Tag: dodgems

Equipment, Event Planning, funfair events, Funfair Rides

Hire Dodgems For Your Party

8 June 2025
Continental Dodgems For Hire

Planning a party or event? Looking for a unique entertainment option that will leave your guests buzzing with excitement?

Consider hiring dodgems, also known as bumper cars.

These classic funfair rides are not just for carnivals and amusement parks. They can be brought right to your event venue, adding a nostalgic and fun element that guests of all ages will enjoy.

Whether you’re a marketing manager seeking to create an engaging brand experience, a wedding planner looking for a quirky entertainment idea, or an individual planning a private party, dodgems could be the perfect solution.

In this article, we’ll explore the benefits and considerations of hiring dodgems for your event. We’ll also provide practical tips to help you plan a memorable dodgem experience for your guests.

So buckle up and get ready to rev up your party with dodgems!

traditional dodgems for hire
traditional dodgems for hire

Why Dodgems Are a Must-Have for Your Next Event

Dodgems are synonymous with thrill and laughter. Their unmistakable sound and bright lights evoke fond memories.

They offer an interactive experience, unlike any other ride. Guests can engage with one another in a fun and playful way.

Events featuring dodgems become instant hits. They foster excitement and competitiveness in a lighthearted manner.

People of all ages love dodgems. They bridge generations, making them ideal for family gatherings.

Corporate events benefit from dodgems too. They encourage team-building and camaraderie among colleagues.

Weddings also see a special charm in dodgems. Couples create unforgettable memories riding together.

Dodgems provide a sensory delight. The buzz of bumpers and glow of lights captivate everyone.

These rides become a center of attraction. They naturally draw crowds, enhancing the atmosphere of any occasion.

Incorporating dodgems can increase social media engagement. Guests love sharing these joyful moments online.

Ultimately, dodgems add immense value to events. Their presence ensures your gathering stands out in guests’ memories.

The Nostalgic Allure of Bumper Cars

The nostalgia of bumper cars transcends generations. Many adults fondly remember their own childhood rides.

These rides spark joy and reconnect us with simpler times. Dodgems help us relive carefree days at the fair.

They are an instant mood booster. In a matter of minutes, dodgems bring smiles and laughter.

The retro appeal is undeniable. Bumper cars evoke a vintage charm that delights guests of all ages.

Integrating dodgems at your event taps into this timeless appeal. You create a shared experience, rich with nostalgia.

Suitable for Every Occasion: From Corporate to Weddings

Dodgems adapt seamlessly to various events. Their versatility is part of their appeal.

At corporate functions, they promote teamwork. Colleagues bond and collaborate while having fun.

For weddings, they offer unique entertainment. Couples create lasting memories with these joyful rides.

Festivals benefit from their crowd-drawing ability. They become a central attraction, ensuring lively attendance.

Private parties enjoy the addition of dodgems too. They provide an unusual twist, making any occasion unforgettable.

Planning Your Dodgem Experience

Planning is key to a successful dodgem experience. Start by considering your event’s goals and audience.

Assess the atmosphere you wish to create. Think about how dodgems can enhance this vibe.

Determine the number of dodgem cars needed. Your guest list and venue size will guide this choice.

Choose a reputable hire company. Research reviews and testimonials to ensure reliability and quality.

Communicate with the hire company about logistics. Detailed discussions prevent last-minute surprises.

Check power requirements for the dodgems. Ensure your venue meets these needs for a seamless setup.

Discuss staffing needs with the hire company. Having operators on-site ensures smooth rides and safety.

Explore customization options like music and lighting. Tailoring these elements enhances the guest experience.

Plan the timeline for setup and dismantling. Coordination with other event elements is crucial.

Create a checklist to manage all aspects. This ensures a worry-free dodgem event at your party.

Venue Considerations for Dodgem Setup

The right venue can make all the difference. First, assess the size and layout of the event space.

Ensure there is ample room for dodgems. Consider both the rides and the queuing area.

Check the ground surface. It should be flat and stable for safe dodgem operation.

Evaluate accessibility to power sources. This is critical for a successful setup.

Account for nearby noise levels. Dodgems are lively, so check for potential disruptions to others.

Safety First: Ensuring a Fun and Secure Ride

Safety is paramount for a stress-free experience. Begin by choosing a reputable hire company with a strong safety record.

