A typical hydraulic elevator with a 20HP code F motor. 72A running and 166A start up.
The question is - is the 166A start up just the normal motor start current or is it something that should be taken in account for:
1. circuit size?
2. generator sizing?
3. voltage drop?

The biggest issue of the 3 is the generator. Other than that I would just design to 125% of the FLA. Voltage drop would be an issue if the branch circuit is very long. There are a number of voltage drop calculators around but if this is existing, it is hard to beat simply measuring the voltage at each end. Just be sure the motor is running when you check the line side end to get an accurate measurement of that leg.