Bolan - Leading Security Turnstile Gate Manufacturer & Supplier Since 2011
Inclusive Access Control: Meeting ADA and European Standards with Wider Turnstile Lanes
Introduction
Imagine walking into the grand lobby of a newly renovated corporate headquarters in New York or Berlin. The interior is stunning, the security is tight, and a sleek row of speed gates handles the morning rush of employees with ease. But then, an employee using a wheelchair, a visitor with a baby stroller, or a courier pulling a large delivery cart arrives at the front desk.
They swipe their access card, but the standard turnstile lane is simply too narrow to pass through. Suddenly, the elegant security system becomes an embarrassing and frustrating obstacle.
In today's architectural planning, access control cannot just be about keeping the wrong people out; it must be equally focused on letting the right people in—all of them. For facility managers, integrators, and architects working in North America and Europe, designing an inclusive entrance is no longer just an ethical choice. It is a strict legal requirement enforced by rigorous building codes.
Let's look at why inclusive access control matters, the US and European standards you need to follow, and the hardware solutions that can help your building become truly barrier-free.
The Regulatory Landscape: ADA and European Codes
Western markets lead the world in implementing accessibility regulations. The core principle is that public and commercial buildings must not discriminate against individuals with reduced mobility.
When specifying pedestrian turnstiles, security consultants must navigate several key legal frameworks:
The US Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA): In the United States, ADA compliance is mandatory. For turnstiles and gates, the ADA requires a minimum clear passage width of 32 inches (813mm). Traditional tripod turnstiles rarely meet this, meaning an alternative accessible route must be provided immediately adjacent to the main security gates.
The European Accessibility Act (EAA) & EN 17210: Across the Atlantic, Europe enforces similar strict rules. EN 17210 dictates the functional requirements for a safe and independent built environment.
Local National Codes: Countries have their own specific standards, such as DIN 18040-1 in Germany or the DDA (Disability Discrimination Act guidelines) in the UK, which heavily influence physical barrier dimensions.
Under these regulations, installing only standard-width turnstiles in a main entrance is a compliance violation that can result in failed building inspections and hefty fines.
Standard vs Wide Lanes: Width of Passage Difference
To understand the solution, we have to look at the physical dimensions of access control lanes.
A standard turnstile lane (typically found on speed gates or flap barriers) has a passing width of around 24 inches (approx. 600mm). This is perfectly optimized for a single walking adult. It prevents tailgating by ensuring a second person cannot easily sneak in alongside an authorized user. However, a standard manual or electric wheelchair requires significantly more clearance.
An accessible wide lane (or ADA lane) must offer a passing width of at least 36 to 40 inches (approx. 900mm to 1000mm) to safely exceed the minimum legal requirements and allow comfortable passage.
You do not need to make every single lane in your lobby 36 inches wide. The industry best practice is to install a "bank" of turnstiles where the majority are standard narrow lanes to maximize security and floor space, seamlessly integrated with at least one wide lane at the end of the row.
Choosing the Right Hardware for Inclusive Access
How do you implement wide lanes without ruining the architectural aesthetics or lowering the security level of your lobby? Depending on your primary barrier type, there are two proven approaches:
1. Wide-Lane Speed Gates, Swing Barrier Gates, Flap Barrier, Sliding Gates (The Seamless Look)
If your building uses optical speed gates (swing barriers), accommodating wheelchairs is incredibly straightforward. Manufacturers simply adjust the cabinet spacing and use longer, heavier glass panels for the designated ADA lane.
The operation logic inside the turnstile is also different. At Bolan Security, our wide-lane speed gates are programmed with customized sensor arrays. Because a person in a wheelchair or someone pulling heavy luggage takes longer to clear the lane, the safety infrared sensors (IR) are calibrated to hold the glass panels open longer. This ensures the heavy glass does not accidentally close on the user. The design remains uniform with the rest of the lobby, and the security level stays high.
2. Pedestrian Swing Gates ADA Compliant Turnstile (The Tripod Turnstile Companion)
If you are securing a factory entrance, a stadium, or a gym with rugged tripod turnstiles, you face a different physical challenge. By design, the three rotating arms of a tripod turnstile cannot accommodate a wheelchair, making them inherently non-ADA compliant on their own.
The standard solution here is to install a motorized Pedestrian Swing Gate (often referred to simply as an ADA gate) right next to the row of tripods. These are single-pillar gates with a long stainless steel tube or glass panel that swings open a full 90 degrees. When a user with mobility issues swipes their card, the swing gate automatically opens, providing a clear, wide path with zero floor tracks to trip over.
3. Full-Height Turnstile + Wide-lane Swing Gate Combos (The Maximum Security Solution)
When securing an unmanned outdoor perimeter, a factory exterior, or a critical infrastructure site, facility managers rely on full-height turnstiles. Because these floor-to-ceiling barriers function like revolving doors, they offer maximum security against tailgating and climbing. However, they are virtually impassable for wheelchairs, bicycles, or large material deliveries.
The solution here is a specialized integrated unit. The BLS-FH65 Full-Height Turnstile Combo engineered by Bolan Security is designed specifically for this challenge. It pairs a traditional heavy-duty rotating turnstile with an adjacent, full-height motorized ADA swing door in one unified, weatherproof frame.
When an authorized user in a wheelchair (or a worker with a large cart) presents their credential, the adjacent wide door unlocks and opens, providing a clear 36-inch (900mm) passage. This ensures that even your strictest outdoor perimeter remains 100% compliant with US and European disability codes without sacrificing a single ounce of security.
Beyond Compliance: The Hidden Benefits of Wide Lanes
While meeting US and European regulations is the primary driver, facility managers quickly realize that wide lanes offer highly practical benefits for everyday operations:
- Deliveries and Freight: Couriers with hand trucks or cleaning staff with carts can securely access the building without guards having to bypass the security system manually.
- Luggage and IT Equipment: In corporate settings, employees traveling with rolling suitcases or IT staff moving server racks can pass safely and efficiently.
- Emergency Egress: During an evacuation, a 36-inch wide lane allows a larger volume of people to exit faster than a standard lane, perfectly complementing your building's fire safety strategy.
Securing Your Building for Everyone
Designing a high-security entrance does not mean you have to compromise on accessibility. A truly modern access control system respects the user experience just as much as it respects perimeter defense.
When evaluating manufacturers, look for engineering teams that understand the nuances of barrier-free design—from the physical width of the cabinets to the timing of the infrared safety sensors.
At Bolan Security, we design our turnstiles and speed gates to meet the most demanding standards across North America and Europe. Our modular systems allow you to seamlessly mix standard and ADA-compliant wide lanes, ensuring your facility is secure, beautiful, and welcoming to everyone.
Planning a barrier-free access control project?
Visit US to view our range of wide-lane turnstile barriers, or contact our team for CAD layouts and technical consultation.
