The carnival swing ride, also known as the flying chair ride or swing carousel ride, is one of the core attractions at amusement parks. With its spinning, lifting, and head-bobbing features, as well as dazzling lights and sound effects, it has become a “star attraction” that draws in visitors. However, with so many different types of flying chairs on the market and significant price differences, many people are left wondering: How much does a carnival swing ride actually cost?
In reality, the price fluctuation is influenced by various factors, such as the ride’s specifications, seating capacity, materials, design, and additional features. This article will break down these factors in detail and provide recommendations for choosing the right flying chair based on different budgets.
I. Key Factors Affecting the Price of Carnival Swing Rides
1. Swing Ride Specifications and Seating Capacity:
- Small Flying Chair (12-16 Seats): These flying swing rides are typically simple in design and have a smaller footprint, making them ideal for community squares or small amusement parks. For example, the 12 seats flying chair usually has a smaller rotation diameter and lower power, with prices ranging from $5,000 to $9,000. The 16-seat flying chairs have higher power and are suitable for larger venues or lighter amusement parks, with prices ranging from $6,000 to $9,000. These models mainly target children, offering basic parallel rotation and lifting features.
- Medium Swinging Chair Ride (24 Seats): Designed for families and teenagers, these rides provide a more exciting experience with lifting and tilting rotations. With a diameter of about 10-12 meters and a power of 15KW, the price range for these models is between $10,000 and $13,000. These swinging chair rides typically rotate at 12 revolutions per minute and can tilt at an angle of 11°, offering a better seating capacity for higher visitor turnover and a broader audience.
- Large Swing Ride (36 Seats and Above): These swing carnival rides are intended for large amusement parks or theme parks. They have a diameter of 15 meters or more and a power of up to 23.5KW, making them ideal for handling high visitor volumes. The price for these models starts at $16,000. These swing rides at amusement parks are equipped with more thrilling features, including higher speeds (up to 14 rpm), and they offer a highly interactive experience suitable for visitors of all ages.
2. Materials and Manufacturing Process:
- Material Differences: The materials used in the construction of flying chairs significantly impact their cost. For example, stainless steel swing theme park rides tend to be more expensive than those made from FRP (fiberglass reinforced plastic) or galvanized steel due to stainless steel’s superior corrosion resistance and longer lifespan.
- Complexity of Manufacturing: The design and manufacturing process also affects the price. Customized theme decorations and special structural designs add to production costs, resulting in a higher price.
3. Additional Features:
- Basic vs. Premium Models: Basic models offer only rotating and lifting features, while premium models come with added features such as lighting effects, sound systems, touch-screen controls, and even VR/AR technology. These extra features enhance the ride experience but significantly increase the price.
- Head-Bobbing Feature: The swing amusement park ride with the ability to tilt or “bob” typically costs more due to the added complexity of the power system. This feature provides a more dynamic and thrilling ride for the passengers.

II. Swing Carnival Ride Recommendations Based on Budget
Tight Budget:
Mini Flying Chair Recommendations (12 Seats, 16 Seats) If your budget is limited, choosing a 12-seat or 16-seat mini-size flying chair is an excellent choice. The 12-seat swing fair ride is perfect for smaller venues and offers basic rotation and lifting functions, mainly targeting families. The 16-seat model provides more seating capacity, making it suitable for small amusement parks or public squares.
Sufficient Budget:
Standard Flying Chair Recommendations (24 Seats, 36 Seats): For those with a more substantial budget, we recommend selecting a 24-seat or 36-seat big flying chair. The 24-seat luxury flying chair ride provides basic rotating and lifting functions, along with a certain level of tilting rotation, making it perfect for large amusement parks or festive events. The 36 seats wave swinger ride has a larger capacity, making it suitable for high-traffic areas and theme parks, providing a more interactive experience.
- Advantages: Higher capacity, suitable for locations with large visitor numbers, increased interactivity, and appeal to visitors of all ages.
III. Comparison of Different Flying Chair Ride Models:
Here is a comparison of the technical data for different flying chair models, covering seating capacity, power, voltage, rotation speed, footprint, and suitable venue size to help you make an informed choice:
Model | Seating Capacity | Power | Voltage | Rotation Speed | Footprint | Target Audience | Suitable Venue Size |
12-seat | 12 | 3.6KW | 380V | 3-4 rpm | Diameter 5.8m x Height 5.8m | Children & Families | Small Amusement Park, Exhibitions |
16-seat | 16 | 3.5KW | 380V | 12 rpm | Diameter 9.5m | Children & Families | Small Amusement Park, Square |
24-seat | 24 | 15KW | 380V | 12 rpm | Diameter 13m x Height 6.8m | Families & Teenagers | Medium Amusement Park, Square |
36-seat | 36 | 23.5KW | 380V | 10-14 rpm | Diameter 17m x Height 8.5m | Adults & Children | Large Amusement Park, Theme Park |
IV. Investment Return Estimate (Example for 24 Seats flying chair):
Assuming a ticket price of $10 per person and an average daily traffic of 300 visitors → daily income of $3,000.
- Equipment cost ranges from $10,000 to $13,000. After accounting for operational and maintenance costs, the return on investment period is approximately 2 months.


V. Choosing a Reliable Supplier to Ensure Quality and After-Sales Service
Choosing a reliable supplier is crucial for ensuring the quality and long-term operation of the equipment. Well-known brands and large manufacturers typically provide better quality assurance and more comprehensive after-sales service. Although the price may be slightly higher, this investment is definitely worth it in the long run.
- Our Advantage: Carnee Amusement Rides Manufacturer has 27 years of experience in manufacturing amusement equipment, and our flying chairs have been sold to over 100 countries, receiving widespread praise from customers. We offer full services, from design to installation, as well as after-sales support and maintenance, ensuring the long-term stable operation of your equipment.
VI. Other Key Considerations for Swing Carousel Ride Cost
- Safety: All amusement rides must meet strict safety standards. Ensuring the safety of visitors is paramount. As a special type of equipment, flying chairs must comply with national safety regulations.
- After-Sales Service: High-quality after-sales service ensures long-term stable operation, reducing downtime and increasing operational efficiency. It is recommended to choose manufacturers who offer direct sales to ensure timely repairs and complete spare parts.
- Shipping and Installation: When purchasing a flying chair, understanding the specific costs for shipping and installation is especially important, particularly for large equipment, as additional installation fees may apply.
VII. Choose the Right Carnival Swing Ride for Quick Returns
Regardless of your budget, you can select the right flying chair rides according to your specific needs. From small children’s flying chairs to large luxury models, we offer a wide variety of options and customization services to help you create a unique amusement experience. By selecting high-quality equipment and pairing it with our comprehensive after-sales support, you can enjoy long-term stable returns.