IPAF Reports Mixed Global MEWP Rental Market Performance in 2025

The International Powered Access Federation (IPAF) has released its 2026 Rental Market Reports, highlighting differing trends across the global mobile elevating work platform (MEWP) rental industry. According to the reports, the U.S. market outperformed expectations in 2025, while Europe experienced slower growth amid economic challenges.

The reports analyze MEWP rental markets across Europe, the United States and Asia. In both Europe and the U.S., rental revenue increased in 2025, supported by higher rental rates and fleet growth.

The U.S. MEWP rental market grew 4% to approximately $15.8 billion in 2025. IPAF reported that demand remained resilient despite tariff uncertainty, higher financing costs and a cautious macroeconomic outlook. Growth was supported by the continued cost advantage of renting over owning equipment, as well as activity related to facilities management and data center projects.

Fleet expansion resumed in the U.S., with the rental fleet reaching approximately 875,000 units, a 2% increase over 2024. Rental rates increased by 2%, while utilization declined slightly to 70%, which IPAF attributed primarily to fleet growth rather than weaker demand. The report noted that large projects continued to support demand, although smaller independent rental companies experienced greater market pressure.

In Europe, the MEWP rental market grew 2% to €3.6 billion in 2025, but performance varied significantly by country. Spain, Italy and parts of the Nordic region posted stronger results, while Germany, France, the United Kingdom and the Netherlands remained under pressure due to weak construction activity, cost pressures and broader economic uncertainty.

According to the report, fleet growth in Europe slowed to 1% as rental companies focused on replacing and optimizing existing equipment rather than expanding their fleets. Rental rates increased by an average of 1%, with many companies relying on transportation, fuel or service charges to offset rising costs.

The report also identified changes in equipment demand across Europe. Demand remained stronger for compact scissor lifts, low-level access equipment, vehicle-mounted platforms and spider lifts, while larger boom lifts continued to face softer demand. IPAF also noted that electrification efforts are continuing, but rental companies are placing greater emphasis on utilization, application suitability and total cost of ownership.

Outside Europe and North America, the reports highlighted contrasting market conditions. China's MEWP rental market continued to contract as companies reduced fleet sizes and consolidated operations. India recorded 18% market growth, driven by increased workplace safety awareness and fleet expansion, while Saudi Arabia's market grew 49% as rental companies expanded fleets to support major infrastructure projects.

Peter Douglas, CEO and managing director of IPAF, said: “These latest Rental Market Reports show a sector that remains resilient, but increasingly shaped by very different regional conditions. In Europe, growth is slowing and rental companies are having to manage cost pressure, cautious investment and uneven demand, while the US market has shown stronger momentum than many expected. For rental companies, manufacturers, suppliers and investors, the reports provide valuable insight into where markets are performing well, where pressure is building and how trends such as fleet renewal, utilisation and electrification are evolving.”

IPAF stated that its 2026 Rental Market Reports are available to members at no cost upon request, while non-members may purchase the reports.