Used rides

Types of used rides

Various types of used rides are available for sale, including the following:

• Used carnival rides

  Carnival rides are temporary amusement rides set up at carnivals, fairs, and festivals. They include swing rides, Ferris wheels, fun houses, bumper cars, and roller coasters. Some rides may require a trailer for transportation, while others can fit on a pickup truck or in a cargo van.

• Used amusement park rides

  Used amusement park rides include roller coasters, merry-go-rounds, log flumes, pendulum rides, and spinning rides. They are permanent attractions and vary in size, intensity, and theme. Some rides are suitable for children, while others cater to thrill-seeking adults.

• Used water rides

  Water rides use water as a key element of the attraction. Popular examples include log flume rides, water roller coasters, and rafting rides. They feature large water pools, splash elements, and water tracks to create an exhilarating experience for riders. Many water rides feature lift hills, drops, and turns to keep riders excited.

• Used indoor rides

  Indoor rides are set up in climate-controlled environments and amusement parks. They include dark rides, roller coasters, and spinning rides. Since they are housed indoors, indoor rides often utilize track systems, special effects, and dynamic elements.

• Used kiddie rides

  Kiddie rides are designed for young children and include mini roller coasters, carousel rides, and toy-themed attractions. They are safe and feature lower platforms for easy access. Some kiddie rides have additional safety features, such as seatbelts and harnesses.

• Used virtual reality (VR) rides

  Used virtual reality rides offer an immersive experience through headsets and advanced simulation technology. They provide simulated experiences of roller coasters, flying, and other thrilling activities. VR rides often have motion platforms that move in sync with the virtual experience to enhance realism. They also feature synchronized movements and environmental effects, such as wind and sound, to create an engaging experience.

Scenarios of used rides

Used amusement park rides are versatile and can be utilized in various settings and circumstances. Here are some of the common applications:

• Amusement parks

  Used rides are primarily acquired by amusement parks looking to expand their existing ride inventory. Buying used rides is a cost-effective method for parks to introduce new attractions and retain the interest of regular visitors. The used rides can be an assortment ranging from roller coasters, merry-go-rounds, and water rides.

• Fairs and carnivals

  Traveling carnivals and fairs are some of the primary users of amusement rides. These events often require rides that are easy to disassemble, transport, and reassemble. Used portable amusement rides are ideal for these events since they draw crowds and have a shorter set-up time compared to new rides.

• Smaller amusement parks

  Smaller amusement parks often have limited budgets and space. As such, they opt for used rides as a way to create competitive amusement park experiences without straining their financial resources. Used kiddie rides and smaller attractions are particularly popular among smaller amusement parks.

• Family entertainment centers

  Indoor amusement parks and family entertainment centers often seek used rides. This is particularly true for centers that offer a combination of arcade games and amusement rides. Used rides are a great way to attract customers looking for family-friendly entertainment options.

• Resorts and hotels

  Some resorts and destination hotels invest in used amusement park rides to enhance their guest offerings. Roller coasters and Ferris wheels are examples of used rides that are often found in large resorts. Such rides provide on-site attractions that can save customers the cost of visiting external amusement parks.

• Recreation areas

  Public recreation areas, like city parks and community centers, sometimes feature used amusement rides as part of their amenities. These rides are usually fixed attractions and include bumper cars and merry-go-rounds. They provide a safe and fun recreation alternative for children and teenagers.

How to Choose Used Rides

Many factors determine the kind of used amusement rides for sale buyers will get. Many of the factors depend on the kind of business the buyer is planning to run. Here are some important questions buyers should ask themselves before making a purchase.

• What is the target market?

  Knowing this will help determine the suitable kind of amusement ride to purchase. For instance, if the customer base consists of children, then rides that are targeted at kids will be suitable. On the other hand, if the target market consists of teenagers and adults, then high thrill rides will be suitable.

• What is the available space?

