Escalators can be seen everywhere in shopping malls and subway stations. But did you know that this device that we are accustomed to has become what it is today after several generations of engineers have innovated. Let’s take a look at who invented the escalator and its development history.
History of the development of escalators
The 20th century witnessed the transformation of escalators from novel inventions to urban standard equipment:
- 1900s: Standardized pedal design
- 1920s: Introduction of safety comb plates
- 1950s: Establishment of 30° and 35° standard inclination angles
- 1970s: Popularization of metal pedals
- 1990s: Beginning to apply variable frequency drive technology
The origin of the escalator
The invention of the escalator is not the result of a flash of inspiration from someone, but the efforts of several generations. As early as 1859, American inventor Nathan Ames designed a novel device called “Revolving Stairs”. This design looks like a rotating triangular staircase, which theoretically allows people to go up without taking steps. Unfortunately, this idea was too advanced and the manufacturing technology at the time could not make it, so it could only remain on the patent drawing.
Nathan Ames’ original design even took into account the needs of people with disabilities, which was very forward-looking in the mid-19th century. Today, modern elevator manufacturers such as BDFUJ have made barrier-free design a standard feature, realizing his wish at the time.
The world’s first escalator that was actually put into use
The world’s first escalator that was actually put into use was originally an amusement project. In 1892, another American engineer, Jesse Reno, invented the “Inclined Elevator”. This machine does not have steps like the current escalator, but a conveyor belt that moves diagonally. In 1896, this machine was installed and used in an amusement park in Coney Island, New York. It cost 5 cents to experience this novelty, and 75,000 people tried it within two weeks.
This earliest escalator was very slow, only one-third of the speed of today’s escalators, and the inclination angle was relatively small. But at that time, people felt that standing on a moving machine was very exciting, just like riding a roller coaster in an amusement park today.
The birth of the modern escalator
The escalator we are familiar with now was invented by Charles Seeberger. In 1899, Seeberger improved the previous design. The most important innovation was to add steps that could remain horizontal (technical terminology is “ladders”). He cooperated with the famous Otis Elevator Company and exhibited this machine at the 1900 Paris World Expo. He also named it “Escalator” – this word is a combination of the two words “ladder” and “elevator”.
During the 17 days of the Paris World Expo, this escalator transported more than 1 million people! This directly proved the great value of escalators to mass transportation.
From trademark to generic word: the story of Escalator
You may not know that “Escalator” was originally a trademark name. Just like “Jeep” was originally a car brand, “Escalator” was originally a registered trademark of Seeberger and Otis. But as the equipment became more and more popular, by 1950, the court ruled that the word had become a generic name for such equipment.
Important improvements to escalators in the 20th century
Early escalators were actually quite dangerous, but they gradually became safer. As escalators became more popular, engineers continued to add new safety designs:
- 1921: Comb plates (those comb-like things on the edge of the steps) were added to prevent shoes or clothes from being caught
- 1930s: Steps can be folded and retracted to reduce the risk of pinching
- 1950s: The two inclination angles of 30 degrees and 35 degrees were unified, and this standard has been used until now
How smart are escalators now?
Escalators in the 21st century have become “thinking” machines. For example, the intelligent escalator system of BDFUJ Elevator:
It can “feel” where the problem may occur (monitoring temperature, vibration, etc. through sensors)
It can “calculate” the most energy-saving operation mode (using VVVF frequency conversion technology, which can save 40% of electricity)
It can “report in advance” where maintenance may be needed (remote monitoring is achieved through Internet of Things technology)
According to statistics, the probability of serious accidents in escalators is now lower than that of home elevators. It takes about 20 million hours of operation before a major problem may occur.
The future of automatic escalators
Escalators in the future may be smarter and more environmentally friendly. Engineers are studying:
- Magnetic levitation escalators without chains (reducing friction and noise)
- Escalators that can generate electricity with solar energy (more environmentally friendly)
- Escalators that can recognize familiar people (combined with facial recognition technology)
Market trends: By 2027, the global escalator market is expected to reach US$29 billion, of which China will be the largest market.
How to choose a good escalator?
When buying an escalator, you can’t just look at the price. Safety and service are more important. A good escalator should:
- Have complete safety certifications (such as CE and GB certifications)
- Low energy consumption and durable (such as BDFUJ’s energy-saving models)
- The manufacturer can provide timely maintenance services
With the development of technology, modern escalators have evolved into various types to meet the needs of different places. Want to know the types of escalators suitable for different places? Please refer to our special article “The most complete guide to escalator types”
Frequently asked questions about escalators
1. Who invented the escalator?
I can’t say who invented the escalator, because the escalator is the result of the joint efforts of several inventors. The main contributors include: 1859: Nathan Ames first proposed the concept of “spiral staircase”, 1892: Jesse Reno made the first operable “inclined elevator”, 1899: Charles Seeberger designed the modern step escalator, and they jointly laid the foundation for the basic technology of escalators.
Who invented the escalator?
The escalator is the result of the wisdom of many people. The main inventors include Nathan Ames, who proposed the concept in 1859, Jesse Reno, who built the first working prototype in 1892, and Charles Seeberger, who designed the modern step escalator in 1899. Together, they laid the foundation for the basic technology of the escalator.
When was the first escalator installed?
The world’s first commercial escalator was installed in the Old Iron Pier amusement park in Coney Island, New York in 1896. The device designed by Jesse Reno was originally used as a 5-cent amusement ride.
Where is the shortest escalator in the world?
There is a Guinness-certified “world’s shortest escalator” in More’s Department Store in Kawasaki, Japan. It has only 5 steps and a vertical height of 83 cm. It is mainly used to connect two almost flush floors.
Where is the longest escalator in the world?
The Central to Mid-Levels escalator system in Hong Kong holds the world record for the longest escalator, with a total length of 800 meters and a vertical rise of 135 meters. It consists of 20 escalators and 3 moving walkways, and the entire ride takes about 20 minutes.
How long is the longest subway escalator?
The “Ploshchad Lenina” station of the St. Petersburg Metro in Russia has the world’s longest subway escalator, with a one-way length of 150 meters, a vertical height of 58 meters, and a ride time of about 3 minutes.
Where is the longest escalator in the United States?
The longest escalator in the United States is located at the Wheaton Station of the Washington, DC Metro. It is about 70 meters long, 35 meters high, and runs for about 2 minutes and 45 seconds.
How does an escalator work?
The escalator uses an electric motor to drive the chain to make the steps circulate, the handrail belt runs synchronously with the steps, the comb plate ensures smooth entry and exit, and the braking system ensures safe stop.
How many steps does an escalator have?
The number of steps in a standard escalator depends on the height and angle. A small escalator has about 30-40 steps, a medium escalator has 50-60 steps, and a large escalator has up to 100 steps.
How fast does an escalator usually run?
The speed of an escalator is usually 0.5 m/s (ordinary places), 0.65 m/s (shopping malls and subways) or 0.75 m/s (special places such as airports), which can be adjusted according to the flow of people.
Are escalators more energy-efficient than elevators?
Under the same transportation volume, traditional escalators save 20-30% more energy than elevators, and new variable frequency escalators can save 40% of energy. In addition, escalators run continuously and can recover downward energy, which is more energy-efficient overall.
From the first “inclined elevator” invented by Jesse Reno to today’s smart, energy-efficient systems, escalators have come a long way.
If you’re looking for reliable, durable, and smart escalators, BDFUJI offers a full range of products – from weatherproof outdoor models to luxurious spiral designs, all of which meet global safety standards.
