When it comes to access control systems, selecting the appropriate gate is a crucial decision. Different scenarios call for different types of gates — and quite often, users find it difficult to distinguish between motorized Swing Gates and Swing Speed Gates, as the differences aren't always visible at first glance. But when should you choose one over the other? Let’s explore which gate provides the ideal solution in different situations.
What’s the Difference Between a Swing Gate and a Speed Gate?
Swing Gate: The Specialist for Unique Tasks
A motorized Swing Gate is best suited for low-traffic areas. Its main applications include enabling access for wheelchair users and strollers, as well as facilitating goods transportation. It’s also ideal for temporarily closing off areas or allowing open access where needed.
Depending on the design, a Swing Gate features a single 600–900 mm wide wing that opens in both directions. It’s important to note that clear space is required both in front of and behind the gate to allow for its full swinging motion. Larger gate wings require more room, and due to their size, they tend to open more slowly, which affects the overall opening speed. In some models, the area beneath the gate wing can be crawled under, reducing security. However, other models with high glass panels offer full protection.
When it comes to detection technology, Swing Gates use simpler solutions. Some may lack sensors entirely, relying on the motor to detect obstructions — a feature used for anti-pinch protection. In other cases, a single infrared sensor monitors if someone breaks a light beam. Swing Gates handle simple tasks, so they generally have fewer sensors.
Swing Speed Gate: The Champion of High-Traffic Entry
The Swing Speed Gate is specifically designed for high-traffic environments but also accommodates wheelchair users and strollers in areas where Tripod Turnstiles and Swing Gates cannot be installed side by side. Its main goal is fast, continuous entry — making it the perfect solution for busy locations.
This gate has two smaller wings that open from the center in both directions. This design allows people to pass through more quickly, as both wings open simultaneously and partial opening is often enough to permit entry. Due to the wider, protective wings, Swing Speed Gates provide higher security and are better suited for preventing unauthorized access.
Swing Speed Gates are known for their speed. Their specialized motors and smaller wings enable quick operation — essential in high-traffic situations.
They also feature advanced sensor systems. Their longer housing typically contains 12–36 infrared sensors that instantly respond to user movement. These sensors detect attempts to pass improperly, such as tailgating or two people trying to enter together.
In places where space limitations prevent using a full-size sensor-equipped gate, compact Speed Gates are fitted with Time-of-Flight sensors. These sensors measure the exact distance of people entering and can distinguish between human movement and objects — delivering faster and more accurate responses, which is crucial for high-security access control systems.
Motorized Swing Gate Pros and Cons:
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Advantages:Simpler design, lower cost, easier to configure in low-traffic areas. Ideal for wheelchairs, strollers, and goods transport.
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Disadvantages:Slower opening speed, requires more space, lower security level due to fewer sensors. Not all models provide full protection.
Swing Speed Gate Pros and Cons:
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Advantages:Fast operation, higher security, advanced sensor technology, perfect for high-traffic areas. Dual-direction opening allows quick and controlled passage.
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Disadvantages:More complex and expensive, higher maintenance needs, requires more space due to wider installation.
When to Choose Which?
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Motorized Swing Gates:Ideal when the gate’s primary role is to manage specific, lower-traffic access needs. They are the perfect choice for wheelchair access, strollers, goods delivery, or area partitioning.
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Swing Speed Gates:The best choice for high-traffic environments where fast, secure access is critical. They are ideal for office buildings, shopping malls, sports facilities, or any location where smooth flow and security checks must go hand-in-hand.
Final Thoughts
Both Swing Gates and Swing Speed Gates offer excellent solutions — but it's essential to match the gate type with the intended function. If slow, individual access is the priority, a Swing Gate is the optimal solution. However, if you’re looking for fast, efficient, and secure access control in high-traffic settings, the Swing Speed Gate is your best bet.
We hope this information helps you find the most suitable solution for your needs. If you have any questions about our gates, feel free to contact us!!
