What is the History of the Dodgems?
The Dodgems are one of the worlds most-beloved funfair rides. You don't just see the dodgems at fairgrounds, carnivals and festivals - some large indoor leisure facilities have Dodgems as permanent fixtures, and their enduring popularity means that there's always a group of people taking them for a spin.
But what is the history of the Dodgems? We Are Tricycle examines the facts.
Who invented the Dodgems?
The invention of the Dodgems is accredited to Massachusetts brothers Max and Harold Stoehrer in 1919, who also gave this bumper car ride its distinctive name through the company Dodgem Corp. Although the Dodgems were described as "highly unmanageable" by Scientific American, this didn't stop people queueing up to try them out for themselves; people were willing to look past any driving difficulties for the chance to crash into other people!
These early Dodgems would still look recognisable today, with long poles connecting to an electrified grid in the ceiling.
The potential for the Dodgems was obvious, and further improvements came from the Lusse Brothers in 1927. Their 'Auto Skooter' was significantly easier to control, with a front motor and ring-and-pinion axles to improve steering. This helped to bring the ride to a wider audience.
The Dodgems Arrive in the UK
The Lusse Brothers, as well as holiday park pioneer Billy Butlin, are credited with bringing the Dodgems to the UK. Companies including Orton and Spooner, Rytecraft, Robert Lakin and Lang Wheels presented them at funfairs and fairgrounds across the country until they became firm favourites.
Dodgem Corp ceased manufacturing dodgems 1970, but by this point there were many companies offering both traditional-style and modern dodgems throughout the globe. The Dodgems had established itself as a fixture at family-friendly occasions, and found its way to amusement arcades, cinemas, indoor leisure centres and many other locations.
We Are Tricycle has dodgems for hire throughout the UK. Speak with our team today if you require any further information! Check out our contact page to begin.
Dodgems Changed the Idea of What a Fairground Ride Could Be
Most fairground rides determine where passengers travel. Dodgems introduced a different experience by giving riders control over their own car within a defined arena. That combination of driving, interaction and unpredictable movement helped create a format that has remained recognisable through generations of fairground development.
If you are interested in what happens beneath the familiar experience, How Do the Dodgems Work? explains the operating principles behind the ride.
The Cars Are Only One Part of the Dodgem System
A Dodgem ride depends on the interaction between the cars, arena, electrical system and operating procedures. Looking at those components helps explain why the attraction developed differently from rides such as carousels and roller coasters.
How Are Funfair Rides Powered? provides wider context about power systems used by fairground equipment, while Fairground Electrical Safety Regulations looks at electrical considerations within modern funfair operation.
Traditional and Modern Dodgems Can Share the Same Event
The continued popularity of Dodgems has allowed different visual styles of the attraction to develop. Traditional Dodgems can suit events drawing on classic fairground styling, while Modern Dodgems provide another interpretation of the same basic ride format.
Organisers building an event around older fairground aesthetics can also explore traditional & vintage fairground rides & attractions and retro events.
Why Dodgems Have Lasted While Fairgrounds Have Changed
Dodgems offer a repeatable experience because no two sessions need unfold in exactly the same way. The passenger participates directly rather than simply watching the scenery or following a predetermined ride sequence.
This interactive quality also separates Dodgems from many fairground rides, giving organisers another type of experience to include when selecting a varied entertainment programme.
Modern Dodgem Operation Comes with Modern Safety Controls
Historical popularity does not mean an attraction operates according to historical safety practices. Today's ride operation needs to reflect current equipment requirements, inspections and operator procedures.
How Are Dodgems Safe? looks specifically at safety features and operation, while How Funfair Rides Are Tested for Safety and Daily Safety Checks for Funfair Rides provide further context about the wider safety framework surrounding amusement rides.
A Dodgem Arena Needs to Be Planned as a Complete Attraction
For an event organiser, choosing Dodgems also means considering the physical space needed for the complete installation rather than simply the dimensions of an individual car.
How Much Space Is Needed for Dodgems Hire? looks at venue and installation considerations, while How to Place Funfair Rides Around the Site explains how larger attractions can be incorporated into an overall event layout.
Continue from Dodgem History into Fairground Engineering
Dodgems provide one route into the history of amusement technology, but other rides developed through very different engineering principles. How Does a Roller Coaster Work? and How Does a Ferris Wheel Work? provide useful comparisons with two other long-established attraction types.
Our Guides contain further articles about fairground history, engineering, safety and event planning. You can also browse all products or contact us about Dodgems and other attractions for an event.