Not sure what you mean by "moderate speed"? Elevators in the US have rated speeds between 50 fpm and 2000 fpm. At speeds of 150 fpm or less for traction type elevators stopping is near instantaneous in an emrergency, very simialr for direct acting hydraulic elevators.

Elevators are generally designed to minimize discomfort to their riders then at what point do people not get injured? Falling, buckled knees, wrenched backs etc. across all age groups.

An experiement - at what point, speed as a function of wall height, is there is discomfort or injury when you step off the wall to land on carpeting lets say?

The elevator industry has indicated 150 fpm.

Traction Elevators?

By moderate speed I assume up to 350 feet per minute (fpm)?

As the previouse replier noted up to 150 fpm traction elevators can stop very quickly; within a few inches or even less depending on the condition of the safety devices. But is 150fpm moderate? Lay out a 150 foot path and take a minute to walk it; pretty slow.

Elevator safeties; those devices used to bring an overspeeding elevator to a safe stop allow for some slow down (slide: sliding distance based on speed and weight) distance before stopping. That slide reduces the impact of the final stop. By the rapidly slowing of the elevator it often unbalences passengers and causes falls and sprains.

Now should the safties not actuate and the elevator hits the buffer in the pit; that can produce a much more violent stop with realted results.

Need more information about your particular deal.

joe.

jdmoleski.com