01 / Overview
What a Cibes Primo is, and isn't
Cibes Primo and Cibes Air® are screw-driven vertical platform lifts (VPLs) manufactured by Cibes Symmetry — the U.S. brand of the Swedish Cibes Lift Group, headquartered in Peoria, IL. They serve floor-to-floor travel up to 23 feet in residential, public, and commercial buildings.
They are not elevators. They run at 30 fpm under hold-to-run controls, require no machine room (MRL), and conform to ASME and ADA standards in the U.S. (and CE under European Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC for international projects). Three configurations cover the lineup:
- Cibes Primo — robust indoor/outdoor workhorse, 880 lb capacity, 17 platform sizes
- Cibes Air® — indoor design-forward variant with customizable platform interiors (metal, textile, or wood back panel)
- Cibes Primo Outdoor — outdoor-rated Primo for porch, patio, and exterior building access (available for platform sizes 15 and 16)
Mobility123 is an authorized Cibes Symmetry dealer serving New Jersey statewide. Three NJ-licensed elevator mechanics on staff handle every install. Note: the Primo product line is Cibes Symmetry's Swedish-engineered offering; the Symmetry VPL line (covered in its own guide) is the US-engineered offering. Both are installed by the same Mobility123 team.
02 / Models at a glance
Three configurations, side by side
A quick orientation for spec'ing. Deep dive in §03.
| Model | Installation | Capacity | Top Height | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cibes Primo | Indoor / Outdoor¹ | 880 lb | 88 5/8" (door) / 43 3/8" (gate) | General-purpose VPL, robust workhorse |
| Cibes Air® | Indoor | 660 / 880 lb | 88 5/8" (door) / 51 1/4" (gate) | Design-forward residential, customizable interior |
| Cibes Primo Outdoor | Outdoor | 880 lb | Same as Primo + roof | Porch, patio, exterior access |
¹ Outdoor concept available for platform sizes 15 and 16 only.
All standard models — Speed 30 fpm · Power 230 VAC / 60 Hz / 16 A single-phase · Drive Screw and nut (EcoSilent) · Motor 3 hp · Max stops 4 · Max travel 23 ft (note: travel over 14 ft may require a variance from your local jurisdiction).
03 / Model deep-dive
When each model is the right call
Cibes Primo
Robust, reliable platform lift with a space-efficient and discreet design. 17 standard platform sizes ranging from 22 11/16″ × 30 15/16″ (Size 1) up to 42 3/8″ × 61 1/8″ (Size 17). Tempered laminated safety glass or steel shaft panels. ASME compliant. The most flexible Cibes platform lift for U.S. projects.
- Screw + nut drive
- 880 lb
- Up to 23 ft travel
- Pitless option
Cibes Air®
Design-forward indoor variant with three platform interior concepts: Metal (close to 300 RAL/premium colors), Textile (light blue linen or gray wool back panel), or Wood (oak or bamboo). Front panel in metal or DecoLegno® (white/black/beige). 660 lb or 880 lb capacity options. LED-lit floor safety edges available.
- Metal / Textile / Wood
- 660 or 880 lb
- Indoor only
- DecoLegno® front panel
Cibes Primo Outdoor
Outdoor-configured Primo with weather-protection options: outdoor roof (3 slope directions), plexiglas or steel canopy, snow fence, fan heater, heating pads for door locks, gutter-ready roof, drip plate, and an air-conditioning-ready connection box. Available for platform sizes 15 and 16. Up to 4 stops with multi-level access.
- IP-rated electrical
- Roof + canopy
- Heated locks
- AC-ready
04 / Structural Requirements
Floors, walls, pits, and hoistway prep
Cibes platform lifts ship as a complete ready-made shaft (steel or glass) — there's no separate hoistway to build. The lift only needs to be fixed to a load-bearing wall on the machinery side. That keeps structural prep minimal compared to traditional elevators.
