How to Choose the Right Speed Gate for Your Building in 2026

Selecting the right speed gate is one of the most important decisions when designing a secure, welcoming, and efficient building entrance. Whether you're fitting out a corporate office, university, leisure facility, government building, or commercial premises, the right entrance control solution can improve security, increase throughput, and create an excellent first impression.

At Evolve Security Products, we work with installers, integrators, and consultants across the UK, supplying high-quality speed gates and pedestrian entrance control systems designed for reliability, safety, and seamless integration.

What Is a Speed Gate?

A speed gate (also known as an optical turnstile or speed lane) is an automated pedestrian access control system that allows authorised users to pass quickly while preventing unauthorised entry.

Unlike traditional tripod turnstiles, speed gates provide:

• Faster user throughput
• Modern architectural appearance
• Silent operation
• Improved accessibility
• Advanced anti-tailgating detection
• Integration with almost any access control system

They are commonly installed in:

• Corporate offices
• Government buildings
• Universities
• Hospitals
• Hotels
• Leisure centres
• Data centres
• Commercial headquarters

Step 1 – Understand Your Security Requirements

Not every building requires the same level of security.

Consider the following:

• How many people use the entrance daily?
• Is visitor management required?
• Is anti-tailgating essential?
• Do you require wheelchair or DDA-compliant access?
• Will the system integrate with your existing access control?

For high-security environments, advanced infrared detection, anti-tailgating logic, and integration with facial recognition or biometric readers can provide an additional layer of protection.

Step 2 – Consider Pedestrian Throughput

The number of people passing through your entrance each day will influence the type of speed gate required.

Small offices may only require a few hundred users per day, whereas transport hubs, universities, and large corporate headquarters can experience several thousand daily transactions.

Choosing a gate designed for high duty cycles ensures smooth operation, reduced maintenance, and long-term reliability.

Step 3 – Choose the Correct Lane Width

Lane width plays a significant role in user experience.

Typical options include:

• 600 mm – Standard pedestrian access.
• 900 mm – Wheelchair, luggage, or wider access.
• 1120 mm – Enhanced accessibility and high-capacity applications.

Providing at least one wider lane helps ensure compliance with accessibility requirements while maintaining efficient pedestrian flow.

Step 4 – Think About Aesthetics

The entrance is often the first impression visitors have of your organisation.

Modern speed gates are available in finishes such as:

• Stainless steel
• Powder-coated colours
• PVD finishes
• Glass side panels
• Custom branding
• LED status indicators

Selecting finishes that complement your building can significantly enhance the overall appearance of your reception area.

Step 5 – Ensure Access Control Compatibility

One of the most important considerations is compatibility with your existing security system.

Evolve speed gates are designed with open protocols, allowing integration with a wide range of technologies, including:

• RFID card readers
• QR code readers
• Facial recognition terminals
• Biometric readers
• Mobile credentials
• Visitor management platforms
• Building management systems

This flexibility enables installers to specify the most suitable access control solution without being locked into a single manufacturer.

Step 6 – Prioritise Safety

Safety should never be compromised.

Modern speed gates incorporate multiple infrared sensors to detect users throughout the lane, helping prevent contact with pedestrians while reducing false alarms.

Features such as obstacle detection, automatic opening during fire alarm activation, and intelligent control logic contribute to safe operation in busy environments.

Why Installers Choose Evolve Security Products

At Evolve Security Products, we supply entrance control systems trusted by installers and security professionals throughout the UK and internationally.

Our solutions offer:

• UK stock on selected products
• Technical support before and after installation
• Factory acceptance testing (FAT)
• Pre-delivery inspection (PDI)
• Open integration with leading access control manufacturers
• Custom manufacturing options
• Comprehensive product training

Whether you're specifying a single reception lane or a multi-lane corporate entrance, our team can help you select the most appropriate solution for your project.

Featured Products

Our most popular speed gates include:

• PG127 – Compact speed gate ideal for offices, education, and commercial buildings.
• PG300 – Premium optical speed gate designed for high-traffic and prestigious entrances.
• PG500 – Heavy-duty solution for demanding environments requiring enhanced durability and performance.

Each system can be configured to suit your project's throughput, security, and aesthetic requirements.

Speak to the Experts

Choosing the right speed gate doesn't have to be complicated.

If you're planning a new installation or upgrading an existing entrance, Evolve Security Products can provide technical advice, product recommendations, CAD drawings, and quotations to help you deliver a successful project.

Contact our team today to discuss your requirements and discover the right entrance control solution for your building.