Escalator and Stairs: What’s the Difference?

The Difference Between Escalator and Stairs

1. Stairs rely on human power, you have to walk up or down each step yourself. Escalators are electrically powered, all you need to do is stand on them, and they’ll do the work for you.

2. Stairs allow people to go up and down at a time. Escalators can only run in one direction at a time.

3. Stairs incline angles range from 20 to 45°, and escalator incline angles are usually 30° or 35°.

4. Stair step length is generally between 800mm-1200mm, with a height of height 130mm-180mm, and a stride width of at least 240mm. Escalator steps come in three standard lengths—600mm, 800mm, and 1000 mm. with a height of 210mm-240mm and a stride width of at least 380mm.

5. The steps of the stairs can either be closed (solid) or hollowed out, Escalator steps are always closed.

6. Stairs can be straight or spiral. Escalators are mainly straight.

7. Stairs take up little space and have a simple structure. Escalators require a large space due to their mechanical components, such as motors, gears, and moving steps.

8. Stairs are low-cost and require minimal maintenance. Escalators with higher costs, including installation, and regular maintenance costs.

9. Stairs are suitable for places with low traffic and shorter distances, like homes, offices, or small buildings. Escalators are suitable for places with large flows of people and long-distance movement, such as shopping malls, airports and subway stations.

FAQs About Escalator and Stairs

Can escalatos be used as stairs?
Escalators are mainly used for transportation, although you can walk on them, it’s not recommended to be used as stairs, especially during emergencies.

Do I still need stairs if I have an escalator?
Yes, stairs are still essential even if you have an escalator.
In emergencies, like fire, earthquake, power outage, etc., stairs are the main escape route.

Can escalators be added to old buildings that only have stairs?
Yes, escalators can be added to older buildings, but it depends on the building’s structure and available space. For example, some older shopping centers will choose to add escalators. It is recommended to consult with professional companies to assess feasibility and design a solution that fits your building’s needs.

Which is more suitable for the elderly, stairs or escalators?
Escalators are more suitable for the elderly, especially for long distances or when carrying heavy items.

Which is safer, stairs or escalator?
Both have safety risks. Stairs need to be non-slip and escalators need to be non-trap. The key to safety is following the rules of use, such as holding handrails and avoiding distractions.

How much faster is an escalator than a staircase?
The speed of escalator is typically 0.5-0.75 m/s, and the walking speed is about 1.2-1.5 m/s. Therefore, for short distances, stairs might feel faster, but for longer distances, escalators are more efficient and less tiring.

Conclusion

Escalator and stairs have their own advantages, and they are often used in combination to meet the needs of different scenarios.
If you are considering installing an escalator, look no further than Dazen! We specialize in escalator manufacturing, providing high-quality, safe, and reliable products that meet the needs of a variety of locations. Whether it’s a shopping mall, an airport or a subway station, we can customize the most appropriate escalator solution for you. Contact us today!