The short answer
Automating existing sound gates typically costs £1,500–£4,000 in 2026, covering the motors, control board, safety devices, basic remote control and the power supply connection. It is usually cheaper than buying new electric gates because you keep the gate leaves — provided they are structurally sound, hung on solid pillars and suitable for automation. Note that adding a motor to a manual gate creates a piece of machinery, so the full safety requirements apply just as they would to brand-new gates. See our full cost guide for new gate pricing.
If you already have good-quality timber or metal gates, automating them is often the most cost-effective route to electric gates — you are paying for the automation, not a new pair of gates. But “automating existing gates” is not simply bolting on a motor: the moment a gate is powered, it becomes machinery under the Supply of Machinery (Safety) Regulations 2008, and it must be force-tested and fitted with the same safety devices as a new installation. This guide sets out what automation costs, what determines whether your gates are suitable, and why the safety scope is non-negotiable.
Automation costs at a glance
- Automate a pair of swing gates £1,500–£3,500
- Automate a single sliding gate £2,000–£4,000
- Ram / articulated arm motor kit £400–£1,000
- Underground motor kit (per pair) £500–£1,200
- Safety devices (photocells + edges) £150–£500
- Power supply / electrician spur £200–£800
What automation actually involves
Automating existing gates means fitting motors, a control board, a power supply, access control and the legally required safety devices to gates you already own. For swing gates, the installer fits either articulated ram arms to the pillars or underground motors at the hinges; for a sliding gate, a rack-and-pinion motor and the matching toothed rack. The control board, receiver and a basic remote fob handle operation, and an electrician runs power to the gate if there isn’t a suitable supply nearby. Crucially, the installer must carry out a risk assessment, fit photocells and safety edges as needed, set the correct geometry, force-test the gate to BS EN 12453, and issue a Declaration of Conformity. The all-in cost for automating a sound pair of swing gates is typically £1,500–£3,500; a sliding gate is usually £2,000–£4,000.
| Element | What it does | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Motors | Drive the gate open and closed | £400–£1,200 |
| Control board + remote | Operation, receiver, basic fob | £150–£400 |
| Safety devices | Photocells, safety edges, guards | £150–£500 |
| Power supply | Electrician spur / cabling | £200–£800 |
| Labour, testing, certification | Fitting, force test, Declaration of Conformity | £400–£900 |
Are your existing gates suitable?
Not every gate can — or should — be automated. The gates need to be structurally sound, square and not warped, hung on solid pillars or posts that can take the extra force of a motor, and free-running by hand. Heavy hardwood or wrought-iron gates need correspondingly stronger (and pricier) motors, while very lightweight gates can be blown around and may need stiffening. Pillars that are loose, leaning or built from soft brick may need rebuilding or reinforcing before automation, which adds cost. A good installer will survey the gates and pillars first and tell you honestly whether automation is sensible or whether new gates would be a better investment. Our materials comparison covers how gate weight affects the motor choice.
When new gates are the better value
Automation saves money only when the existing gates are worth keeping. If the gates are rotten, rusted, badly hung or too light, the cost of repairing them plus reinforcing the pillars can approach the price of new gates that are designed for automation from the outset — and purpose-made automation gates often run more smoothly and last longer. If your gates are tired, ask installers to quote both options so you can compare automating the old gates against fitting new ones. Our full cost guide sets out new-gate pricing for that comparison.
Don’t forget power and access
Two costs people often overlook when automating existing gates are the power supply and access control. If there is no mains spur near the gate, an electrician must run an armoured cable, sometimes ducted under the driveway, which adds £200–£800 depending on distance. And while a basic remote fob is usually included, adding a video intercom, keypad or smartphone app costs more. Our power supply guide and access control guide cover both so you can budget accurately.
Compare automation quotes
The cost to automate existing gates depends on your gates, pillars and power supply. Use our service to get matched with an automated gate installer who will survey your gates and quote accurately.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to automate existing gates?
Automating sound existing gates typically costs £1,500–£4,000 in 2026, covering the motors, control board, safety devices, basic remote and power supply. A pair of swing gates is usually £1,500–£3,500 and a single sliding gate £2,000–£4,000. These are typical illustrations, not quotes.
Can any gate be automated?
No. The gates need to be structurally sound, square, free-running by hand and hung on solid pillars that can take the extra force of a motor. Rotten, warped or badly hung gates, or loose pillars, may need repair or rebuilding first — at which point new gates can be better value. A surveyor or installer should assess suitability.
Do I still need safety devices if I'm only adding a motor?
Yes. Adding a motor turns a manual gate into machinery under the Supply of Machinery (Safety) Regulations 2008, so the full safety requirements apply: a risk assessment, photocells and safety edges as needed, correct geometry, force testing and a Declaration of Conformity. Any quote that skips these is not compliant.
Is automating cheaper than buying new electric gates?
Usually yes, if your existing gates are sound — you save the cost of new gate leaves. But if the gates or pillars need significant repair, the total can approach the cost of new gates designed for automation, which often run more smoothly. Ask installers to quote both options.
Sources & further reading
- DHF (Door & Hardware Federation) — automating existing gates and installer guidance
- Gate Safe — automated gate safety awareness and installer training
- GOV.UK / HSE — Supply of Machinery (Safety) Regulations 2008 and powered gate safety
- BS EN 12453 / BS EN 13241 — safety in use of power-operated gates
This is general information, not advice for your specific property or installation. Costs vary with your gates, pillars, power supply and chosen installer. Automated gate work should be carried out by a competent installer who can demonstrate compliance with the safety regulations.