Floor & wall
- Mast support
- Load-bearing wall on machinery side (steel or masonry preferred)
- Outdoor slab
- Reinforced concrete pad with drainage (Primo Outdoor)
- Wall fixing
- Per Cibes' bracket spec; U-brackets, angle brackets, or ceiling brackets available
- Footprint
- ~27 sq ft for a wheelchair-accessible model — much smaller than hydraulic/traction
Pit
- Standard
- 0/2″ (pitless with access ramp) or 2 3/4″ (full pit)
- Pitless
- Reduces costs, preserves structural integrity, ideal for retrofits
- Custom flooring
- 2 3/4″ pit required for laminate/tile (max 25/32″ thick)
- Outdoor
- Drip plate + drainage required regardless of depth
Hoistway
- Geometry
- Plumb, level, square — the screw must be true
- Min headroom
- 90 5/8″ (door) above the upper landing
- Top height
- 88 5/8″ (door) or 43 3/8″–51 1/4″ (gate)
- Shaft
- Tempered laminated safety glass OR steel panels (ready-made)
The "no-pit" option is a major advantage on slab-on-grade retrofits, in basements, or in buildings near groundwater (where excavation risks water infiltration). Outdoor installs add a drip plate and drainage but otherwise follow the same structural framework.
05 / Electrical System
Power, lighting, and backups
| Item | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Mains power | 230 VAC, 60 Hz, 16 A single-phase dedicated circuit |
| Motor | 3 hp |
| Disconnect | Fused or breaker disconnect at the lift, code per AHJ |
| Cabling | Cross-section per the local electrician's evaluation (Cibes guidance is reference only) |
| Lighting | Plain ceiling OR LED diode ceiling with energy-saving programming (idle-off) |
| Battery backup | Standard. Provides emergency lowering after power loss + alarm/telephone power |
| Manual lowering | Standard |
| Phone / telephone | ASME-compliant standard telephone included; ADA Hands-Free Telephone required for commercial applications |
A Cibes EcoSilent-equipped lift consumes about 215 kWh/year (comparable to a modern washing machine, based on a 2-stop, 141 3/4″ travel, 20 trips/day). Operating noise is ~40 dB at 78 3/4″ — quiet-library territory. Outdoor installs need a weatherproof disconnect mounted within sight of the lift per NEC.
06 / Doors, gates, and access
Doors, gates, ramps, and access angles
Six door/gate models cover the configuration matrix. All glazing is tempered + laminated safety glass (5/32″ glass + 1/32″ PVB foil + 5/32″ glass).
Steel doors (78 3/4″ tall)
- A20
- Single hinged, RAL 9016, 28 1/8″ × 62″ glass panel
- A10 / A0
- Single hinged, RAL 9016, 3 5/8″ × 39 3/4″ glass panel
- A25
- Steel gate, RAL 9016, 28″ × 28″ glass panel
Aluminum doors (81 1/2″ tall)
- AL5
- Single hinged, natural alum., 30 1/2″ × 72 1/4″ glass
- AL6
- Single hinged, natural alum., 32 1/2″ × 78 3/4″ glass
- Concealed opener
- Optional on all door models — invisible automatic opener
Gates & access
- A15 gate
- Steel gate, RAL 9016 (no glass)
- Gate heights
- 43 5/16″ or 51 3/16″
- Access ramp
- Available with pitless install — bridges level difference at bottom landing
- Configurations
- Single entry, open-through, adjacent (90°), or opposite-side access
For pitless installations, an access ramp is standard with the lift. Door opening widths vary by lift size: typical ranges are 27 5/8″ to 35 1/2″ (ASME A18.1 §3.7 minimum 32″ clear opening for wheelchair access is met or exceeded on commercial-compliant sizes).
07 / Outdoor Installations
Built for the elements
Cibes Primo Outdoor (platform sizes 15 and 16) ships with a comprehensive weatherproofing package and adapts to a wide range of climates with optional accessories.
Weather protection
- Outdoor roof
- 3 configurable slope directions — handles moderate to heavy rain/snow
- Canopy
- Plexiglas (light rain/snow) or steel (heavy rain/snow)
- Snow fence
- Prevents snow sliding off the roof onto users
- Drip plate
- Base of shaft — leads rainwater away from the lift
Cold-climate options
- Heating pads
- Warm door lock mechanisms — prevents freezing
- Fan heater
- Maintains ambient temperature in the machinery compartment
- AC-ready
- Connection box for air conditioning installation in hot climates
- LED-lit canopy
- Welcoming illumination at the lift entrance
Coastal & high-water sites
- Salt-air
- Full powder-coat package + stainless hardware available
- Pitless install
- Eliminates excavation risk near water tables
- Drainage
- Gutter-ready roof + drip plate manage runoff
- Custom finishes
- ~300 RAL + premium colors to match property
For NJ shore projects (Atlantic, Cape May, Ocean counties) and salt-air-exposed installations, specify the full outdoor stainless + powder-coat package. The cost premium is small compared to replacing carbon-steel hardware after a hurricane season.
