Amusement rides at Title II and Title III facilities must be compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). This article will discuss the ADA technical requirements for amusement rides in State and local government facilities, public accommodations, and commercial facilities. Scoping requirements for amusement rides will be covered in another article. 2010 ADA Standard 234 covers the primary scoping requirements and Standard 1002 covers the technical requirements. The photo on the right is representative of an amusement ride.

But first some definitions from 2010 ADA Standard 106.5.

Amusement ride – A system that moved persons through a fixed course within a defined area for the purpose of amusement.

Amusement ride seat – A seat that is built-in or mechanically fastened to an amusement ride intended to be occupied by one of more passengers.

Amusement Attraction - Any facility, or portion of a facility, located within an amusement park or theme park which provides amusement without the use of an amusement device. Amusement attractions include, but are not limited to, fun houses, barrels, and other attractions without seats.

TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS

2010 ADA Standard 1002 is the primary source of technical requirements for amusement rides.

2010 ADA Standard 1002.2, [Amusement Rides] Accessible Routes, states, “Accessible routes serving amusement rides shall comply with [2010 ADA Standards] Chapter 4.” Requirements in Chapter 4 include route slope, width, surface conditions, etc. The graphic below is representative of an accessible route to an amusement ride.

There are two exceptions for the amusement ride route requirement.

1. In load or unload areas and on amusement rides, where compliance with Standard 405.2 (ramp slope) is not structurally or operationally feasible, ramp slope shall be permitted to be 1:8 (12.5%) maximum. Normally the maximum slope on a ramp is 1:12, or 8.33%.

2. In load or unload areas and on amusement rides, handrails provided along walking surfaces complying with Standard 403 (walking surfaces) and required on ramps complying with Standard 405 (ramps) shall not be required to comply with Standard 505 (handrails) where compliance is not structurally or operationally feasible.

2010 ADA Standard 1002.3 Load and Unload Areas, states, “A turning space complying with [Standards] 304.2 and 304.3 shall be provided in load and unload areas.” The graphic below is representative of the options for turning spaces.

Wheelchair spaces in amusement rides must comply with 2010 ADA Standard 1002.4. Wheelchair spaces in amusement rides should not be confused with the clear space required on a load/unload area. A wheelchair space in an amusement ride is the floor space within the ride intended for use by patrons using a wheelchair.

2010 ADA Standard 1002.4.1, [Wheelchair Spaces in Amusement Rides] Floor or Ground Surface, states, “The floor or ground surface of wheelchair spaces shall be stable and firm.” Note that the requirement for slip resistant is not listed here.

2010 ADA Standard 1002.4.2, [Wheelchair Spaces in Amusement Rides] Slope, states, “The floor or ground surface of wheelchair spaces shall have a slope not steeper than 1:48 [2.08%] when in the load and unload position.” So the wheelchair space should be basically flat with just a little slope allowed for water drainage when in the load or unload position. The floor slope does not have a limitation when the amusement ride is not in the load or unload position.

2010 ADA Standard 1002.4.3, [Wheelchair Spaces in Amusement Rides] Gaps, states, “Floors of amusement rides with wheelchair spaces and floors of load and unload areas shall be coordinated so that, when amusement rides are at rest in the load and unload position, the vertical difference between the floors [elevation] shall be within plus or minus 5/8 inches (16 mm) and the horizontal gap shall be 3 inches (75 mm) maximum under normal passenger load conditions.” The graphic below is representative of this Standard for the maximum allowed difference between floor elevations.

The graphic below is representative of this Standard for the maximum horizontal gap of 3 inches between the load/unload area and the floor of the amusement ride.

An exception to Standard 1002.4.3 is where compliance is not operationally or structurally feasible, ramps, bridge plates, or similar devices complying with the applicable requirements of 36 CFR 1192.83(c) shall be provided. An example of a bridge plate is shown below.

Federal Regulation 36 CFR 1192.83(c), ADA Accessibility Guidelines for Transportation Vehicles - Light Rail Vehicles and Systems - Mobility Aid Accessibility, includes provisions for bridge plates and ramps that can be used at gaps between amusement rides and floors of load and unload areas. The requirements for this federal regulations are as follows:

(c) Vehicle ramp or bridge plate -

1. Design load. Ramps or bridge plates 30 inches or longer shall support a load of 600 pounds, placed at the centroid of the ramp or bridge plate distributed over an area of 26 inches by 26 inches, with a safety factor of at least 3 based on the ultimate strength of the material. Ramps or bridge plates shorter than 30 inches shall support a load of 300 pounds.

2. Ramp surface. The ramp or bridge plate surface shall be continuous and slip resistant, shall not have protrusions from the surface greater than 1/4 inch, shall have a clear width of 30 inches, and shall accommodate both four-wheel and three-wheel mobility aids.

