Ferris wheels consisted of an upright wheel with passenger gondolas suspended from the rim. The principle behind this can be studied in mechanics, particularly on GEARS. Without gears, it won't have rotational motion. ^^
What Is The Scientific Principle Behind The Ferris Wheel?
A Ferris wheel consists of an upright wheel with passenger gondolas suspended from the rim. It is a common type of amusement park ride. The wheel was created by Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania bridge builder George W. Ferris. It was supported by two 140 foot steel towers, its 45 foot axle was the largest single piece of forged steel at that time in the world. The wheel had a diameter of 250 feet, a circumference of 825 feet, and the maximum height was 264 feet. It was powered by two 1000 horsepower each-reversible engines.