Savaria Pegasus Inclined Platform Lift: Planning Guide

What is the Savaria Pegasus, and where does it fit?

The Savaria Pegasus is an inclined platform lift that carries one wheelchair user over stairs with turns, intermediate landings or several levels, on rails built for that stair.

The Pegasus is Savaria's inclined platform lift for stairs that curve, change direction, have intermediate landings or serve several levels, in homes and public buildings. The platform carries one passenger, seated in a wheelchair or on the manual folding seat. It travels on an upper and a lower steel guide tube that Savaria custom designs for each site, and Savaria measures the stair with its PS4D photo measuring system to fabricate the rail.

A drive at the top of the stairs pulls the carriage with a continuous loop of rope inside the tubes. The standard drive mounts on the rail for rail lengths under 65.6 ft (20 m); longer rails use an optional drive cabinet. No machine room is needed. Rail bends can follow inside or outside curves, so the lift can run on either side of the stair, and each lift is factory-built for a left-side or right-side rail.

The owner's manual sets conditions of use that affect the design. The lift is for a self-sufficient user; a user who is not self-sufficient needs an attendant to operate it. It carries one person and no objects, should not run while someone else is using the stairway, and should not be left halfway up the stair. It should not be used unless a trained person is available to operate it manually in an emergency.

Where it does not fit:

• One straight flight. The Pegasus can run on straight stairs, but Savaria's product page points a single straight flight to its Delta lift.
• Stairs steeper than 45° in a public building, or 55° in a home. Savaria's gradient limits are 45° public and 55° residential.
• Heavy traffic. Savaria's ratings top out at 45 cycles a day (excessive) and 5 starts in 1 hour. Consult Savaria if use may exceed them.
• Most accessible routes in new construction. Under the 2010 ADA Standards, a platform lift may be part of an accessible route in new construction only in the locations listed in 206.7.

How does the Pegasus differ from the Delta?

Savaria makes the Delta for a single flight of straight stairs and the Pegasus for curved stairs or multilevel needs. Its commercial accessibility page compares the two drives:

The Delta guide covers that lift's platforms, clearances and loads. Plan each lift from its own planning guide; the two use different drives, power supplies and clearance tables.

What it is confused with. A curved stairway chairlift, such as the Bruno Elite curved, also follows a turning stair, but the rider transfers to a fixed seat. The Pegasus carries the rider in the wheelchair. The U.S. Access Board says stairway chairlifts cannot be used where the ADA Standards permit platform lifts.

A vertical platform lift, such as the Savaria V-1504, is the other common answer to a change in level; it does not ride on the stair.

Which Pegasus configuration fits the project?

The Pegasus is one model, configured by platform size, entrance, rail mounting and path, landing and drive layout, parking, folding type and outdoor package.

The Pegasus is one model. Residential and commercial lifts are configurations of the same unit, and each rail is built to the stair.

• Folding type. The brochure and planning guide describe a motorized folding platform with automatic ramps and powered safety arms. The product page lists motorized folding arms and platform in the commercial package, and the owner's manual covers both power-folding and manual-folding platforms. Confirm which the quotation includes.
• Public buildings. ADA 410.1 bars attendant operation and requires unassisted entry and exit. For a public building, specify the commercial package and confirm the folding, entrance and keying with the authority having jurisdiction (AHJ).
• Options on Savaria's drawing. Savaria's general arrangement drawing lists intermediate stops, fire service, battery back up and a pedestrian hand rail among the available options. Its generic specification adds a handrail mounted on the tube assembly where the lift blocks or replaces an existing handrail.

What are the Pegasus's dimensions, capacity, travel and speed?

The Pegasus carries 660 lb at 20 ft/min on straight sections and 10 ft/min in turns, on stairs up to 45° (55° residential), with up to 164 ft of travel.

