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Vekoma Rides Manufacturing is a Dutch amusement ride manufacturer. Vekoma is a syllabic abbreviation of Veld Koning Machinefabriek (Veld Koning Machine Factory) which was established in 1926 by Hendrik op het Veld.

Key Information

History

[edit]

The company originally manufactured farm equipment and later made steel constructions for the coal mining industry in the 1950s.[2] As business shifted from farming equipment to steel construction, Veld Koning Machinefabriek was shortened to Vekoma. After the closure of Dutch mines in 1965, Vekoma manufactured steel pipes for the petrochemical industry.[3] In the 1970s Vekoma was contracted by U.S. amusement ride manufacturer Arrow Development to build the steel structure for its roller coasters in Europe. As demand increased, Arrow instructed Vekoma in track building techniques and eventually licensed its coaster-building technology. In 1979 Vekoma entered the market on its own, opening three coasters in Europe under the name Vekoma Rides Manufacturing BV.[3]

On 23 August 2001, Vekoma filed for bankruptcy.[4]

In 2006, Vekoma formed an alliance with U.S.-based manufacturer Chance Morgan.[5] Chance Rides represented Vekoma in North America and Chance Morgan manufactured the steel track for select projects. During this agreement, Chance built four Vekoma-designed family coasters.[6]

In 2008, Vekoma Rides Manufacturing acquired the Wheels of Excellence range of Ferris wheels from Ronald Bussink. Under the agreement, Bussink continued to supply wheels 100 meters and taller. Smaller wheels in the 40- to 80-meter range transitioned to a new manufacturing division of Vekoma, Dutch Wheels BV.[7]

On 17 October 2012, Chance Rides and Vekoma discontinued the agreement to produce rides together for the North American market.[8] However, shortly after terminating that agreement, Chance Rides was given an exclusive license from Dutch Wheels BV to manufacture and sell R60 wheels in the North American market under a new affiliate, Chance American Wheels.[9]

On 30 March 2018, Vekoma was acquired by Sansei Technologies, the parent company of American ride manufacturer S&S Sansei. The conditions stipulated that Vekoma's business model remain unchanged after the acquisition. Vekoma continues to manufacture and market rides as a separate entity.[10]

Roller coasters

[edit]
Main article: List of Vekoma roller coasters

As of May 2018, there are over 387 roller coasters around the world from Vekoma, some of which are either under construction or have been removed.[11]

Models

[edit]
Model First produced Description
Bermuda Blitz 2017 A sit down multi-inversion roller coaster with new generation trains and restraints. An off the shelf layout is available replicating Lech Coaster, which is the only installation of the model that currently exists. Lech Coaster is in Legendia in Poland.[12]
Big Air 2010 Formerly known as a hammerhead stall due to the spinning function it previously possessed. There is only one installation of this roller coaster, located at E-DA Theme Park in Taiwan.[13]
Boomerang 1984 a type of Shuttle roller coaster with three inversions, height of 117 feet (35.66 m), and speed of 47 mph (76 km/h).
Corkscrew with Bayerncurve (discontinued) 1979 An adaptation of the standard Arrow Development corkscrew roller coaster.
Dive Pretzel Coaster[14][15] 2014[16] A roller coaster with a 90 degree climb and several pretzel loop elements.
Double Loop-Corkscrew 1981 A modified version of the MK-1200, it consisted of four inversions (two vertical loopings and two corkscrews and a standard track.
Flying Dutchman 2000 First large-scale flying roller coaster built. The last one, Batwing, closed in 2025.
Giant Inverted Boomerang 2001 Like Invertigo but with vertical lift hills and slightly different layout.
Hurricane 1989 Has a vertical loop and a double corkscrew. There were only 2 installations ever.[17]
Invertigo 1996 An inverted model of the Boomerang.
Motorbike roller coaster 2004 Vekoma-launched roller coaster with trains like motorbikes.
LSM Launch coaster 1999 Roller coaster with three inversions. Launched around 55 mph (89 km/h) using LSM technology.

Only three installations of this model exists.

