Aerial Work Platform Market Outlook, 2029

Aerial work platforms are also known as mobile elevating work platform, cherry pickers, and aerial lifts. It is mainly designed for lifting a person or individual at a certain height according to requirement. They are used in all applications, including window cleaning, electricity maintenance, remodeling, logistics, retail, and many more. They can be used for indoor tasks as well as outdoor tasks. Now, many construction sites have pushed scaffoldings and ladder usage to the backside as aerial lifts are flexible and mobile. Rapid urbanization and developments in infrastructure necessitate maintenance and repair of existing structures, all leading to the demand for safe, yet efficient aerial lifts.

Such platforms allow workers easy access to elevated areas, thereby increasing productivity and safety standards on the construction site. An aerial work platform provides access to otherwise inaccessible places through remote heights. It allows access for people, equipment, or a combination of both, to inaccessible areas. Work safety by the government has ensured faster implementation of AWPs. The adoption of aerial work platforms, better known as mobile elevating work platforms, is on the increase.

The ANSI and SAIA's A92 standards attempt to assist the manufacturers, employers, operators, trainers, dealers/distributors, owners, regulators and other interested parties to ensure correctness in the design and manufacture of these devices, safe operation, and maintenance. High demand for aerial work platforms is experienced in the United States due to easy availability of high-technology products and increased safety concerns in the country. For instance, the OSHA has amended various rules that allow the embracing of aerial work platforms that will promote investment by businesses in the United States.

The Aerial Platform Association of India (APAOI) is one organization which promotes and assists its members in achieving their goals through a myriad of activities and programs. Europe also has stringent directives such as the European Directive 2009/104/EC which sets minimum health and safety standards for the use of work equipment at height which would lead to increased penetration of the AWP market.

According to the research report, “Global Cocoa Powder Market Outlook 2029” the market is anticipated to cross USD 20 Billion by 2029, increasing from USD 14.36 Billion in 2023. The market is expected to grow with a 7.18% CAGR from 2024 to 2029. The increase in construction activities and infrastructural development projects globally has pushed the growth in the aerial work platform market. Aerial work platforms enable quick, efficient, and safe access to heights where construction, maintenance, and repair activities are carried out. For instance, in 2021, the Indian government proposed to spend around about USD 529.7 million on construction activities.

As demand for aerial work platforms increases, so does the market growth. Innovations included telescope boom, flexible arm, self-leveling, and modern control system designed by the manufacturer that have allowed new applications and enhanced overall performance. It therefore makes the equipment more appealing to the end users. LGMG Europe aims to benefit from the growth in demand for sustainable construction equipment by launching electrically powered telescopic boom lifts during the course of 2022. Most market demand for AWP rental takes place since companies opt for renting instead of purchasing with high, upfront capitalization costs.

The increasing use of 5G around the globe is slowly creating a huge demand for AWPs in projects relating to infrastructural development, especially within telecommunications. All tower installations, network maintenance, and power line upgrades involve the operation of employees at considerable heights. Lockdowns due to COVID-19 have exposed existing vulnerabilities in global supply chains, particularly for AWPs and spare parts with lengthier delivery times.

While supply chains are improving, possible further ongoing geopolitical tensions and trade barriers may continue to disrupt production and distribution in regions reliant on importation. To minimize these risks, manufacturers focus on localizing their production and diversifying their suppliers. For instance, in October 2022, Genie came forward to cope with consumer demands by providing lithium-ion batteries for its GS E-Drive slab scissor lifts, enhancing durability and reducing noise significantly.

Market Drivers

• Technological Advancements in Equipment: The evolution of technology has significantly improved the functionality and efficiency of AWPs. From enhanced hydraulics to more precise control systems, modern platforms allow operators to perform complex tasks with increased accuracy and ease. These technological upgrades are driving demand, especially in sectors like construction, oil and gas, and warehousing, where precision at height is critical.
• Aging Infrastructure and Maintenance Needs: Much of the world’s infrastructure bridges, roads, utilities is aging and requires constant upkeep. AWPs have become indispensable for maintenance and repair activities, enabling workers to reach high or hard-to-access areas safely. This rising focus on rehabilitating and modernizing older infrastructure is fueling demand for AWPs, particularly in developed regions like North America and Europe.

