
The award-winning PlasmaCar
PlasmaCar
The PlasmaCar is a plastic ride-on toy car designed for children, made popular by Canadian toy distributor PlaSmart. The PlasmaCar can be propelled by wiggling the front steering wheel which is attached to two pivoting wheels touching the ground. It harnesses the natural forces of ine…
Full Answer
What kind of toy is a plasma car?
PlasmaCar. The PlasmaCar is a plastic ride-on toy car designed for children, (can be adapted for adults see below), made popular by Canadian toy distributor PlaSmart. The PlasmaCar can be propelled by wiggling the front steering wheel which is attached to two pivoting wheels touching the ground.
Can the original PlasmaCar® wheels be used on wooden floors?
PlasmaCar wheels may damage some wooden floors. Please note that the PlasmaCar booklet warns that it is not recommended for use on wooden floors. Q: How does the Original PlasmaCar® work?
Does the PlasmaCar have gears or batteries?
No batteries, gears, or pedals…just hours of endless fun. The Original PlasmaCar® – kid powered, kid approved. Supports up to 220 lb. (100 kg). The sleek, innovative design of The Original PlasmaCar® features a patented safety seat, polypropylene wheels, and is kid powered; kid approved!
How much does a plasma car cost?
$89.99 No batteries, gears, or pedals…just hours of endless fun. The Original PlasmaCar® – kid powered, kid approved. Supports up to 220 lb. (100 kg).

Do Plasma Cars scratch wood floors?
The Internet rumors that it can scratch hardwood floors appear to be unfounded.
What is the best age for a plasma car?
3 yearsProduct informationProduct Dimensions11 x 11.8 x 31 inchesManufacturer recommended age3 years and upBest Sellers Rank#45,241 in Toys & Games (See Top 100 in Toys & Games) #24 in Kids' Ride-On Accessories #19,744 in Pre-Kindergarten ToysCustomer Reviews4.6 out of 5 stars 2,599 ratings 4.6 out of 5 stars7 more rows
How does plasma car work?
It harnesses the natural forces of inertia, centrifugal force, gravity, and friction in order to drive the car forward and backward. It does not require a power source such as batteries, fuel, pedals, or gears - it simply runs on the child's ability to wiggle the steering wheel.
How much does a plasma car weigh?
7.28 lbsAdditional informationWeight7.28 lbsDimensions13.3 x 31.5 x 16 inColorRed, Blue, Purple, Yellow, Lime, Pink/Purple, Aqua Blue/Lime Green, Purple/LimeWeight Limit220 lbs (100 kg) on smooth surfaces; 120 lbs (55 kg) on uneven surfacesRecommended Age3+ years2 more rows
Can adults use PlasmaCar?
PlasmaCar is adult-friendly too: it doesn't require an expensive power source that needs constant replacement, it provides kids with plenty of exercise, and it is quiet, the only sound you'll hear is the sound of the wheels. Adult assembly required; instructions included.
Do plasma cars work outside?
The Original PlasmaCar by PlaSmart Inc. Requires no batteries; moves via mechanical operation. Develops motor skills and provides exercise. Well-built design supports kids & adults up to 220 pounds. Quiet operation for indoor and outdoor use.
How does Gyro Swing car work?
This magic car is effortless to drive. It's made up of high-quality plastic, that makes it durable and safe for kids. The small wheel in the front helps balance the toy when the baby takes a turn; they allow her to turn safely without falling from it.
Do kids like PlasmaCar?
While there are many wiggles cars on the market, most undoubtedly less expensive, the Original PlasmaCar still reigns supreme. The quality of the build, as evidenced by a higher weight limit than any of the other similar products, means it will last for years to come and can be enjoyed by kids and adults alike!
How do you tighten a PlasmaCar?
This step is critical to the performance of your PlasmaCar. Use a 17mm socket wrench to tighten the nut in the steering column AS TIGHT AS POSSIBLE. Fit the wrench onto the nut and turn until very tight. Alternately, use the enclosed hex key and a screw driver to tighten the nut AS TIGHT AS POSSIBLE.
