Choosing the Right Electric Scissor Lift: What You Need to Know Before You Buy

July 16, 2025

Choosing the Right Electric Scissor Lift: What You Need to Know Before You Buy


If you’re in the market for a scissor lift, there’s no better time to invest in a clean, efficient, and powerful electric scissor lift. Whether you’re upgrading facility equipment, outfitting a warehouse team, or looking for a long-term alternative to rentals, buying the right lift means understanding your specific jobsite needs.

At Arts Rental, we offer a wide selection of electric scissor lifts for sale, ranging from compact 12-ft models to high-reach 40-ft lifts—backed by trusted brands like Skyjack, JLG, Genie, MEC, and Hy-Brid Lifts.

Here’s everything you need to know before buying.


Why Choose an Electric Scissor Lift?

Workers inspect a scissor lift

Electric scissor lifts are ideal for indoor environments and smooth slab surfaces, where noise, fumes, and maneuverability are major concerns. Compared to diesel or gas-powered lifts, electric models offer several key advantages:

  • Zero emissions – Safe for use in closed environments like warehouses, schools, or hospitals
  • Quiet operation – Keeps noise down in noise-sensitive areas
  • Lower maintenance – Fewer engine parts = fewer problems over time
  • Compact design – Easier to transport, store, and operate indoors

For facility managers, general contractors, and property owners, these lifts are a long-term asset that can significantly boost efficiency and workplace safety.


📏 Height and Weight Considerations

When selecting a scissor lift, platform height and machine weight are two of the most critical specifications. Your working height is typically 6 feet above the platform height.

At Arts Rental, our electric scissor lifts span a full range:

Platform Height

Working Height (approx.)

Weight Range

12′

18′

1,610–1,675 lbs

19′

25′

2,600–3,236 lbs

26′

32′

4,635–4,720 lbs

32′

38′

5,185–7,145 lbs

40′

46′

7,185–10,560 lbs

46′

52′

8,160-11,000 lbs

A lightweight Hy-Brid ZT-1230, for example, is perfect for tight interior jobs where space and floor loading are concerns. On the opposite end, a JLG 4069LE offers 40 feet of vertical access and rugged capacity—ideal for industrial installs and facility maintenance.

👉 See all models and specs here


🧱 Lift Capacity: Know Your Load

Most electric scissor lifts have a lift capacity between 500–800 lbs, including the operator and tools. It’s important to factor in your full load requirements before making a decision.

  • 500–550 lb capacity – Best for single-operator jobs (lights, cables, signs)
  • 700–800 lb capacity – Ideal for two-person tasks or heavy tool loads
  • Look for models with extending platforms for better reach without moving the base

Models like the JLG 3246ES or Skyjack 4632 give you both generous platform space and extra capacity, offering flexibility for maintenance teams or contractors working with overhead equipment.


🔧 Comparing the Top Brands

Hy-Brid scissor lifts in rental store

We carry trusted names in the industry that deliver safety, performance, and reliability:

Hy-Brid Lifts

Known for ultra-compact design and low ground pressure, Hy-Brid is perfect for maintenance in finished environments like offices, schools, or hospitals. Their 12′ models are highly maneuverable and fit through standard doorways.

Skyjack

Skyjack’s scissor lifts are recognized for simplicity and serviceability. Models like the SJIII 3219 and SJIII 3226 are rugged, reliable, and ideal for fleet owners and daily operators.

JLG

JLG brings innovation to the lift space with smoother electric drive systems, longer battery life, and higher platform capacities. The JLG 4069LE, for example, is one of the most robust 40′ electric lifts on the market.

Genie

A global leader in access solutions, Genie’s lifts are favored for indoor maintenance and warehousing. The Genie GS-3232 offers narrow access and high reach, plus advanced diagnostics for easy maintenance.

MEC Aerial Work Platforms

MEC scissor lifts are engineered for precision, power, and operator comfort. Their 3232SE model combines height and compactness for vertical access in tight locations.


🏢 Who Uses Electric Scissor Lifts?

