ELEVATOR SYSTEM INCLUDING A MOTORIZED MODULE

An illustrative example embodiment of an elevator system (10) includes a cab (24) configured to accommodate at least one passenger (26) or item inside the cab. A motorized module (30) includes a base (32), a connector (34) supported on the base (32) and at least one drive member (40) supported on the base (32). The connector (34) is configured to selectively establish a releasable connection between the motorized module (30) and the cab (24). The drive member (40) is configured to engage a vertical surface (42), climb along the vertical surface (42) to selectively cause vertical movement of the base (32), and selectively prevent movement of the base (32) when the drive member (40) remains in a selected position relative to the vertical surface (42). At least one motor (38) is associated with the drive member (40) to selectively cause the drive member (40) to climb along the vertical surface (42). The motorized module (30) is vertically movable independent of the cab (24) when the motorized module (30) is released from the cab (24).