Powered Access Platforms for Hire

A MEWP (Mobile Elevated Working Platform), also known as a powered access platform, aerial work platform or lifter, is versatile access equipment that can be repositioned manually or using their own power in order to elevate people to   work at height safely and efficiently. They include a range of platform types, such as scissor lifts, boom lifts, cherry pickers, push around platforms and personnel lifts.

Learn more about MEWPs

Several makes and models of access platforms are available, but selecting the right type of MEWP for your job is essential to safe and smooth operation.

MEWPs available from Horizon Platforms include:

• Scissor lifts: Ideal for direct upward elevation.

• Cherry pickers: Also known as boom lifts, these allow for movement across as well as upwards.

• Personnel lifts: Compact MEWPS designed for indoor tasks.

• Push around platforms: A cost-effective option for more minor work-from-height tasks.

Our MEWPs are available in diesel, electric, and b-fuel models.

Diesel-powered access platforms are perfect for outdoor or rough-terrain jobs where power outlets aren’t located nearby. Electric MEWPs are quiet and emission-free, making them an excellent choice for indoor work or if your company wishes to reduce its carbon footprint. Hybrid models offer the versatility of both, letting you adapt to your site’s needs.

Learn more about whether an electric or diesel lift is best for your next project.

You have the option to speak with our team, use our online portal or search through our platform finder. To make sure you get the right MEWP for your needs, consider the following:

• How heavy a load do you need to lift? This will help you to find access equipment with the suitable weight capacity for your task. You’ll need to calculate the weight of tools, materials and personnel to determine the machine’s safe working load (SWL)..

• What location or environment are you working in? Depending on where your MEWP will be used you may need a rough terrain, indoor, or compact personnel access platform.

• How soon do you need the platform? We offer same-day and next-day hires for reactive, time-critical jobs, but we recommend scheduling your hire in advance.

• How long do you need your MEWP for? If you need an access platform for several days, weeks or months, MEWP hire is the best option, For long-term MEWP usage typically over 12 months, hire purchase or contract hire may be more cost-effective.

• At what height is your work taking place? We stock platforms with several maximum height limits so you can safely reach your destination.

• What range of motion do you need? For a task that only requires direct upward motion, a scissor lift is an excellent choice. However, if you need to move outward as well as up, a cherry picker is more suitable.

• Does your job site have unique conditions? These could include noise limitations for which you would need an electric-powered MEWP, support surface weight restrictions, or job site obstacles such as water, ditches and structures.

Our guide to understanding your MEWP and blog on the five key questions to ask before hiring can help you familiarise yourself with these criteria further. For more help finding your perfect platform, discover our platform finder tool or speak with our friendly team of powered access experts.

Anyone over the age of 18 can hire a MEWP in the UK. However, employers must make sure operators are competent to use powered access and have the necessary training to operate one safely. Reaching the necessary competence can be achieved via one of our IPAF training courses.

The type of training required depends on your job role and the type of access platform required. For example, 3a training is required to operate a vertical scissor lift, 3b training is needed for using mobile boom lifts, and 1b training is needed for static booms. There is a 1b/3a/3b training course available for those who use different types of MEWPS.

If you oversee work at height projects or work in health and safety, MEWPs for Managers or an IPAF demonstrator course may be the most appropriate training for you.

We offer the following courses:

• IPAF operator certificate

• IPAF Pal Plus

• PASMA towers for users

• IPAF and PASMA combined course

• IPAF pre-delivery inspection

• IPAF demonstrator

• IPAF safety harness use and inspection

• Load and unload training programme

• Instructor course

• MEWPs for managers

For a greater understanding of the training you need to operate your MEWP, see our ultimate training guide.

Buying and hiring MEWPs are both good options, but there are pros and cons to each:

Hiring a MEWP

• Better flexibility, especially for short-term projects or infrequent use. 

• Avoid the large upfront costs of purchasing

• Ongoing maintenance, and transport of machines is taken care of by the hire company. 

Buying a MEWP

• Better if you use MEWPs frequently on one site

• Good if you want full control over the equipment.

Hiring is cost-effective and hassle-free for most short- to medium-term needs. If you want to buy, visit Platform Supermarket and buy new and used access platforms with confidence.

Horizon Platforms operates nationwide access platform hire service as well as in numerous locations locally across the north of England. Thanks to our extensive partner network and our proximity to the M1, A1, and M62 motorways, we can swiftly deliver rental MEWPs across England, Scotland and Wales. Visit our national access platform hire page to see boom hire locations nearest to you.