• Speed differs by source. The product page gives 20 to 30 ft/min (0.10 to 0.15 m/s), varying with the stair angle, and 10 ft/min (0.05 m/s) through curves; the brochure gives 20 to 30 ft/min. The planning guide's own description says up to 14 ft/min. Estimate trip times from the slower values and confirm with Savaria.
• Capacity on steep stairs. The brochure rates 660 lb "up to 45° angle". No document gives the capacity on a residential stair between 45° and 55°; confirm it with Savaria.
• Long runs. The standard drive serves rail lengths under 65.6 ft (20 m). Savaria's generic specification calls for up to 3.0 hp (2.2 kW) over 100 ft (30 m) of travel.
• Stops. The owner's manual says the lift stops automatically at all landings, and pauses at an intermediate stop if the drive button is held. Savaria's drawing lists intermediate stops as an option. Confirm the number of stops with Savaria.
• Entrances. Savaria describes no doors or gates. Two safety arms and two side access ramps (plus an optional front ramp) protect the rider. The ramps serve as boarding ramps at the landings and retain the wheelchair during travel.

How far does the Pegasus stand from the wall?

Savaria's turning clearance table gives each dimension from the wall, by mounting. A is the wall to the outside of the tubes; B the platform folded up; C the platform folded down; D with the side load ramp. E is measured on a straight run and F at an inside bend, F to the nearest obstruction (handrail or wall).

• What E and F include. They include 3/4 in (20 mm) of running clearance and the standard ramps. Ramp extensions increase the clearances required.
• Towers on a wood board. For towers mounted to 2 x 6 wood boards on a wall, add 1 1/2 in (38 mm) to the tower mount values.
• Stair width and egress. Savaria publishes no minimum stair width beyond E and F, and no clear width left beside the folded platform. The Access Board says an inclined platform lift must be installed so it does not encroach on a required means of egress. Savaria's commercial page adds that some jurisdictions require fire egress beside the lift, which means a very wide staircase. Have the design professional confirm the remaining egress width with the AHJ.
• Use the site drawing. These are nominal values; Savaria asks for site-specific installation drawings before construction. The planning guide also gives millimeters.

How much landing, overhead and wall structure does the Pegasus need?

Savaria shows no pit or machine room; planning centers on lower landing length, drive space at the top, headroom, and a wall or towers that carry the rails.

Savaria's planning guide shows no pit, hoistway or floor opening, and no machine room is required. Because of close running clearances, the owner or agent must make sure the stairs are level, plumb (plus or minus 1/8 in (3 mm)) and square, and match the site-specific plan drawings. The contractor verifies all dimensions on those drawings and reports discrepancies.

Lower landing

The lower landing sets most layouts. Savaria shows these arrangements:

• Straight lower landing. The passenger loads straight onto the platform; side loading is also available.
• Drop-down landing. Where lower landing space is limited, the lower end of the tubes angles down at 45 degrees so the platform lands as close to the bottom step as possible. It is often combined with side loading.
• 90 or 180 degree start. The platform loads, unloads and parks away from pedestrian traffic, in an alcove, a hallway or unused space under the stairs.
• Landing over a flight. The platform loads and parks over a flight of stairs the lift does not serve.
• Compact drive. Its rope tensioning device needs at least 9 7/8 in (250 mm) from the end of the tubes to the nearest obstruction.

• How they are measured. As Savaria draws them, A runs from the bottom riser to the end of the landing and includes 47 1/4 in (1200 mm) of clear space in front of the platform. B is the landing length for side loading. For a 90 or 180 start, the other dimension (X) comes from the turning clearance table. Confirm the reference points on the site-specific drawing.
• Standard ramps only. The values assume standard platforms with standard ramps; ramp extensions increase them.
• Approach space. On its commercial accessibility page, in the note to its Delta clearance chart, Savaria says those dimensions "are for the lift only, and the accessibility code will typically dictate a clear 5-foot approach to the lift depending on the entrance (straight or at 90-degrees)." Savaria publishes no such note for the Pegasus tables. Plan each landing for the approach as well, and confirm the requirement with the AHJ.

