1The Never-Ending Staircase
Have you ever noticed that an escalator seems to have an infinite supply of steps? It is actually a clever trick of engineering! Underneath the part where you stand, there is a massive metal chain that forms a continuous loop, much like a giant bicycle chain. Instead of the stairs going up and then stopping, they simply turn upside down at the end of the ride and travel back to the start underneath the floor. This means the same steps you rode up on will eventually come back around for someone else to use, hidden from view the entire time!
2The Secret of the Flat Surface
The coolest part of an escalator happens right at the very top and bottom of your journey. Each step is a separate piece of metal called a tread, and they are designed with deep grooves. These grooves allow the steps to interlock perfectly with one another like a 3D puzzle. As the steps reach the landing, they follow a special set of tracks that guide them to flatten out. This creates a safe, level platform for you to step off without tripping. Once they disappear under the yellow "comb plate," they fold back up to begin their journey again.
3Powered by a Hidden Giant
Escalators don't move by magic; they are powered by a very large electric motor usually hidden in a small room at the top. This motor turns a massive gear that pulls the chain of steps along at a steady speed. Because escalators are heavy and carry hundreds of people at once—sometimes moving over 10,000 people every single hour—the motor has to be incredibly strong! It also uses a system of brakes and sensors to make sure the staircase moves smoothly and safely, even if it is packed with shoppers.