Safety is our number one priority. Therefore, in addition to adhering to Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations (LOLER) and PUWER (Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998) standards, every machine has a pre-delivery inspection before it leaves our depot.

It is also advisable you do a pre-use check and familiarise yourself with a machine before each use. You should also perform in-depth examinations every six months at least.

Perform safer, more effective inspections with our expert guide.

Before commencing any work with a MEWP, carry out these essential safety precautions:

• Ensure all operators are fully trained.

• Perform a thorough risk assessment.

• Carryout MEWP rescue training

• Inspect your MEWP for any faults or issues.

• Use appropriate, fully inspected PFPE such as harnesses, lanyards and helmets.

• Consider weather conditions such as snow and ice, thunder and lightning, rain and wind.

Our Work from Height Health and Safety blog can advise you further.

If you want to hire a MEWP, it’s essential that you have the appropriate insurance in place to cover damage, theft, or injury.

Typically, you will need a ‘hired-in plant insurance’ policy to cover the equipment during your hire period. Read our terms and conditions of hire or contact our team to learn more.

If you don’t have your own plant insurance you can use our Platform Protect Damage & Loss Waiver Agreement, which can be set-up in seconds and very cost effective.

Yes, you can change or extend your hire period if your project timeline changes. Just contact our team as soon as possible or manage your order via your HireHub account, and we’ll arrange for an extension based on equipment availability. 

Don't have a HireHub account? Learn about our intuitive MEWP hire customer portal here.

In the unlikely event of a breakdown, contact our team immediately. We offer 24/7 support to resolve any issues quickly.

If the issue can’t be fixed over the phone or on-site, we’ll arrange for a replacement unit to be delivered to minimise downtime and keep your project on track.

To prep for such occasions, read our guide on what to do if your MEWP breaks down on site.

Returning your MEWP is easy. With a fixed hire we will collect on the agreed date. For open hire contracts, once your hire period is over, contact us or off-hire through HireHub, and we’ll arrange to collect the equipment from your site. 

We ensure a smooth and hassle-free return process, whether you need us to collect immediately or after an extended period. Any necessary inspections will be performed post-hire, and we’ll notify you of any issues.

If your project is delayed and you need to extend your hire period, get in touch with our experts. We’ll work with you to adjust the duration as needed, subject to availability. We aim to be as flexible as possible to accommodate changes in your schedule.

If you're signed up to HireHub, you can extend contracts within a few clicks.

Every MEWP undergoes a rigorous safety inspection before it is delivered to your site.

This includes a full mechanical check, compliance with LOLER (Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations), and adherence to PUWER (Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations) standards. All equipment is thoroughly cleaned, inspected, and certified before each hire to ensure safe and reliable operation.

Yes, Horizon Platforms provide out of hours support via a 24/7 helpline throughout the MEWP hire period. Whether you need help operating the equipment, troubleshooting, or arranging for a site survey, our team is always available to help. We prioritise your safety and success, offering quick solutions to keep your project on track.

Delivering the very best service for our customers motivates us. If we aren’t providing trouble-free service, we’re not doing our job. Therefore, every minute of the day is spent ensuring we provide maximum value and focussing on what clients care about the most. That’s why 98% of hires with us experience no problems whatsoever.

Everything we do as a company is underpinned by our 8 customer-first commitments: being flexible to customers’ needs, providing speedy service, delivering on promises, being trustworthy, responding quickly to difficulty, being easy to deal with and always available to contact.

Since 2008, we’ve provided businesses up and down the UK with reliable MEWPs from the likes of JLG, Dingli and Genie. Our unwavering commitment to safety means all access platforms have LOLERs, are thoroughly maintained and inspected prior to every delivery and, in many cases, represent the cutting edge in MEWP features.

We have a full range of accreditations and certifications that assure the service you receive is second to none. Most notably, Horizon Platforms is IPAF Rental+ certified, showing our high standard of customer service, safety, machine inspection and staff training.

We also have company values in sustainability and social purpose, achieving a silver score in our EcoVadis assessment.

Say goodbye to worries about late deliveries, unexpected breakdowns, project downtime, or the need to rebook work. Here at Horizon Platforms, we work with service and safety-focused MEWP partners to provide dependable work-from-height equipment hire near you. This means our core fleet of access platform rentals can be delivered across the UK, with same-day and next-day delivery.

When you choose us, you choose a stress-free rental experience that consistently surpasses expectations. That’s why we ask every customer to score our performance. To rent an access platform from a reliable supplier and get a tailored quote, simply open an online HireHub account or get in touch.