Space Warp Launch coaster 2016 A sit down LSM launch coaster built with new-generation track and trains in a layout with multiple inversions. Only one installation of this model exists.[18]
Splash Party 2013 An inverted slower-paced roller coaster that is designed with several water gun and water bomb placements. Only one installation of this model exists.[19]
Stingray 2009 A compact flying roller coaster designed as the successor to the Flying Dutchman. Only one example has been installed, being Stingray at Giant Wheel Park of Suzhou.[20]
Suspended Family Coaster 2001 Inverted family coaster very similar to the Suspended Looping Coaster
Suspended Looping Coaster 1994 Inverted coaster with several different models.
Suspended Thrill Coaster 2020 The successor to the Suspended Looping Coaster which features a different track style and layout.[21] Debuted with Hals-über-Kopf at Erlebnispark Tripsdrill.
Tornado (loop-corkscrew) 1986 A modified version of the MK-1200, it consisted of two inversions (a vertical looping and a corkscrew) and a standard track.[22] Three installations exist in the world, of which two are still operating.
Mine train coaster 1992 A roller coaster with a Western, mountain or mine themed style. 785 m (2,575 ft) and MK-900 M models.
Junior coaster 1990 Roller coaster aimed at children. 207 and 335 m (679 and 1,099 ft) models.
Shockwave coaster 2019 A sit down LSM launch coaster built with new-generation track and trains with multiple inversions and features sometimes tunnels. 1095m and 1320m models.
Top Gun Launch coaster 2020 A sit down LSM launch coaster built with new-generation track and trains but with a different layout and multiple inversions.
Wooden roller coaster 2000 Classic wooden coaster produced by Vekoma. There are two examples: the Thundercoaster at TusenFryd, and Loup-Garou at Walibi Belgium. Previously, there was one of these models at Walibi Holland called Robin Hood, however, it became an RMC hybrid coaster called Untamed in 2019.

Other Vekoma coaster models include Wild Mouse, Hyper Space Warp, Firestorm, Swinging Turns, Enigma, Illusion, Family Boomerang, Tilt Coaster, Energy Storm and Powered Coasters.[citation needed]

In 2013, Vekoma signed a deal with Idaho-based Rocky Mountain Construction. The agreement allows Vekoma to sell Rocky Mountain Construction's roller coasters outside the North American market.[23]

Vekoma is also the constructor of Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind at EPCOT in Walt Disney World, designing innovative new "omni-coaster" cars with the capability for controlled turns and spins.

Other attractions

[edit]

Ferris wheels

[edit]

The Dutch Wheels product range includes the R40, R50, and R60 models, each available in three different types.[24]

Notable installations

[edit]
Ferris wheel name Location Opened Status Reference
Giant Wheel Six Flags Darien Lake, Darien, New York, US
1983-2019
 Closed [25][26]
Giant Wheel Morey's Piers, Wildwood, New Jersey, US
1985
 Operating [27]
Navy Pier Ferris Wheel Pier Park, Navy Pier, Chicago, US
1995
 Relocated [28][29][30]
Delhi Eye (R50) Kalindi Kunj Park, Okhla, Delhi, India
2014
 [31][32]
Hong Kong Observation Wheel Central, Hong Kong
2014
 Operating [33]
Branson Ferris Wheel (former Navy Pier Wheel) Branson, Missouri
2016
 Operating [34]
Grande roue de Montréal Montreal, Canada
2017
 Operating [35]

Madhouse

[edit]
Main article: Madhouse (ride)

A madhouse is a flat ride that gives the impression that the rider is upside-down, when in reality the room they are in rotates around them.

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Vekoma

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Vekoma Rides Manufacturing B.V. is a leading Dutch manufacturer of and amusement rides, specializing in innovative designs for theme parks and entertainment venues worldwide. Originally founded in 1926 as a producer of agricultural and mining machinery in Vlodrop, , the company transitioned into the amusement industry in the late , beginning with monorail systems and evolving to become a prominent builder by the . Vekoma gained international recognition for its Boomerang model, a V-shaped shuttle coaster introduced in 1984 that has been installed over 50 times globally, and later innovations like linear synchronous motor (LSM) launches and the conversion kit for suspended coasters. The company employs over 350 specialists in-house for concept design, , , and , ensuring end-to-end control and adherence to rigorous safety and quality standards as of 2025. With over 400 roller coasters operating in over 50 countries as of 2025, Vekoma serves major clients including , , and , and continues to innovate with family-friendly launches like the Family Launch Coaster and accessibility features such as the "seat-on-wheels" concept, including a recent expansion of operations in . In 2018, Vekoma was acquired by Japan's , enhancing its global reach while maintaining its Dutch headquarters and focus on custom thrill rides, interactive dark rides, and hybrid wood-steel coasters.