What is faster lightning or plasma?
It works by condensing megawatts of power into nanosecond pulses of plasma created from ionizing the air around the plug's electrodes; that's the power of six semitrucks released hundreds of times faster than the speed of lightning.
Who invented PlasmaCar?
Formed in 2003 by Canadian entrepreneur Timothy Kimber, PlaSmart launched its first product, the PlasmaCar, to the North American market. The company has since grown to 14 employees and over 90 sales contractors, with products available worldwide in more than 60 countries.
What is inside a toy car that turns the wheels?
A friction motor is a simple mechanism to propel toy cars, trucks, trains, action figures and similar toys. The motor consists of a large flywheel which is connected to the drive wheels of the toy via a very low gear ratio, so that the flywheel revolves faster.
What is a kids PlasmaCar?
PlaSmart PlasmaCar The PlasmaCar is easy to operate, and helps your child develop coordination, balance, and motor skills while harnessing the natural forces of inertia, centrifugal force, gravity, and friction.
What is a plasma car?
The PlasmaCar is a plastic ride-on toy car designed for children, (can be adapted for adults see below), made popular by Canadian toy distributor PlaSmart. The PlasmaCar can be propelled by wiggling the front steering wheel which is attached to two pivoting wheels touching the ground. It harnesses the natural forces of inertia, centrifugal force, gravity, and friction in order to drive the car forward and backward. It does not require a power source such as batteries, fuel, pedals, or gears - it simply runs on the child's ability to wiggle the steering wheel. It can be operated indoors and/or outdoors, though it works best on a smooth, flat surface.
How can plasma cars be modified?
The plasma car can be modified for heavier adults/teenagers by putting in a metal straight axle where the rear wheels would originally be.
What was the name of the fun car?
In 2003, Kimber set out to bring the Fun Car to the North American market. With approximately 1,500 ride-on units, Kimber put together a plan to expose the toy, and started by displaying it at the 2003 Canadian Toy and Hobby Show. Within a month, Kimber had created a company name (PlaSmart - pronounced Play Smart), website, and provided marketing materials for the Fun Car, including a demo video. More importantly, he decided to change the product name from the Fun Car (deemed too generic and dull) to the PlasmaCar, a name he borrowed from the world of consumer electronics where the hottest "toy" for adults was the Plasma TV. The name change caught the attention of customers and retailers, and the PlasmaCar became a popular item at trade shows. It was a big hit among children, and can even support adults weighing upwards of 100 kg.
How many wheels does a plasma car have?
The PlasmaCar design includes six wheels, but only four touch the ground. The first two wheels located at the front of the vehicle do not touch the ground (a common misconception) or spin: they are merely there for stability and safety in case the rider leans forward or drives into an elevated surface (such as a street curb). The next set of wheels of the PlasmaCar are attached to the steering wheel by a lever, in such a way that they are located behind the axis of rotation of the steering column. The torque applied to the steering wheel causes a lateral friction force by the wheels on the ground, a force parallel to the axle and perpendicular to the direction the wheels are rolling. If a component of this force points to the back of the car, the reaction force of the ground on the car (by Newton's "action/reaction" law) points partly forward and accelerates the car. This is the force that drives the car forward and it ultimately comes from the force exerted on the handlebars. In-line skaters make a similar force by repeatedly pulling both skates laterally inward in a criss cross fashion in order to accelerate themselves. Skateboarders do a similar thing by pulling laterally inward while executing a series of alternating, tight turns. The final set of wheels (located at the back of the vehicle) spin normally, but do not pivot.
How much weight can a plasma car support?
It was a big hit among children, and can even support adults weighing upwards of 100 kg. With the popularity of the PlasmaCar rising, Kimber moved the business to an Ottawa office and warehouse unit.
What is the name of the TV that he borrowed from the Fun Car?
