You might be thinking about starting an amusement business with bumper cars. After all, they’re super popular at indoor and outdoor playgrounds, amusement parks, sightseeing areas, shopping malls, and more. You may start to worry about safety, asking yourself whether the technology is reliable and secure for your business and your guests. The good news is that once you understand how bumper cars work, you’ll see that they’re safe and really good business.
Let’s dig into the science and technology behind bumper cars to see how they work. You’ll learn that the ride is both safe and thrilling thanks to the way the cars are powered.
The Way Bumper Car Works
Power Systems
Bumper cars are powered by several unique designs:
- Overhead Power (OHP) for Ceiling Net Bumper Car: This power system involves a conductive ceiling and a conductive floor. A pole rises from the back of the car, connecting the bumper car to the conductive ceiling. Power is drawn from that pole as the car goes around the track, and the floor helps complete the electrical circuit.
- Under-Floor Power (UFP) for Ground Net Bumper Car: In a more modern system design, there are alternating metal strips that run along the floor. Each car has brushes that make contact with these strips to complete the circuit to make the car go.
- Battery-Operated for Battery Bumper Car: Some bumper cars are powered by rechargeable batteries. These cars give designers more flexibility since the cars don’t need conductive floors and ceilings, so people can set them up however they like.
Mechanics of Operation
- Steering and Driving: You drive a bumper car using a steering wheel and a pedal. When you turn the wheel and hit the pedal, you move your car into — or away from — other drivers.
- Bumpers: Every bumper car is surrounded by a soft rubber bumper. When you hit another car, these bumpers help dissipate the energy and spread the impact around, making the experience safe and enjoyable.
- Physics Kicks in: When two cars hit each other, Newton’s third law happens. When the cars crash into each other, they bounce off, making the unpredictable and fun experience that makes bumper cars so fun to drive.
Safety Concerns
Really, bumper cars are all about safety. The rubber bumpers on the cars absorb the force of the collisions. Cars are designed not to tip over. Laid-back ride operators monitor the whole track, making sure everything is good to go and buckling up riders in their cars.
You know how bumper cars work, now let me tell you how to ride bumper cars. Whether you are a bumper car business owner or a bumper car player, there are some safety rules to follow to ensure your bumper car business is fun and safe.
What Are the Rules for Bumper Cars?
Riding bumper cars is serious business. You need to follow the rules to stay safe, have a good time, and avoid people getting in your face. Here are the two simple rules to keep your experience stress-free:
General Safety Rules
- Height and Age Requirements: Riders are generally required to be at least four years old and under a specific height, often four feet (or the amusement park will make up some number around there). Kids who are shorter than 1.2 meters are generally required to ride with an adult.
- Health Considerations: People who are pregnant, infected with the ‘rona, or under the influence of booze (or something else) are disqualified. The same goes for folks who are lame or really sick, as well as those who have motion sickness issues.
Before Riding
- Getting On and Off: Take a moment to get in the bumper car and make sure you get out of it without falling on your face.
- Safety Gear: Before you do anything, put on your seat belt. Put your wallet and your junk up out of your lap so you don’t crush your junk when you hit somebody.
During the Ride
- Driving Conduct: Slide your butt back in the seat so you can reach the pedals. Keep your hands on the wheel, the stick, or wherever they tell you to put your hands.
- Collision Awareness: Don’t get out of the car while it’s moving. Wait for the ride to come to a complete stop. Then, wait for the dudes running the ride to help you out.
After the Ride Ends
- Getting Out of the Car: Only get out of the car after it comes to a complete stop. Follow the gate worker’s instructions when you get out of the ride area.
Emergency Procedures
Stay seated if the bumper car malfunctions or there is a power outage. Staff will instruct you on how to proceed safely.
How Do Bumper Cars Get Powered?
There are 3 models of bumper cars, which get powered in different ways:
- Ceiling net bumper car: Each bumper car has a pole rising from the back. The pole is conductive and connects to a conductive ceiling grid.
- Ground net bumper car: It is also named the floor net model, picking electricity from a special steel floor.
- Battery bumper car: It is operated by batteries, usually using a 24V battery.
How Many Volts Do Bumper Cars Use?
Bumper cars typically operate between 24 and 90 volts, with the most common range being 48 to 50 volts. Here are the details:
- Common Voltage: Most bumper cars run on 48 to 50 volts, which is considered standard for amusement rides.
- Lower Voltage Models: Some bumper cars run on as few as 24 volts, especially those that use batteries.
- Higher Voltage: Some bumper cars run as high as 90 volts, especially ceiling net bumper cars, which are more thrilling.
Why Do Bumper Cars Touch the Ceiling?
If you’ve ever noticed bumper cars with poles pressed up against the ceiling, you’ve witnessed a part of the Overhead Power System. Here is why it works:
- How It Works: The pole touches the ceiling and is connected to a conductive surface, delivering electricity to the car. The floor of the arena is conductive, allowing the electricity to complete the circuit and power the motor.
- Advantages: This design allows cars to whisk around without dragging wires on the floor, which is efficient and keeps the track area clean and safe.
The cars touch the ceiling because it’s a simple way to deliver power. The method is dependable and works well.
Conclusion
Bumper cars are a thrilling combination of fun, physics, and technology. Powered by electricity and driven by a few simple rules, they provide a fun experience for kids of all sizes. Knowing these few little things about how bumper cars work will give you peace of mind while you’re out on the track, getting smashed by your neighbors.
So, go down to your local amusement park, get in the bumper cars, and show everyone how it’s done!