History

Founding and early development

Vekoma was established in 1926 by Hendrik op het in Vlodrop, , under the name Veld Koning Machinefabriek, an that later became the company's enduring . Initially, the firm specialized in manufacturing , serving the needs of local farmers with equipment designed for fieldwork and related operations. Following , as demand for agricultural tools stabilized, Vekoma diversified into broader fabrication, including equipment and general projects to adapt to shifting industrial needs in the region. The company shortened its name to Vekoma during this period, reflecting its growing expertise in steel-based manufacturing. By the , it had become a key supplier for the declining Dutch sector, producing robust structures and machinery. In the late , Vekoma began exploring the sector by producing portable rides, marking its initial foray beyond traditional industries. This pivot accelerated in the early 1970s when the company secured contracts from U.S. manufacturer to fabricate steel track structures for roller installed across , providing essential support for emerging theme parks. By 1979, Vekoma had developed its own coaster models, debuting simple, portable designs like the with Bayerncurve for European operators, emphasizing reliable, transportable attractions suited to seasonal and traveling shows.

Growth, challenges, and restructuring

During the and , Vekoma expanded rapidly in the amusement ride sector, installing dozens of roller coasters annually across , , and beyond, which helped solidify its reputation for delivering cost-effective steel coaster designs suitable for a wide range of parks. Models like the (with seven units built between 1981 and 1984) and the Python looping coaster (four installations in and ) exemplified this growth, as the company leveraged partnerships such as its collaboration with to refine track fabrication and introduce innovative elements like rotating sections and portable steel frames. A pivotal came in 1984 with the launch of the , featuring a compact layout with three inversions traversed in both directions, which quickly gained popularity for its thrilling yet space-efficient design and led to over 50 installations worldwide by the early . This model's success, alongside custom looping coasters like the 1988 Space Center at (over 4,200 feet long), contributed to Vekoma's output exceeding 100 coasters during the two decades, emphasizing affordability and reliability in an era of booming theme park development. By the early 2000s, however, Vekoma faced severe financial difficulties stemming from overinvestment in amid declining attendance post-9/11, culminating in a filing on August 23, 2001. The proceedings involved liquidating assets like the recently acquired Caripro division, but a court-approved reorganization enabled the company to emerge from later that year under new management, focusing on streamlined operations and debt reduction. Vekoma's recovery in the mid-2000s and was driven by strategic partnerships and product diversification, including a 2006 alliance with U.S.-based , which manufactured four Vekoma-designed family coasters for American markets and expanded access to North American operators. The company shifted emphasis toward gentler family-oriented rides, such as the Junior Coaster line (over 75 units sold overall), alongside thrill models, which broadened its portfolio and restored ; by 2018, these efforts had resulted in over 387 total roller coasters built globally.

Ownership and operations

Corporate structure and acquisitions

Vekoma filed for bankruptcy protection in August 2001 amid declining attendance and reduced orders, leading to a that allowed the company to continue operations under new financial arrangements. In March 2018, Japan's acquired 100% of Vekoma Rides B.V., integrating it into Sansei Amusement Rides, the company's global amusement division that also includes U.S.-based S&S Worldwide, which Sansei had acquired in 2012. The acquisition aimed to expand Sansei's in thrill rides and attractions, with Vekoma's management team and governance structure remaining largely intact, though Sansei CEO Makoto Nakagawa joined the supervisory board. To strengthen its position in the amusement industry, Sansei announced leadership changes in July 2023, including the appointment of Marianne Kopp to Vekoma's effective July 1, filling a vacancy left by the death of Arnold Steenbakker; Kopp brings expertise in and operations from roles at Fokker Aircraft, Rolls-Royce, and Dutch Railways. Further executive shifts followed in November 2023, with Vekoma CEO Har Kupers elevated to Corporate of and Chairman of both Vekoma and S&S Worldwide, aiming to enhance coordination across the amusement division. Today, Vekoma operates as a wholly owned of , headquartered in Vlodrop, , with a focus on global manufacturing, of roller coasters and attractions under the broader Amusement Rides umbrella.