Market Challenges

• Price-Altitude Barrier: For many smaller businesses, investing in AWPs feels like buying a one-way ticket to the moon. The steep upfront costs can be prohibitive, making it difficult for smaller construction and maintenance firms to own their own platforms. Despite the advantages AWPs offer, companies often find themselves grounded by budget constraints, turning instead to rental models or second-hand equipment solutions that offer flexibility but may lack the long-term benefits of ownership.
• Environmental Compliance Tightrope: In an era where “green” is not just a trend but a mandate, AWP manufacturers are walking a tightrope between innovation and regulation. The once-ubiquitous diesel-powered platforms are being pushed out by greener alternatives. However, this shift comes with its own challenges: developing reliable electric and hybrid models while balancing cost-efficiency, performance, and customer demand for low-emission solutions. The industry faces the dual challenge of staying eco-friendly while remaining competitive.

Market Trends

• Shift toward Renting over Owning: More companies, especially small and medium enterprises, are turning to the rental market rather than purchasing AWPs outright. The flexibility, reduced financial burden, and access to the latest models make renting an attractive option. This shift has led to the rapid expansion of the AWP rental market, with many rental companies expanding their fleets to cater to diverse industries.
• Compact and Lightweight AWPs: As construction projects increasingly move indoors or into tight urban spaces, the demand for more compact, lightweight AWPs is rising. Manufacturers are responding with models that offer high maneuverability and can fit through narrow doorways or operate in confined spaces. This trend is reshaping product design and innovation, catering to the unique challenges of indoor and congested urban environments.

The most popular type of scissor lifts dominated the global aerial work platform market, in terms of economy as well as effectiveness in operations, thus making them widely acceptable for a variety of purposes, especially in construction and maintenance procedures.

The major reasons that make scissor lifts dominate aerial work platforms on the market rely mainly on several factors for making them very attractive to many sectors. Scissor lifts represent, above all, great stability and safety in working heights; for those who work frequently in construction environments, safety is always of paramount concern. Their design also enables a vertical lift capacity with a very compact footprint such that they can be used in locations where larger equipment may be impractical. Scissor lifts are also cheaper generally than all other aerial working platforms, like boom lifts, and can fit small to medium-sized enterprise budgets.

The efficiency of this device is not diminished in affordability, since scissor lifts have proven to be used very effectively for loading and unloading materials, thereby increasing the productivity of jobs immensely. The growing importance on safety and regulatory standards has impacted the demand for safety-compliant equipment, thereby triggering a high demand for scissor lifts as well.

The boom in construction in particular is linked with developing countries as more and more urbanization is observed there, and this too is contributing to sustained demand for the multi-purpose machines. As more infrastructures are developed across the world, scissor lifts are preferred equipment as they allow safe and efficient access to elevated work surfaces to maintain the leading position as a solution in the aerial work platform market.

A significant boom fostering the growth of the AWP market is that of the construction industry, particularly in emerging economies.

Fast-growing urbanization and infrastructure development schemes with a requirement to preserve and upgrade existing structures have significantly increased the demand for efficient and secure aerial lifts. Construction sites simply require access to elevated heights by people thus necessitating the use of aerial work platforms in search of safety and efficiency.

The sites are accident spots from the altitude at which workers operate. AWPs provide greater safety and versatility to workers as well as operators than other conventional systems like ladders or scaffolding. The growing construction activities in developing countries like China, India, and Brazil are expected to propel the demand for AWPs considerably.

Construction segments have grown significantly in the aerial work platform market with the construction segment leading the market. AWPs ease access to elevated areas, hence improving productivity as well as safety standards in construction sites. The platforms allow access to remote heights, allowing people and equipment to reach inaccessible areas otherwise.

Installation, inspection, and many other works associated with wind turbines, rooftop solar panels, and large-scale solar farms require aerial work platforms. Advanced AWPs to reach higher elevations are increasingly being sought by the renewable energy sector. Along with the urgent demand for greater productivity efficiency and more worker accessibility to elevated areas, a higher lifting capability is likely to be in demand through specialized AWPs, hence boosting the segment.

In the global aerial work platform market, the 20 to 50 feet segment is leading and expanding mainly due to its versatility and cost-effectiveness, making it ideal for a wide range of applications in both the construction and utility sectors.

The 20-50 feet medium height, AWPs segment has become popular due to the possibility of reaching a balance between capabilities in terms of height and efficiency in operation. Most small and medium-sized enterprises prefer this type of platform since they offer greater adaptability at a significantly lower cost than high lifts. A huge market for AWPs with working heights between 20 to 50 feet is created by the continuous development of construction activities, particularly in emerging markets where critical development in infrastructure is deemed necessary. Moreover, the universality of 20 to 50 feet AWPs makes them adaptable to different applications in utilities, logistics, and maintenance work; thus, it gains more attraction.