More importantly, he decided to change the product name from the Fun Car (deemed too generic and dull) to the PlasmaCar, a name he borrowed from the world of consumer electronics where the hottest "toy" for adults was the Plasma TV.
Is PlasmaCar a good product?
Additionally, it is the most successful product in PlaSmart's product line to date . It has received numerous awards (see awards section), as well as favorable customer reviews on websites such as Chapters (4.5 out of 5 stars), Amazon.com (5 out of 5 stars), and Fat Brain Toys (5 out of 5 stars). In 2009, the PlasmaCar ranked 7th on DisneyFamily.com's Top Action Figures and Toys for Kids list.
What are Roller Racers and Plasma Cars?
The Roller racer and the Plasma cars are kid's ride-on toys that are powered by wiggling the handlebars. Somehow, they achieve forward thrust by levering the front wheels back and forth. How do they do that?
What happens when a component of the reaction force points to the back of the car?
If a component of this force points to the back of the car, the reaction force of the ground on the car (by Newtons's "action/reaction" law) points partly forward and accelerates the car.
Who makes the roller racer?
The Roller Racer is a product of the Mason Corporation, and the Plasma Car is made by PlaSmart Corporation (and hence the name "Plasma Car").
Steps Download Article
Fill the notch on each rear wheel housing into the body. Push the wheels in at a 45 degree angle. When installed correctly, the rear wheels flare out from the body. Warning The rear wheel housing cannot be removed once locked into place.
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Tips
If the steering wheel becomes loose or fails to propel the PlasmaCar, the steering wheel nut may not have been tightened enough during assembly. Remove the cap from the steering wheel with a slot screwdriver and loosen the nut with the hex key. Repeat steps 7 and 8, securing the nut as tightly as possible.
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Overview
The PlasmaCar is a plastic ride-on toy car designed for children, (can be adapted for adults see below), made popular by Canadian toy distributor PlaSmart. The PlasmaCar can be propelled by wiggling the front steering wheel which is attached to two pivoting wheels touching the ground. It harnesses the natural forces of inertia, centrifugal force, gravity, and friction in order to drive t…
History
In early December 2002, an Ottawa entrepreneur named Timothy Kimber discovered the unique ride-on toy as he was shopping in an Ottawa shopping center. It was then called the Fun Car, and was on display at the mall, free for children to test drive. Kimber, fascinated with the product, located the Asian distributor and proceeded to ask questions regarding the Fun Car. Kimber discovered that while the Fun Car sold well in China, it had virtually no presence in Canada or the U…
PlasmaCar Physics
The PlasmaCar design includes six wheels, but only four touch the ground. The first two wheels located at the front of the vehicle do not touch the ground (a common misconception) or spin: they are merely there for stability and safety in case the rider leans forward or drives into an elevated surface (such as a street curb). The next set of wheels of the PlasmaCar are attached to the steering wheel by a lever, in such a way that they are located behind the axis of rotation of th…
Reception
The PlasmaCar has received critical reception from the toy industry, as well as customers. Additionally, it is the most successful product in PlaSmart's product line to date. It has received numerous awards (see awards section), as well as favorable customer reviews on websites such as Chapters (4.5 out of 5 stars), Amazon.com (5 out of 5 stars), and Fat Brain Toys (5 out of 5 stars). In 2009, the PlasmaCar ranked 7th on DisneyFamily.com's Top Action Figures and Toys for Kids …
Adaptation
The plasma car can be modified for heavier adults/teenagers by putting in a metal straight axle where the rear wheels would originally be.
Awards, nominations, and recognitions
• 2009 DisneyFamily.com - #7 Top Action Figures & Toys for Kids
• 2009 DisneyFamily.com - #1 Top Spring & Summer Kid Essentials
• 2009 National Parenting Center - Seal of Approval
• 2008 National Parenting Center - Seal of Approval
External links
• PlaSmart Official Website
• PlasmaCar Official Website
• PlasmaCar UK Website
See also
• PlaSmart Inc.
• Roller racer
• Flying Turtle
• plasmaBike