Facilities and global reach

Vekoma's primary manufacturing facility is located in Vlodrop, , where the company maintains an integrated campus for in-house , , and assembly of amusement rides. This , spanning multiple specialized areas including a recent 3,000-square-meter warehouse completed in early 2025, supports the full production cycle from concept design to final fabrication. Employing approximately 350 staff members, including over 150 engineers, the Vlodrop site enables Vekoma to handle complex projects with a focus on innovation and efficiency. To bolster its North American operations, Vekoma opened an expanded office in , in April 2025, serving as the company's Americas headquarters at 420 South Orange Avenue. This strategic location enhances client support, project management, and local collaboration for the U.S. market, with plans to add new roles over the following 18 months. The move reflects Vekoma's commitment to closer proximity to key theme park operators in the region. Vekoma's global footprint extends to installations in over 65 countries, facilitated by partnerships for localized production, such as track manufacturing in and through its parent company . This network allows for efficient delivery and adaptation to international markets, with attractions operating in major theme parks across , , and the Americas. The acquisition by in 2018 has particularly strengthened Vekoma's presence in . Adhering to rigorous safety standards, Vekoma's facilities and processes are certified under ISO 9001:2015 for quality management, as well as for structural steelwork and ISO 3834-2 for welding quality. Products comply with international norms including EN 13814 for European safety and ASTM F2291 for North American standards, supported by in-house testing and commissioning teams that conduct thorough validations to ensure ride integrity.

Roller coasters

Models and designs

Vekoma's roller coaster models have evolved from compact, high-throughput shuttle designs in the to sophisticated launch-based and inverted thrill experiences in the , emphasizing smooth operation, safety, and adaptability to diverse site constraints. The company's portfolio includes over a dozen core model families, each with multiple layout variations tailored to client specifications, allowing for more than 80 distinct implementations across global parks. This approach prioritizes customization in , train configurations, and thematic integration while maintaining core engineering principles like tubular steel tracks and over-the-shoulder restraints for enhanced rider comfort. Among Vekoma's classic models, the stands out as a pioneering shuttle coaster introduced in , featuring a compact 838-foot (255-meter) track that propels riders backward through a roll, vertical loop, and inversion before reversing for a mirrored forward pass. Reaching a height of 116 feet (35 meters) and a top speed of 47 mph (76 km/h), the design utilizes a friction brake system to reverse the single train, delivering repeatable thrills in a small footprint of approximately 272 by 98 feet (83 by 30 meters). This model, with its seven initial variations including family-friendly and extended layouts, exemplified Vekoma's early focus on efficient, space-saving attractions suitable for regional parks. Vekoma's transition to modern launch systems began with the introduction of Linear Synchronous Motor (LSM) technology in 1999, enabling controlled accelerations without traditional lift hills and opening possibilities for dynamic layouts in space-limited environments. The LSM Coaster model, debuting that year with the indoor Rock 'n' Roller Coaster, later evolved to include outdoor variants launching trains to speeds around 55 mph (89 km/h) through sequences of inversions and airtime hills, as seen in installations like Speed Monster with 3,268-foot (996-meter) tracks featuring three inversions. Building on this, the , a flying coaster variant from 2001, incorporates LSM-compatible elements in its 3,343-foot (1,018-meter) layout, where riders face downward in floorless trains through five inversions, including a signature fly-to-lie transition, achieving top speeds of 51 mph (82 km/h). These advancements marked Vekoma's shift toward immersive, multi-posture experiences powered by electromagnetic propulsion. Recent innovations highlight Vekoma's emphasis on hybrid thrill elements, such as the Suspended Thrill Coaster unveiled in 2020, which adapts family suspended designs for older audiences with a 108-foot (33-meter) lift, immediate 108-foot drop, and three inversions including an inline twist and zero-gravity stall. Clocking a top speed of 37 mph (60 km/h) over a 2,198-foot (670-meter) track, this model swings beneath the rails for enhanced freedom and visual drama, with a footprint under 200 by 100 feet (60 by 30 meters) to fit urban sites. Complementing this, the Tilt Coaster, debuting in 2025, merges vertical drops with a dramatic 90-degree track tilt mechanism, propelling riders into a near-freefall inversion at up to 58 mph (93 km/h) from a 125-foot (38-meter) height over a 2,000-foot (610-meter) course. This patented system creates a "beyond vertical" sensation, distinguishing it as North America's tallest, longest, and fastest of its type, with customizable tilt points for varied intensity. Vekoma's design philosophy centers on client collaboration to produce bespoke variations of core models, ensuring seamless integration with theming and operational needs through for layout optimization and . Over 80 such adaptations have been realized, ranging from scaled-down family versions to elongated thrill extensions, all adhering to rigorous safety standards like EN 13814 compliance and modular construction for efficient installation. As of 2025, this flexibility has enabled Vekoma to deliver over 430 roller coasters worldwide, evolving from rigid clones to highly personalized attractions that balance innovation with reliability.