Person using electric scissor lift in warehouse

Scissor lifts are one of the most versatile aerial platforms on the market, with applications across a wide range of industries:

  • Warehousing & Distribution Centers – Overhead lighting, ductwork, mezzanine access
  • Retail Stores – Signage installation, display changes, HVAC access
  • Commercial Construction – Interior finish work, drywall, fire suppression systems
  • Education & Healthcare – Lighting, maintenance, technology upgrades
  • Event Venues & Arenas – Speaker rigging, lighting setup, inspections

These environments benefit most from quiet, clean, and maneuverable lifts that don't disrupt surrounding activity.


🦺 Safety & Compliance Matters

All of our electric scissor lifts meet modern ANSI and OSHA safety standards, with features such as:

  • Guardrails and toe boards to prevent falls
  • Platform overload sensors and tilt alarms
  • Smooth, proportional controls for precise maneuvering
  • Non-marking tires to protect finished floors

Safety isn't just a spec—it’s a jobsite requirement. Be sure to train your operators or require certification before putting any lift into use.


🏪 Why Buy from Arts Rental?

Arts Rental has served Northern Kentucky and Southwest Ohio for decades. When you buy a lift from us, you’re getting more than just a machine—you’re getting trusted equipment, inspected by professionals, backed by local support.

  • Fully inspected and jobsite-ready lifts
  • Transparent pricing with no hidden fees
  • Expert guidance to help choose the right model
  • Strong working relationships with top manufacturers

We don’t just rent—we sell what works. That’s why our inventory features the same dependable models that our own customers use in the field every day.


🛒 Our Top Models

Here’s a quick look at some of the electric scissor lifts available for purchase:

Model

Platform Height

Capacity

Notes

Hy-Brid ZT-1230

12′

550 lbs

Ultra-lightweight, compact

Skyjack 3219

19′

500 lbs

Narrow access, reliable

JLG 2632ES

26′

500 lbs

Smooth drive, narrow fit

Genie GS-3232

32′

500 lbs

High reach, compact width

Skyjack 4632

32′

700 lbs

Extra platform space

JLG 4069LE

40′

800 lbs

High capacity, high performance

Genie GS4655

46′

770 lbs

High capacity, high performance

👉 Browse the full electric lift collection


📣 Final Thoughts

Scissor lifts in front of sunset

Buying an electric scissor lift is a smart investment for any facility or business that needs regular, safe access to elevated spaces. Whether you're working on lights, HVAC, painting, or signage, the right lift will save time, increase safety, and reduce costs over the long term.

At Arts Rental, we offer a full lineup of professionally maintained electric scissor lifts, ready to go and available for sale now.


📞 Ready to Buy?

Have questions or want to check availability?
📍 Visit one of our locations in Northern Kentucky or Southwest Ohio
📞 Or call us today to speak with an equipment expert
🔗 Or view all electric models online: artsrental.com/collections/electric

Store Locations

Ohio

Sharonville, OH

3650 Hauck Road
Sharonville, OH 45241
513-769-6700

Amelia, OH

3781 Bach-Buxton Road
Amelia, OH 45102
513-753-3660

Franklin, OH

261 Conover Drive
Franklin, OH 45005
937-746-8855

Dayton, OH

5540 Poe Avenue

Dayton, OH 45414

937-567-2787

Riverside, OH

Riverside_OH4735 Linden Avenue
Dayton, OH 45432
937-253-5262

Kentucky

Newport, KY

215 East Sixth Street
Newport, KY 41071
859-431-4519

Florence, KY

140 Aristocrat Drive
Florence, KY 41042
859-371-3660

Arts-Rental-Florence-TEST

Erlanger, KY

37 Kenton Lands Road
Erlanger, KY 41018
859-341-3660

Cold Spring, KY

5025 Alexandria Pike
Cold Spring, KY 41076
859-781-5191

Dry Ridge, KY

101 Cull Lane
Dry Ridge, KY 41035
859-823-2787

Lexington, KY

1595 Mercer Road
Lexington, KY 40511
859-455-9922

Nicholasville, KY

701 Nicholasville Bypass 
Nicholasville, KY 40356 
859-305-5033

Louisville, KY

2438 Crittenden Drive
Louisville, KY 40217
502-637-6368

Louisville, KY

Louisville_KY598 N English-Station Road
Louisville, KY 40223
502-253-2223

Indiana

Lawrenceburg, IN

1196 West Eads Pkwy 
Lawrenceburg, IN 47025
812-537-3660