Dodgems weren’t originally supposed to crash into each other

 

Dodgems weren’t originally supposed to crash into each other

  

Now, trust me, I know what you’re thinking, that’s literally why they’re also called bumper cars!

But when they were first invented in 1920, the whole point of going on the bumper cars was to… well, not bump into other bumper cars – hence the name “Dodgems,” because you had to dodge ’em.

The Stoehrer brothers were the first dudes to put a patent on bumper cars and they called their company the Dodgem Company.

The thrill of the ride, back then, came from having to dodge your fellow riders best you could. 

The two kids clattered together with some mighty force. One of them thought this was hilarious.

The other one… well, he was in a great deal of pain, the poor little guy.

Me and my sister shot each other a guilty glance, drove away sharpish and left the kid to be fished out by the ride attendant and returned to his mother and his gigantic, hulking, angry-looking father.

I love Dodgems – a lot. However, I only just learnt why they’re called Dodgems. It’s really interesting, actually. You ready to find out?