Notable installations

Vekoma's series stands as one of its most enduring and prolific designs, with more than 50 installations worldwide since the model's introduction in 1984. This , characterized by its compact layout featuring a cobra roll, vertical loop, and double corkscrews, has become a staple in amusement parks globally due to its reliable operation and repeatable thrill. Notable early examples include at Bellewaerde Park in , which debuted in 1984 as the first public installation, and Sidewinder at in the United States, opened in 1991 and marking the debut of Vekoma's custom trains for the model. These projects not only boosted Vekoma's reputation for affordable, high-impact rides but also influenced the widespread adoption of shuttle concepts in the industry. In the 2010s, Vekoma shifted toward more innovative, high-profile projects that showcased advanced engineering and theming integration. A prime example is F.L.Y. at Phantasialand in Germany, a launched flying roller coaster that opened in 2016 as the world's first of its kind with linear synchronous motor (LSM) propulsion. Riders experience a prone "flying" position through two launches reaching speeds of 47 mph over a 4,051-foot track, integrated seamlessly into the park's immersive Rookburgh steampunk area, which has been praised for elevating coaster experiences through narrative and visual spectacle. Similarly, Tron Lightcycle Power Run at Shanghai Disneyland, also unveiled in 2016, represents Vekoma's collaboration on a multi-launch coaster themed to the Tron franchise, featuring motorcycle-style trains and a 60 mph top speed, contributing to the ride's status as a landmark attraction in Disney's global portfolio. These installations highlighted Vekoma's evolution from basic thrill rides to sophisticated, story-driven experiences that compete with industry leaders. Vekoma's global footprint is evident in its diverse installations across major amusement chains, with over 300 roller coasters in operation by the late and ongoing expansions adding to the tally. In the network, the company has a strong presence through models like the series—exemplified by at —and Suspended Looping Coasters such as at , which opened in 1986 and offered early inverted thrills with four inversions. These rides have been instrumental in filling park lineups with accessible family and thrill options, though some required ongoing maintenance to sustain popularity. Vekoma's influence extends to European parks like and , where custom designs blend engineering prowess with regional theming, demonstrating the company's adaptability to international markets and contributing to its total of approximately 387 coasters by 2018. The 2000s presented installation challenges for Vekoma, particularly with older models like the (SLC), which gained notoriety for roughness due to tight inversions and early train designs causing . To address these issues, several parks undertook retrofits, including upgraded over-the-shoulder restraints and padded trains on installations like Vortex at , completed around 2002, which improved ride comfort and extended operational life without full track replacements. These modifications, often involving Vekoma's own engineering updates, helped rehabilitate the model's reputation and allowed parks to retain investments amid evolving safety standards and rider expectations. Such efforts underscored the practical hurdles of maintaining legacy attractions in a competitive industry.