  Buyers need to take into account the space available for the amusement park or the carnival. Some rides require a large space, while others can fit into a relatively smaller area. Based on this, buyers can narrow down their options for available used rides.

• What is the budget?

  Knowing how much money there is to spend on the used amusement ride will help determine what kind of ride can be purchased. This includes considering the cost of ride maintenance and any necessary upgrades.

• How many people will the ride accommodate?

  Knowing the capacity of the ride is also important. Buyers should consider how many people they want the ride to accommodate at once. The more people the ride accommodates, the more revenue it can generate.

• What is the target age group?

  As mentioned earlier, different kinds of rides are suitable for different age groups. Therefore, buyers should consider the kind of age group they want to attract. For instance, rides for young children usually require parents to accompany their kids.

• How often will the ride be maintained?

  Like any other equipment, amusement rides need regular maintenance. Buyers should consider the maintenance costs and how often the rides need to be maintained to ensure safety.

• Is there an option for customization?

  In some cases, rides can be customized to fit the buyer's needs and preferences. This may include adding more features or changing the design. In such cases, buyers should inquire whether the manufacturer can make such customizations.

Function, Feature, and Design of Used Rides

Function

The main function of a used amusement park ride is to provide entertainment and thrill to customers. Different rides cater to various age groups and preference levels, from the gentle sways of a carousel for young children to the adrenaline-pumping speed of roller coasters for teenagers and adults.

Beyond just fun, amusement park rides are also designed to generate revenue for park owners. The more popular and well-maintained a ride is, the more people it can attract and the more money it can make. As such, park owners often invest heavily in iconic rides that have a unique draw.

Features

• Durability: Rides are built to be used repeatedly and withstand various weather conditions.
• Safety Mechanisms: Seatbelts, harnesses, and safety bars are essential to protect riders. Regular maintenance checks ensure these safety features function correctly.
• User Controls: Many rides have operator controls that manage the ride's speed, duration, and other operational aspects. Some rides might have user-controlled elements, like bumper cars.
• Engaging Experience: Rides often use technology, like VR in modern roller coasters, to enhance the riding experience. The combination of speed, drops, and immersive storytelling can create a unique thrill.

Design

• Visual Appeal: Used amusement rides are painted in bright colors and often feature popular cartoon or movie characters. The design itself, from a distance, is enough to attract potential riders.
• Theme Consistency: Many rides are themed and feature consistent design elements from the ride's start to the end. For instance, a pirate-themed ride will have related props, audio, and visuals that align with the theme.
• Ride Efficiency: The design also considers how quickly a ride can be reset for the next group of riders. Rides with fewer moving parts, like a flat ride, are generally more efficient in this regard than a roller coaster.

Q&A

Q1: Do used amusement park rides need to be inspected before purchase?

A1: Yes, buyers should seek rides that have been well-maintained and can show documentation of regular maintenance and safety inspections. Some used rides will come with an inspection certificate that proves the ride is still safe for operation.

Q2: What should buyers consider regarding the used rides’ shipping?

A2: Buyers need to consider how the used rides will be shipped to their location. It's important to get rides that can be easily disassembled for convenient transportation. Additionally, buyers should research the costs associated with shipping as well as any potential delays.

Q3: Are there any regulations that govern the purchase of used rides?

A3: Depending on the jurisdiction where the rides will be operated, there are various regulations regarding the purchase and operation of amusement rides. For instance, parks may be required to obtain a current safety inspection certificate from a qualified inspector before an amusement ride is put into operation. Additionally, there may be environmental regulations, noise control measures, and even zoning laws that govern an amusement ride's operation. Therefore, before purchasing a used amusement ride, buyers should conduct due diligence to understand the pertinent regulations.

Q4: Can buyers get customized used rides?

A4: In many cases, it is possible to purchase a used ride that can be customized. Buyers can submit their specific requirements and desired modifications to the manufacturers or ride sellers, and they will work together to create a modified ride that meets those specifications.