What does the term "handrail speed" refer to?

The term "handrail speed" specifically refers to the speed at which the handrails move in relation to the escalator steps. This is an important aspect of escalator design and safety, as the handrails must move at the same speed as the escalator steps to provide a consistent and safe experience for users. If the handrails were to move at a significantly different speed, it could lead to a mismatch between the steps and the handrails, causing potential safety hazards such as users losing their balance or having difficulty boarding or exiting the escalator.

Other answers do not accurately define "handrail speed." The overall speed of the escalator system encompasses both the handrails and steps but does not specifically address the relation between them. Similarly, the speed at which the escalator steps move when fully loaded relates to the load condition but does not directly pertain to the handrails. Lastly, the maximum allowable speed of the escalator refers to regulatory limits and specifications rather than the speed relationship between the handrails and the steps.