Other attractions

Ferris wheels

Vekoma entered the Ferris wheel market in 2008 through the acquisition of Bussink's "Wheels of Excellence" range, establishing Dutch Wheels BV to manage production and sales of these observation attractions. This move expanded Vekoma's portfolio beyond roller coasters to include reliable, high-quality giant wheels originally developed in the 1980s. The core model lineup consists of the R40, R50, and R60, each designed for either fixed or transportable installation to suit amusement parks, fairs, or urban landmarks. The R40 stands at 40 meters tall with 15 or 30 gondolas accommodating 8 passengers each; the R50 reaches 50 meters with 18 or 36 gondolas for the same capacity per unit; and the R60 attains 60 meters using 21 or 42 gondolas, also at 8 passengers apiece. These models feature modular construction, allowing disassembly into transportable sections that fit standard shipping containers for efficient global deployment. Engineering emphasizes stability and passenger comfort through robust structural designs, including integrated LED systems for enhanced nighttime visibility and aesthetic appeal. Capacities reach up to 1,000 passengers per hour, depending on configuration and loading protocols, making them suitable for high-traffic venues. Vekoma's Ferris wheels evolved from portable versions used at European fairs in the to more permanent structures, prioritizing scenic observation with slow, continuous rotation cycles of 12 to 24 minutes. Customization options include themed or enclosed tailored to client specifications, along with variable packages to complement site-specific environments.

Madhouses and illusion rides

Vekoma's madhouse attractions represent a pinnacle of illusion-based entertainment, drawing on optical and physical disorientation to immerse guests in a theatrical of sensory confusion. Developed in collaboration with theme park during the 1990s, the madhouse concept modernizes the classic haunted swing , featuring a stationary audience platform within a rotating that creates the perception of the entire room tilting and spinning. This 360-degree drum rotation, powered by multiple electric motors and a sliding contact wheel system, combines with a hydraulically actuated that sways up to 30 degrees, simulating , upside-down motion, and earthquake-like tremors through synchronized vibrations and tilts. The design's hydraulic cylinders, concealed within like faux walls or chimneys, enable precise control over the gondola's pivot, enhancing the illusion without visible mechanical intrusion. Available in compact and standard configurations to suit various park scales, Vekoma's madhouses prioritize high-throughput operations with minimal maintenance requirements, thanks to their robust, enclosed mechanics that shield components from weather and wear. The compact model accommodates up to 40 passengers per cycle in a smaller footprint, ideal for regional parks, while the standard version seats up to 78 riders across multiple rows, achieving throughputs of 685 to 1,335 guests per hour depending on cycle times and theming integration. A later evolution, Madhouse 2.0 introduced in the 2010s, incorporates enhanced audio-visual synchronization and modular theming for easier customization, maintaining the core illusion while allowing for narrative-driven experiences like ghostly hauntings or mythical upheavals. These models emphasize reliability, with automated sequences that require little daily intervention beyond standard safety checks, ensuring consistent performance in high-traffic environments. Notable installations showcase the madhouse's versatility in creating immersive, story-rich atmospheres, often themed around haunted mansions or supernatural disturbances. At in , Feng Ju , opened in 2002, exemplifies this with a narrative featuring a pre-show video projection of ethereal figures, followed by the madhouse cycle where synchronized lighting, sound effects, and projections amplify the disorienting rotations into a tale of ghostly unrest. Similarly, Houdini at Park in , debuting in 1999 as one of the earliest examples, integrates magic-themed illusions with the ride's physical motions, using the rotating drum and hydraulic swings to evoke escape-artist peril. These attractions typically last 3-5 minutes per cycle, blending passive viewing with subtle physical cues to heighten the theatrical impact without intense forces, appealing to families seeking mild thrills. Vekoma's focus on scalable, low-maintenance designs has led to over 15 global installations since the 1990s, solidifying the madhouse as a staple for parks aiming to deliver memorable, repeatable sensory experiences.

Family and transport rides

Vekoma's family coasters prioritize accessibility and excitement for riders of all ages, featuring low height requirements and smooth operations to ensure broad appeal. The Family Boomerang, introduced in the , exemplifies this approach with a compact layout spanning a 69.3 by 26.2 meter , a 19.8-meter lift height, and a maximum speed of 45 km/h, allowing children over 0.95 meters tall to ride. It accommodates 20 passengers per train across 10 coaches and achieves a theoretical hourly throughput of 800 guests, supporting efficient park operations while enabling modular theming for immersive family experiences. Similarly, Vekoma's Suspended Family Coasters, such as the compact 300-meter model, provide a flying sensation through overhead track design, with vehicles seating 20 riders and minimum heights around 1 meter, emphasizing freedom and gentle inversions for group enjoyment. In the realm of dark and transport rides, Vekoma integrates narrative-driven attractions with advanced vehicle systems to enhance guest engagement without intense thrills. The employs rotating cars and for storytelling, allowing families to interact with scenes via onboard elements, while supporting modular theming and high throughput of up to 1,200 guests per hour in customizable layouts. These systems facilitate smooth through themed environments, often incorporating guidance technologies for precise navigation and accessibility features like adjustable seating. The , a launched transport coaster from 2004 that simulates travel at speeds up to 75 km/h over a 15-meter height, carries 16 riders per train with capacities exceeding 800 per hour. Vekoma's water-based additions extend family transport options into refreshing group adventures, focusing on thematic immersion and operational efficiency. River rapids systems, such as the Bengal Rapid River, feature a 451-meter course with a 3-meter drop, utilizing raft-style boats for 8 passengers each to navigate simulated , achieving throughputs of 1,200 guests per hour through modular channel designs adaptable to landscapes. While traditional variants offer gentler splashes in compact footprints, Vekoma emphasizes interactive elements in these rides to boost family participation and repeat visits.

