Electric vs Diesel Scissor Lifts: Which Power Type Is Right?
The power source determines where your scissor lift can work, what it costs to operate, and how it impacts your job site. Here is the complete breakdown.
Quick Answer
Choose electric for indoor work, warehouses, finished spaces, or any environment where emissions and noise matter. Choose diesel for outdoor construction sites, rough terrain, all-day runtime needs, or cold weather operation.
Specification
Electric
Diesel
Best Environment
Indoor / warehouse / finished spaces
Outdoor construction / rough terrain
Max Working Height
Up to 50ft (slab models)
Up to 60ft+ (RT models)
Emissions
Zero
Yes (Tier 4 Final compliant)
Noise Level
65-75 dB
85-95 dB
Runtime
6-8 hrs (charge overnight)
All day (refuel in minutes)
Fuel/Energy Cost
$2-5/day electricity
$30-60/day fuel
Maintenance Cost
Low (battery + hydraulic)
Medium (engine + filters + fluid)
Typical Price
$20,000 - $55,000
$35,000 - $85,000
Electric Scissor Lift Benefits
- Zero emissions for indoor use
- Lower noise levels (65-75 dB)
- Lower operating cost per hour
- No fuel spills on sensitive floors
- Reduced maintenance (no engine service)
- Green building / LEED compliance
Diesel Scissor Lift Benefits
- Superior gradeability on rough terrain
- All-day runtime without recharging
- Higher ground clearance for job sites
- Better performance in extreme cold
- Available in larger platform heights
- No charging infrastructure needed
Electric Scissor Lifts
18ftJLG|Scissor Lift
JLG 1230ES Scissor Lift
18ft Working Height·500 lbs·Electric
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19ftMEC|Scissor Lift
MEC 1330SE Scissor Lift
19ft Working Height·500 lbs·Electric
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20ftSKYJACK|Scissor Lift
SKYJACK SJI-200 Lift
20ft Working Height·500 lbs·Electric
$17,000View
21ftJLG|Scissor Lift
JLG 1530ES Scissor Lift
21ft Working Height·500 lbs·Electric
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Diesel Scissor Lifts
16ftADVANCE LIFTS|Scissor Lift
ADVANCE_LIFTS Scissor-160 Lift
16ft Working Height·800 lbs·Diesel
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16ftJLG|Scissor Lift
JLG 1043 Scissor Lift
16ft Working Height·500 lbs·Diesel
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22ftJLG|Scissor Lift
JLG 1644HighCapacity Scissor Lift
22ft Working Height·500 lbs·Diesel
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23ftJLG|Scissor Lift
JLG 1732HighCapacity Scissor Lift
23ft Working Height·500 lbs·Diesel
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