Electric as well as fuel-powered solutions of this category meet various operation needs while considering green dimensions. Increasing urbanization and stringent safety measures are ensured to promote the use of AWPs instead of traditional methods like ladders and scaffolding. In view of this, producers respond by developing more varied models furnished with advanced features, in line with the changing demand within the marketplace, further increasing 20 to 50 feet as a segment of growth in the industry.

Engine-powered AWPs are leading the global market primarily because of performance capabilities, particularly in lifting power and operational range, being more suitable for demanding applications in construction and industrial sectors.

Engine-powered AWPs dominate the market because they operate at higher altitudes and cover longer working radii compared to electric counterparts. This is an important characteristic of use where operations take place in large distances and the lines of workmanship are quite extensive, such as utility maintenance, building facades, and high-rise construction.

Internal combustion engines supply enough power output to allow heavy-duty applications, meaning that such packages are a requirement for a contractor who needs reliable equipment that can perform heavy-duty tasks. For added reasons, engine-powered AWPs are much more suitable for outdoor use compared to electric models, where terrain or access may pose challenges.

Huge infrastructure development and industrialization investments across the globe require such power machinery. It ensures that sectors run at an efficient pace, and for this, raised access is sought for maintenance and repairing purposes and constructions. Electric models have gained ground as of now due to their eco-friendliness and operational cost factor. However, immediate power needs, along with the flexibility of engine-powered platforms, continue to remain powerful factors in their favor among professionals.

The most popular type of scissor lifts dominated the global aerial work platform market, in terms of economy as well as effectiveness in operations, thus making them widely acceptable for a variety of purposes, especially in construction and maintenance procedures.

The major reasons that make scissor lifts dominate aerial work platforms on the market rely mainly on several factors for making them very attractive to many sectors. Scissor lifts represent, above all, great stability and safety in working heights; for those who work frequently in construction environments, safety is always of paramount concern. Their design also enables a vertical lift capacity with a very compact footprint such that they can be used in locations where larger equipment may be impractical. Scissor lifts are also cheaper generally than all other aerial working platforms, like boom lifts, and can fit small to medium-sized enterprise budgets.

The efficiency of this device is not diminished in affordability, since scissor lifts have proven to be used very effectively for loading and unloading materials, thereby increasing the productivity of jobs immensely. The growing importance on safety and regulatory standards has impacted the demand for safety-compliant equipment, thereby triggering a high demand for scissor lifts as well.

The boom in construction in particular is linked with developing countries as more and more urbanization is observed there, and this too is contributing to sustained demand for the multi-purpose machines. As more infrastructures are developed across the world, scissor lifts are preferred equipment as they allow safe and efficient access to elevated work surfaces to maintain the leading position as a solution in the aerial work platform market.

A significant boom fostering the growth of the AWP market is that of the construction industry, particularly in emerging economies.

Fast-growing urbanization and infrastructure development schemes with a requirement to preserve and upgrade existing structures have significantly increased the demand for efficient and secure aerial lifts. Construction sites simply require access to elevated heights by people thus necessitating the use of aerial work platforms in search of safety and efficiency.

The sites are accident spots from the altitude at which workers operate. AWPs provide greater safety and versatility to workers as well as operators than other conventional systems like ladders or scaffolding. The growing construction activities in developing countries like China, India, and Brazil are expected to propel the demand for AWPs considerably.

Construction segments have grown significantly in the aerial work platform market with the construction segment leading the market. AWPs ease access to elevated areas, hence improving productivity as well as safety standards in construction sites. The platforms allow access to remote heights, allowing people and equipment to reach inaccessible areas otherwise.

Installation, inspection, and many other works associated with wind turbines, rooftop solar panels, and large-scale solar farms require aerial work platforms. Advanced AWPs to reach higher elevations are increasingly being sought by the renewable energy sector. Along with the urgent demand for greater productivity efficiency and more worker accessibility to elevated areas, a higher lifting capability is likely to be in demand through specialized AWPs, hence boosting the segment.

In the global aerial work platform market, the 20 to 50 feet segment is leading and expanding mainly due to its versatility and cost-effectiveness, making it ideal for a wide range of applications in both the construction and utility sectors.

