Why You Shouldn’t Walk on Escalators

Escalators are everywhere—shopping malls, airports, train stations—and because they carry us between floors with minimal effort, it’s tempting to treat them like stairs and walk briskly. But doing so can be far riskier than you might think. Experts now caution against walking on escalators altogether, citing increased hazards for both the walker and those around them.

🚩 The risks you don’t always see

• The steps on an escalator are typically taller than regular stairs. That slight difference in riser height can mean stumbles occur more easily when you walk.
• When you walk on a moving escalator you’re balancing on a shifting platform—and this increases the chance of tripping or falling because your foot placement and timing must adjust to the moving surface.
• In crowded or public transport settings, walking means more people are moving relative to others who are standing. That motion can lead to collisions, falls, or people being knocked off balance.
• Many escalator-accident statistics point to misuse like walking or running as a key factor. For example, one study found that a large proportion of escalator injuries stemmed from improper use.

✅ What safety experts recommend

• Stand still, face forward and hold the handrail as you ride the escalator. That way you’re stable, predictable and less likely to trip.
• Do not carry large items in one hand while attempting to walk up the escalator; extra load and awkward posture raise risk.
• If you’re in a rush, use the stairs or elevator instead of trying to walk up the escalator. The escalator isn’t designed primarily for walking.
• Pay attention to footwear and step geometry: avoid loose shoes or sandals that may catch in gaps; the escalator mechanism has narrower tolerances than typical stairs.

📊 Why this matters in India (and beyond)

Walking on escalators may seem innocuous, but in busy public places—such as metro stations, malls, airports—one misstep can lead to serious injuries. The extra risk becomes magnified because people are moving faster, carrying bags, children or are perhaps distracted by their phones. By choosing to stand still, you reduce the risk for yourself and for those around you.

🎥 A bit of context

While many escalator-related injuries may sound minor (slips, scraped feet), there is data showing they can lead to hospital admission. For example, a review of escalator accidents found that many required medical attention; age, intoxication and improper behaviour (such as walking) were identified as risk factors.

🔍 Final word

Walking on an escalator might save a few seconds, but those seconds could cost you balance and safety. Standing still, holding the handrail and using the escalator as it was designed—not as a staircase—are simple choices that reduce risk significantly. Next time you approach an escalator in a mall or station, remind yourself: stand safe, don’t walk.