Narrow definition: Elevator refers to mechanical and electrical equipment driven by power, which uses boxes running along rigid guide rails or steps running along fixed lines to lift or transport people and goods in parallel, including manned elevators, escalators and moving sidewalks.

Broadly defined: an elevator refers to a fixed device in which a car driven by electricity runs between two rigid guide rails with vertical or inclined angles not greater than15 to transport passengers or goods. Traditionally, regardless of its driving mode, elevators are regarded as the general name of vertical vehicles in buildings.