Power Surge (ride)

Power Surge is a high-impact thrill ride designed by Italian ride manufacturer Zamperla. The Power Surge was first operated in 1999, and is produced in both trailer-mounted and park versions. Zamperla recommends that riders be 48 inches (122 cm) or taller; however, 52 inches (132 cm) is more common. The ride's speed is 4 rotations per minute but can reach 12 RPM near the center. The ride can accommodate a maximum of 24 people.

Joylands Travelling Power Surge, in operation

Design and operation

SideShow Amusement’s Power Surge in the transportable position

Six fixed arms are connected in an asterisk pattern, with two sets of two seats attached at right angles to the arms. The arm assembly is connected to a main arm. Twenty-four riders at a time can be loaded onto the ride. Riders are restrained by an over-the-shoulder harness, with their legs dangling free for excitement.^[1]

When this ride is activated, multiple movements occur. The arm assembly rotates, the main arm is raised from the stationary position to an angle of approximately seventy degrees from the horizontal. Once this height is reached, the main arm is capable of rotating, with the combined rotations of both sections causing the seat sets to swing and rotate around the point of attachment. The rotating components can move in both clockwise and anti-clockwise directions, and the different movements can be activated in isolation of each other.

The trailer version of the ride fits onto a standard road trailer, and can be assembled or racked in approximately 2 hours by two people.

Appearances

• Australia - A model at Adventure World named Black Widow, one ride at Luna Park Melbourne, and a trailer model operated by Joylands and used for outdoor festivals and carnivals.^[2] Sideshow Amusements also operate the Power Surge across sideshow alleys in Western Australia.^[3]
• China - One has been confirmed at Wanda Theme Park in Harbin.^[4]
• Colombia - At least one; at Mundo Aventura in Bogotá (renamed Íkaro).^[5]
• Finland - The sole Power Surge in Finland can be found at Särkänniemi.
• Indonesia - There are two: One (named Kicir-Kicir) at Dunia Fantasi in Jakarta, and the second (named Vertigo) at Trans Studio Bandung.^[6][7]
• Ireland - One such ride exists at Emerald Park, but it has been temporarily closed since April 2025.^[8]
• Malaysia - A Power Surge is located at Skytropolis Indoor Theme Park in Genting Highlands.^[9]
• Netherlands - One is owned by Dutch showman Louis Vallentgoed, and is currently being used throughout fairs in the country.^[10]
• New Zealand - At least one; a park model at Rainbow's End.
• Pakistan - A Power Surge is operating at MojMela Park in Islamabad.^[11]
• Saudi Arabia - There is only one: at Al-Shallal Theme Park.
• United States of America - The ride can be found at Palace Playland^[12] and Jolly Roger Amusement Park.^[13] Rainier Amusements have a Power Surge, which they use while traveling to fairs across the Pacific Northwest. Some amusement parks who have removed their Power Surges include Luna Park Coney Island, Beech Bend Park, and Knoebels.