08 / Compliance & Safety
Standards Cibes Primo & Air® meet
| Standard | What it covers |
|---|---|
| ASME A18.1 | Safety standard for platform lifts and stairway chairlifts (the primary U.S. code) |
| ADA | Federal accessibility requirements; A18.1 + A117.1 conformance generally satisfies ADA |
| ICC A117.1 | Accessible and Usable Buildings and Facilities (controls, signage, clear floor space) |
| CE / Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC | European certification (Cibes is CE type-certified for international projects) |
| NJUCC | New Jersey Uniform Construction Code — adopts the ICC codes with NJ amendments |
| NJ Elevator Subcode | NJAC 5:23-12; governs elevator and platform lift permits and inspections |
| NEC | National Electrical Code — disconnect, dedicated circuit, GFCI where applicable |
Standard safety features (included on all models): safety edges (top of platform + floor), overload protection, emergency stop and alarm, telephone, battery emergency lowering, manual lowering, battery backup. Lock options include standard key, code lock, RFID tag, with auto-lock or central-lock programming.
Mobility123 carries NJ Elevator License #17EM00177000, NJ HIC #13VH06391700, and PA HIC #PA094724. NJ permit applications are filed under the elevator subcode and inspected by the NJ DCA elevator unit. Note: travel over 14 ft may require a variance from your local jurisdiction — Mobility123 handles the variance application as part of the permit process.
09 / Common Use Cases
Where Cibes Primo & Air® work
Residential homes
- Most common
- Multi-story home access — porch, garage-to-foyer, basement-to-main
- Best models
- Cibes Air® for design-forward interiors; Primo for utility
- Why screw-drive
- Quiet (40 dB) — won't disturb the household
Public spaces
- Settings
- Restaurants, office buildings, libraries, town halls
- Best model
- Primo with panoramic glazing — maintains sight-lines + natural light
- Why Primo
- ADA-compliant, modular install in 2–3 days, minimal disruption
Commercial buildings
- Settings
- Retail entrances with grade changes, multi-story shops, mezzanines
- Outdoor
- Primo Outdoor for terraces, exterior commercial entries
- High-rise mezzanine
- Between-floor service for limited-floor tenant spaces
10 / Technical Specifications
At a glance — field specs
| Item | Cibes Primo | Cibes Air® |
|---|---|---|
| Installation | Indoor / Outdoor (sizes 15, 16) | Indoor only |
| Rated load | 880 lb | 660 or 880 lb |
| Speed | 30 fpm | 30 fpm |
| Drive | Screw + nut (EcoSilent) | Screw + nut (EcoSilent) |
| Motor | 3 hp | 3 hp |
| Power | 230 VAC / 60 Hz / 16 A / single-phase | 230 VAC / 60 Hz / 16 A / single-phase |
| Controls | Hold-to-run | Hold-to-run |
| Machine room | MRL (none required) | MRL (none required) |
| Max stops | 4 | 4 |
| Max travel | 23 ft (variance >14 ft) | 23 ft (variance >14 ft) |
| Pit depth | 0/2″ or 2 3/4″ | 0/2″ or 2 3/4″ |
| Min headroom | 90 5/8″ (door) | 90 5/8″ (door) |
| Top height | 88 5/8″ (door) / 43 3/8″ (gate) | 88 5/8″ (door) / 51 1/4″ (gate) |
| Shaft material | Tempered glass OR steel panels | Tempered glass OR steel panels |
| Standard | ASME · ADA · CE | ASME · ADA · CE |
Platform sizes range from 22 11/16″ × 30 15/16″ (Size 1) to 42 3/8″ × 61 1/8″ (Size 17). Sizes 11, 12, 13, 15, 16 are commercial-compliant; size 17 is for 90° commercial applications. Outdoor concept available for sizes 15 and 16.
11 / Field-ready checklists
Field-ready checklists
Use these against your floor plan, electrical service, and finished-floor heights before the unit ships.
