How to Take a Stroller on an Escalator

Reviewed by Denise Stern

Last Updated: April 29, 2025

Taking a stroller on an escalator can be risky and dangerous. In fact, many multiple-story venues ban the use of any wheeled device on the escalator, including strollers. Nonetheless, if you do not have another option, you can use the tips in this article to take your stroller on the escalators more safely.

Steps

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1
Consider taking the elevator. If you see escalators, chances are there is a lift nearby. It may be positioned between the escalators, directly next to an escalator, or in the corner or center of the building. Elevators are designed to carry wheeled vehicles including strollers with minimal risk of injury. Only use the escalator if there are no other options for transporting your stroller between floors.
- The American Disabilities Act prohibits discrimination based on disability and so requires all buildings to be made accessible to persons with disabilities. Because of this, you will find shuttles that can carry people in wheelchairs, but not strollers.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Getting On and Off the Escalator with One Adult

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Straps, shoelaces, and anything hanging down can get caught in the escalator, potentially causing a disaster. Make sure to tie shoes, buckle straps, and to pull up anything that’s hanging down before getting on the escalator.
If your stroller comes with safety straps like a harness, make sure your kid is strapped in before entering the escalator, regardless of their age. This step is especially important when you're going down, as you'll be tipping the stroller forward as you go down.
Dangling bags off a stroller can also get caught in an escalator. Either tuck them underneath or pack them away in your purse or pocket if it’s possible.
If the escalator is especially crowded, wait a few minutes for it to clear out. You want to have enough space to maneuver on the escalator safely.
5
Pick up the front wheels. As you enter an up escalator, lift the front wheels over the comb-plate (the start of the escalator). Continue pushing forward with the wheels up. Let the front wheels rest on a higher step and the back wheels on a lower step.^{[1]
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- If you're going down, do the opposite. Let the front wheels rest on lower step and the back wheels rest on a higher step.
- Also, make sure you step over the comb-plate when entering the escalator, not through it.
Make sure to hold on to the stroller the whole time you are on the escalator. Because it is balanced on two steps, it can easily start moving, especially since the escalator is moving.
Additionally, make sure you step over it, too.^{[2]
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Sometimes, you'll need to give the stroller a hard push as you get off. That way, you'll be sure the back wheels go over the comb-plate.
You don't want to block anyone else coming off the escalator.^{[3]
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Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Carrying a Child with Two Adults

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1
Take the child out of the stroller. Lift your child out to be carried (regardless of their age and size).
- This maneuver technique only works if you have another adult with you.
Make sure all the straps are tucked inside the folds and not dangling. Also, carry bags in the same hand as a stroller if possible, so you have a hand to grab the rail.
3
Put one person in charge of the stroller. Try holding it with one hand only so you have a hand to hold on to the handrail. Balance it on one step if possible, pulling it behind you.
- If you need to balance it on more than one step, push it in front of you. Be sure to lift the wheels over the comb-plate.
Also, be sure to hold onto the handrail while carrying your child. Stand in the middle of the escalator, and make sure the kid doesn't stick his or her hands out, as they can get caught.
At the end, make sure you lift the wheels over the comb-plate to make exiting easier.
Once you exit the escalator, unfold the stroller, and place your child back in the stroller.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Staying Safe on the Escalator

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You can't place both sets of wheels on one step. Therefore, make sure you keep the stroller balanced. If you don't pay attention, the stroller could flip on you.
You are safer in the middle of the escalator and so is your child in the stroller. The middle is safer because hands, shoelaces, and clothing can get caught in the sides of the escalator.
You can lose control of the stroller if you don't do so. With the escalator, it's easier to keep the stroller still with both hands.
Little hands can get caught in the side of the escalator, so watch out for your kid's hand reaching out.
Obviously, you need to hold onto the stroller. Therefore, it's very hard for you to also hold on to the rail. Make sure you stay upright, or you could take you and the stroller down the escalator.
That is, pay attention to what you're doing instead of looking at your phone, texting, calling someone, etc. In addition, holding your phone ties up one hand you should be using for holding the stroller.

Community Q&A

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Question

How should I handle the stroller when going down an escalator?

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To prevent the stroller from rolling down, have it facing the same way you would have it if you were going up the escalator (behind you instead of in front of you with the stroller facing upwards). Apply the breaks of stroller and hold it steady with both of your hands. Keep an eye out when you reach the bottom of the escalator and exit fast.

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How about going down?

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If you can, take your child out and hold them while balancing the stroller next to you. However, a different and unsafe way would be to balance the back wheels on the step and use your strength to keep it straight. Use the back wheels as leverage to help you keep it even. Make sure you don't tilt and also that no one is in front of you, or check with them to see if it's okay if you do this.

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How do you think an EzGoGo Stroller that can stand alone would go on an escalator with a special supporting device?

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I recommend elevators instead, because they are a lot easier and safer. It means slightly longer but it's safer.

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Tips

Try finding an elevator instead. Most places have an elevator in addition to the escalator, and it is much easier and safer to manipulate a stroller on an elevator.

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Depending on what stroller you have, follow the same easy methods to take them on the escalator.

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Warnings

Taking your stroller on the escalator can be very dangerous for kids. However, it can also be safer than letting your kid go up the escalator out of the stroller. One study showed that only 6% percent of escalators accidents for kids ages 5 or younger happened when the kid was in a stroller. The other accidents happened when the kid was riding the escalator outside of the stroller. Half of the accidents were kids falling, while about a third were kids getting something caught in the escalator.

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