A fully-outdoor escalator is designed to be exposed to the elements including rain and snow. This type of escalator is usually made of stainless steel and is a popular choice for airports, shopping malls, and high-rise office buildings. They are also used to transport passengers at public events and concerts. They are a convenient way to get around when walking up and down steep hills, but require more maintenance than other types of transportation.

Outdoor escalators are a series of angled metal steps that move in a continuous loop. They are powered by a motor and run at speeds of 0.3-0.9 ft/s (1-2 m/s). They typically rise up to 30 degrees from the horizontal and may traverse vertical distances up to 18 ft (6 m). They are often used in pedestrian traffic systems, and can be customized with LED lighting and special exhibit signage. They can even be designed to accommodate large crowds of people or provide access for wheelchairs and other disabled users.

The first escalator was invented in the United States by Reese Williams in 1908. The invention of this unique transportation system revolutionized cities and allowed commuters to avoid long walks up or down stairs. It is estimated that over 3 billion people use escalators each year. While some accidents do occur, the vast majority can be avoided by following simple safety precautions. Do not use escalators when pushing a device with wheels (moving sidewalks and ramps usually excepted). These include baby strollers, luggage carts, hand trucks, and shopping carts. Also, keep your footing in one place and do not lean over the edge.

Most escalators are constructed with an inclined steel truss. This truss is then bolted to the support wall at the top and bottom landing holes. It is then hydraulically lifted to the correct position using a hoist or scissors lift. Once in place, it is outfitted with a set of gears to drive the step wheels and a set of carriage or "trailer" wheels to support the weight of the people and equipment.

Escalators are usually lubricated twice per day with an oil-based lubricant. It is recommended that a qualified person be present at all times to apply this lubrication. The amount of lubricant applied to each step is controlled by the escalator control system. In addition, most modern escalators have a system that uses microcomputers to control oil pump timing. This ensures that a precise amount of lubricant is added to the machine every time it runs.