Upper landing and drive

The drive sits at the top of the rail, so the upper landing needs room for it as well as for loading:

• In-line drive. The drive sits 47 1/4 in (1200 mm, as Savaria's drawing labels it) back from the top of the stairs so a passenger can load, unload and maneuver past the drive box. Savaria's drawing totals 71 5/8 in (1821 mm) from the top stair to the end wall: 47 1/4 in (1200 mm) clear, a 20 1/2 in (521 mm) drive box and 3 7/8 in (100 mm) behind it.
• Offset drive. Where the upper landing is short, the drive box moves closer to the stairs and the wall.
• 90 or 180 drive. The drive box sits away from the top of the stairs and pedestrian traffic. Add 7 7/8 in (200 mm) if the call station mounts on the tubes.
• Compact drive. It can need as little as 8 in (203 mm) in some conditions; the clearance varies with stair angle, motor orientation, ramps and platform size.
• Other layouts. A reversed drive box sits closer to the top stair nose. The drive can also mount on the stair treads at a narrow intermediate landing, pass through a wall into a separate room, or sit on a shelf fastened to a solid wall.

Reserve wall or floor space for the controller. Savaria's planning guide draws a "Standard Controller box" of 41 1/2 x 20 1/2 x 10 5/8 in (1053 x 521 x 270 mm). Its generic specification gives that size for the optional fully enclosed drive cabinet, and a 12 x 24 x 11 1/4 in (305 x 610 x 284 mm) control box located up to 20 ft (6 m) from the compact drive.

For the mini drive, Savaria shows a remote controller box of 16 x 20 x 9 1/8 in (406 x 508 x 233 mm) on one page and a 16 x 16 in (406 x 406 mm) drive controller on another. Confirm which drive and controller boxes the quotation includes, and where they go, on the site drawing.

Overhead clearance

Savaria's US code minimum, which it attributes to ASME A18.1, is 60 in (1524 mm) of overhead clearance to any point above the platform deck. Its table gives Dimension B for checking this, drawn vertically from the stair nosing line at the end of the platform up to the ceiling.

B, minimum from the nosing line to the ceiling (US code), in (mm)

• Check the whole travel path. The table covers 22° to 45° only; get values for other angles, turns and landings from Savaria's site-specific drawing. Savaria tells planners to consult its local representative for local code requirements.
• Overhead is the owner's responsibility. The owner or agent must make sure the minimum overhead complies with codes. Where overhead is low, the owner's manual warns that riders may have to reposition on the platform to avoid contacting the ceiling.
• Public buildings. The advisory to ADA 410.1 says a lift that does not provide 80 in (2030 mm) of vertical clearance cannot be part of an accessible route in new construction. Savaria's US minimum is 60 in above the deck, so confirm the headroom with the AHJ.

Wall, towers and loads

A qualified professional must make sure the building and stairway safely support all loads imposed by the lift, with adequate support at the top landing, the bottom landing and along the supporting wall. The pull-out force on the wall and the floor load both vary with the mounting type.

• Mounting types. Savaria shows direct mount struts, direct mounting to a solid wall, a weak wall structure that requires through bolts, tower mounts on the stairs, towers mounted to a 2 x 6 board on the wall, and towers in an open balustrade.
• Savaria's generic specification recommends direct mounting only for solid concrete walls, and steel support posts where there is no wall or the wall lacks strength. On wood stud walls it mounts the upper rail to a 2 x 8 in board and the lower rail to a 2 x 4 in board, each fastened to every available stud with at least two fasteners.
• Studs. All wood studs in the supporting wall must be anchored in the floor and ceiling. Savaria's text reads "Wood studs must be placed at 16” (404 mm) centres (minimum)". Confirm the stud spacing on Savaria's site-specific drawing.

For direct mounting, Savaria publishes a minimum wall height, drawn vertically from the stair nosing line to the top of the wall:

Wall height for direct mounting, in

Two cells do not match their own metric values. For the 31.5 x 48 in platform at 22°, Savaria prints 41 1/2 in beside 1155 mm; 1155 mm is about 45 1/2 in and fits the rest of that column, so plan to 1155 mm. For the 31.5 x 35.375 in platform at 30°, Savaria prints 3225 mm beside 48 1/4 in; the inch value fits its column. Confirm both with Savaria.

