What's the difference between Dodgems and Bumper Cars?

Dodgems and bumper cars are common funfair amusement rides enjoyed by modern fairground lovers across the world, and many people think the two terms are synonymous - but are they? What is the difference between a dodgem ride and bumper cars?

The answer is in their history. When the Dodgems funfair ride was invented in America in the 1920s, it was named "dodgems" after the company that invented it. This name had a double meaning, as players were not supposed to bump into each other, and were instead expected to "dodge" their friends and family while playing the game.

In fact, in one version of Russian dodgems, collisions were penalised, and players could be asked to leave if they bumped into someone else. Unlike the fun and exciting dodgems we know today, these early examples of the funfair ride would break if they clashed together, and they were a big safety hazard. They certainly wouldn't pass the strict safety and maintenance checks we have in place here at We Are Tricycle!

For players today, it is lots of fun to steer and drive the cars around the track, but the original bumper cars were not driveable, which led to some pretty bad reviews.

Despite this, dodgems soon became very popular and the term "bumper cars" was introduced after it became increasingly clear that players enjoyed bumping into one another, and collisions were hard to avoid among competitive young ones. In fact, once the branding became different, collisions were no longer banned, but encouraged!

Whether they are called "dodgems" or "bumper cars" there's no doubt that they are entertaining, exciting, and filled with fun for all the family. And now that the safety and driving of modern bumper cars have been improved, they are the perfect entertainment for families, young people, and children.

We Are Tricycle - Dodgems and Bumper Cars for Hire

Here at We Are Tricycle we have a fantastic range of bumper cars and dodgems ready for hire, including modern dodgems and traditional dodgems. There's a key difference between our dodgems and bumper cars specifically; our brand of bumper cars were specifically created with younger kids in mind, making sure kids of all ages can enjoy their day out at funfairs and fairgrounds across the UK.

Our bumper cars use a lot of inflatable technology to provide kids with a bouncy and cushioned ride, even if they decide to crash into each other. Even the surrounds of our Dodgems track is i nflated to ensure the best protection. On the other hand, our Dodgems use the standard Dodgems bumpers on the cars, so there's a little bit more rough-and-tumble fun to be had.

To find out more about our fantastic range of bumper cars and dodgems, please get in touch or organise your entertainment rental with us today. Whatever you choose, you know you're with a team you can trust when you hire Dodgems, Bumper Cars or any other funfair or fairground rides with We Are Tricycle.

Dodgems and Bumper Cars Are Closely Related Attractions

Dodgems and bumper cars describe essentially the same broad type of amusement ride: individually controlled electric vehicles operating together within a defined arena. The terminology can vary by country, operator, manufacturer and the particular style of attraction being described.

If you want to understand the mechanics rather than the terminology, How Do the Dodgems Work? looks at how this familiar fairground attraction operates.

Why Do We Call Them Dodgems in Britain?

"Dodgems" became a particularly familiar term in British fairground culture, which is why many UK visitors instinctively use it for this type of ride. "Bumper cars" is another widely understood description and is particularly common internationally.

The terminology is therefore less useful as a strict technical classification than it might initially appear. Two attractions described using different names may still offer fundamentally similar driving experiences.

The Vehicles Can Look Very Different

Not every Dodgem or bumper car installation uses identical vehicles. Designs can vary considerably in their bodywork, styling, seating and overall presentation. A traditional fairground installation can consequently look quite different from another version of the same basic ride concept.

Traditional Dodgems and Modern Dodgems illustrate how the visual presentation can change while remaining within the same recognisable attraction family.

Power Systems Are a More Useful Difference to Examine

When comparing particular Dodgem and bumper car rides, it is more informative to look at how the vehicles receive power than to rely on the name alone. Different installations can use different electrical arrangements, so the equipment itself should be considered rather than assuming that every ride labelled "Dodgems" works in precisely the same way.

How Are Funfair Rides Powered? provides wider context about fairground power, while Fairground Electrical Safety Regulations covers related electrical safety considerations.

Children's Bumper Cars Form Their Own Event-Hire Option

The terminology becomes particularly useful when distinguishing equipment intended for different audiences. children's inflatable bumpercars are not simply conventional fairground Dodgems under another name. They represent a different attraction format designed around children's event entertainment.

Bumper Cars provides an example of this alternative format, while children's fairground rides & attractions contains other options for younger visitors.

Can You Actually Bump into Other Cars?

The word "Dodgems" can make the attraction sound as though avoiding everyone is the objective, while "bumper cars" suggests the opposite. In practice, visitors should follow the instructions and operating rules given for the particular ride rather than trying to interpret its rules from the name.

How Are Dodgems Safe? looks specifically at the safety principles surrounding the attraction, while Refusing Access to Funfair Rides explains why operators may sometimes need to restrict participation.

Compare Dodgems Before Choosing Them for an Event

If you are considering Dodgems for an event, the practical questions are usually more important than whether somebody calls them Dodgems or bumper cars. Capacity, audience, available site space, access and the specific equipment being supplied all matter when planning the attraction.

How Much Space Is Needed for Dodgems Hire? covers the space question in more detail, while How to Choose the Right Funfair Rides & Games provides broader help with attraction selection.

You can also read What Is the History of the Dodgems? for the historical background, browse our Guides for more fairground advice, or contact us to discuss Dodgems and other rides for an event.