Innovations and recent developments

Technological advancements

Vekoma has advanced roller coaster propulsion through the adoption of Linear Synchronous Motor (LSM) and (LIM) technologies, which provide electromagnetic launches without mechanical contact, enabling smoother and more efficient acceleration. The LSM system, in particular, allows for precise, programmable control of train movement by synchronizing magnetic fields along the launch track, achieving typical accelerations around 1 g. Vekoma's first LSM implementation occurred in 1999 on Rock 'n' Roller Coaster at , marking a shift toward multi-launch and high-speed designs. In , Vekoma integrates comprehensive monitoring systems across its rides, including onboard sensors that track train speed and position in real time to engage or disengage mechanisms like anti-rollback devices, ensuring trains do not reverse unexpectedly on inclines. These features contribute to compliance with international standards such as EN 13814, ASTM F2291, and GB 8408, which mandate robust operational controls and passenger restraints. Standardized evacuation protocols, aligned with these norms, emphasize accessible pathways and emergency access points, though specific implementations vary by installation. Material innovations at Vekoma focus on durable tubular track systems, such as the MK-700 and MK-900 introduced in the late , which improved structural integrity and ride smoothness over earlier designs while reducing and wear. These constructions prioritize longevity and low compared to older rigid rail systems, supporting higher throughput in family and thrill coasters. elements appear limited to non-structural components in select attractions, but remains the core for track durability. Vekoma's emphasizes in-house , with over 125 specialists utilizing advanced to simulate ride dynamics, forces, and passenger comfort virtually before prototyping. This approach allows optimization of track profiling and train interactions to minimize discomfort while maximizing thrill, as seen in iterative improvements to launch coasters like the Family Launch model.

Projects from the 2020s

In the 2020s, Vekoma has continued to expand its portfolio with innovative installations worldwide, emphasizing thrill experiences tailored to diverse markets. A prominent example is Siren's Curse, a Tilt Coaster that opened at in , on June 28, 2025, featuring a 160-foot (49 m) tower and a 90-degree drop, achieving speeds up to 58 mph (93 km/h) over a 2,966-foot (904 m) track with two inversions. This ride, North America's tallest, longest, and fastest of its model, integrates thematic elements inspired by Lake Erie's lore to enhance guest immersion. Another key 2025 opening is Circuit Breaker, a Tilt Coaster at Cotaland in , which debuted in October 2025, marking Vekoma's return to this dynamic model with a focus on high-speed maneuvers and accessibility for a broad audience. The ride's installation at the venue underscores Vekoma's strategy to blend motorsport energy with coaster thrills. Advancing inclusivity, Vekoma announced the Seat-on-Wheels concept in October 2025 in partnership with theme park in the , introducing certified wheelchair-compatible seats that secure directly onto various ride types without transfer, with prototypes set to debut in late 2025 testing phases. This innovation aims to enable seamless participation for guests with mobility challenges across family and thrill attractions. Looking ahead, Vekoma plans two custom Family Boomerang coasters for Karls Erlebnis-Dörfer in , scheduled to open in summer 2026, featuring intertwined tracks for shared family experiences with gentle inversions and speeds up to 37 mph (60 km/h). These additions support broader expansions, including its Americas headquarters in , opened in April 2025 to streamline North American operations and job creation. In , ongoing collaboration with parent company since its 2018 acquisition has facilitated enhanced global delivery, with projects like family coasters in emerging markets. Vekoma's industry momentum in the mid-2020s is evident through numerous new projects in 2024 and 2025, including thrill coasters in the and , building on Sansei's integration to boost capacity and international reach.

