For a home or a business premises, automating the pedestrian gate is not only possible, it's actually a smart idea. In many ways, an automated pedestrian gate enhances convenience, improves controlled access, and can significantly boost security at your home.
Moreover, pedestrian gates are smaller and lighter than vehicle gates, so the automation process is often easier and more affordable.
But how practical is an automated pedestrian gate? Automating a driveway gate, for example, makes sense: it is made for cars to go through. How much of a practical improvement is an automated pedestrian gate? And is it worth the time, effort, and money?
This is a complete breakdown to help you understand the whole process of automating a pedestrian gate: what’s involved, how it compares to automating larger gates, what it costs, and whether it’s the right move for you.
Can You Automate a Pedestrian Gate?
Not only is it possible to automate your pedestrian gate, but it is actually becoming the norm. Pedestrian gate automation is becoming increasingly common, especially in modern homes, gated communities, apartment buildings, and commercial properties.
Nowadays, even farm gates need gate openers
So, you are joining a growing trend, one that will likely become the standard in the near future.
Automating a pedestrian gate can also be very practical, especially when:
- You want to control visitor access to your home or building
- You have mobility issues or prefer keyless entry
- You frequently receive deliveries or foot traffic
- You want seamless integration with smart systems (like Ring, Alexa, or Google Nest)
It’s also a great solution for gated communities or urban homes where pedestrian entry is more common than vehicle access.
How Much Does It Cost to Automate a Pedestrian Gate?
The cost for installing a pedestrian gate will vary depending on the gate material, the number of features and components integrated, and the quality of the gate opening mechanism you go for.
If you're handy and go the DIY route, you can automate a pedestrian gate for under $1,000.
A more time-efficient way of automating your pedestrian gate is to get an automatic gate opener, in which case you would have to pay for the cost of the gate opener and installation. Given that an affordable Zumi single swing gate opener can cost about $400, you will still be well below $1,000 on average.
So, all things being equal, automating your pedestrian gate should cost about $1,000 or less.
Tips for Minimizing Costs
To minimize the total cost of automating your pedestrian gate, choose an automatic gate opener model that does not require professional skills to install. Pedestrian gates are quite small and manageable, so you should be able to automate one without professional (expensive) help.
Automatic gate installation costs can be particularly high, even for smaller models.
What Do You Need to Automate a Pedestrian Gate?
Except you are doing a DIY project, all it takes to automate your pedestrian gate is a gate opener kit and (if necessary) the services of a trusted installer.
Most pedestrian gates are usually single swing, and below 60ft. So you might want to go for an affordable single swing gate opener kit.
If you are doing a DIY installation, automating your pedestrian gate is much similar to automating any other type of gate, except that it requires lighter, more compact hardware.
The total cost for a DIY installation might come up to $700-$900 for all the items. But it will take a lot of time, energy, and (sometimes) many tries to get it right.
Here is a table of all the components and equipment you would need, and how much it would cost:
| Component | Purpose |
Estimated Cost (USD) |
| Electric Lock or Magnetic Lock | Secures the gate in a locked position when closed | $50 – $150 |
| Gate Opener Mechanism | Motor that pushes or pulls the gate (can be a swing arm or a linear actuator) | $150 – $400 |
| Power Source | Low-voltage transformer or solar panel/battery combo | $40 – $150 |
| Access Controls | Keypad, card reader, remote fob, smartphone app, or intercom | $50 – $200 |
| Exit Button or Sensor | To let users exit the property (push-button, motion sensor, etc.) | $20 – $100 |
| Safety Features | Optional—like auto-close timer, electric strike fail-safe, or battery backup | Cost varies |
If you are embarking on a DIY project, this guide contains everything you need to know about automating your gate.
Best Gate Openers for a Pedestrian Gate
For pedestrian gates, Zumi presents two single-swing gate opener models that are a perfect fit, of solid quality, affordable, and require no additional installation complexities. Given that the average pedestrian gate weighs less than 100 lbs, these gates are more than capable.
You should be able to install both models by yourself, especially if you pay attention to these tips for smooth gate opener installation.
1. Zumi W1 900 lb. Single Swing Gate Opener
This electric single swing from Zumi can support gates up to 20ft, and a maximum weight of 900 lbs. It is powered by a 50W 12V DC motor that operates at 4,600 rpm.
- This gate opener digitally seals your gate system with a 128-bit rolling code and has been tested for smooth operation in over 10,000 cycles.
- Opening time is 10-15 seconds, adjustable as you see fit
It is also a hybrid model with four flexible power options to suit your needs: solar panels for off-grid use, battery or AC power for reliable energy, or both solar and battery.
Understand how you can convert your electric gate to solar
2. Zumi WS1 Solar Single Swing Gate Opener
This model is the solar equivalent of the W1, but it offers even more.
With a 30W solar battery and 12V8Ah batteries, it can power any gate up to 60ft long and 900 lbs. That is in addition to the 50W DC motor, the advanced 128-rolling code for security, and three additional power options for versatility.
Why Zumi Gate Openers?
Both of these gate openers are now on sale for up to 21% off, and they come in complete kits with the motor, control board, remote control, and detailed product installation manuals for smooth installation.
They also come with Zumi’s self-developed app, which helps you connect devices, add users, and access technological features like customizable scenes and more.
If your pedestrian gate weighs more than 900 lbs (which is very unlikely), you might want to explore our best gate openers for heavy-duty gates for a suitable match.
Save installation costs with Zumi, and get high-quality gate openers without breaking the bank.
Is Automating a Pedestrian Gate a Good Idea?
It is hard to say whether or not automating a pedestrian gate is worth it: that depends on your needs. However, in many cases, the pros of automating a pedestrian gate far outweigh the cons.
Here are some of the cons of automating a pedestrian gate:
- Convenience: you get hands-free access via remote, keypad, app, or keycard.
- It improves security: You can control who enters or exits, great for homes with children or businesses with foot traffic.
- It enhances accessibility: Helpful for the elderly, disabled, or delivery personnel.
- Integration: Easily connects to smart home systems, intercoms, and cameras.
Potential Cons.
- Cost vs. manual gate: It’s an extra investment over a simple latch.
- Maintenance: Like all electronics, it needs occasional upkeep.
- Weather exposure: Needs proper waterproofing and quality materials if outdoors.
Bottom Line: Is Pedestrian Gate Automation Worth It?
If you value convenience, security, and smart functionality, then automating a pedestrian gate is a great investment.
It’s easier and cheaper than automating a driveway gate, requires fewer safety concerns, and offers real daily benefits, especially if you install it yourself or buy a well-integrated kit.
