What are the negative things about an elevator?

Elevators can fail, and their electrical power is vulnerable to fire. Every building has stairs as a back-up to the elevator. They are often slower than stairs, especially if they regularly stop. Riding an elevator does not provide exercise, while walking up stairs does.

Jews who observe the Jewish Sabbath are permitted to climb stairs, but are forbidden to press the buttons of the elevator on Sabbath. Some buildings have a special "Sabbath elevator" that stops at every floor.