Why do some funfair rides have height restrictions?
We all remember standing up against a measuring board to see if we were tall enough to ride on a funfair ride when we were younger, and these height restrictions are still in force today. While eager kids might be a tad disappointed to find they don't meet the height criteria for their favourite attractions - and while some smaller adults may even feel like they're being discriminated against unfairly - there are solid reasons behind these restrictions.
Height Restrictions Keep Riders Safe
Fairground rides, no matter how safely operated, can encounter unexpected issues. The operator may need to hit a safety brake or even require an emergency evacuation, and in order for this to be effective, the design and safety protocols rely on riders being a particular size and shape. Harnesses, safety bars and all other safety features are also designed with these minimum-sized passengers in mind. Children or adults who barely meet or are just under the height limit might not be securely restrained by the ride's safety mechanisms. This potentially puts them at a risk of falls or ejections from the ride!
These height restrictions are not arbitrary numbers. They're predominantly set by the manufacturers of the funfair ride or attraction, and are based on extensive testing. This ensures that the rider can fit safely and comfortably in the ride's seat and harness system.
Some funfair rides can even have maximum height restrictions - so if you're a shorter adult and you're aggrieved that you don't get to go on the Big Dipper, you can take solace in the fact that your loftier friends might also be turned away! Roller coasters, especially those with inversions or sharp turns, exert different forces on the rider's body. The guest's height plays a role in how they experience these forces, and could also lead them to make contact with other parts of the ride while it's in motion - so people have to fit into a particular 'mould' if they want to experience the fun.
Weight Restrictions on Rides
Traditional funfair rides were made for a more svelte populace than we have nowadays! Whether you blame fast food and processed food, sedentary lifestyles, more spending money, better healthcare or a combination of all kinds of factors, the fact is that the average Brit is now overweight, with more than half of adults classed as either overweight or obese - and this wasn't the case a century ago!
So nowadays, while height is a primary factor in funfair ride safety restrictions, weight can also play a crucial role in some rides, and some people may unfortunately be turned away from a ride because they are too large for the safe operation of the attraction.
However, with an increasing understanding of the diverse body types of funfair guests, manufacturers and designers have innovated. The introduction of 'big boy seats' and other adaptive mechanisms is a testament to the industry's commitment to inclusivity while not compromising on safety.
Why is height so important?
Height serves as an easily measurable criterion that ride operators can quickly check. While it's essentially an approximation for various factors like age, body size, and maturity, it provides a relatively reliable benchmark to screen riders for safety.
At We Are Tricycle, our commitment is to ensure every visitor has a delightful experience without any compromise on their well-being. Height restrictions, while occasionally disappointing, are a testament to that promise! All of our funfair rides are safety-checked, maintained in accordance with manufacturer instructions, and supervised by our trained team. Check out our funfair safety guides for more information!
Check the Individual Ride Rather Than Looking for One Universal Height
There is no single minimum height that applies to every funfair ride. Requirements can vary between attractions, so visitors should check the information provided for the specific ride they want to use.
Parents looking for a broader explanation can also read How Tall Do Children Have to Be for Fairground Rides?, which looks at why different attractions can have different passenger requirements.
Accompanied and Unaccompanied Riding Can Be Treated Differently
Some rides may distinguish between children who can ride with an accompanying adult and those who can ride independently. The operator's instructions for that attraction should always be followed.
This is one reason age alone is not a reliable substitute for checking the actual ride requirements. Two children of the same age may also differ substantially in height and suitability for a particular restraint or seating arrangement.
An Adult Cannot Override a Minimum Requirement
If an attraction has a minimum passenger requirement, being accompanied by an adult does not automatically remove it. The relevant restriction still needs to be met where it applies.
Refusing Access to Funfair Rides provides further information about circumstances in which an operator may need to prevent someone from riding, even when the visitor or accompanying adult would prefer otherwise.
Do Not Try to Alter a Child's Measured Height
Footwear, tiptoeing or similar attempts to make a child appear taller should not be used to bypass a ride requirement. Where height is being checked, the operator needs to apply the requirement properly to the passenger.
This is part of the wider responsibility to follow ride instructions rather than treating passenger restrictions as optional.
Height Is Only One Part of Passenger Suitability
Meeting a height requirement does not necessarily mean every other passenger consideration has been satisfied. Individual attractions can also have requirements connected with restraints, seating position or health considerations.
Funfair Ride Health Restrictions and the Equality Act looks more closely at health-related ride requirements and accessibility. Disabled Accessibility and Inclusivity at Funfairs & Fairgrounds provides broader guidance about inclusion throughout the fairground experience.
Choose Rides That Suit the Child Rather Than Pushing for the Biggest Option
Height eligibility and confidence are different things. A child may meet a ride requirement and still feel uncomfortable about using that attraction.
How to Help Nervous Children with Funfair Rides provides further guidance for parents supporting children who are unsure about a ride, while How to Keep Children Safe at Fairgrounds looks at the wider family visit.
Build a Funfair with Several Levels of Ride Choice
For organisers, a varied attraction mix can make it easier to provide suitable options for children of different ages and heights. children's fairground rides and attractions, family funfair attractions and rides and small funfair rides can all contribute to a programme with different levels of participation.
Ideas for Children's Fairground Rides provides further inspiration, while Ideas for Family Friendly Funfairs looks at creating a broader mix for adults and children attending together.
Check Restrictions Before Joining a Long Queue
Where possible, checking ride information before entering a queue can avoid disappointment at the loading point. Clear information can also help parents decide which attractions are worth approaching first.
How to Manage Queues at Funfairs provides related guidance for organisers considering how waiting areas and visitor information fit into the event layout.
Passenger Loading Is Where Restrictions Are Applied in Practice
Once visitors reach the ride, operators may need to check that passengers meet the applicable requirements before loading can proceed.
How to Safely Load Funfair Rides looks at the wider loading process, including why passenger checks and operator instructions remain important each time an attraction operates.
More Guidance for Parents and Event Organisers
Health and Safety FAQs answers further questions about amusement ride safety, while Funfair Accessibility FAQs covers additional visitor-access considerations.
You can also browse our Guides for more information about children's rides, passenger safety, accessibility and event planning. If you are arranging fairground and funfair hire, contact us to discuss suitable attractions for your audience and venue.