Why You Should Stop Walking On Escalators

You're at your favorite mall and it's time to move to the next level. However, you notice that the escalator has stopped moving, indicating that it's probably broken. Now, you have a choice to make. Option A is to bravely step onto the stopped escalator and walk on it anyway. But I have some bad news for you. By doing so, you're putting yourself at risk because escalators are not designed to be used as regular stairs.

If the escalator has stopped due to a mechanical failure, such as the brakes suddenly malfunctioning, it could start moving again at any time. This unpredictability increases the chances of you falling. Additionally, the steps on escalators are usually higher than those on regular staircases, and if the moving stairs stop at an uneven position, you might trip easily, especially when walking down.

Moreover, escalators are designed to carry only a certain load at a time, similar to a conveyor belt. When people are moving on it, the weight is distributed evenly. However, when the escalator is stopped, the weight can exceed the limit, potentially causing it to collapse.

If you still choose to walk on a non-working escalator, be prepared to experience something called the broken escalator phenomena. Your brain is accustomed to the motion of a properly functioning escalator, and it fine-tunes the motor control of your legs and balance mechanisms in your inner ear accordingly. Therefore, walking on a stopped escalator feels strange and unnatural because your unconscious brain still recognizes it as moving stairs.

Interestingly, in 2015, the London Underground conducted research to determine whether it's more efficient to stand or walk on a moving escalator. Surprisingly, it was found that escalators that only allowed standing at Holburn station could accommodate up to 30 percent more people during rush hours compared to escalators that allowed walking. As a result, most people tend to stand rather than walk, leaving unused space on the escalator.

The station only experienced overcrowding once, which was a significant improvement from the regular occurrences several times a week. The underground acknowledged these results but decided against completely banning walking on escalators, as many people still preferred to have the option.

Have you ever tried cleaning your shoes against those brushes you see on escalators? They are actually there for safety reasons. These brushes, also known as skirt deflectors, help keep your shoes, feet, and loose clothing away from the gap between the stairs and the side. They prevent accidents by stopping foreign objects from getting inside the gap or deflecting them. Some escalators even have a yellow border to indicate danger and remind passengers to stay away from the edges.

New Delhi Metro has an additional safety feature inspired by traditional saris. Sari guards have been added on both sides of the escalators to prevent saris from getting caught on the corners of the moving stairs.

The concept of escalators dates back much further than you might think. The idea of constantly rolling wheels under transported rocks, inspired by the construction of the Great Pyramid of Giza in Egypt, became one of the basic principles for future escalators.

Jesse Reno, an American inventor and engineer, was one of the credited inventors of the moving staircases as we know them today, patenting his invention in 1892.The incline elevator, also known as the incline elevator, was installed at the old iron Pier in Coney Island, New York City. It quickly gained popularity, with approximately 75,000 people trying it out during its two-week showcase. This steam-powered conveyor belt operated at a 25-degree angle and reached a height of seven feet. Similar to modern escalators, it was made of metal with a serrated surface. The top and bottom landings had comb-like teeth to ensure smooth transitions, and there was a handrail for passenger safety. Reno, the inventor, suggested having separate escalators for going up and down, and his invention was successful, leading to installations in various locations by the early 20th century. Eventually, the Otis Elevator company purchased the invention.

Escalators have revolutionized shopping, allowing stores to expand to multiple levels. However, the first escalator installed at London's Herod store in the late 19th century frightened many customers. People were unaware of its safety and feared it could harm their internal organs. To alleviate their concerns, the store staff offered drinks to terrified shoppers at the top of the escalator, which only moved upwards.

The Central mid-level escalator in Hong Kong holds the title for the world's longest outdoor escalator system, spanning approximately half a mile. This engineering marvel was designed to alleviate traffic congestion in the busy city district. With 20 escalators and three inclined moving walkways, the system changes direction to accommodate commuters, running downhill in the morning and uphill from 10:30 a.m. until midnight. It has become popular not only among local residents but also tourists who use it to explore the historical district and reach the dining and nightlife hub.

The escalator located in the basement of Moore's department store in Kawasaki, Japan has gained recognition in the Guinness Book of World Records for being the shortest escalator in the world. Known as the "particulator," it consists of only five steps and transports passengers 2.7 feet down to another level. From there, they continue their descent manually using regular stairs that are separated by a guardrail from the escalator. These stairs provide a faster option for those in a hurry.

The reason behind installing this escalator here remains unknown, but it is speculated that it was done to set a world record and attract more customers to the store. Every escalator is custom-made based on its intended location. While there are some basic settings and mechanisms, the height, width, angle of incline, and speed can be adjusted to meet the specific requirements of the customer. Some escalators even have a "royal mode" designed for royalty, featuring a button that allows passengers to start and stop the moving staircase at their convenience. There are also escalator models equipped with cooling units for hotter regions, ensuring that passengers can safely touch the handrails without discomfort. Additionally, mobile escalators are used on board airplanes for boarding and disembarking passengers. In the Alps, there are escalators fitted with anti-slip treads for skiers, and underwater escalators in aquariums worldwide provide a unique experience as they move through transparent tunnels.