The escalator Supplier said that the core components of the escalator are two chains, which rotate in a loop around two pairs of gears. At the top of the escalator, an electric motor drives the drive gear to turn the chainrings. A typical escalator uses a 100-horsepower engine to turn the gears. Both the engine and chain system are mounted in a truss, a metal structure that extends between two floors. Unlike a conveyor belt that moves a plane, a chain link moves a set of steps. The most interesting thing about escalators is the way these steps move. The steps remain level as the chain moves. At the top and bottom of the escalator, the steps fold over each other to form a platform. This makes it easier to get up and down the escalator.

Each step on an escalator has two sets of wheels that turn along two separate tracks. The upper unit (the wheels near the top of the steps) is attached to a rotating chain and pulled by a drive gear located at the top of the escalator. The other sets of wheels simply slide along the track, following the first set of wheels.

The two tracks are spaced apart from each other, which keeps each step level. At the top and bottom of the escalator, the track is in a horizontal position, allowing the steps to flatten out. Each step has a series of grooves inside to connect it with the front and rear steps during the flattening process.

In addition to turning the main chain link, the electric motor in the escalator also moves the handrail. The handrail is just a rubber conveyor belt that loops around a series of wheels. The conveyor belt is precisely configured to move at exactly the same speed as the steps, giving occupants a smooth ride.

Escalator systems are not capable of lifting people up dozens of floors like elevators but are well suited for providing short-distance transportation. This is because of the high load rate of escalators. When the elevator is full, no one else can get on the elevator until it reaches the designated floor and returns. On an escalator, as long as one person reaches the upper level, space is made for others.