Introduction of the Dodgem
The Dodgem was introduced in Britain in 1928 by Messrs Lusse Brothers. Although earlier models were in existence they did not gain popularity in the UK until they were presented in the fairgrounds by a number of British firms including Orton and Spooner, Robert Lakin, Lang Wheels and Rytecraft.
The origin of the Dodgem track is difficult to trace with several claims to its invention and a multitude of patents. However, the most important aspect of the Dodgems is their development into their current format; a controllable bumper car powered through an electrical pick-up linked to the roof nets.
The Pleasure Beach at Blackpool had a Dodgem type machine as early as 1913 called the Witching Waves whereby motion was provided by a complex arrangement of tilting floor panels. This is likely to have been upgraded in 1921 with the Dodgems introduced and patented by concessionaire George Tonner.
Patent
Paul Braithwaite's index of patents has various entries for Dodgems; the first patent is simply described as a 'Dodgem system' in 1921, it is not clear if this resembled a modern day machine. The next ones date of 1923 and are described as, ‘Dodgem type rocking horse and Bumper cars on dished track’, and 'Bumper Car' patented by Lusse Brothers. Lusse Brothers provided further patents in the following years for drive mechanism and steering, which indicates a development towards the modern Dodgems. It is still unclear whether the famous electrical pick-up via pole was in operation at this point.
Three more patents followed in 1928 from different companies including Lusse Brothers for ‘Dodgem electrical apparatus’, ‘Dodgem Car power unit’ and ‘Dodgem Car improved bumper’. Certainly, in this latter period Lusse perfected the Dodgem car as a microcosmic motor car with futuristic designs appearing up until recent times.
Cars
In the early years the cars were made of tin. which meant a lot of dents and not much protection for the rider. The cars were often hammered back together after each day and when ruined the cars were simply burnt. How times have changed.
Bump or Dodge
The original cars were not meant to bump because they would easily fall apart. The thrill was in giving drivers the chance to drive and avoid hitting each other’s cars. That’s why they were called dodgem – the whole point was to dodge the other car while steering around a track. It was only years later that bumping became the point, not dodging.
We can supply three different types of the Dodgem ride for your event, Traditional Dodgem, Modern Dodgem and Bumper Cars for the Children.