The Essential Guide to Ride Lap Bars: Safety, Types, and Testing

Lap bars are a crucial safety feature on many amusement park rides, particularly roller coasters and flat rides.

Why Are Lap Bars Required on Rides?

Lap bars are a crucial safety feature on many theme park rides, particularly roller coasters and flat rides. Their primary purpose is to securely hold riders in place, preventing ejection and ensuring a comfortable yet safe experience. Lap bars distribute force across the lower body, allowing for freedom of movement while maintaining a firm restraint.

Unlike over-the-shoulder restraints, lap bars are often used on rides with less extreme inversions or lateral forces, offering a more enjoyable and less restrictive experience for riders.

Different Types of Lap Bars

Lap bars come in various designs, each tailored to suit specific ride types and safety requirements. Here are the most common types:

1. Single Lap Bars

• Typically found on classic wooden roller coasters and family rides.
• Covers multiple riders in the same row with a single locking mechanism.
• Provides minimal restriction, enhancing ride experience.

2. Individual Lap Bars

• Found on modern steel coasters and high-speed rides.
• Each rider has an independent lap bar, allowing for a secure, customised fit.
• Often accompanied by seat belts for added safety.

3. Clamshell Lap Bars

• Used on high-speed hyper and giga coasters (e.g., B&M hyper coasters like Shambhala or Mako).
• Ergonomically designed to secure riders with minimal discomfort.
• Allows for a feeling of freedom while ensuring safety.

4. T-Bar Restraints

• Typically found on launched and airtime-heavy coasters.
• Locks into place around the rider’s lap for secure but comfortable restraint.

Lap Bar Testing and Maintenance

To ensure rider safety, lap bars undergo rigorous testing and routine maintenance.

Pre-Ride Safety Checks

• Ride operators perform a manual check before dispatching a train.
• Sensors confirm the lap bar is properly locked.
• Visual inspections ensure there are no obstructions or malfunctions.

Routine Maintenance

• Daily, weekly, and annual inspections ensure lap bars meet safety standards.
• Hydraulic or mechanical locking mechanisms are tested for reliability.
• Wear and tear on padding and components are checked and replaced as needed.

Emergency Fail-Safe Features

• Many lap bars have a redundant locking mechanism to prevent accidental release.
• Some rides include secondary seat belts as an additional safeguard.

Lap Bar Safety and Effectiveness

Lap bars are highly effective when designed and maintained correctly. They:

• Distribute force safely across a rider’s lap, preventing extreme pressure points.
• Allow controlled freedom of movement for an immersive ride experience.
• Provide a psychological sense of security, reducing rider anxiety.

Proper rider behavior is also essential for lap bar safety. Riders should always sit properly, avoid excessive movement, and never attempt to loosen or tamper with the restraint.

Lap Bars or Overhead Restraints

Sik at Flamingo Land Resort and Colossus at Thorpe Park Resort are both very similar roller coasters, both manufactured by Intamin and each featuring 10 inversions. Interestingly, Sik uses lap bars, whilst Colossus uses over-the-shoulder restraints. The added freedom of movement means that Sik not only gives a much better ride experience, but it also makes the ride much more thrilling.

Other Ride Restraints: How Do They Compare?

While lap bars are a popular choice, different rides require different restraints for optimal safety. Here’s how they compare:

Over-the-Shoulder Restraints (OTSRs)

• Found on inverted and looping coasters.
• Provide added security for extreme inversions and high G-forces.
• Can sometimes cause discomfort due to headbanging.

Seatbelts

• Used as a secondary restraint on many lap bar-equipped rides.
• Adds redundancy to ensure safety if the lap bar fails.

Vest Restraints

• Found on newer coaster models (e.g., B&M wing coasters like The Swarm at Thrope Park).
• Uses flexible material for a snug but comfortable fit.

Harness Restraints

• Common on drop towers and free-fall rides.
• Fully encase the rider, preventing excessive movement.

Conclusion

Lap bars are an essential part of theme park ride safety, offering a balance between security and comfort. Their effectiveness depends on design, testing, and proper maintenance. Whether you prefer the freedom of a clamshell lap bar or the security of a full harness, understanding these restraint systems enhances your appreciation of the technology that keeps thrill-seekers safe.

Have you ever ridden a coaster with an innovative lap bar system? Share your experiences below!