3. Ramp threshold. The transition from roadway or station platform and the transition from vehicle floor to the ramp or bridge plate may be vertical without edge treatment up to 1/4 inch. Changes in level between 1/4 inch and 1/2 inch shall be beveled with a slope no greater than 1:2.

4. Ramp barriers. Each side of the ramp or bridge plate shall have barriers at least 2 inches high to prevent mobility aid wheels from slipping off.

5. Slope. Ramps or bridge plates shall have the least slope practicable. If the height of the vehicle floor, under 50% passenger load, from which the ramp is deployed is 3 inches or less above the station platform a maximum slope of 1:4 is permitted; if the height of the vehicle floor, under 50% passenger load, from which the ramp is deployed is 6 inches or less, but more than 3 inches, above the station platform a maximum slope of 1:6 is permitted; if the height of the vehicle floor, under 50% passenger load, from which the ramp is deployed is 9 inches or less, but more than 6 inches, above the station platform a maximum slope of 1:8 is permitted; if the height of the vehicle floor, under 50% passenger load, from which the ramp is deployed is greater than 9 inches above the station platform a slope of 1:12 shall be achieved. Folding or telescoping ramps are permitted provided they meet all structural requirements of this section. [Note that there is no maximum change of elevation with a ramp.]

6. Attachment Requirement. When in use for boarding or alighting, the ramp or bridge plate shall be attached to the vehicle, or otherwise prevented from moving such that it is not subject to displacement when loading or unloading a heavy power mobility aid and that any gaps between vehicle and ramp or bridge plate, and station platform and ramp or bridge plate, shall not exceed 5/8 inch.

7. Exception. Ramps or bridge plates which are attached to, and deployed from, station platforms are permitted in lieu of vehicle devices provided they meet the displacement requirements of paragraph (c)(6)(i) of this section.

8. Stowage. A compartment, securement system, or other appropriate method shall be provided to ensure that stowed ramps or bridge plates, including portable ramps or bridge plates stowed in the passenger area, do not impinge on a passenger's wheelchair or mobility aid or pose any hazard to passengers in the event of a sudden stop.

9. Handrails. If provided, handrails shall allow persons with disabilities to grasp them from outside the vehicle while starting to board, and to continue to use them throughout the boarding process, and shall have the top between 30 inches and 38 inches above the ramp surface. The handrails shall be capable of withstanding a force of 100 pounds concentrated at any point on the handrail without permanent deformation of the rail or its supporting structure. The handrail shall have a cross-sectional diameter between 1 1/4 inches and 1 1/2 inches or shall provide an equivalent grasping surface, and have eased edges with corner radii of not less than 1/8 inch. Handrails shall not interfere with wheelchair or mobility aid maneuverability when entering or leaving the vehicle.

An example of a ramp between the loading/unloading area and the amusement ride is shown below. The ramp must be continuous, slip resistant, at least 30 inches wide, no protrusion greater than 1/4 inch, edges in the direction of travel not greater than 1/2 inch vertical with the top 1/4 inch beveled, 2 inch [minimum] barriers on each side of the plate, a slope maximum based on the change of elevation, attached in a way to prevent movement when loading or unloading, stow-capable so as to prevent injury, and accessible handrails, if provided.

2010 ADA Standard 1002.4.4 covers requirements for clearances for wheelchair spaces in amusement rides. Exceptions for these clearances are as follows:

1. Where provided, securement devices shall be permitted to overlap required clearances. Securement devices can include bars that rotate down across the front of patrons to keep them securely in their seats on the amusement ride.

2. Wheelchair spaces shall be permitted to be mechanically or manually repositioned.

3. Wheelchair spaces shall not be required to comply with Standard 307.4, which limits protruding object below 80 inches above the finished floor or ground. This exception applies to the ride devices, not to circulation areas or accessible routes in the queue lines or the load and unload areas.

2010 ADA Standard 1002.4.4.1, [Wheelchair Spaces in Amusement Rides, Clearances] Width and Length, states, “Wheelchair spaces shall provide a clear width of 30 inches (760 mm) minimum and a clear length of 48 inches (1220 mm) minimum measured to 9 inches (230 mm) minimum above the floor surface.” So this space is 3 dimensional with a length of 48 inches, width of 30 inches, and height of 9 inches, all minimums. The graphic below is representative.

2010 ADA Standard 1002.4.4.2, [Wheelchair Spaces in Amusement Rides, Clearances] Side Entry, states, “Where wheelchair spaces are entered only from the side, amusement rides shall be designed to permit sufficient maneuvering clearance for individuals using a wheelchair or mobility aid to enter and exit the ride.”

