An elevator may include a brake apparatus such as a safety apparatus or a service brake, for example. The brake apparatus may be designed to generate a stepped braking force for braking an elevator car of the elevator. A plurality of brake cylinder assemblies may be configured so as to supply different braking forces. The brake cylinder assemblies may in some cases include a piston, a spring, and a brake pad. Moreover, a valve assembly may be utilized by one or more of the brake cylinder assemblies. Additional features of the brake apparatus may involve a compressor, a pressure accumulator, a pressure regulating valve.