Site construction
- Mast support wall structurally sound (load-bearing, ready for U-bracket fixing)
- Concrete pad poured + drainage installed (outdoor)
- Pit excavated to spec (0/2″ pitless OR 2 3/4″ full pit)
- Path to install location wide enough for the lift's flat-pack delivery
- Cut-out dimensions verified against Cibes project drawing
Hoistway requirements
- Plumb, level, square — measured at all four corners
- Min headroom ≥ 90 5/8″ above upper landing
- Lintels above doors/gates sized for the bracket load
- Floor structure rated for stationary mast load + battery cabinet weight
Electrical requirements
- Dedicated 230 VAC / 60 Hz / 16 A single-phase circuit
- Disconnect within sight of lift
- GFCI on outdoor circuits
- Phone / call station line pulled (ADA Hands-Free Telephone for commercial)
- Cable cross-section evaluated by licensed electrician
Entrance configuration
- Door model selected (A20 / A10 / AL5 / AL6 / A25 / A15) per spec
- Door opening width verified against lift size table
- Lock programming chosen (auto-lock vs. central-lock) per AHJ
- Entry / exit angle confirmed (single, open-through, 90°, or opposite-side)
- Access ramp included if pitless install
12 / Project costs
The variables that move the cost number
- Model selection — Cibes Air® with custom platform interior runs higher than a standard Primo for the same travel.
- Platform size — sizes 1 through 17 affect both lift cost and required shaft footprint. Commercial-compliant sizes (11, 12, 13, 15, 16, 17) have additional certification overhead.
- Travel height and landings — single-story lifts cost less than 23 ft runs; each additional gate adds cost.
- Indoor vs. outdoor — outdoor adds slab + drainage + IP-rated electrical + roof/canopy + heating options.
- Site preparation — pit excavation (when not pitless), masonry on the support wall, electrical service extension.
- Permits and code review — straightforward in most NJ jurisdictions; travel over 14 ft requires a variance which adds 2–6 weeks. Complex AHJs add more.
- Customization — door model, finish color (~300 RAL + premium options), platform back panel material (Air®: metal / textile / wood), lighting (LED ceiling, LED safety edges), accessibility accessories (folding seat, infrared lapheld, voice announcement).
- Outdoor accessories — roof type (plexiglas vs. steel), canopy LED, snow fence, fan heater, heating pads, AC-ready connection — each adds incrementally.
For NJ residential porch retrofits, turnkey cost typically lands in the mid five-figure range — a Cibes platform lift project is broadly comparable to a Symmetry VPL of the same travel and configuration. Outdoor projects add 15–30%; design-forward Cibes Air® interiors add 10–25%. Multi-stop commercial Primo projects with full-height doors and panoramic glazing typically run higher.
These ranges are directional. A site visit is the only way to land a specific number on a specific project — too many variables in the structural, electrical, and finish scope.
13 / Process timeline
From first call to first ride
01
Consultation
Phone call to scope the use case (user, building, travel height, indoor/outdoor, budget framework).
- 15–30 min
- Frames the model conversation (Primo vs. Air® vs. Outdoor)
- Sets expectations on permit + lead time
02
Site visit & quotation
Mobility123 elevator specialist measures the site, takes photos, marks structural and electrical scope. Your local Cibes Symmetry dealer makes the formal quotation with lift drawings, site prep advice, and a preliminary timeline.
- 60–90 min on site
- Photos + measurements
- Cibes project drawings issued
- Written turnkey quote
03
Permits & code review
Mobility123 files the NJ elevator permit and coordinates with the local AHJ. For travel over 14 ft, a variance application is filed in parallel.
- 4–10 weeks for standard permits
- Variance adds 2–6 weeks (>14 ft travel)
- Filed under NJAC 5:23-12
04
Manufacturing & install
Cibes manufactures in flat-pack modules from Sweden / U.S. facilities, then ships to the dealer. The modular design enables a 2-stop install in just 2–3 days; multi-stop installs run 5–7 days.
- Production: typically 6–10 weeks
- Onsite install: 2–7 days
- Cibes Symmetry dealer handles install + final inspection
05
Service & maintenance
Annual safety inspection and service contract through Mobility123. Cibes lifts are designed to last decades — the EcoSilent drive system has the same yearly energy footprint as a modern washing machine.
- NJ-licensed mechanics on staff
- Annual inspections per NJAC 5:23-12
- Same-week response on service calls
Total wall-clock from signed quote to finished install is typically 3–5 months in NJ for standard travel; add 1–2 months for variance applications.
