A Hidden Safety Feature Most People Don’t Know About

Escalators are a common feature in shopping malls, train stations, and airports, seamlessly moving crowds from one floor to another. While they are a staple of modern convenience, most people don’t give them a second thought—except when something unusual catches their attention.

One such mystery is the small black brushes lining the sides of escalators. Have you ever wondered what they are for? At first glance, they might seem like an odd aesthetic choice or even a built-in shoe-cleaning feature.

Many of us have fallen for the myth that these bristles help polish your shoes while you ride. I personally remember trying it out once, only to be left with a thick, dirty black stain on my sneakers—a clear sign that those brushes were never meant to serve that purpose!

So, if they aren’t for cleaning shoes, why are they there? Surprisingly, these tiny details play a crucial role in keeping you safe, and their purpose is more psychological than mechanical.

Let’s break down the truth behind escalator brushes, along with other fascinating escalator facts that you probably didn’t know!

Have you ever wondered why there are brushes on the side of escalators? (**Getty stock**)

The Mystery of Escalator Grooves: Why Do the Steps Have Ridges?

Escalators have been around for over a century, evolving with technology to enhance safety and efficiency. Despite their widespread use, few people understand the intricate mechanics that make them work smoothly.

One common question: why do escalator steps have grooves instead of being smooth?

YouTuber Zack D. Films addressed this in a fascinating simulation video. He explained that the grooves aren’t just a design choice—they serve a crucial function.

“As the steps circulate, the grooves sync up with a comb plate at the top. This comb plate gets locked in by the grooves, which blocks items from getting sucked in,” he states in his video.

In other words, these ridges help prevent debris—such as small objects, dirt, or even shoelaces—from slipping between the steps and jamming the system. If escalator steps were completely flat, there would be a higher risk of things getting stuck and causing malfunctions.

So, next time you step onto an escalator, take a moment to appreciate those grooves—they’re helping keep your ride safe and smooth!

Why Do Escalator Handrails Move Slightly Faster Than the Steps?

Have you ever noticed that the rubber handrail on an escalator seems to move just a little faster than the steps? It’s a subtle detail, but one that has likely frustrated many riders.

The answer lies in human safety. According to Deysse, a manufacturer of spare escalator parts, this speed difference is intentional.

The company explains, “The handrail moves slightly faster than the steps to bring the body’s center of gravity forward when getting on the escalator. This helps prevent people from falling due to the sudden movement of the steps beneath them.”

In essence, the escalator handrail acts as a stabilizer. By encouraging passengers to slightly lean forward, it reduces the likelihood of someone losing their balance or falling backward—especially for first-time users, elderly individuals, or distracted commuters.

That being said, many people on social media still find it annoying. One Reddit user commented, “I swear I’m always holding onto the railing thinking I’m walking forward, but in reality, I’m still standing in the same place!”

Handrails on an escalator actually move at a faster rate than steps for an important reason (**Getty stock**)

Frustrating or not, this subtle design tweak plays an important role in keeping passengers safe.

Social Media Reactions to Escalator Brushes

The mysterious brushes on the side of escalators have sparked discussions across social media platforms. Many users have shared their theories and experiences, with some humorous takes and others sharing real-life mishaps.

TikTok account Untold Facts posted a video explaining the brushes’ true purpose, stating, “One of the biggest reasons for escalator mishaps is people getting their clothes and bags stuck in them when they stand too close to the sides.”

The video quickly went viral, with users chiming in with their own stories. One commenter wrote, “I always thought they were for cleaning shoes! Learned the hard way with my white sneakers!”

On Twitter, user @EscalatorFacts tweeted, “The black brushes on escalators aren’t for cleaning shoes—they’re there to stop your clothes from getting eaten by the machine! Mind blown!” See the tweet here.

Reddit users also debated the topic in the subreddit r/TodayILearned, with one person adding, “I got my floor-length dress caught in an escalator once. It left oil and grease stains that I could never remove.” Join the conversation.

These viral posts show just how little most people know about the hidden safety features built into everyday machines like escalators.

So, What Are Those Brushes on the Side of Escalators Really For?

Now, let’s address the biggest mystery: why do escalators have black bristles lining their sides?

You’d think that these brushes serve to protect the machine from debris or to clean the steps—but you’d be wrong. These are actually called safety brushes, and they exist to prevent accidents.

Their primary function is to keep shoes, clothing, and other loose materials from getting caught between the moving steps and the stationary balustrade skirt.

The reason escalators have brushes on the side is bizarrely for safety (**Getty stock**)

However, their role is more psychological than mechanical. When you feel the slight touch of the bristles against your shoe or clothing, your natural instinct is to step away. This instinctive reaction keeps you from standing too close to the edges—where the risk of getting fabric, shoelaces, or bag straps trapped is highest.

A TikTok account, Untold Facts, explained the importance of these brushes, stating, “One of the biggest reasons for escalator mishaps is people getting their clothes and bags stuck in them when they stand too close to the sides.”

This explanation resonated with many users, with one person commenting, “I got my floor-length dress caught in an escalator once. It left oil and grease stains that I could never remove!”

Such incidents highlight how easy it is for loose items to become hazards, making these seemingly simple brushes a vital safety feature.

Real-Life Escalator Accidents: Why Safety Measures Matter

Escalators are generally safe, but when accidents do happen, they can be severe. According to a study by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), around 10,000 escalator-related injuries occur each year in the U.S. alone. Many of these involve people getting their clothing, shoes, or body parts trapped in the machinery.

Some of the most common escalator accidents include:

Shoelaces getting caught – A common cause of foot injuries. Loose laces can slip between the steps, pulling the shoe—and sometimes the foot—into the machinery.
Long skirts and dresses being sucked in – As mentioned earlier, fabric that brushes against the edges can easily become trapped.
Children’s hands or fingers being caught – Small children sometimes place their hands on the steps or near the sides, putting them at risk of serious injuries.
Strollers and wheelchairs tipping over – Escalators are not designed for wheeled devices, and using them improperly can lead to dangerous falls.

This is why it’s always important to follow escalator safety guidelines, such as:
✅ Standing in the center of the step
✅ Holding onto the handrail
✅ Keeping shoelaces tied and clothing secure
✅ Avoiding sitting or playing on the steps
✅ Never using an escalator with a stroller or wheelchair

By staying cautious, you can prevent unnecessary injuries and mishaps.

Next Time You Ride an Escalator, Remember These Hidden Features!

Escalators may seem like simple machines, but their design incorporates multiple safety mechanisms that most people don’t notice. From the grooves on the steps to the slightly faster handrails and the strategically placed safety brushes, every detail serves a purpose.

The next time you step onto an escalator, you’ll have a deeper appreciation for these small yet crucial features. And if someone tries to tell you that the brushes are for cleaning shoes—well, now you can set the record straight!

Have you ever experienced an escalator mishap? Share your thoughts in the comments below or join the discussion on Twitter and Reddit!

Featured Image Credit: Getty Images/lingqi xie