References

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  21. https://coasterbuzz.com/News/vekoma-files-for-bankruptcy-protection-updated
  22. https://www.coaster101.com/2018/03/30/sansei-technologies-acquires-roller-coaster-manufacturer-vekoma/
  23. https://www.bdapartners.com/transaction/bda-advises-sansei-technologies-on-acquisition-of-roller-coaster-manufacturer-vekoma-rides/
  24. https://www.vekoma.com/news/press-release-marianne-kopp-joins-the-supervisory-board-of-vekoma-rides
  25. https://www.vekoma.com/news/leadership-changes-in-sansei-technologies-group-to-expand-market-leadership-position-in-amusement-ride-division
  26. https://www.inparkmagazine.com/vekoma-angsterweg-phase-one-completion/
  27. https://www.careersatvekoma.com/faq
  28. https://www.vekoma.com/news/opening-new-and-expanded-orlando-office
  29. https://www.orlandosentinel.com/2025/05/15/vekoma-orlando-office/
  30. https://www.planetattractions.com/news/Vekoma-Rides-expands-global-operations-with-new-Orlando-offices/4072
  31. https://www.vekoma.com/about-us
  32. https://www.vekoma.com/service-quality
  33. https://www.vekoma.com/certification
  34. https://www.vekoma.com/safety
  35. https://www.vekoma.com/testing-commissioning
  36. https://www.vekoma.com/coasters
  37. https://www.vekoma.com/custom-designed-coasters
  38. https://rcdb.com/6836.htm
  39. https://www.vekoma.com/sitdown-thrill-coasters/super-boomerang
  40. https://coasterpedia.net/wiki/LSM_Coaster_(Vekoma_product)
  41. https://rcdb.com/17663.htm
  42. https://rcdb.com/1451.htm
  43. https://www.vekoma.com/flying-coasters/flying-dutchman
  44. https://www.vekoma.com/suspended-thrill-coasters
  45. https://rcdb.com/17716.htm
  46. https://www.vekoma.com/news/tilt-coaster-sirens-curse-officially-opened-at-cedar-point
  47. https://www.vekoma.com/tilt-coasters
  48. https://www.vekoma.com/design
  49. https://rcdb.com/15201.htm
  50. https://coasterpedia.net/wiki/Suspended_Looping_Coaster
  51. https://parkworld-online.com/giant-wheels-go-dutch/
  52. https://www.jumarides.com/resources/ferris-wheel-101.html
  53. https://www.dutchwheels.com/options
  54. https://www.amusement-rides.com/product/giant-wheel-r40-dutch-wheels
  55. https://darkridedatabase.com/madhouses-iii-that-is-illusion/
  56. https://darkridedatabase.com/product/mad-house/
  57. https://www.vekoma.com/references/mad-house-4
  58. https://www.vekoma.com/sitdown-family-coasters/family-boomerang
  59. https://www.vekoma.com/suspended-family-coasters
  60. https://www.vekoma.com/media-based-attractions/d-ride-interactive-dark-ride
  61. https://www.toverland.com/en/rides/booster-bike
  62. https://parkvault.net/2015/01/27/parachute-looping-and-water-part-9-of-the-vekoma-retrospective/
  63. https://www.vekoma.com/beat-it-interactive-boat-ride/splash-party-1
  64. https://coasterforce.com/lsm/
  65. https://coasterforce.com/forums/threads/vekoma-slc-arbs.43219/
  66. https://www.vekoma.com/engineering
  67. https://www.coaster101.com/2024/09/19/cedar-point-announces-sirens-curse-tilt-coaster-for-2025/
  68. https://www.vekoma.com/news/iaapa-expo-2024-showcase
  69. https://blooloop.com/theme-park/news/vekoma-rides-shares-plans-for-2025/
  70. https://www.vekoma.com/news/efteling-and-vekoma-present-seat-on-wheels-concept-for-wheelchair-accessible-attractions
  71. https://blooloop.com/efteling-vekoma-seat-on-wheels/
  72. https://www.vekoma.com/news/new-2026-karls-announced-opening-two-family-boomerang-coasters
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