The basic classification of bumper cars/dodgems

Bumper cars (US English) or dodgems (British English) is the generic name for a type of flat ride consisting of several small electric cars which draw power from the floor and/or ceiling, and which are turned on and off remotely by an operator.They are also known as bumping cars, dashing cars, dodgem cars. Despite the variety in names the cars are solely known as dodgems, in British English.

the image of ceiling powered bumper cars:

the image of floor powered bumper cars:

Power is commonly supplied by one of two methods: The oldest and most common method uses a conductive floor and ceiling, each with a separate power polarity. Contacts under the vehicle touch the floor while a pole-mounted contact touches the ceiling, forming a complete circuit.A newer method uses alternating strips of metal across the floor separated by insulating spacers, and no ceiling grid. The alternating strips carry the supply current, and the cars are large enough so that the vehicle body can always cover at least two strips at any one time. An array of brushes under each car make random contact with whatever strip is below, and the voltage polarity on each contact is sorted out to always provide a correct and complete circuit to operate the vehicle. The metal floor is usually set up as a rectangular or oval track, and graphite is sprinkled on the floor to decrease friction.A rubber bumper surrounds each vehicle, and drivers ram each other as they travel. The controls are usually an accelerator and a steering wheel. The cars can be made to go backwards by turning the steering wheel far enough in either direction, necessary in the frequent pile-ups that occur.

Although the idea of the ride is to bump other cars, safety-conscious (or at least litigation-conscious) owners sometimes put up signs reading "Thi s way around" and "No (head on) bumping." Depending on the level of enforcement by operators, these rules are often ignored by bumper car riders, especially younger children.

You can learn more bumper cars/dodgems through the video:

1. video of ceiling powered bumper cars:

2.video of floor powered bumper cars:

More about bumper cars, you can visit: this page