How much G Force is on the smiler?

On any average day, the Smiler has a maximum G-force of +4.5 G and a top speed of 85 km per hour. The park's fastest ride, Rita, has a G- force of +4.7 G and a top speed of 100 km per hour.



The Smiler at Alton Towers Resort in the UK is a record-breaking roller coaster known for its 14 inversions, and it subjects riders to a maximum of +4.5G to +4.8G. This high G-force is generated during its numerous loops, dives, and tight transitions, where the rapid change in direction and speed pushes riders into their seats with a force roughly four and a half times their own body weight. For comparison, this is significantly more intense than the G-forces experienced during a standard space shuttle launch (around 3G). In 2026, it remains one of the most physically demanding coasters in Europe, as it combines these high vertical G-forces with intense "lateral" forces that can lead to significant neck strain if riders do not brace properly. The experience is designed to intentionally "overload" the sensory system, creating the disorientation and thrill that gives the ride its name.

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While commercial flights exert only very minimal positive and negative G-forces on passengers, several orders of magnitude greater are the G-forces experienced by astronauts, fighter pilots and stunt pilots. These types of pilots can experience brief periods of extreme forces of nine and 10 Gs.

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All children under 12 years old must be accompanied by an adult of 18 years and above. Children under 3 years old can visit the park for free. The following height and age restrictions apply: Guests must be 1.4m or over to ride Nemesis, Galatica, The Smiler, Oblivion and Rita (Rita has a maximum height of 1.95m).

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Although stunt planes are designed to easily withstand very high G-forces of up to 10 or even 12 Gs, stunt pilots who provide rides to the general public rarely perform maneuvers that exceed 4 Gs. This is because the average person does not have special training to handle more than 4 or 5 Gs.

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The Big One, formerly known as the Pepsi Max Big One, is a steel roller coaster located at Blackpool Pleasure Beach in Blackpool, Lancashire, England.

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There are five rides that your child won't be able to ride if they're under 140cm: Nemesis, Rita, Galactica, The Smiler, Oblivion. Click here for the full list of ride height restrictions at Alton Towers. As with the 120cm height restrictions, manage expectations before you visit Alton Towers.

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Attorney Michael Haggard represented the family of 14-year-old Tyre Sampson, who died in March of 2022 after slipping out of his safety bar and falling from another Florida amusement park ride. Haggard said Bonnet nearly suffered the same, horrible death.

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