SMOPYC 2026 news: how are aerial work platforms changing?
Just a few weeks ago, the 20th edition of SMOPYC concluded in Zaragoza, once again consolidating its position as a benchmark event for the European construction, public works, and lifting machinery sector. The fair brought together over 1,100 international brands and confirmed an unstoppable trend: the aerial work platform market is entering a new era marked by electrification, digitalization, safety, and operational efficiency.
For companies that buy or rent lifting machinery, analyzing the trends seen in Zaragoza is no longer just a technical matter: it is a strategic decision that can determine the future profitability of a fleet.
These are some of the main novelties and trends that have marked the lifting sector at SMOPYC 2026.
1. Electrification already dominates the future of lifting
While a few years ago electric platforms were mainly limited to indoor work, SMOPYC 2026 has shown that electrification has now fully reached high-reach machines and off-road applications.
One of the major benchmarks in this transformation was Haulotte, which focused a large part of its exhibition on high-performance electric solutions and latest-generation lithium batteries.
Among the most notable models were:
- The HS21 E PRO all-terrain scissor lift, designed for demanding construction site work with fully electric operation.
- The HA20 E PRO articulated boom lift, focused on urban and industrial environments where acoustic and environmental restrictions are increasingly important.
The big news is no longer just the absence of emissions, but the improvement in operating costs: less maintenance, lower energy consumption, and reduced mechanical breakdowns compared to traditional diesel engines.
In addition, manufacturers like Haulotte continue to bet on advanced active safety systems like FASTN, designed to improve operator protection during work at height.
2. Chinese manufacturers are now competing at the highest European level
One of the most evident changes seen in Zaragoza was the definitive consolidation of several new-generation Chinese manufacturers within the European market.
Far from the low-cost image of years ago, many of these brands presented machines with finishes, components, and technologies fully adapted to European standards.
Hered: Innovative Leveling System and Advanced Electronics
Hered drew particular attention precisely for its cutting-edge technological approach, driven by an innovative automatic leveling system. Their new platforms integrate smart sensors and electronic controls capable of compensating for slopes and uneven ground in real time. This ensures absolute stability and exceptional operational safety even on the most challenging and irregular terrains, eliminating downtime caused by manual positioning. The brand is clearly aiming to position itself in Europe by combining this high-level technology with comprehensive features and highly competitive prices.
Sinoboom: robustness and rental-oriented
For its part, Sinoboom showcased equipment very focused on the professional rental market, particularly highlighting:
- structural robustness
- paint and finish quality
- ease of maintenance
- good availability of spare parts
Many professionals present at the fair agreed that the differences between European and Asian manufacturers are rapidly narrowing.
3. Turkey gains presence with solid industrial manufacturers
Another prominent presence at SMOPYC 2026 was ELS Lift, one of the main Turkish manufacturers of aerial work platforms.
The brand presented new versions of scissor lifts and compact vertical models particularly interesting for:
- industrial maintenance
- logistics
- warehouses
- rental companies
Their main competitive advantage lies in combining very robust structures with fast delivery times, an increasingly important aspect for companies that need to expand their fleet without long waiting periods.
4. The market is no longer just looking for price: it's looking for profitability
One of the clearest messages left by SMOPYC is that the sector is changing the way it analyzes machinery purchases.
Today, companies increasingly value factors such as:
- total cost of ownership (TCO)
- energy consumption
- ease of maintenance
- residual value
- availability of spare parts
- telemetry and remote control
- operator safety
This explains the growth of electric platforms and also the strong interest in professionally revised used and Km 0 machinery.
5. The platforms with the highest demand in 2026
The trends seen in Zaragoza clearly show which types of machines will be most in demand over the next few years:
- high-reach electric platforms
- compact scissor lifts for logistics and industry
- hybrid and electric articulated boom lifts
- equipment prepared for telemetry and remote management
- efficient machinery for intensive rental
Sectors such as photovoltaic installations, industrial maintenance, logistics, shopping centers, and urban works are especially driving this change.
The market is changing: how should your company act?
SMOPYC 2026 leaves us with a clear message: the market demands cleaner, safer, and smarter machines. The competitive entry of quality brands like Hered, Sinoboom, and ELS Lift, coupled with innovations from historical giants like Haulotte, now offers entrepreneurs extraordinary alternatives in terms of return on investment. However, the key to success lies in knowing how to choose the exact machine for each type of project.
Find your next platform with Makiboom
At Makiboom, we closely follow the evolution of the best international brands to offer our clients only solutions capable of generating real value, both in new machinery and in the guaranteed used and Km 0 market.
We believe in personalized technical advice and in helping each client find the most profitable machine according to their type of work, budget, and operational needs.
We analyze each project, evaluate the best options available in the European and international market, and coordinate all delivery logistics directly to the work site or company.
In an increasingly competitive market, correctly choosing an aerial work platform is no longer just a purchase: it is a strategic investment in productivity, safety, and profitability.
Do you want to renew your machinery fleet or are you looking for a specific opportunity in the lifting sector?
Contact us today for personalized advice or a quote