Verify that all equipment meets safety regulations. Certification ensures peace of mind.

Ensure safety briefings for guests. Operators should provide clear instructions before rides commence.

Confirm the availability of all necessary safety gear. Seat belts and sturdy bumpers are essential.

Finally, oversee the ride’s operation during the event. Vigilance ensures any issues are promptly addressed, keeping everyone safe and happy.

Customizing Your Dodgem Hire

Unleash creativity by customizing your dodgem experience. Transform these funfair rides into a unique attraction.

Start by choosing a theme. Whether it’s retro or modern, align the rides with your event’s vibe.

Incorporate personalized elements. You can tweak the ride’s appearance to match your style.

Discuss possibilities with the hire company. Many offer bespoke solutions for special occasions.

Customization can elevate your event. Tailor-made experiences leave a lasting impression on your guests.

Themes, Music, and Lights: Making Dodgems Your Own

Let your imagination run wild with themes. From vintage carnivals to futuristic spectacles, the options are endless.

Select music that resonates with your audience. The right tunes can create an immersive ambiance.

Consider lighting effects to add drama. Vibrant colors and flashing lights make the ride more exhilarating.

Coordinate the elements seamlessly. A cohesive setup amplifies the experience for everyone.

Creating a personal touch can make the dodgems unforgettable. Dive deep into what excites your guests.

Branding Opportunities for Marketing Managers

Dodgems offer a fresh canvas for brand promotion. They’re not just fun; they’re powerful marketing tools.

Customize cars with company logos. It’s a striking way to enhance brand visibility at events.

Integrate brand colors and themes. This harmonizes the rides with your overall marketing strategy.

Use dodgems to engage consumers. The experience can strengthen brand connections through fun interactions.

Every spin is a promotional opportunity. Leverage this to drive social media buzz and market your brand effectively.

The Logistics of Hiring Dodgems

Planning a dodgem hire involves several logistical steps. It’s not just about having fun.

Consider the timing carefully. Decide when the rides will be a focal point at your event.

Transportation is crucial. Ensure the dodgems arrive on time and in great condition.

Setup needs to be efficient. Allocate sufficient space and time for assembly.

Consult with the hire company for smooth execution. Their expertise can navigate any logistical challenges.

Timing, Transportation, and Setup

Timing is everything when booking dodgems. Determine the busiest periods at your event.

Schedule delivery and setup early. This prevents last-minute hiccups.

Transportation requires precision. Liaise with the hire provider on logistics.

Setup should align with your event flow. A well-placed ride boosts guest experience.

Effective management ensures a seamless operation. Avoid disruptions for a stress-free event atmosphere.

Maximizing Guest Engagement with Dodgems

Dodgems bring people together. Their universal appeal bridges all age groups and backgrounds.

The excitement of bumper cars inspires social interaction. Shared experiences create bonds and unforgettable conversations.

Dodgems invite friendly competition. This dynamic adds an engaging element to your event.

Encourage guests to partake. Organize small contests or challenges around the rides.

More interaction means more fun. A lively atmosphere elevates the overall event.

Social Media Buzz and Photo Ops

Dodgems naturally draw eyes. They’re as fun to watch as they are to ride.

Leverage this appeal on social media. Encourage guests to capture and share their moments.

Designate a photo area near the dodgems. Unique backdrops can enhance the photos and create memorable content.

Create hashtags for your event. This increases visibility and encourages community participation.

Social media amplifies your event’s reach. The visual allure of dodgems boosts online presence.

Creating Lasting Memories for Attendees

Dodgems leave a mark. Their lively nature lingers long after the event ends.

Emotional connections are key. The joy of riding stays in the hearts of your guests.

Guests often reminisce about childhood memories triggered by dodgems. This nostalgia strengthens their experience.

Offer keepsakes like photos or branded memorabilia to remind them of the fun.

These lasting impressions foster fondness. Dodgems can turn a simple event into an unforgettable celebration.

Conclusion: Rev Up Your Party with Dodgem Hire

Dodgems add a spark to any event. Their charm offers a delightful blend of fun and nostalgia.

Hiring dodgems transforms your gathering from ordinary to extraordinary. Embrace the joy and make lasting memories. Choose dodgems and watch your party come alive with excitement.

