Constant Velocity Car (Tumble Buggy)

Reliable constant-velocity motion for low-tech kinematics labs

Bring kinematics to life with a rugged, battery-powered car that moves at a steady, repeatable speed. The Constant Velocity Car or “Tumble Buggy” gives students an easy, visual way to understand uniform motion—perfect for simple distance-and-time measurements that lead to clear results.

It’s quick to use and works in almost any classroom setup. Students can track how far it travels over set time intervals, make straightforward distance-time graphs, and see how constant speed creates a straight-line graph. It’s an ideal starting point for motion labs before moving on to more complex systems.

Why Teachers Love the Constant Velocity Car

• A True Example of Uniform Motion: The car runs at a reliable, constant speed, so kinematics graphs and calculations come out clean and convincing.
• Fast, Flexible Setup: Works with just a tape measure and stopwatch, or with motion detectors/spark timers for more advanced data collection.
• Two Speeds, One Car: Easy speed-reduction option (foil-covered “dummy” battery) lets students compare different constant velocities in the same lab.
• Durable & Affordable Lab Standard: Rugged tumble-buggy design holds up to repeated classroom use, and the low cost makes class sets practical.