Shopping Malls & Retail Destinations

The Mall Train Ride Kids Ask for Every Visit

A Wattman electric train ride is a standalone family attraction inside your mall. Kids board, ride a loop through the center, and get off at the same spot, ready to go again. Operators and malls across the U.S. have run this model profitably since 1992.

Drive System
100% Electric
Indoor Runtime
Up to 16 Hours
Certification
ASTM F2291 / TÜV
Mall Experience
30+ Years in U.S. Malls
Wattman electric trackless train operating inside a U.S. shopping mall with families and children

This Is a Ride, Not a Shuttle

The Wattman mall train ride works the same way a carousel or a kiddie ride works: kids board at one spot, complete a loop through the mall, and return to the same boarding point. The ride lasts 5 to 10 minutes. Most children want to go again. Parents shop while the ride runs. That combination is what makes it a revenue-generating attraction, not just an amenity.

The Ride

Kids board at a fixed station, ride a loop through the mall, and return to the same spot. No point-to-point route. No drop-off destination. The loop is the experience.

The Duration

Each ride cycle runs 5 to 10 minutes depending on route length. Operators run continuous cycles throughout the operating day, ticketing each round individually.

The Repeat Factor

Children consistently want to ride more than once per visit. Operators report that repeat rides per child per visit directly determine daily ticket revenue.

The Family Dynamic

Parents shop while children ride. Families stay longer at malls with a train attraction. Longer dwell time means more spending: in stores, in food courts, and on repeat rides.

Two Ways to Own and Operate a Mall Train Ride

Wattman trains operate in U.S. malls through two proven models. Both generate consistent ticket revenue. The difference is who owns the train and how the economics are structured.

The Operator Model

You purchase the train, lease floor space from the mall, and run the ride as your own attraction business. Every ticket sold is your revenue. Operating costs are low. Many operators recover their full investment within the first operating year.

Financing from $0 down makes this accessible without large upfront capital. Seasonal payment structures are available for operators whose peak revenue falls in Q4.

Full ticket revenue retained by the operator

Financing from $0 down for qualified operators

Portable: relocate to another mall or seasonal venue

Proven attraction model in U.S. malls since 1992

The Mall Ownership Model

The mall purchases the train as a permanent family attraction. It becomes the reason families choose your center over a competitor. Kids ask to come back for the train, and families stay longer, eat on-site, and spend more per visit.

Some of the largest malls in the U.S. operate this way. The train becomes a signature attraction that no nearby competitor can easily replicate.

Signature family attraction that drives repeat visits

Increases dwell time and per-visit spending across the center

Fully customizable to match mall branding and identity

Trusted by some of the largest retail destinations in the U.S.

Which Wattman Train Fits Your Mall

Both models run silent and emission-free, carry full U.S. certification, and are built for continuous daily indoor operation. The choice comes down to your mall's floor plan and how many riders you want per cycle.

Mini Express

Compact. Tight turning radius. Ideal for standard mall corridors.

Capacity (4 wagons) Up to 24 passengers
Indoor runtime Up to 16 hours
Turning radius ~18 ft
Best for Standard & mid-size malls
See Mini Express

Maxi Express

High capacity. Wider wagons. For large-format malls and high foot traffic.

Capacity (4 wagons) Up to 32 passengers
Indoor runtime Up to 14 hours
Turning radius ~21 ft
Best for Large-format & flagship malls
See Maxi Express

Wattman Mall Train Rides Running Across the U.S.

From regional centers to the largest retail destinations in the country, Wattman train rides operate daily in U.S. shopping malls.

Mall of America
Bloomington, MN
American Dream
East Rutherford, NJ
King of Prussia Mall
King of Prussia, PA
Roosevelt Field Mall
Garden City, NY
Liberty Center
Liberty Township, OH
Arrowhead Towne Center
Glendale, AZ
Woodbridge Center
Woodbridge, NJ
The Woodlands Mall
The Woodlands, TX
And many more across the U.S.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I operate a Wattman train as a concessionaire inside a mall?

Yes. This is one of the most common operating models in the U.S. You purchase the train, lease floor space from the mall, and keep all ticket revenue. Wattman USA has supported independent operators in this model since 1992 and can connect you with the right financing to get started.

How does the ride route work inside a mall?

The train runs a fixed loop through the mall. Passengers board at one designated station, complete the circuit, and return to the same boarding point. There is no point-to-point destination. The loop typically takes 5 to 10 minutes depending on the route, and the train runs continuous cycles throughout the operating day.

How much floor space does a mall train require?

The Mini Express has a turning radius of approximately 18 feet, making it suitable for standard mall corridors and concourses. The Maxi Express requires approximately 21 feet. Our U.S. sales team will review your floor plan during the consultation to confirm the right configuration for your space.

Is the train completely emission-free for indoor operation?

Yes. Both models run on a 100% electric drive system with zero fumes and no combustion. They are specifically engineered for enclosed indoor environments. Battery runtime of up to 16 hours covers a full mall operating day on a single overnight charge.

Can the train be branded to match the mall or a sponsor?

Yes. Every Wattman train can be customized with colors, logos, and livery to match your mall's brand identity or a sponsor's visual requirements. Wagon Ad Panels are also available as an option to generate additional advertising revenue from the train itself.

What financing options are available for mall operators?

Wattman USA works with U.S.-based financing partners to offer terms starting from $0 down for qualified operators. Seasonal payment structures are available for operators whose revenue is concentrated in Q4. Visit our financing page for full details.

Get Started

Ready to Add a Train Ride to Your Mall?

A 20-minute call covers which model fits your floor plan, what configuration works for your visitor volume, and what the investment looks like for your situation.