Considering the model complexity of elevator permanent magnet synchronous motor (PMSM), a characteristic model-based anti-disturbance adaptive control was adopted to achieve high precision control needs. A characteristic model was established by used the id=0 vector control. Based on the characteristic model, a golden-section adaptive control was applied to the speed loop. A torque observer was designed to add torque quantity into the current loop for compensation. Simulation results showed that the characteristic model-based anti-disturbance adaptive control had good steady-state accuracy and robustness. Combined with the elevator speed curve, the simulation results verified that the control algorithm applied to the elevator with PMSM control system was feasible.