No, key operation is no longer required under ASME A18.1a 2001 or newer standards, though it remains optional. The change was made because restricting access with keys didn’t enhance safety or reliability and often inconvenienced those the lifts were meant to serve.
Key systems were widely distributed, making them ineffective at limiting use to individuals with mobility impairments. Platform lifts are not for freight and should remain accessible to those who need them.
Building owners are responsible for maintaining accessibility while addressing security or misuse concerns. Alternatives to key operation include proximity devices, card readers, remote controls with surveillance, or systems that switch between key and keyless modes, depending on the setting.