Savaria's load diagram is based on the 31.5 x 48 in platform:

• The moment formula. At the center of a tower or the back of a direct mount strut, M = F1 x (d1 + X) + F2 x (d2 + X). X runs from 3 5/8 in (92 mm) to 13 in (330 mm) for tower mounts and from 4.0 in (100 mm) to 5 1/2 in (140 mm) for direct mounts.
• Engineering. The load page does not say whether these values include a safety factor, and the planning guide gives no anchor types, sizes or spacing. The structural engineer confirms design loads and anchorage, and gets anchor details from Savaria.
• Infill panels. Where the back of the rail is exposed, infill panels must go between the support posts, or a barrier or wall must be built behind the rail, to prevent access to it during operation. These are by others, as are masonry, carpentry, drywall, patching and painting.

What electrical work does the Pegasus need?

The Pegasus needs a dedicated 208 to 240 V AC, single-phase, 20 A circuit through a fused disconnect, plus platform lighting and one hour of emergency lighting.

Savaria lists 14 AWG conductors on a 20 A circuit. Have the electrician size the conductors and overcurrent protection to the NEC edition the AHJ enforces, and confirm the controller location on the site-specific drawing.

• Controls. A pendant has constant-pressure UP and DOWN buttons and an emergency STOP. The platform control panel has a key switch that enables the pendant, an emergency STOP, an alarm button and a running light. The product page lists keyed call stations and operating panel as standard; the owner's manual lists the call-station key switch as "if equipped". Savaria's generic specification lets the specifier choose keyed or keyless operation for both.
• Call stations. One at each landing, with constant-pressure up, down, fold and unfold buttons; they work only when the platform is folded. The surface-mount station measures 7 1/2 x 5 7/8 in (190 x 150 mm) and 2 3/8 in (60 mm) deep; flush mounting and a free-standing pedestal (optional) are also shown.
• Warnings to pedestrians. An audio visual alarm (buzzer and running light) shows the lift is in use. A yellow landing light, mounted in view of each landing and the travel, flashes while it runs.
• Safety devices. Edge and underpan obstruction sensors, safety arms and platform ramps, emergency stops, upper and lower limit cams backed by a final limit switch, and an overspeed governor (safety brake) at the lower end of the rail. If the safety brake engages, the lift stays locked out until the authorized dealer releases it.
• Communication. The platform panel has an alarm button to signal for help, and the platform alarm sounds when the emergency stop is pressed, to alert others that the rider needs help. Savaria describes no phone or intercom; ask the AHJ whether emergency communication is needed.
• Fire alarm integration. Savaria's planning guide describes a fire service feature that interfaces with the building's fire safety system and interrupts power to the lift when the alarm sounds. A lift in use may travel only to the designated landing with the emergency exit. Savaria's drawing lists fire service as an option, so specify it where needed.
• Power failure. The optional UPS lets indoor units run for an extended period, in both directions at full capacity, with an alarm when the battery is nearly depleted. Savaria's generic specification calls for at least half an hour with rated load. Without power, a handwheel on the motor shaft, or an electric drill with the supplied adapter, brings the lift to the next landing.

Can the Pegasus go outdoors?

Yes, in moderate climates with Savaria's exterior package and stainless steel rails; Savaria's two published temperature ranges disagree, so get the outdoor range in writing.

The Pegasus installs indoors or outdoors. For outdoor stairs, Savaria's exterior package adds stainless steel travel rails, zinc-coated parts and a cover for the carriage and platform, and the brochure says outdoor units require the stainless steel rail. Savaria limits outdoor units to moderate climates and says to consult the dealer, because not all climates may be suitable.

Savaria's commercial page gives gardening zones 5 to 9 as an example of moderate climates for inclined platform lifts, and says lifts in salt air or snowy and icy conditions need additional maintenance. The planning guide adds that the inside of the upper tube must stay free of ice so the current collector keeps contact.

• Temperature range. The 2026 planning guide lists 32 °F to 104 °F (0 °C to 40 °C). The 2025 owner's manual lists -31 °F to 113 °F (-35 °C to 45 °C). Neither is labeled indoor or outdoor. For an outdoor stair in New Jersey or Pennsylvania, get Savaria's written operating range and its confirmation that the exterior package suits the site.
• Battery backup. Savaria offers the UPS for indoor units.
• Maintenance. The owner's manual schedules exterior units every 6 months, and units in adverse environments need additional maintenance monthly.

