Maurer Rides, a leading designer and manufacturer of roller coasters and transport solutions, will present the latest developments of its Spike Racer roller coaster system at IAAPA Expo Europe 2025, taking place in Barcelona, Spain, from 22 – 26 September.
One major update is that the system can now accommodate rolls and inversions, a feature previously unavailable in interactive coasters. Thanks to the patented rack-and-pinion system with 100% traction, vehicles can now also be driven upside down, while riders still maintain complete control over speed and acceleration.
The company will also showcase a range of add-ons that enhance interactivity. These include Magic Rings, where riders must navigate checkpoints with precise timing to earn boosts or points; Water Gates, which allow passengers to trigger water effects; and Light Track, which uses LED strips for both visual impact and gameplay.
Starting Lights simulate a racing start, detecting false launches, while the Co-Action System involves a second rider who must respond to signals to avoid penalties. Features such as smoke effects, finish flags, and leaderboards further enhance a competitive atmosphere.
New layouts and more
Five new layout concepts will also be shown. Space Odyssey is a space-themed dual track featuring cooperative challenges, speeds of up to 65 kilometres per hour, and a height of 18 metres. On two parallel 350-metre tracks, up to 960 people per hour can race through Magic Rings and master reverse-flight manoeuvres. Pilot and co-pilot must work together perfectly to succeed in the “Velocity Clash” arena.
Reaching speeds of up to 70 kilometres per hour and enhanced with special colour LED strips, Wild West Ride takes riders through themed canyons and towns on “mechanical horses” with reins used to trigger boosts. Flight Mission is a compact indoor model simulating jet pilot training on a small footprint.
Jetski Coaster combines coaster elements with water effects to simulate the sensation of riding a jet ski at speeds of up to 60 kilometres per hour. Riders navigate through wave channels and water fountains, simultaneously targeting objectives and activating power-ups.
Lastly, Water Fight transforms a coaster tower into an arena where both riders and spectators can participate in interactive water battles, with options to modify it for laser tag or dry slide options.
Additional features include integrated multimedia systems with VR and AR support, automated 4K ride videos, dynamic sound effects, and app-based personalised options. For operators, the system supports flexible pricing, customisable ride modes, and predictive maintenance tools.
Recently, blooloop spoke to the CEO of Maurer Rides about becoming the world’s first B Corp-certified coaster manufacturer.
