An improved escalator 10 which incorporates a device 58 which monitors the speed of an escalator handrail 12. The escalator having a handrail and a transmission unit 14. The device cooperates with a portion of the transmission unit that moves at the same speed as the handrail. Various details are developed which facilitate the monitoring of the handrail speed. In one detailed embodiment, the device includes a plurality of targets 60 and a sensor 62 which is not interfered with by the handrail.