An elevator system includes a first elevator car (28) constructed and arranged to move in a first lane (30, 32, 34) and a first propulsion system (40) constructed and arranged to propel the first elevator. An electronic processor of the elevator system is configured to selectively control power delivered to the first propulsion system (40). The electronic processor includes a software-based power estimator configured to receive a first weight signal and a nm trajectory signal for calculating a power estimate and comparing the power estimate to a maximum power allowance. The electronic processor is configured to output an automated command signal if the power estimate exceeds the maximum power allowance.