Maurer Rides, a leading designer and manufacturer of roller coasters and transport solutions, has launched the Spike PM360, an electrically powered passenger transport system that offers both movement and entertainment.
The system features a pivot-mounted cabin that stays level through horizontal, overhead, steep, and vertical track sections, keeping passengers seated upright throughout the journey.
This unlocks new opportunities for transport connections and standalone attractions, such as resort shuttles and rideable landmarks.
Project inquiries for the PM360 are now open.
PM360 Mountain Railway - Concept rendering. AI-enhanced visualization.© Maurer Rides
New opportunities, proven technology
A rail-guided passenger transport system, the PM360 boasts a cabin with a 360 degree pivoting suspension that allows for any track angle.
This is paired with the company's tested Spike rack-and-pinion technology, which delivers complete, positive transmission of drive force in any position, irrespective of gradient, weather conditions or load. As such, the PM360 can handle steep gradients and vertical sections that exceed the capabilities of traditional passenger transport systems.
Each vehicle has its own drive and braking system, meaning no additional components are required along the track, streamlining infrastructure and maintenance. The electric drive is also quiet, produces no local emissions, and recovers energy during braking.
Maurer Rides has coined the term 'transportainment' to describe a blend of passenger transportation and entertainment.
By bringing its roller coaster engineering expertise to new transport applications, the company is crafting journeys that not only connect destinations, but provide an experience in their own right.
Potential uses include shuttle connections within resorts, experience-oriented routes in urban areas, and standalone attractions that leverage the flexible track layout. This can be used to create dramatic structures, turning the track itself into an architectural landmark.
PM360 Vertikal - Concept rendering. AI-enhanced visualization.© Maurer Rides
Jörg Beutler, CEO, Maurer Rides GmbH, says: "Operators often face the challenge of connecting areas at different elevations, with limited space and high architectural design requirements.
"With the Spike PM360, we open up new possibilities: the track can even run vertically while passengers remain seated upright. This allows a transport connection to become a standalone attraction in its own right."
As with all Spike products, the PM360 is based on the modular Spike platform which drives Maurer Rides' roller coasters. This year, Spike is presented across the company's full range of applications, positioning transportainment as part of an integrated system ranging from amusement parks to urban environments.
Recently, Maurer Rides announced two further additions to the Spike series, Spike Train and Spike Tandem.