The 20-50 feet medium height, AWPs segment has become popular due to the possibility of reaching a balance between capabilities in terms of height and efficiency in operation. Most small and medium-sized enterprises prefer this type of platform since they offer greater adaptability at a significantly lower cost than high lifts. A huge market for AWPs with working heights between 20 to 50 feet is created by the continuous development of construction activities, particularly in emerging markets where critical development in infrastructure is deemed necessary. Moreover, the universality of 20 to 50 feet AWPs makes them adaptable to different applications in utilities, logistics, and maintenance work; thus, it gains more attraction.

Electric as well as fuel-powered solutions of this category meet various operation needs while considering green dimensions. Increasing urbanization and stringent safety measures are ensured to promote the use of AWPs instead of traditional methods like ladders and scaffolding. In view of this, producers respond by developing more varied models furnished with advanced features, in line with the changing demand within the marketplace, further increasing 20 to 50 feet as a segment of growth in the industry.

Engine-powered AWPs are leading the global market primarily because of performance capabilities, particularly in lifting power and operational range, being more suitable for demanding applications in construction and industrial sectors.

Engine-powered AWPs dominate the market because they operate at higher altitudes and cover longer working radii compared to electric counterparts. This is an important characteristic of use where operations take place in large distances and the lines of workmanship are quite extensive, such as utility maintenance, building facades, and high-rise construction.

Internal combustion engines supply enough power output to allow heavy-duty applications, meaning that such packages are a requirement for a contractor who needs reliable equipment that can perform heavy-duty tasks. For added reasons, engine-powered AWPs are much more suitable for outdoor use compared to electric models, where terrain or access may pose challenges.

Huge infrastructure development and industrialization investments across the globe require such power machinery. It ensures that sectors run at an efficient pace, and for this, raised access is sought for maintenance and repairing purposes and constructions. Electric models have gained ground as of now due to their eco-friendliness and operational cost factor. However, immediate power needs, along with the flexibility of engine-powered platforms, continue to remain powerful factors in their favor among professionals.

• In June 2022, Oshkosh Corporation acquired Maxi-Metal Inc. located in the U.S., which deals with aerial lifts, commercial pumpers, rescue trucks, wildland trucks, mini pumpers, and fire apparatus. The acquisition is expected to strengthen the product portfolio and geographical presence worldwide.
• In February 2023, MEC Aerial Work Platforms has launched the NANO10-XD, an all-electric scissor lift designed for sensitive environmental applications and features a compact platform and standard lithium-ion batteries for long duty cycles and fast recharge.
• In September 2021, JLG Industries, Inc., unveiled its newest self-leveling boom lift - the JLG 670SJ boom lift. The 670SJ features the latest patented and exclusive self-leveling technology from the company. This boom lift has been specially engineered to automatically adjust to terrain on slopes of up to nearly 10 degrees in any direction.

Considered in this report

• Historic year: 2018
• Base year: 2023
• Estimated year: 2024
• Forecast year: 2029

Aspects covered in this report

• Aerial Work Platform market Outlook with its value and forecast along with its segments
• Various drivers and challenges
• On-going trends and developments
• Top profiled companies
• Strategic recommendation

By Product

• Scissor Lifts
• Boom Lifts
• Vertical Lift
• Others (All Terrains, Personal portable Lift, Rough Terrain)

By End User

• Construction
• Mining
• Transportation and Logistics
• Manufacturing
• Others

By Lifting Height

• Less than 20 Feet
• 20 Feet - 50 Feet
• More than 50 Feet

By Power Type

• Hybrid
• Electric Powered
• Engine Powered

The approach of the report:

This report consists of a combined approach of primary and secondary research. Initially, secondary research was used to get an understanding of the market and list the companies that are present in it. The secondary research consists of third-party sources such as press releases, annual reports of companies, and government-generated reports and databases.

After gathering the data from secondary sources, primary research was conducted by conducting telephone interviews with the leading players about how the market is functioning and then conducting trade calls with dealers and distributors of the market. Post this; we have started making primary calls to consumers by equally segmenting them in regional aspects, tier aspects, age group, and gender. Once we have primary data with us, we can start verifying the details obtained from secondary sources.

Intended audience

This report can be useful to industry consultants, manufacturers, suppliers, associations, and organizations related to the Aerial Work Platform industry, government bodies, and other stakeholders to align their market-centric strategies. In addition to marketing and presentations, it will also increase competitive knowledge about the industry.