An escalator is a moving staircase that transports people between floors. It consists of steps linked in a chain that cycles on tracks, keeping the steps horizontal. Escalators are commonly used in places where elevators are impractical like malls, airports, and public buildings. The main components are the landing platforms, truss, tracks, steps, handrails, and drive systems. There are different types of escalators including standard step escalators, wheelchair accessible, spiral, and experimental free-forming designs. Escalators have safety devices and braking systems to stop the unit if issues arise.