Dodgem Hire Tips 6 Things You Should Know

4 Best Funfair Rides For Your Wedding

Event Planning, funfair events

6 Tips On Dodgem Hire

5 March 2023
Broken Dodgems

Dodgems are easily one the most popular funfair ride available to hire. There are some absolutely fabulous examples available. Unfortunately there are also some complete cowboys, operating complete garbage. Read our 6 tips on dodgem hire to avoid the junk.

When have read through it, visit us for a dodgem quote for your event.

1 Work Out What Type You Need

There are 2 main types of dodgem rides, continental or traditional British style. Although the ride experience is essentially the same, they each have some unique strengths.

Hire Dodgems Continental Style

This type is the modern, slightly larger, ofton oblong shaped dodgem track. The ride essentially folds up on itself, and is then raised hydraulically off the floor allowing wheels to be fitted. The main advantage of this type is speed. Generally a smaller crew, can erect a continental dodgem in half the time of the traditional type. They also tend to be more highly decorated, with better sound systems and airbrushed artwork. The main drawback is the fact that they need to be driven into position. They cant be taken over a wall, through a narrow gate or up stairs.

Continental Dodgems For Hire 6 Tips On Dodgem Hire
Continental Dodgems For Hire

Traditional Dodgems

The traditional dodgem on the other hand, dismantles into small sections. It can be carried into almost any venue. The drawback with the ride, is the fact that it can take 6-8 hours to erect, as opposed to 3-4 hours for a continental type. Oh, and you tend to have to pay for all that extra work.

Traditional Funfair Dodgems Ride
Traditional Dodgems For Hire

2 Find Out Exactly What You Are Getting

Most rides of either type, need 2 heavy goods vehicles (averaging around 7 m.p.g), a support vehicle. Generator, 4-6 staff. 2 days to set up, operate and dismantle. Insurance, maintenance and general running costs. All legitimate operators have these as fixed, unavoidable expenses. So when someone offers you a dodgem for half the price of everybody else, you should be suspect.

I know of 2 unscrupulous operators with the following deals;

The first would offer you dodgems for around £800. Less than half the going rate. You would book them thinking you are getting a super deal. When the dodgems arrive and erected, you find that they have no lights, no music, no rain cover and 4 dodgem cars. When you query this sorry state of affairs, you are shown a folder with a picture of the £800 dodgems in, which is what you’ve hired. The operator would then turn a page showing a picture of the £1000 dodgems, which is the same ride but with a rain cover added. This process would be repeated a page at a time, until the final picture showed a fully set up dodgems for around the £2200 mark. Your choice at this point is to go ahead with the rubbish you’ve hired. Or pony up another £1400 to get a proper specced set up.

The Second Deal

The second one was even worse. They guy would quote a super low price, but when you wanted to book you have to agree to fork up a £500 non refundable deposit. The day before your event, you are informed that the dodgems, sadly, have broken down, but don’t worry, you are going to be supplied with a simulator ride, or a Miami or similar. When you complain that’s not what you want and ask to cancel, you are told you don’t get your deposit back. Again your choice is to accept what you are offered, or start court proceedings Would you win? Most probably, but would the hassle and stress be worth it?

3 Agree Your Operating Times

This is a must, a standard time slot is around 6 hours opening. They also need to be consecutive hours. We had one client booked us for 6 hours and wanted 3 hours one day, and 3 2 days later. Sorry, but the price quoted wasn’t to cover the ride being tied up for an additional 2 days. You wouldn’t be able to do that when you hired a car, so why would you think you could in this scenario.

4 Agree Set Up Times

Usually dodgems are erected the evening before they are needed, and dismantled straight after the event. Depending on the work load, an operator may agree to leave them in situ when the event finishes and come back the next day. However don’t just presume this. Quite often we can be operating on a saturday night at one venue, and need to be in position at another Sunday morning.

5 Make Sure You Receive All The Safety Docs

Of all our 6 tips on dodgem hire, this one is the most important.

Currently a reputable operator should be able to supply as a minimum;

  • Public Liability Insurance Certificate Of At Least £5 Million
  • Risk Assessments
  • Method Statements
  • Daily Check Log Book
  • Adips Annual Inspection Certificate

The good operators will go farther and supply additional health and safety documentation. With regards to the ADIPS certificate, check it out at ADIPS.co.uk to ensure it is genuine. The advent of the scanner and photo shop means a young kid can alter the date or name on a certificate. Same goes for the insurance.

