Why Is the London Eye Not a Ferris Wheel?

By Robert Palmer

Have you ever wondered why the London Eye is not called a Ferris Wheel? Although it looks like a giant Ferris wheel, there are some technical differences that set it apart. In this article, we will explore these differences and understand why the London Eye is not just a typical Ferris wheel.

What is a Ferris Wheel?

A Ferris wheel is an amusement ride that consists of a rotating wheel with enclosed passenger cars attached to its rim. The passengers sit in these cars and enjoy the ride as they ascend to the top of the wheel and then descend again. The first Ferris wheel was built by George Washington Gale Ferris Jr. for the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago.

What is the London Eye?

The London Eye, also known as the Millennium Wheel, is located on the South Bank of River Thames in London and is one of the city’s most popular attractions. It was built to mark the turn of the millennium and was opened to the public in 2000. It stands at 135 meters tall and has 32 sealed and air-conditioned passenger capsules that can carry up to 25 people each.

How is it Different from a Ferris Wheel?

The London Eye differs from a traditional Ferris wheel in several ways:

  • Design: The design of the London Eye is unique compared to traditional Ferris wheels. Instead of having an open frame with spokes, it has an entirely enclosed steel frame with cables that hold its passenger capsules.
  • Speed: While most Ferris wheels rotate continuously at a slow speed, taking passengers on multiple revolutions, The London Eye rotates very slowly (about 0.6 mph) and makes only one complete rotation during each ride.
  • Size: The London Eye is much larger than a traditional Ferris wheel.

    It is nearly twice as tall as the average Ferris wheel, and its capsules are much larger, offering greater comfort and a better view of the city.

  • Stability and Safety: The London Eye is designed to be more stable than traditional Ferris wheels, thanks to its enclosed design and advanced engineering. It can withstand winds up to 70mph and has a sophisticated anti-vibration system to prevent any shaking or swaying during operation.

In Conclusion

While the London Eye may look like a giant Ferris wheel, it is actually quite different in terms of design, speed, size, stability, and safety. The technical differences set it apart from traditional Ferris wheels and make it one of the most unique attractions in the world. So next time you visit London, remember that you are not riding a Ferris wheel but rather an engineering marvel that offers breathtaking views of the city.

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