Speed gates and pedestrian access gates
Glass panels that open on validation and close behind each person: the control of a turnstile with a faster, wider passage that suits a reception area.
The problem it solves
In a corporate lobby, an arm turnstile slows people down and looks out of place. A speed gate (also called an optical turnstile or pedestrian barrier) keeps the principle of one person per validation, but with panels that retract by themselves, sensors that detect tailgating, and a lane that takes luggage and wheelchairs in its wide version.
Who it is for
- Corporate headquarters and office buildings with a staffed reception.
- Multi-tenant buildings where each tenant manages its own staff and visitors.
- Busy sites that cannot afford queues at peak times.
What the service includes
- Choosing between swing and sliding panels, panel height and lane width.
- Sizing the number of lanes for your peak inflow (how to calculate it).
- A wide accessible lane or side pass gate (accessibility).
- Installation and under-floor cabling, connected to the access control system and the fire panel.
- Visitor flow: temporary credential, QR code or escort from reception (visitor management).
How it differs from a turnstile
| Tripod turnstile | Speed gate | |
|---|---|---|
| Feel | You push the arm | Panels open by themselves |
| Bags or wheelchair | Needs a separate gate | Available in accessible width |
| Tailgating detection | Mechanical (one turn per person) | Sensor-based, with alarm |
| Recommended supervision | Can be unattended | Best within sight of reception |
| Cost | Lower | Higher |
The full comparison, including full-height turnstiles, is in types of turnstile.
What we always check
- Panel safety: sensors and closing force in line with EN 17352.
- Evacuation: automatic opening on the alarm signal and on power loss (guide).
- Flooring: lanes need conduits between cabinets; plan them before the floor is laid.
What drives the price
The number of lanes, panel type and height, finish, under-floor work and integration with the building system.
How we work
- You tell us about your case by phone, email or the form.
- We survey the site: doors, entrances, electrical boards and network.
- We deliver a written, itemised proposal.
- We install, configure and train whoever manages it.
- We hand over documentation and administrator credentials.
Frequently asked questions
Does a speed gate stop tailgating?
It detects it and raises an alarm, but low panels are not an impassable physical barrier. That is why it should be installed within sight of reception or security. If you need to prevent it physically, the option is a full-height turnstile.
Can it work with phones or QR codes for visitors?
Yes, if the reader and software support it. A common set-up is card or phone for staff and a temporary QR code for visitors.
When should it be planned in a fit-out?
Before the floor is laid, so that power and data conduits are embedded and the finished floor does not have to be opened.