The escalator and moving walkways market has witnessed substantial growth over the past decade, with increasing investments in infrastructure projects across the world. As urban populations continue to rise and cities become more crowded, the demand for effective and reliable vertical transportation systems has surged. Escalators and moving walkways are becoming standard installations in public transport hubs, airports, large shopping malls, and commercial buildings.
Global Escalator and Moving Walkways Market size and share is currently valued at USD 13.61 billion in 2024 and is anticipated to generate an estimated revenue of USD 23.61 billion by 2034, according to the latest study by Polaris Market Research. Besides, the report notes that the market exhibits a robust 5.7% Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) over the forecasted timeframe, 2025 - 2034
Key Market Growth Drivers
- Urbanization and Infrastructure Development
Rapid urbanization is one of the primary drivers behind the increasing demand for escalators and moving walkways. As more people migrate to urban areas, cities are forced to expand both horizontally and vertically to accommodate the rising population. The construction of high-rise buildings, metro systems, airports, and large public complexes requires efficient vertical transportation solutions to ensure smooth passenger flow.
As a result, urban infrastructure development is fueling the market's growth. Escalators and moving walkways are indispensable in providing vertical mobility in crowded urban environments, particularly in places where elevators cannot efficiently handle large volumes of people.
- Technological Advancements and Smart Solutions
Advancements in technology are also contributing to the market’s growth. The rise of smart escalators equipped with sensors, predictive maintenance systems, and real-time monitoring capabilities is transforming the escalator and moving walkways market. These systems are increasingly integrated with Internet of Things (IoT) technologies, allowing for better performance, increased energy efficiency, and enhanced safety features.
Additionally, sustainable infrastructure is gaining significant traction, as more cities prioritize green and energy-efficient solutions. Escalators and moving walkways that use less power, incorporate regenerative braking, and feature energy-saving mechanisms are becoming the preferred choice in many regions.
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Market Trends: Country-Wise Analysis
- United States
In the United States, the escalator and moving walkways market is thriving due to the nation’s extensive network of public transportation systems, high-rise buildings, and commercial infrastructure. Cities like New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago are investing heavily in upgrading their public transport hubs, including subway stations, airports, and transit centers, which require high-capacity, reliable escalators and moving walkways.
The U.S. market is also witnessing a shift towards smart escalators and systems that promote sustainability, as the demand for energy-efficient solutions in public infrastructure continues to rise. The government’s emphasis on reducing carbon footprints has further pushed for innovations in vertical transportation systems that align with the growing trends of energy conservation and sustainable mobility solutions.
Moreover, the continued urban expansion, especially in metropolitan regions, is driving the installation of escalators and moving walkways in both private and public sectors.
- China
In China, rapid urbanization is the dominant factor driving the demand for escalators and moving walkways. China’s urban population is growing at an exponential rate, leading to the development of large-scale public transport systems, including subway networks, shopping malls, airports, and office buildings. In major cities like Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou, escalators and moving walkways have become essential elements of urban infrastructure.
As China continues to modernize and expand its cities, there is an increasing push for sustainable infrastructure, with escalators and moving walkways being a focal point in the country’s green building initiatives. The government is incentivizing energy-efficient solutions in public infrastructure, further boosting the adoption of advanced escalators and moving walkways that reduce energy consumption and enhance operational efficiency.
The smart escalator trend is also gaining momentum in China, with an emphasis on incorporating IoT technology and automation features to enhance service efficiency and reduce maintenance costs.
- India
India’s growing urban population and rapidly expanding middle class are driving the demand for modern infrastructure solutions, including escalators and moving walkways. Major metropolitan cities like Mumbai, Delhi, and Bengaluru are seeing an increase in the construction of modern residential and commercial buildings, as well as metro rail projects, all of which require efficient vertical mobility solutions.
The Indian market is also experiencing a shift toward more sustainable mobility solutions. In addition to energy-efficient escalators, Indian cities are integrating escalators and moving walkways with renewable energy sources such as solar power, further aligning with the country's broader sustainability goals.
India's demand for smart escalators is also growing, as these systems offer enhanced operational features like real-time monitoring and predictive maintenance, which reduce downtime and increase safety.
- Germany
Germany, known for its strong infrastructure and urban planning, is also a significant player in the escalator and moving walkways market. The country’s major cities, such as Berlin, Munich, and Frankfurt, are investing heavily in public transport upgrades, particularly in their subway systems and airports, where high-capacity mobility solutions are essential.
Germany’s focus on sustainability and smart mobility solutions is driving the adoption of eco-friendly and energy-efficient escalators. Additionally, as part of the European Union’s commitment to reducing carbon emissions, Germany is prioritizing the integration of green technologies into its infrastructure projects, creating a favorable market for sustainable infrastructure solutions like modern escalators and moving walkways.
The country’s highly regulated safety standards for escalator and moving walkway installations also ensure that only the most advanced and efficient systems are used, promoting the demand for high-quality, technologically advanced products.
- Brazil
In Brazil, rapid urbanization and the development of new infrastructure projects are fueling demand for escalators and moving walkways. Cities such as São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, and Brasília are undergoing significant modernization efforts, including the expansion of metro systems, commercial buildings, and public transportation hubs.
The Brazilian market is increasingly embracing sustainable mobility solutions that align with global environmental goals. With Brazil's growing focus on energy efficiency, local authorities are encouraging the use of advanced escalators and moving walkways that minimize energy consumption while maximizing operational efficiency.
As Brazil continues to develop its urban infrastructure, the demand for vertical transportation systems in large, high-traffic areas like shopping malls and airports is set to increase, particularly as the country moves towards modernizing its transport infrastructure.
- United Arab Emirates
The United Arab Emirates (UAE), particularly Dubai and Abu Dhabi, has seen significant investments in infrastructure, resulting in a strong demand for escalators and moving walkways. The country’s ambitious plans to become a global hub for business and tourism are driving the construction of modern airports, shopping centers, and hotels, all of which require efficient vertical transportation systems.
The UAE is also highly focused on smart escalators that are equipped with the latest technology, including energy-efficient mechanisms and real-time monitoring. As the country continues to develop its transportation systems and large-scale public buildings, the need for cutting-edge, energy-saving solutions like smart escalators will continue to rise.
Conclusion
The Escalator and Moving Walkways Market is experiencing significant growth due to factors such as rapid urbanization, technological advancements, and the need for sustainable infrastructure in modern cities. Demand for smart escalators and energy-efficient moving walkways is rising globally, with countries like the United States, China, India, Germany, Brazil, and the UAE playing critical roles in expanding and modernizing their vertical transportation systems.
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