a single person could operate them.

Due to the fact that the ferris wheels of today are so complex, they
are powered much differently. The structure of a ferris wheel can be compared to two bicycle tires. The
wheel itself is supported on the inside by tension spokes. These spokes are in place to keep the wheel
from collapsing. The two wheels are connected by tension spokes and metal bars or pipes. The seats of
the wheels are positioned on the connecting pipes and are hung so that they swing freely. Gravity keeps
the seats from going upside down. Motors that are connected to or near the wheels keep the wheel in
motion. They turn in a series of gears, belts, and pulleys all connected to each other.