Ferris Wheel

amusement parks · engineering · rotating machines

Rotating upright wheel. A Ferris wheel is a huge wheel that spins, with special passenger-carrying containers attached all around its edge. As the wheel turns, these containers stay upright so you never feel like you're going to fall out or tip over.

Gravity keeps you safe. Most Ferris wheels use gravity, the same force that keeps your feet on the ground, to automatically keep the passenger cars pointing the right way. Even as the wheel rotates, the design ensures you stay safely seated.

Giant wheels spin differently. The largest modern Ferris wheels are so big and heavy that each car has its own electric motor. These motors keep individual cars rotating independently so passengers always stay upright, no matter where they are on the wheel.

Built worldwide. You can find Ferris wheels at amusement parks and tourist spots all over the world, from London to Las Vegas to Japan. They're one of the most recognizable amusement rides ever created.