Mobile elevating work platforms (MEWPs) are essential tools for modern construction and maintenance projects, combining reach, stability, and versatility. But as environmental pressures grow and safety expectations rise, the industry is being reshaped by three key priorities: safety, efficiency, and sustainability. Haulotte, one of the world’s leading MEWP manufacturers, has positioned itself at the forefront of this transformation.
Pioneering Electrification for a Greener Future
In 2018, Haulotte became the first MEWP manufacturer to publicly commit to developing rough-terrain equipment based on electric architecture, offering contractors and rental companies a genuine alternative to traditional internal combustion (IC) engines.
The launch of the PULSEO GENERATION range marked the start of this journey. The first model, the HA20 LE – a 20-meter electric rough-terrain articulating boom – demonstrated that heavy-duty performance could be achieved without sacrificing environmental responsibility. By the end of 2020, the range expanded to include the HS15 E and HS18 E, two large electric rough-terrain scissor lifts designed to handle demanding outdoor worksites. Now Haulotte displays a range of machines, with the last two machines launched in September HA20 E (the next generation of articulating boom HA20 LE) and HS21, a 21m scissor lit.
The challenge remains significant: electrifying and hybridizing larger equipment must deliver comparable or superior performance at a cost that fits the business model of rental companies and contractors. Across the industry, manufacturers are exploring lithium-ion batteries and hydrogen technologies, balancing innovation with the price–performance ratio.
Regulatory trends reinforce this shift. More cities are tightening restrictions on non-road mobile machinery (NRMM). For contractors, these regulations mean electrification is not just a choice—it’s the future.
Sustainability Beyond Machines: The RESTART Program
Haulotte’s sustainability strategy extends beyond new equipment. In 2022, the company launched its RESTART program, opening its first reconditioning center in L’Horme, France. This initiative buys back and refurbishes used aerial work platforms, extending their lifecycle and reducing environmental impact.
By promoting re-use rather than replacement, Haulotte supports the circular economy, helping rental companies lower their total cost of ownership while reducing waste and energy consumption. This approach underscores the group’s commitment to Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and resource-efficient growth.
Safety as a Core Value
While sustainability drives long-term change, safety is the immediate, non-negotiable priority on every worksite. Haulotte has introduced a suite of safety innovations addressing operator protection, worksite risk, transport security, and built-in machine intelligence.
1. Operator Safety
- FASTN: a universal anchoring system encouraging consistent harness use, reducing fall risks.
- Activ’Shield Bar (ASB) & Secondary Guarding System (SGS): protect operators by detecting dangerous positions and stopping machine movement, while still allowing safe escape maneuvers.
- User Drive Assist (UDA): monitors speed, slope, and tilt in real time, alerting operators to unsafe conditions.
2. Worksite Safety
- Obstacle Detection Assist (ODA): prevents collisions between MEWPs and overhead obstacles.
- Pedestrian Detection Assist: uses a smart camera and alerts to protect both operators and ground personnel.
3. Transport Safety
- Activ’Lighting System: ensures safe loading/unloading in low-light conditions.
- High-Visibility Basket: enhances machine visibility, reducing accident risk.
- Transport Handle: improves ergonomics and operator stability during maneuvering.
4. Built-in MEWP Safety
- MyCompanion: a digital assistant providing operators with clear, contextual machine information.
- Advanced Access Management (AAM): integrated into SHERPAL telematics, this tool enables fleet managers to control machine access remotely, preventing unauthorized use and enhancing jobsite safety.
Through these innovations, Haulotte makes safety not just a feature, but a strategic driver of trust, efficiency, and customer value.
Efficiency at the Core
Efficiency lies at the intersection of sustainability and safety. Electric machines lower energy costs and reduce downtime linked to refueling or maintenance. Reconditioning programs give fleets longer lifespans at lower costs. And advanced telematics tools like SHERPAL provide real-time data, enabling predictive maintenance and smarter fleet management.
Together, these factors allow rental companies and contractors to achieve higher productivity with lower total cost of ownership.
A Clear Vision for the Future
Haulotte’s strategy, centered on electrification, reconditioning, digitalization, and advanced safety systems, reflects a clear vision: to offer equipment that meets the evolving demands of contractors, regulators, and society at large.
By making safety, efficiency, and sustainability the pillars of its development, Haulotte is not only adapting to change but actively shaping the future of the MEWP industry.