6 Ask For Testimonials

The best operators in the hire arena tend to specialise in these jobs exclusively. Some operators spend most of their time at traditional funfairs, and the private jobs are an afterthought. That’s not to say some of these aren’t quite good. They are, but the best operators tend to pay more attention to customer service, and operate to a higher standard. By all means ask for contact names at some of the larger corporate clients they have had. A good operator should have no issue with sending you details of jobs they have done.

If after reading our 6 tips on dodgem hire you are still unsure, by all means drop us an email asking for help.

Catering, Event Planning, Fun Story, funfair events, Funfair Rides

Hire Dodgems Cars For Your Event

8 February 2023

When You Want The Most Fun For Your Event

If you have arrived here you are looking for a dodgems ride for your event. A really nice dodgems.

Well we suppose you could want a scruffy one, something that looks like it came from the theme park at Chernobyl. In which case you really need to talk to a dodgy dodgem guy called Vladimir.

If you want the nice type then you can have a package tailored to suit you, even going as far as preparing a bridal car with ribbons and flowers to match if it’s for your wedding, or adding branding for corporate hires.

Your dodgems service will be a great centrepiece for your event, designed around your requirements so you don’t have to worry.

Easily the most popular ride you can have. Ideal for all age groups young and old. Everyone loves to drive a dodgem car, making them perfect for your fun day, or just about any event you can imagine.

You have the choice of a full range of track sizes in both traditional dodgems and ultra modern versions.

Don’t dodge us, contact us for a quote.

Continental Bumper Cars
Continental Bumper Cars

Funfair Rides, Fun For All Ages, Children And Adults.

Looking back on our long term records, this is by far our most booked fairground ride. People rent dodgems when they want maximum fun. Smaller children can be accompanied by adults, so its suitable for kids. Teenagers love it, even the older generation find it a fun experience.

Although it has to be said the aim of the ride is to ‘dodge’ the other cars, not crash headlong into each other, hence dodgems, (we know, we know, in the North East they call them bumper cars, but they are a hardy breed ‘up North).

Together with the Carousel hire , Ferris Wheel hire  and Helter Skelter it is one of the iconic fairground rides.

We can advise you on the type and size of bumper cars rides to best suit your venue and requirements. And provide guidance on the best funfair attractions to complement your event.

You need to take into account the ages and requirements of your guests. A well presented ride  has music and lighting systems. Creating a fabulous centrepiece. Easily the most popular attractions available.

If you want  radioactive rides then you are gonna have to try harder to find Vlad!

Continental Dodgem Track For Hire
Continental Dodgem Track For Hire

This ride works well with other offerings from our stable of entertainment including rides, games and fairground attractions;

You can have us propose a complete package for your needs when a range of fairground attractions are required, be it a company fun day, corporate event, a birthday party or you simply want to hire dodgems for a wedding.

Why not enjoy the event yourself comrade and leave the planning and stress to our team.

Hiring A Ride, What Do You Need To Know?

How much to hire  bumper cars near me and dodgems hire price, are regular questions we receive, unfortunately there is no simple answer to fairground ride hire prices, as it depends on where, when and what type. The where and the when are easy to answer, the other questions might need an explanation.

There are basically 2 type of rides available, the traditional type which is supplied totally dismantled and erected piece by piece., he advantage of this being that they can be carried through small gates, over fences, even upstairs, the big disadvantage is the 6-8 hours set up time.

Commonly referred to as a continental track or modern dodgem, the alternative is a set up time of around 3 hours. These are folded up onto a centre trailer for transport tending to be more highly decorated than the traditional model, contain more elaborate lighting systems and higher powered music.

The only real drawback with a modern track is that they have to be driven into position. So it limits the venues they can be used in.

You also need to take into account the track sizes and quantity of cars required. To ensure whichever you choose will fit in your intended venue.

You need to take care when hiring rides like this. The internet is great for finding something you need,but there are plenty of cowboys operators out there, check out our short article on finding the best ride for your money.

Hire funfair bumper cars from us and you will receive details of what you will actually receive. And we definitely don’t have anyone called Vladimir working here.

