Of all the attractions for children and adults that make up an amusement park (the Big wheel, the merry-go-round or the roller coaster…), there’s one that stands out above all, the most fun and exciting, the bumper cars.
Why is it the most fun? Because, in addition to driving, no matter what age you are, there’s also the main element, which is to be able to crash into other vehicles for fun (but obviously being careful to not cause a serious accident).
Today, we’re going to offer you a different view of this famous attraction by taking a look at its history, how it works and how it has been nourished by one of Sir Issac Newton’s most famous theories.
Yes, you read that right….
History of bumper cars
The history of bumper cars is quite a mystery. Their exact origin is still unclear. Some people claim that they were invented by Victor Levand, a General Electric worker.
Others, however, claim that the creators were the brothers Max and Harold Stoehrer, in Massachusetts.
The only certainty is that the Stoehrer brothers were the first to develop the patents for their bumper cars, so they’re credited with their creation. At the beginning of the 20th century they founded the “Bumper Company“, unveiling their first model in 1920.
However, the first model of bumper car was a real nightmare to drive. They were real junk cars that often didn’t even work, went out of the enclosure or could be dented with a single kick.
The idea behind the bumper car was simple: to offer a car that could drive on the power supply, that could be driven easily and that could be crashed into each other without causing major damage.
To do so, the vehicles are fitted with protective rubber to cushion the bumps and the cars are monitored by an operator.
Bumper cars are the perfect attraction.
How do the bumper cars work?
The original idea didn’t envisage the use of mains electricity for their operation. The idea lacked safety elements that would allow its use, so it was decided to implement a better electrical system.
To do so, they introduced a metal mesh that’s located in the roof and connected to the pole of the car. That way, the vehicles are connected by an electric current passing through the ground to the mesh.
The pavement on which the cars drive is made of metal, which comes into contact with the brush that’s located underneath the vehicles. In this way, they interact with the strips and generate tension that transfers the energy to the car.
Be careful! If you don’t insert your token, the bumper car won’t move, and you run the risk of being hit.
Attraction based on Newton’s theory
You may ask… What does Isaac Newton have to do with bumper cars? A lot. Believe it or not.
This attraction is based on Newton’s third law of motion.
This law tells us that for every action, there will always be a reaction. Therefore, when something collides with something, the drivers of the vehicles will be jolted and bounced in the opposite direction.
Who would’ve thought that a law of Newton would become so much fun.
As you can see, this fun and popular attraction hides a very curious story, with its unknowns and with one of the greatest geniuses in the history of mankind as a precursor (unwittingly).
If you want to enjoy the best bumper car attraction in Gran Canaria, don’t hesitate to visit Holidayworld Maspalomas and spend a fun-filled day with your family or friends.
