Maurer Rides presents the Spike® Platform

One technological foundation. Seven modular layers. Countless possibilities for individual attractions.

Munich, 07 September 2026 - How can extraordinary attractions be developed without starting from scratch technically every time? With the new Spike® Platform, Maurer Rides provides a clear answer: proven technologies are brought together in a common modular architecture and recombined in new ways. From interactive roller coasters and dark rides to signature attractions, people movers and material handling, a wide variety of applications can be created on one shared technological foundation. The goal: greater creative freedom combined with predictable technical development.

One foundation. Many products.

At the heart of the platform is the patented Spike rack-and-pinion drive. Electrically driven drive wheels engage positively with the rack on the track, providing 100 percent traction - regardless of gradient, weather or load. Acceleration is therefore possible at virtually any point on the track, including uphill or from a complete stop. Energy can be recovered during braking.

With Software-Defined Dynamics (SDD), ride behaviour itself becomes programmable. Speed profiles, stops, reverse movements and effect triggers can be precisely tailored to the desired experience within defined system limits. A growing portfolio builds on this common core - from compact interactive coasters to new high-capacity concepts such as Spike Train and Spike Tandem.

The principle of the Spike Platform is simple: we combine proven technical modules in new ways. This allows us to create extraordinary attractions together with our customers, without having to start from zero on the technical side for every project.

Jörg Beutler, CEO, Maurer Rides GmbH

Seven layers. Countless configurations.

The Spike Platform is structured into seven coordinated modular layers: Track & Supports · Drive Unit · Passenger Carriers · Controls & SDD · Multimedia · Interaction · Service & Accessories

Depending on the application, suitable systems are configured from these modules. Different track, drive and vehicle modules cover a broad spectrum of requirements.

The diversity is particularly evident in the ride experience: classic seats, moving and rotating seating systems or stand-up concepts can be combined with interactive controls. Sound, lighting and show effects can be integrated directly into the vehicle and synchronized precisely with the ride position. This creates individuality where it matters most to guests: in the experience.

World's Firsts on a proven foundation

The platform approach brings together two requirements that often appear to conflict in new attractions: differentiation and technical predictability. New experiences do not necessarily require every component to be developed from scratch. Existing developed and validated modules can be recombined and selectively complemented by project-specific elements.

This makes it possible to create individual World's Firsts on a proven technological foundation - with great freedom in layout, vehicle design, ride dynamics, interaction and staging.

At the same time, the shared architecture accelerates the development of new products. Current developments such as Spike Train and Spike Tandem demonstrate how the platform is expanding towards higher capacities.

With the new Spike PM360, Maurer Rides is taking the next step and applying Spike technology to new applications in passenger transportation.

A platform that keeps growing

The Spike Platform is deliberately not designed as a closed modular system, but as a continuously evolving platform. Software, ride programs, multimedia and interaction content can be further developed within approved system limits. Defined interfaces also provide the foundation for future compatible modules and upgrades.

This is intended to allow a Spike attraction to continue benefiting from the ongoing development of the platform even after it opens.

We want to create attractions that can evolve throughout their life cycle. New ideas should not automatically require a completely new system. The Spike Platform provides the technological foundation to make exactly that possible.

Jörg Beutler, CEO, Maurer Rides GmbH

From coaster to transport

The platform enables applications far beyond the traditional roller coaster. Maurer Rides focuses on five areas:

Roller Coaster · Dark Ride · Signature Attraction · Passenger Transport · Material Handling & Cargo

Especially in passenger transportation, this opens up new approaches to making mobility itself an experience. Maurer Rides describes this approach as “Transportainment”. The new Spike PM360 will demonstrate how far this idea can be taken. Maurer Rides will present further details separately.

Developing together: Spike Studio

Individual projects can be developed jointly with Maurer Rides in the Spike Studio. The structured co-creation process leads from briefing and concept development through prototyping and validation to implementation. New functions can therefore be tested at an early stage before they are incorporated into a specific project.

The Spike Platform is online

The new Spike Platform, including its application areas, product families and seven modular layers, is now available on the redesigned Maurer Rides website. An accompanying whitepaper explains the platform’s technology architecture, modularity and development strategy in detail.

About Maurer Rides

Maurer Rides GmbH, based near Munich, develops and manufactures innovative roller coasters, attractions and transportation systems. With its patented Spike® drive, the company combines electric drive technology with programmable ride dynamics, interactivity and exceptional layout freedom.

The Spike Platform forms the common technological foundation for a growing portfolio of roller coasters, dark rides, signature attractions, people movers and cargo applications.