For a side entry to the amusement ride, the amount of clear space needed within the ride, and the size and position of the opening are interrelated. A 32 inch (815 mm) clear opening will not provide sufficient width when entered through a turn into an amusement ride. Additional space for maneuvering and a wider door will be needed where a side opening is centered on the ride. For example, where a 42 inch (1065 mm) opening is provided, a minimum clear space of 60 inches (1525 mm) in length and 36 inches (915mm) in depth is needed to ensure adequate space for maneuvering.

2010 ADA Standard 1002.4.4.3, [Wheelchair Spaces in Amusement Rides, Clearances] Permitted Protrusions in Wheelchair Spaces, states, “Objects are permitted to protrude a distance of 6 inches (150 mm) maximum along the front of the wheelchair space, where located 9 inches (230 mm) minimum and 27 inches (685 mm) maximum above the floor or ground surface of the wheelchair space. Objects are permitted to protrude a distance of 25 inches (635 mm) maximum along the front of the wheelchair space, where located more than 27 inches (685 mm) above the floor or ground surface of the wheelchair space.” The graphic below is representative of this Standard.

2010 ADA Standard 1002.4.5, [Wheelchair Spaces in Amusement Rides] Ride Entry, states, “Openings providing entry to wheelchair spaces on amusement rides shall be 32 inches (815 mm) minimum clear.” This is similar to any entry opening like a door and is consistent with route width requirements that are normally 36 inches minimum but can be reduced to 32 inches for a short distance. But, remember Standard 1002.4.4.2 above regarding side entries into wheelchair spaces in an amusement ride that will need a wider ride entry.

2010 ADA Standard 1002.4.6, [Wheelchair Spaces in Amusement Rides] Approach, states, “One side of the wheelchair space shall adjoin an accessible route when in the load and unload position.” So the accessible route has to go all the way to one side of the wheelchair space that is inside the amusement ride.

2010 ADA Standard 1002.4.7, [Wheelchair Spaces in Amusement Rides] Companion Seats, states, “Where the interior width of the amusement ride is greater than 53 inches (1345 mm), [and] seating is provided for more than one rider, and the wheelchair is not required to be centered within the amusement ride, a companion seat shall be provided for each wheelchair space.” In other words, if all these requirements are satisfied, a companion seat must be provided next to the wheelchair space. The graphic below is representative.

2010 ADA Standard 1002.4.7.1, [Wheelchair Spaces in Amusement Rides] Shoulder-to-Shoulder Seating, states, “Where an amusement ride provides shoulder-to-shoulder seating, companion seats shall be shoulder-to-shoulder with the adjacent wheelchair space.” The exception for this Standards is where shoulder-to-shoulder companion seating is not operationally or structurally feasible, compliance with this requirement shall be required to the maximum extent practicable. The graphic below is representative of shoulder-to-shoulder seating.

2010 ADA Standard 1002.5, covers amusement transfer ride seats designed for transfer when positioned for loading and unloading of patrons. Ride seats designed for transfer should involve only one transfer.

The proximity of the clear floor or ground space next to an element and the height of the element one is transferring to are both critical for a safe and independent transfer. Providing additional clear floor or ground space both in front of and diagonal to the element will provide flexibility and will increase usability for a more diverse population of individuals with disabilities.

Where possible, designers are encouraged to locate the ride seat no higher than 17 to 19 inches (430 to 485 mm) above the load and unload surface. Where greater distances are required for transfers, providing gripping surfaces, seat padding, and avoiding sharp objects in the path of transfer will facilitate the transfer.

2010 ADA Standard 1002.5.1, [Amusement Ride Seats Designed for Transfer] Clear Floor or Ground Space, states, “A clear floor or ground space complying with [Standard] 305 shall be provided in the load and unload area adjacent to the amusement ride seats designed for transfer.” Standard 305 requires a space of 30X48 inches minimum. This Standard does not specify a parallel or forward approach, but in most amusement rides a parallel approach is the best option.” The graphic below is representative of a clear space where a transfer seat is installed in the amusement ride.

2010 ADA Standard 1002.5.2, [Amusement Ride Seats Designed for Transfer] Transfer Height, states, “The height of amusement ride seats designed for transfer shall be 14 inches (355 mm) minimum and 24 inches (610 mm) maximum measured from the surface of the load and unload area. The graphic below is representative of this Standard.”

2010 ADA Standard 1002.5.3, [Amusement Ride Seats Designed for Transfer] Transfer Entry, states, “Where openings are provided for transfer to amusement ride seats, the openings shall provide clearance for transfer from a wheelchair or mobility aid to the amusement ride seat.” No specific minimum spacing requirements are provided for this Standard.

2010 ADA Standard 1002.5.4, [Amusement Ride Seats Designed for Transfer] Wheelchair Storage Space, states, “Wheelchair storage spaces complying with [Standard] 305 shall be provided in or adjacent to unload areas for each required amusement ride seat designed for transfer and shall not overlap any required means of egress or accessible route.” Again, Standard 305 requires a space of 30X48 inches minimum for a wheelchair clear space.

