A Step Through Time: The Fascinating History of Escalators

At PKA Installation & Removal Services, we understand that escalators are now a vital part of everyday life - whether you're shopping, catching a train or working in a multi-storey office building. But have you ever stopped to wonder how these remarkable moving staircases came to be?

As experienced escalator engineers, we have a real appreciation for how escalators have evolved over the years. Join us as we take a step through time and explore the fascinating history behind the development of the modern escalator system.

The Early Origins of the Escalator System

The dream of creating moving stairs dates back further than many people realise. In 1859, American inventor Nathan Ames patented an idea called the “Revolving Stairs”. Though he imagined a staircase that could move passengers upwards, the design remained theoretical and was never built.

It wasn’t until 1892 that Jesse Reno, another American inventor, patented the first working escalator system, which he referred to as an “inclined elevator”. Reno's device was a simple inclined conveyor belt with cleats for passengers to stand on, moving them from one floor to another with minimal effort.

By 1896, Reno’s prototype had been installed at Coney Island’s Old Iron Pier amusement park. The ride carried passengers up a modest incline and quickly captured public attention. Although crude compared to today’s standards, it demonstrated the incredible potential of escalator stairs.

These early ideas laid the foundation for escalators as we know them today: mechanical transport systems designed to move large numbers of people safely and efficiently.

Escalators in the Early 20th Century

The next major advancement came thanks to Charles Seeberger, who teamed up with the Otis Elevator Company in 1899. Seeberger refined the earlier concepts, introducing flat, comb-like steps and a smoother, more stable design that more closely resembled today’s escalators.

It was Seeberger who first coined the term "escalator", blending the words “elevator” and “scala” (Latin for stairs). In 1900, Otis showcased the world's first true escalator at the Paris Exposition, earning a first prize.

The technology quickly made its way to the United Kingdom. In 1911, Harrods of London installed the country's first escalators. Though early users reportedly found the moving stairs quite unnerving, Harrods thoughtfully provided brandy at the top to calm their nerves!

As escalators appeared in department stores, railway stations and underground networks, they became powerful symbols of modern progress. Moving staircases allowed buildings to grow taller and busier without relying solely on traditional stairways or lifts.

How Escalator Technology Evolved

As public reliance on escalators grew, engineers and manufacturers focused on improving their performance, safety, and comfort. The evolution of escalator design over the 20th century was remarkable.

Early escalators used belt-driven wooden steps, which were prone to wear and fire risks. Manufacturers soon introduced metal steps, safer handrails, automatic lubrication systems and more robust motors to meet growing demands.

The 1920s and 1930s saw the introduction of parallel escalators – multiple units side by side to handle larger passenger volumes. Later developments led to the invention of spiral and curved escalators, with Mitsubishi famously unveiling the first spiral escalator in the 1980s.

At the heart of these innovations was the work of skilled escalator engineers who continually pushed the boundaries of what these systems could achieve. Without their dedication to improving escalator systems, public spaces such as airports, shopping centres and underground stations would look very different today.

Here at PKA Installation & Removal Services, we are proud to continue this tradition of excellence, ensuring escalators are safely installed, removed, and maintained to the highest modern standards.

Escalators Today: An Essential Part of Public Spaces

Today, escalators are an integral feature of everyday life. They are found in airports, railway and underground stations, shopping centres, hospitals, sports venues and office complexes.

Modern escalator systems are engineered for maximum reliability and efficiency. They are designed to cope with millions of passengers every year, operating almost continuously without significant downtime. Many now include features such as:

●      Energy-efficient motors that power down during quieter periods

●      Smart sensors to adjust speed depending on usage

●      Improved handrail sterilisation systems for hygiene

●      Accessibility features like voice instructions and wider steps

Escalators are no longer just a convenience; they are essential for ensuring the smooth and safe movement of large groups of people, particularly in high-traffic environments. As a result, professional installation, ongoing maintenance and eventual replacement are critical.

How PKA Services Supports the Lifespan of Escalators

At PKA Installation & Removal Services, based in Keighley and operating across the UK, we offer a full range of services to support escalator systems throughout their life cycle.

Our expert team of escalator engineers provides:

●      Escalator installation: We work with leading manufacturers to install escalators safely, efficiently, and in line with all British standards.

●      Escalator removal: Decommissioning old escalators requires careful planning and execution. We ensure the process is smooth, controlled, and completed with minimal disruption.

●      Repair services: Our engineers carry out essential repairs to keep escalators running smoothly, helping to extend their lifespan and avoid costly downtime. We also assist with modernisation projects and site relocations, tailoring our approach to meet each client's needs.

We understand the logistical challenges involved in escalator work — whether it’s operating in live environments, managing tight project schedules, or coordinating with multiple trades. Thanks to our hands-on experience and detailed planning, we consistently deliver outstanding results.

Our commitment to professionalism, customer care, and safety has made us a trusted name for escalator system projects across sectors including retail, transport, education, and commercial spaces.

Keeping Escalators Moving into the Future

From their humble beginnings as simple moving stairs at Coney Island to today’s complex, high-capacity transport systems, escalators have played an important role in shaping modern infrastructure. Their story is a testament to human ingenuity and engineering excellence.

At PKA Installation & Removal Services, we are proud to continue supporting this incredible journey. Whether it’s a brand-new installation, a refurbishment, or the safe removal of an ageing system, we ensure every project is handled with care, expertise, and precision.

If you're planning an escalator installation, removal, or upgrade project, contact PKA Installation & Removal Services today. Our friendly, expert team is ready to help you every step of the way.