Check out the history of the dodgems or as they are sometimes known, bumper cars.

traditional dodgems for hire
traditional dodgems for hire

F.A.Q.

WHERE CAN I HIRE DODGEMS NEAR ME;
All types and sizes of dodgem tracks can be provided anywhere in the U.K.

WHAT IS A BEST A TRADITIONAL OR A MODERN TRACK;
The ride experience is identical, so it all comes down to whether you want a modern glitzy look, or something more traditional. Additionally access restrictions may stop the larger continental track being used.

CAN WE USE BUMPER CARS IN THE RAIN;
As long as the track come with a top cover to allow use in inclement weather. All of ours do!

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN DODGEM CAR HIRE AND BUMPER CAR HIRE;
Absolutely nothing, they are two names for the same ride, bumper cars tends to be used more in the North East.

HOW MUCH IS IT TO HIRE DODGEM CARS;
It depends on the type of track, where and when you require the ride, expect to pay between £1700 and £2500

I HAVE BEEN OFFERED THEM FOR £1500 WHY SHOULDN’T I HIRE THAT RIDE;
Like most things in like, when it seems too good to be true, it usually is!

Event Planning, Funfair Rides

Continental Dodgem Track

18 October 2020

Continental Dodgems Set Up

There are two types of dodgem rides in the UK. The ‘traditional’ English track and the more modern continental dodgem style track.

The short video above illustrates the second of these. The more highly decorated, and easier to set up modern dodgem ride. Or bumper cars as they are called in the North East.

This type has the advantage of being much quicker to set up than its older counterpart. Indeed the ride shown has been ready to go in as little as two hours from driving into position.

Continental Dodgem Track For Hire
Continental Dodgem Track For Hire

If you want to hire this or a traditional track, take a look at bumper cars hire.

Dodgem Wiki Page

Fun Story

Everybody Loves The Dodgems

6 March 2019

The Dodgems or bumper cars are easily the most popular ride on the fairground. Who doesn’t love zooming around on the track bumping into your friends steering out of the way of others…for some it’s the first time behind the wheel, but everybody loves the dodgems.

But imagine how cool it would be to own your own dodgem car and be able to nip down to the shop well for one man in Essex this became a reality, now im not sure if he had somehow managed to dodge all the other dodgem cars and the dodgem staff and was in a runaway dodgem car or if he managed to convert this to work on tarmac rather than the electric connection! Yep gotta love the dodgems.

Thank god for dash cams!

The baffled driver who was driving along the road had come to a stop junction when he witnessed this white dodgem car just sliding down the road. He was so shocked at such a sighting that he pressed the alarm button on the dash cam the manufacturer’s team respond to the panic button in record time to make sure that this has not been a serious incident! I bet everyone in the building had a good laugh this day when they saw the video footage! The manufacturer of the dash cam said

“I just thought oh my god, is that really a dodgem? I know that electronic cars are popular, but this is another level.

I can only assume that he has amended it to make it into a road legal vehicle. I have never seen anything like it before in my life”

The footage was taken around 6pm on a Wednesday afternoon and the dodgem car driver can be seen waiting patiently at the junction to carry on the drive, I wonder where he was going? Perhaps the fairground to show off how his dodgem car works off the track or perhaps he maybe thought the fairground staff would let him have a free ride has he had brought his own car? Either way this is not something you see every day especially not in such a casual setting.

Thankfully the dodgem car driver was following the rules of the British roads rather than the fairground rules and is not known to have bumped, bashed or collided with anything else haha.

But how?

It still not known how the dodgem car spotted in Harlow was powered, fairground dodgems work with an overhead electric net that connects with the bumper car pole and when the electric’s turned on the track becomes live… I know that Electric cars are on the rise but this is definitely something else!!

After a bit of research I found that other city’s also have this unique car dodging round their streets too in 2016 a Mr Evans from Glasgow converted a bumper car into a road-legal petrol car, I wonder how the insurance policy works on this particular unique model?

And a mere few weeks ago a Mr Harper from Staffordshire had bought a dodgem bumper car for £400 on ebay and then spent a further £2,500 on converting the model to run under its own power… so guys keep your eyes peeled because this latest model of car may be coming to a city near you soon, as we said at the start, everybody loves the dodgems.

If you would like to hire dodgems that stop on the track let us know.