14 / FAQ
Questions we hear most
What's the difference between Cibes Primo and the Symmetry VPL we already cover?
Both are made by Cibes Symmetry, but the lineage differs. Symmetry VPL is the U.S.-engineered platform lift line (5 model variants — UL, EL, ELP, SL, Hybrid). Cibes Primo is the Swedish-engineered line that joined the Cibes Symmetry brand in 2022. Primo emphasizes a screw-and-nut drive with EcoSilent low-noise tech and a modular flat-pack delivery (2–3 day install for a 2-stop). Symmetry VPL gives you more variant choice within one product family. Either works for an NJ project — Mobility123 installs both.
What's the typical lead time on a Cibes Primo?
Manufacturer production runs about 6–10 weeks. NJ permit review adds 4–10 weeks depending on the jurisdiction; travel over 14 ft adds another 2–6 weeks for the variance. Plan on 3–5 months from signed quote to finished install in NJ for standard travel.
Why screw-drive instead of hydraulic?
Three practical reasons: (1) no machine room, no fluid tank, no separate pit excavation needed; (2) much smaller footprint per passenger compared to hydraulic or traction (about 27 sq ft for wheelchair-accessible); (3) the EcoSilent drive runs at ~40 dB and consumes ~215 kWh/year. The trade-off is speed — 30 fpm vs. typical hydraulic 40+ fpm — which is rarely a problem on residential or low-rise commercial use.
Can the Primo be installed without a pit?
Yes. Cibes platform lifts support pitless installation directly on the floor with a small access ramp at the bottom landing. This is a major advantage for slab-on-grade retrofits, basement installs, and buildings with high groundwater. The standard pit option is 0/2″ (essentially pitless) or 2 3/4″ (required if you want to use custom laminate/tile flooring up to 25/32″ thick).
What about outdoor weather protection?
Cibes Primo Outdoor (platform sizes 15 and 16) ships with a comprehensive weather package: outdoor roof in 3 slope orientations, plexiglas or steel canopy options, snow fence, drip plate, gutter-ready roof, heating pads for door locks, fan heater for the machinery compartment, and an AC-ready connection box. Specify the heated package for any NJ shore project subject to salt air, ice, or heavy snow.
What's included in the standard safety package?
Safety edges (top of platform + floor), overload protection, emergency stop and alarm, standard telephone, battery emergency lowering (lowers to nearest landing on power loss), manual lowering, and full battery backup. Commercial applications require the upgraded ADA Hands-Free Telephone. Lock options include standard key, code lock, RFID tag, with auto-lock or central-lock programming.
How customizable is the design?
Very. Powder coating in close to 300 RAL + premium colors on shaft, doors, ceiling, call buttons, and platform. 9 sustainable safety floorings + aluminum checkered plate (selected sizes). Glass shaft on all 4 sides for panoramic visibility. Cibes Air® specifically offers three platform interior concepts: Metal (~300 colors), Textile (light blue linen or gray wool back panel), or Wood (oak or bamboo). Front panel adds DecoLegno® (white/black/beige) — a velvet-touch laminate.
What accessibility options are available?
Concealed automatic door openers (invisible, integrated with frame). Standard, remote, wireless elbow, and touchscreen call buttons. Folding seat (beech + stainless, 330.7 lb capacity, on selected platform sizes). Level indicators (visual aid for hearing-impaired). Infrared lapheld controls (for users without upper-body strength to reach standard controls). Voice announcement (visual impairment). Arrival gong.
Who handles permits and inspections?
Mobility123 does. NJ has strict regulations for residential and commercial elevators and platform lifts. We handle the entire permit application, plan review, variance (if travel >14 ft), and final inspections with your local municipality. Our NJ Home Improvement Contractor (HIC) number is #13VH06391700 and NJ Elevator License is #17EM00177000.
What's the warranty?
Cibes Symmetry's manufacturer warranty is 2 years on parts. Mobility123's installer warranty covers labor for 1 year on workmanship. After year 1, parts and labor are covered under the maintenance contract.
Have an NJ project in scope?
We'll come look at it.
Phone-scope in 15–30 minutes, on-site visit within the week. NJ elevator permit, structural prep, electrical, install, and final inspection all handled in-house. We install both Cibes Primo / Air® and the Symmetry VPL line — we'll help you pick the right one for your project.