Bumper cars for kids are extremely popular amusement rides because they’re fun, thrilling, easy to ride, and social. But parents and amusement park operators often have questions about their safety, what ages can ride them, and how they work. In this guide, I’ll answer some of the most common questions. I hope this helps families and operators understand how bumper cars work, what to expect and how to have a great time on this fun ride.
Let’s go deeper into the world of bumper cars. I’ll tell you everything you need to know before you let your kids or your customers ride.
Why Are Bumper Cars So Popular?
Bumper cars are popular with kids and adults for several reasons. They make riding fun and safe for everyone:
- Fun and excitement: Crashing into other people on purpose in a safe, controlled setting is fun and unexpected. Kids love the mix of adrenaline and organized chaos. They can run around and play and have a great time.
- Accessibility and safety: Bumper cars are made for a wide range of ages. They have models for little kids, bigger kids, and adults. Modern bumper cars are easy to steer, making it easy for even little kids to drive them.
- Social interaction: Bumper cars encourage families and friends to ride together or compete against each other. The ability to interact and laugh with each other makes bumper cars a good ride for family entertainment and social gatherings.
What Age Is the Bumper Car For?
Bumper cars are made for different age groups.
Some are made for kids as young as 18 months old and go up to around 7 years old, depending on the size of the car, the features, and the safety that’s built in.
While some bumper cars are made for little tiny kids, others can handle slightly older kids.
They have adjustable speeds and extra safety features to make sure riders are comfortable and safe.
What Age Are Bumpers Safe?
Safety is always a concern for any ride, and bumper cars are no different. Typically, bumper cars are safe for kids from 18 months to 5 years of age when they have a 6-volt battery.
Models made for kids a little older, up to 7 years old, usually have a bigger battery or more safety features like a remote control for parents to drive the car.
Safety features include things like a low top speed, a good seat belt, and padded bumpers to soften the crash.
What Do Bumper Cars Drive On?
Bumper cars for kids can operate on several surfaces:
- Electric floor: Traditional bumper cars at amusement parks run on an electric floor. These floors send power to the cars, allowing them to move smoothly and in a controlled way within a designated area.
- Smooth floor: Bumper cars are usually driven on polished concrete or another smooth surface for safety and ease of operation. This type of floor allows the cars to move smoothly and makes it more fun to ride while reducing the wear on the car’s wheels.
- Safety bumpers: Bumper car arenas usually have padded bumpers around the perimeter to keep drivers safe and in a specific area.
Do Kids’ Bumper Cars Work on Carpet?
Yes, kids’ bumper cars can usually go on carpet, especially if it’s a low pile carpet.
Many modern bumper cars have wheels that can move easily over different surfaces, including short grass, low pile carpet, and even sidewalks.
Some models, like the Kidzone bumper car, are made to work on different surfaces and can be used both indoors and outdoors.
Do Bumper Cars Work on Grass?
While some bumper cars can go on grass, they usually work best on hard, smooth surfaces like concrete or asphalt.
- Battery-powered bumper cars for home or outdoor use can go on short grass and pavement.
- Traditional bumper cars at amusement parks usually don’t go on grass because it’s hard to get traction and it’s not super stable. They usually stay on smooth floors.
Are Bumper Cars Electric?
Yes, bumper cars are usually electric, and you can get them for amusement parks or for home use:
Traditional amusement park bumper cars: These cars get power from an electric track system where the floor or ceiling gives them the electricity they need to run. In the ceiling-powered models, the car gets power from a metal ceiling and floor.
Battery-powered bumper cars: Many modern bumper cars, especially those made for home use, run on batteries. Wonderland playground bumper cars, for example, run on 24 volts of battery power. This makes them easy to use, portable, and they don’t need a special floor or ceiling to make them work.
Do Bumper Cars Have Batteries?
Yes, lots of bumper cars are battery-powered.
Models like the Wonderland Battery Bumper Car and the Wonderland Inflatable Bumper Car run on batteries. This makes them easy to use and flexible.
Battery-powered bumper cars let kids play without having to be near an electric track. This gives kids more freedom to play and makes it easier to set up these cars in your home or in the backyard.
How Many Volts Do Bumper Cars Use?
Bumper cars run on different voltages depending on the model and manufacturer.
24 to 240 volts: Most traditional bumper cars run on 24 to 240 volts, depending on how they get their power. However, to keep kids safe, most bumper cars today run on less than 50 volts.
Battery-powered models: Battery-powered bumper cars, especially ones for little kids, usually run on 12 volts. That’s enough power to run the bumper car safely and keep it within the safety standards.
How Is Electricity Used in Bumper Cars?
Bumper cars use electricity to power their motors so they can go forward, backward, and turn.
They either get power from a track or from a battery. The electricity runs through the motor, turning energy into movement and making the bumper car go.
They also use electricity to run other things like LED lights and music for more fun. Bumper cars with batteries usually have a remote control so parents can adjust the speed and direction of the car for a safer play experience.
How Long Do Bumper Cars Take to Charge?
How long it takes to charge bumper cars depends on the size of the battery and the model:
- Wonderland Bumper Cars: For example, Wonderland bumper cars usually take about 8 hours to charge the first time and between 8 and 10 hours for every charge after that. These times give you about 8 hours of play time.
- Other Models: usually take between 6 and 12 hours to charge. That way kids can play with them for a long time after they’re charged.
Can the Kids Zone Bumper Car Go Outside?
Yes, lots of kids’ bumper cars, like the Wonderland bumper cars, are made to be used both indoors and outdoors. They are built tough with wheels that won’t wear out and are powered by a battery, so they work well on smooth surfaces outside.
These bumper cars are designed to go on a variety of surfaces, but I would suggest you watch your kids closely when they’re outside to make sure they’re safe.
How Do Bumper Cars Turn?
Bumper cars turn by using a combination of steering and how the electric motor works. Here’s how they work:
Steering wheel: Bumper cars have a steering wheel that lets drivers control the direction of the car. The steering wheel usually turns 360 degrees, making it easy to turn and go backward.
Electric motor: When the driver presses the accelerator, the motor makes the car go forward.
By steering, the driver can control where the car goes. The smooth floor of the arena makes it easy for the cars to turn and for kids to move around quickly.
Do Bumper Cars Have Engines?
Unlike regular cars, bumper cars do not have gas engines.
They have electric motors. These motors either get power from an electric track in the floor or from a battery. This makes bumper cars a green, efficient, and safe ride.
How Fast Do Bumper Cars Go?
The maximum safe speed for kids’ bumper cars is around 8 miles per hour (approximately 13 kilometers per hour).
This speed is fast enough to be fun but slow enough to be safe. It’s also slow enough that, when kids bump into each other, nobody gets hurt.
Do Bumper Cars Go in Reverse?
Yes, most bumper cars have a steering wheel that turns all the way around. This lets kids go backwards.
This feature makes the bumper car ride more fun because kids can move around and steer to avoid other bumper cars, making the experience safer and more enjoyable.
Conclusion
Kids’ bumper cars are fun, social, and safe, which is why they are popular with families and amusement park owners. By knowing the details about bumper cars, who can ride them, and how to operate them, parents and amusement park owners can make sure kids have a safe, fun time. Whether they’re used inside or outside, bumper cars are still a classic ride that kids and families love.
