Rubber vs PU Escalator Handrail Belts
Escalator rubber handrails are the economical option, mostly suitable for indoor use, with low-temperature flexibility, but their surfaces easily attract oil dust, leading to higher cleaning costs. PU handrails have higher procurement costs and weaker low-temperature resistance, but their surfaces are glossy, resistant to dirt, and have low cleaning costs.
Jun 12,2026
In the escalator spare parts market, handrail belts are mainly made of two materials: rubber and PU (thermoplastic polyurethane). Each has its pros and cons for different operation environment.
Rubber handrails stand out for low initial cost and comfortable, slip-resistant grip under dry indoor conditions. With good elasticity, they effectively reduce escalator running noise and stay flexible in mild low temperatures above -10°C. However, their drawbacks limit wide use in busy or open spaces. Rubber has poor wear resistance; heavy passenger flow causes surface abrasion about 3 years. It easily absorbs oil, drinks and dirt, leaving stubborn stains that raise cleaning costs. Besides, long-term UV exposure leads to fading, hardening and cracking, so rubber is fit for fully enclosed, low-traffic sites like residential buildings and small shopping mall.
PU handrails are the premium choice for high-demand locations. Their biggest strengths include outstanding abrasion resistance, great anti-UV and anti-stain performance. The compact non-absorbent surface can be cleaned effortlessly, and colors stay bright for years. PU lasts about 6 years under heavy use outdoors or in transit hubs, cutting frequent replacement costs. The main downside is a higher upfront purchase price. Standard PU turns brittle below -15°C without cold-resistant modification. Its surface is smoother, offering slightly weaker anti-slip performance than rubber in dry dusty environments, and it produces louder operating noise due to higher hardness.
To sum up, rubber handrails are the economical option, mostly suitable for indoor use, with low-temperature flexibility, but their surfaces easily attract oil dust, leading to higher cleaning costs.
PU handrails have higher procurement costs and weaker low-temperature resistance, but their surfaces are glossy, resistant to dirt, and have low cleaning costs.
Core Comparison Overview
Performance Dimension | Rubber Handrail | PU Handrail |
| Anti-slip (dry indoor) | Excellent | Good |
| Wear resistance (high flow) | Average | Superior |
| UV/Outdoor aging resistance | Poor | Excellent |
| Oil & stain cleaning | Hard to clean, absorbent | Easy wipe, non-absorbent |
| Low-temp flexibility (-10℃ above) | Stable | Hardened below -15℃ |
| Upfront cost | Low | High |
| Long-term maintenance cost | High (frequent replacement/cleaning) | Low (long service cycle) |
| Aesthetic color retention | Easy fade | Long-lasting uniform color |
PREVIOUS:
Contact Person: Sean Lee
Fax: +86-20-8304-1967
Whatsapp: +8613924192218
Address: Room 1101B Honkwok Building, No.15 Beijing Road Yuexiu District, Guangzhou City, 510115 China
Copyright ©2025 Guangzhou Deysse Elevator Fittings Co., Ltd All Rights Reserved. |
| Powered by www.300.cn | Urban substation | SEO |