Amusement Park News

Now open for the 2026 season at Six Flags New England, Quantum Accelerator has arrived as the park's first dual-launch straddle coaster, delivering a blend of excitement that is both family-friendly and thrilling. The all-ages attraction is a unique addition to the New England region.

Aimed at younger riders ready for their first “big-kid” coaster, Quantum Accelerator is the park's 12th coaster and a strongly themed one at that. Riders board what the park describes as hover-bike vehicles, designed with steampunk-inspired flair. Each rider leans forward, gripping bike-style handlebars, as the ride propels them through a series of fast-moving twists, curves, and banked turns.

Manufactured by Swiss company Intamin, the ride begins with an immediate launch out of the station, accelerating guests to 30 miles per hour right from the start, with no traditional lift hill involved. Midway through the experience, a second launch boosts riders up to 45 miles per hour, reinforcing the ride's name. The sensation mimics taking off on a high-speed bike, delivering an immersive thrill that remains accessible for families.



The coaster spans more than 2,600 feet of track and features 11 airtime moments. Its theming leans fully into a steampunk adventure, complete with Wild West-style landscapes, mechanical contraptions, and imaginative details throughout.

While the unique ride vehicles and family appeal have drawn significant attention, the backstory adds another layer of intrigue. Quantum Accelerator is set within a time machine built by an eccentric inventor, Professor Screamore. Operating out of “Crackaxle Canyon,” he experiments with time travel using a mix of steam-powered technology and cutting-edge engineering.

According to the park's description:
“Time travel always fascinated the eccentric inventor. He dreamed of combining old-world technologies, like steam-powered machinery, with modern marvels to launch himself back and forth through time, but not along straight paths. Professor Screamore wanted to travel at high speeds with twists, turns, and plenty of ups and downs with airtime.”



This narrative carries through the ride's station, surrounding area, and train design, immersing guests in the professor's world.

Notably, Professor Screamore is an original Six Flags character. He previously appeared in Six Flags America's SteamTown area, which opened in summer 2024 at the Bowie, Maryland park. That park closed permanently last November, making this the character's debut at Six Flags New England.

The minimum height requirement is 48 inches, positioning Quantum Accelerator as a perfect bridge between kiddie coasters and more extreme thrill rides. The appeal to families and tweens is expected to be strong.

According to park president Pete Carmichael, “Quantum Accelerator is an innovative addition that will redefine the family thrill ride experience at Six Flags New England. With its dual-launch system and unique straddle seat design, this coaster is set to become a favorite for guests of all ages.” He described the ride's development as a “multi-year process” involving collaboration with partners, the manufacturer, and the park's internal team.



Carmichael also emphasized the ride's potential to draw visitors and boost regional tourism, calling it a landmark attraction with a design “unlike traditional roller coasters.”

What sets it apart? The dual launches, one at the start and another mid-ride, combined with a dynamic layout packed with twists, turns, and airtime moments. The seating configuration is also distinctive. Riders straddle bike-style seats and lean forward, intensifying the sensation of speed and acceleration without making it overwhelming. As the park website notes, “Instead of sitting in a traditional seat, you straddle it and grab handlebars on comfortable coaster cars designed as steampunk-themed hover bikes. This unique feature allows you to lean forward and accelerate into the adventure.” Similar seating can be found on rides like TRON Lightcycle / Run at Magic Kingdom and DarKoaster at Busch Gardens Williamsburg.

The ride's debut was highly anticipated after its opening was delayed last year. As the park shared at the time, “When it comes to debuting world-class attractions for our guests, we won't rush the process. This reflects our commitment to quality, comfort, and reliability.”

With construction complete and the ride now in operation, Quantum Accelerator is poised to become one of the park's standout attractions for the 2026 season.