Which codes apply in New Jersey and Pennsylvania?

Savaria states ASME A18.1 compliance, 2003 through 2017; New Jersey requires a permit, and Pennsylvania a DLI permit unless only one dwelling unit in a solely residential building uses it.

Procedural detail is on NJ and PA code requirements.

What Savaria states. Savaria's planning guide says the Pegasus meets ASME A18.1, 2003 through 2017 editions, Section 3 (Public) and Section 6 (Private). It names no later edition or listing mark.

New Jersey

• The Pegasus is an "elevator device" under N.J.A.C. 5:23-12 and needs a construction permit (5:23-12.1(e); 5:23-2.14).
• New Jersey's 2024 codes took effect August 17, 2026, with a six-month grace period for permit applications under the prior code (5:23-1.6(a)). They reference ASME A18.1-2023 (IBC/2024 Chapter 35), later than Savaria lists; get Savaria's written confirmation.
• Where the State has elevator subcode jurisdiction, DCA reviews the plans, and a New Jersey licensed architect or engineer signs and seals the layouts. Check DCA's jurisdiction list.
• In State-jurisdiction towns, DCA's process calls for a Platform Lift Certification letter from the municipal building subcode official for a commercial Pegasus. If the unfolded lift diminishes a required egress stair's capacity, the letter form requires a fire alarm interface (see Savaria's fire service feature above).
• In Groups R-3, R-4 and R-5, a Pegasus not accessible to the public is exempt from periodic inspection and registration (5:23-12.3(a)5; 12.4(b)); where DCA is the elevator subcode official, its acceptance is by a sealed report from a New Jersey licensed engineer or registered architect (SLCI-Admin 001-2020). Other Pegasus lifts are inspected and tested at least yearly.
• A licensed elevator mechanic, or a person under one's supervision, installs and services it (N.J.S.A. 45:14H-5a). The dwelling-unit exemption (45:14H-4) names only chair lifts and stair lifts.

Pennsylvania

• A Pegasus used only by the occupants of one dwelling unit in a solely residential building is outside the Uniform Construction Code's elevator chapter (34 Pa. Code § 405.1(b)(3)). Ask the municipal building code official about the related work.
• Any other Pegasus needs a DLI permit, acceptance inspection and certificate of operation (§§ 405.3, 405.5, 405.6). Applications before December 20, 2026 use A18.1-1999 with addenda, which Savaria does not list; later applications use A18.1-2017 (§ 405.2).

Accessibility (public buildings)

• The 2010 ADA Standards require platform lifts to comply with ASME A18.1 (1999 or 2003) and 410, and allow one on an accessible route in new construction only in the 206.7 locations.
• The Access Board says a lift that users must request or retrieve a key to operate fails independent operation, though it may be locked while the space is closed. Settle the Pegasus's keyed controls with the AHJ.
• New Jersey enforces IBC/2024 Chapter 11 with ICC A117.1-2017; Pennsylvania, the 2018 IBC accessibility provisions with ICC A117.1-2009 (confirm with the building code official).

Who does what on a Pegasus project?

Confirming the stair and code path, measuring, engineering the supports, building and wiring, and installing and accepting the lift are split among the trades below.

1. Step 01

   Confirm the stair and the code path

   Confirm the stair angle along the whole route: up to 45 degrees public or 55 degrees residential, with a stabilizer rail below 20 degrees. For public use, confirm that ADA 206.7 and the state accessibility code allow a platform lift there.

2. Step 02

   Measure and lay out

   The stair is measured for the custom rail; Savaria uses its PS4D photo measuring system. Choose the platform, entrance, mounting, lower landing, drive layout and parking against Savaria's clearance tables.

3. Step 03

   Get site-specific drawings

   Get site-specific installation drawings from Savaria or an authorized Savaria dealer before construction, as Savaria asks.

