How fast is the world's fastest elevator?
The Shanghai Tower features the world's fastest elevators, reaching speeds of 46 miles per hour.
These elevators can reach the 119th floor in just 55 seconds. To prevent ear pain from rapid altitude changes, the cabins are pressurized like airplanes. The ride is so smooth that a coin can remain balanced on its edge during the entire ascent.
Nerd Mode
The Shanghai Tower elevators were designed by Mitsubishi Electric and officially reached a record speed of 20.5 meters per second (46 mph) in 2016. This feat of engineering surpassed the previous record held by the Taipei 101 tower. To achieve such velocity, the elevators utilize a permanent magnet synchronous motor and high-tech ceramic braking materials that can withstand extreme heat.Safety is managed through a sophisticated speed governor and a multi-stage buffering system. These components ensure the elevator can stop safely even at maximum speed. To maintain passenger comfort during the rapid 632-meter climb, the system uses active roller guides. These guides detect and counteract even the smallest vibrations in the elevator shaft.The cabins also feature an atmospheric pressure control system similar to those found in commercial aircraft. This system gradually adjusts the internal air pressure to prevent the 'ear-popping' sensation caused by the change in barometric pressure at high altitudes. The combination of aerodynamic wind shields and acoustic insulation makes the ride nearly silent despite the incredible speed.
Verified Fact
FP-0001942 · Feb 16, 2026