Roller coasters are some of the most thrilling theme park attractions. One element that adds to the excitement of these rides can be the unique and innovative designs of the roller coaster ride vehicles. Over the years, roller coaster manufacturers have created new models that not only ensure safety but also enhance the overall ride experience. These ride vehicles help the ride to become an entirely different experience. From motorbikes to bizarre flying cages, let’s look at some of the most unique roller coaster ride vehicles.
1. Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure
Image: UniversalHagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure features one of the most unique ride vehicles of any roller coaster in the world. Ripped straight from the Harry Potter movies, riders can board either Hagrid’s motorbike or ride in the sidecar. Each seat provides a completely different ride experience. The motorbike allows riders to straddle the seat and lean forward to hold on to the handlebars. The sidecar, however, is more like a traditional coaster vehicle with a lap bar. The ride vehicles add to the incredibly immersive theming of this coaster.
2. Pipeline: The Surf Coaster
Image: SeaWorldThis new stand-up coaster just opened at SeaWorld Orlando, and it features one-of-a-kind stand-up coaster vehicles. These new surf vehicles are unlike any stand-up coaster that came before it. You truly feel as if you are riding the waves as you dip and weave through the track. The vehicles resemble large surfboards, and the seats allow for much more freedom of movement than other stand-up coasters due to the flexible restraint system. Pipeline: The Surf Coaster is setting the bar high for the future of stand-up coasters.
3. Ice Mountain Bobsled Roller Coaster
Image: Enchanted ForestIce Mountain Bobsled Roller Coaster is located at Enchanted Forest in Salem, Oregon, and it is not to be confused with bobsled model roller coasters like the late Disaster Transport at Cedar Point. While not the most technologically advanced, this coaster stands out because of its bizarre ride vehicles. These cars are boot-shaped and feature a plexiglass enclosure. That’s right, you are enclosed within the ride vehicles while riding. This is likely due to the very narrow tunnels that the coaster zooms in and out of. The front of the car does feature holes to allow air to flow through, and they only seat up to 2 adults or 3 small children.
4. & 5. DarKoaster and Arctic Rescue
Image: Busch GardensDarKoaster recently opened at Busch Gardens Williamsburg. This indoor launch coaster features ride vehicles that are meant to resemble snowmobiles. In fact, it is the first all-indoor straddle coaster. As riders glide and zip through over 2,000 feet of track including multiple launches, riders will attempt to outrun both a frigid storm and supernatural forces. Over at SeaWorld San Diego, a similar coaster has just opened that includes almost identical ride vehicles to DarKoaster. Arctic Rescue sends rides on their snowmobiles to save the Arctic animals as the snow melts. Both coasters are marketed as family-friendly coasters and reach speeds of about 40 miles per hour.
