nother oneTraction elevators feature an electric motor in a room typically located above the elevator shaft, and are lifted by ropes that pass over a sheave attached to the motor. Traction elevators are used for mid- and high-rise buildings and offer faster travel speeds than hydraulic elevators. A counter weight is used to offset the weight of the car and occupants, making the elevator more efficient. Geared traction elevators, traveling at up to 500 feet per minute, are best suited for mid-rise applications. Gearless traction elevators can travel up to 2,000 feet per minute, with a maximum travel distance of around 2,000 feet, making them the only choice for high-rise applications.