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human
ELI5: Why do escalator handrails never run at the same speed as the escalator itself does?

I assume some of you observed this before. When using an escalator I mostly notice that the handrails run just slightly faster/slower than the escalator itself. This is especially noticable when leaning against the handrail at the beginning; when at the finish you'll most likely be tilted either up- or downwards.
I noticed this at multiple escalators around the world. It seems like this is a worldwide problem.
Can someone explain this difference in speed between the escalator and the handrail?
gpt
As Don-Slade has already kind of pointed out (at least in Germany) escalator handrails have to run a certain percentage faster than the escalators itself to pull your point of weight forward. By being just slightly faster, when you grab a hold of them, your weight will be distributed more to the front, thusly reducing the risk of you falling backwards down the escalator. 

Likewise, when you’re going downwards, the handrails tend to run a bit slower to pull your weight back so you don’t fall down.