2010 ADA Standard 1002.6 covers transfer devices for use with amusement rides when positioned for loading and unloading patrons. Transfer devices for use with amusement rides should permit individuals to make independent transfers to and from their wheelchairs or mobility devices.

There are a variety of transfer devices available that could be adapted to provide access onto an amusement ride. Examples of devices that may provide for transfers include, but are not limited to, transfer systems, lifts, mechanized seats, portable tier devices, fixed tier devices, portable benches, and custom designed systems. Operators and designers have flexibility in developing designs that will facilitate individuals to transfer onto amusement rides. These systems or devices should be designed to be reliable and sturdy.

Designs that limit the number of transfers required from a wheelchair or mobility device to the ride seat are encouraged. When using a transfer device to access an amusement ride, the least number of transfers and the shortest distance is most usable. Where possible, designers are encouraged to locate the transfer device seat no higher than 17 to 19 inches (430 to 485 mm) above the load and unload surface. Where greater distances are required for transfers, providing gripping surfaces, seat padding, and avoiding sharp objects in the path of transfer will facilitate the transfer. Where a series of transfers are required to reach the amusement ride seat, each vertical transfer should not exceed 8 inches (205 mm). The graphic below is representative of a fixed tier transfer device. In this design the fixed tier is similar to a shelf.

The graphic below is representative of a portable tier transfer device.

The graphic below is representative of a portable bench transfer device for an accessible amusement ride.

2010 ADA Standard 1002.6.1, [Transfer Device] Clear Floor or Ground Space. A clear floor or ground space complying with [Standard] 305 shall be provided in the load and unload area adjacent to the transfer device.” Note that in each of the 3 graphics above a clear space of 30X48 inches is provided on the load/unload area for each transfer device.

2010 ADA Standard 1002.6.2, [Transfer Device] Transfer Height. The height of transfer device seats shall be 14 inches (355 mm) minimum and 24 inches (610 mm) maximum measured from the load and unload surface.” This is similar to the requirements for an amusement ride seat designed for transfer that was discussed above.

2010 ADA Standard 1002.6.3, [Transfer Device] Wheelchair Storage Space. Wheelchair storage spaces complying with [Standard] 305 shall be provided in or adjacent to unload areas for each required transfer device and shall not overlap any required means of egress or accessible route.”

People using wheelchairs and mobility devices need to leave their equipment when they transfer onto rides. There must be space in or adjacent to load and unload areas for each ride seat designed for transfer or transfer device. The space must be a minimum of 30 inches by 48 inches. For safety reasons, this space may not overlap any required means of egress or an accessible route. Most designs for load and unload areas will already include enough space. Operators are not required to provide a constructed element or lockers for storage, only a clear space.

Although covered in scoping 216.12, worthy of including here is that signs for amusement rides identifying the type of access provided on amusement rides shall be provided at entries to queues and waiting lines. The graphic on the right is representative. In addition, where accessible unload areas also serve as accessible load areas, signs indicating the location of the accessible load and unload areas shall be provided at entries to queues and waiting lines. The graphic below is representative.

Amusement rides designed primarily for children, amusement rides that are controlled or operated by the rider, and amusement rides without seats, are not required to provide wheelchair spaces, transfer seats, or transfer systems, and need not meet the sign requirements in [Standard] 216.12. The load and unload areas of these rides must, however, be on an accessible route and must provide turning space.

Amusement parks and attractions not only have to comply with the ADA Standards for amusement rides, but the parks also have to comply with the ADA Standards for all Title II and Title III facilities to include parking, exterior routes, drinking fountains, interior routes, dining areas, toilet rooms, assembly areas, sales and service counters, signs in general, assistive listening systems, swimming pools (think river rides, water slides, and wave pools), etc.

SUMMARY

2010 ADA Standard 1002 covers the primary technical requirements for amusement rides. With some exceptions, accessible amusement rides are required to have an accessible route to the ride, an accessible loading and unloading area, and accessible seating in the ride. The amusement rides that are covered by Standard 1002 are ones that are not regularly assembled and disassembled. Information about scoping requirements for ADA compliant amusement rides is available at Scoping.

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If you observe an amusement ride that is not ADA compliant and you would like to know how to proceed, please see the link at What To Do When A Building Is Not ADA Compliant or Accessible.

ADA Inspections Nationwide, LLC, offers ADA/ABA/FHA accessibility compliance inspections for buildings and facilities, as applicable to the different laws, and expert witness services with respect to ADA/ABA/FHA laws for building owners, tenants and managers. Also, ADAIN offers consulting for home modifications as a CAPS consultant for people wishing to age in place in their homes. For a complete list of services please see ADAIN Services.

Thank you.