4. Step 04

   Engineer and permit

   A qualified professional confirms the wall, tower and stair structure. In NJ, the layouts are signed and sealed for the permit. In PA, the owner or agent applies to DLI unless the lift serves only one dwelling unit in a solely residential building.

5. Step 05

   Build and wire

   The GC reinforces the wall or stairs, prepares the drive and controller space, and provides infill panels or a barrier. The electrician runs the 20 A circuit, disconnect, lighting and emergency lighting.

6. Step 06

   Install, inspect, accept

   In NJ, a licensed elevator mechanic, or a person under one's supervision, installs the Pegasus. The AHJ inspects and accepts it, except a PA lift serving one dwelling unit in a solely residential building; for a NJ private residence device where DCA is the elevator subcode official, a sealed report replaces the DCA acceptance inspection.

What planning mistakes cause rework?

Common rework comes from planning only the bottom landing, ignoring the drive at the top, checking headroom at one point, and fastening rails to an unreinforced wall.

• Planning only the lower landing. The in-line drive needs about 71 5/8 in from the top stair to the end wall. Without that space, the layout must change to another drive configuration, such as an offset or compact drive.
• Checking headroom at one point. Savaria's minimum changes with the stair angle, and the route can change angle at turns and landings. A low spot anywhere on the route can force a redesign.
• Missing the stabilizer rail. Below 20°, including horizontal sections at landings, Savaria requires a third (horizontal stabilizer) rail. A layout drawn with two rails there will change.
• A lower landing shorter than A. Straight-on loading on the 31.5 x 48 in platform needs 113 1/2 in from the bottom riser. A short landing forces a drop-down, side load or 90 or 180 degree start.
• Ignoring the inside bend. At an inside bend the lift needs up to 49 1/4 in to the nearest handrail or wall (more with towers on a 2 x 6 board or with ramp extensions), more than on the straight run.
• Fastening rails to an ordinary stud wall. A wall that cannot take the moment needs towers or reinforcement, and adding them later means opening a finished wall.
• Leaving the back of the rail exposed. Without infill panels or a barrier, the rail is reachable while the lift runs.
• Wiring for 120 V. The Pegasus needs 208 to 240 V AC, single phase, on a dedicated 20 A circuit, so a 120 V circuit has to be rerun.
• Planning an outdoor lift from the 32 °F lower limit. The two published temperature ranges differ; get the outdoor range in writing first.
• Specifying from the brochure. The 2025 brochure lists the larger platform as 31.9 x 48 in (810 x 1220 mm); the 2026 planning guide gives 31.5 x 48 in (800 x 1220 mm).

Planning checklists by trade

Separate checklists cover the architect or designer, the general contractor and the electrician for a Pegasus installation.

What does Savaria's warranty cover?

Savaria's Manufacturer's Limited Product Warranty covers Pegasus parts for 24 months from shipment, excluding labor, batteries, the UPS and other wear items.

Savaria's Manufacturer's Limited Product Warranty for North America (Part No. 000599, Rev February 2025) lists the Savaria Pegasus separately at 24 months, against 36 months for other Savaria products. The product page states a 24-month warranty against defective parts through the local dealer; the brochure states a 24-month manufacturer's parts warranty.

• Start: the date the product ships from a Savaria factory or distribution center.
• Coverage: parts that fail from defective material or workmanship, repaired or replaced at Savaria's option, possibly with factory reconditioned parts. Not transferable.
• Labor: not covered for troubleshooting, removal, repair or replacement of warranty parts.
• Exclusions include consumables (light bulbs, batteries, UPS units, mechanical switches, drive belts), wear items, paint and weather seals, and damage from misuse, improper installation, the building's structural condition or overloading.
• Conditions: the lift must be purchased, installed, serviced and maintained by an authorized Savaria dealer. The warranty is void if an authorized dealer does not carry out regular inspection and maintenance as the owner's manual recommends. Products in harsh environments need additional maintenance to keep the warranty.
• Parts bought later carry a 90-day warranty.

The owner's manual schedules maintenance every 6 months for commercial and exterior units; every year for residential units in normal or heavy use, and every 6 months in excessive use. Units in adverse environments need additional maintenance monthly.

Frequently asked questions

Sources and revision history