require both indoor and outdoor use.
Why choose hiring a scissor lift over purchasing one?
Hiring a scissor lift is often the preferred choice over purchasing one for a number of different reasons. Some of the benefits include:
- Reduced storage and maintenance requirements
If you have limited storage space, hiring a scissor lift is the perfect choice as you don’t need to find a dedicated space to store the machinery when not in use. All scissor lifts are maintained and repaired by the hire company, saving you time and money on the upkeep.
- No high upfront cost
Powered access machinery like scissor lifts are costly, hiring a scissor lift means you don’t have to pay the full price of the scissor lift upfront – perfect for business with limited capital.
- Access to a wide range of machinery
Unlike when purchasing, hiring machinery as and when you need it allows you to choose from a wide range of different models and types of platforms.
- Cost effective
If you don’t need to use the scissor lift often, then hiring one is a much more cost-effective option. Hire it for as long or as short as you need.
- More flexibility for different project needs
Unlike with purchasing powered access machinery, when you hire you aren’t tied down to just one piece of equipment. You can hire different types of machinery as and when you need it.
How to hire a scissor lift?
Before hiring a scissor lift, it is important to figure out the needs of your project. If you’re unsure then the equipment hire company should be able to help.
Below we’ve broken down the steps of hiring a scissor lift:
- Identify your needs, determine the working height you require, the weight capacity and where you will be operating (indoors, outdoors, rough terrain?).
- Research reputable platform suppliers, look for reputable scissor lift hire companies. Make sure to check reviews to ensure you are choosing a reliable, compliant supplier.
- Get in touch, inquire about availability, pricing and delivery options.
- Check operator qualifications, before committing to a scissor lift hire contract, make sure the people operating the scissor lift are adequately trained to ensure safety. We do offer powered access machinery training if required.
- Review hire agreement, make sure to read your hire agreement to be aware of any terms and conditions of the hire.
- Arrange delivery and pick up, once everything else is in order you can arrange for your scissor lift to be delivered and then picked back up.
At Star Platforms, we have an expert, friendly team that can help you find the perfect scissor lift for you and your project. Our aim is to make hiring any powered access machinery easy.
Scissor lift hire FAQs
How long can I hire a scissor lift for?
You can hire a scissor lift for as long as you like, which can range from a day to a couple months. It will depend on the hire company and your project needs. At Star Platforms, we offer short-term and long-term hire for whatever you need.
Do I need a license to hire a scissor lift?
No, technically you don’t need a license to hire or use a scissor lift. However, it is a legal requirement for an employer to ensure their employees are adequately trained in using MEWP equipment before they use it. We recommend providing IPAF training to anyone operating a scissor lift to ensure safety.
Will I need to service or maintain a hired scissor lift?
Most scissor lift hire providers will ensure the scissor lift is fully maintained and serviced for the duration of your hire. Make sure to double check with the company when hiring the machinery.
Looking to hire a scissor lift?
If you’re ready to hire a powered access platform, we have diesel, electric and hybrid scissor lifts available for hire.
We do also have cherry pickers or low-level platforms to choose from as well. In our fleet, we have over 4,000 powered access machines and access to over 10,000 platforms nationally.
Alternatively, if you’re looking to purchase powered access platforms, then you’re in the right place. At Star Platforms, we have new and used access platforms 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
