You can recognize the best PumpTrack supplier by three things: demonstrable experience with completed projects, valid certification according to WAS legislation and NEN-EN14974, and a full range from design to maintenanceFor municipalities and recreation parks, this is not a luxury, but a basic requirement, because a PumpTrack is an investment that must last ten years or longer. In this article, we answer the most frequently asked questions to help you compare suppliers effectively and make the right choice.
On which criteria do you evaluate a PumpTrack supplier?
You evaluate a PumpTrack supplier based on five concrete criteria: experience and references, certification, quality of the material, completeness of the service package en total costs over the lifespanAnyone who looks only at the purchase price misses the full picture and runs the risk of higher costs in the long run.
Start by asking how many tracks a supplier has actually built and whether you can visit them. A supplier with dozens of completed projects in the Netherlands offers a very different level of security than someone just starting out. Also, ask about the materials used: asphalt is more durable than wood or concrete, requires less maintenance, and is resistant to varying weather conditions.
Take a closer look at the service package. Does the supplier also offer design, permit assistance, certification, and annual maintenance? Or do you have to arrange that yourself with different parties? A supplier that provides the complete package saves you time and prevents ambiguity regarding responsibilities. See also asphalt pumptracks if you want to understand what a professional, sustainable execution entails.
What does certification say about the quality of a PumpTrack?
Certification is an objective measure of safety and quality. A PumpTrack that complies with the Dutch Amusement and Playground Equipment Act (WAS) and is certified according to NEN-EN14974 has passed an independent inspection and may be legally put into use as a public sports facility. Without this certificate, you, as a municipality or recreation park, run a legal and financial risk.
WAS legislation imposes requirements on a PumpTrack regarding structural safety, regular inspection, and compliance with established standards. A supplier who can produce this certificate has demonstrated that their track passes this test. Always ask for the certificate before you sign, not afterwards.
In addition to WAS and NEN-EN14974, there is another distinctive quality mark: UCI certificationThis is the International Cycling Federation that tests pumptracks for quality and riding experience. Worldwide, there is only one supplier with UCI certification. That says something about the quality standard a track must meet to receive this seal of approval.
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How do you compare the total costs of different suppliers?
Always compare suppliers based on the total cost of ownership, not just the installation price. The total costs consist of the initial investment, annual maintenance costs, potential repairs, and the expected lifespan. A cheaper track that needs replacing after five years is more expensive in the long run than a more expensive track that lasts at least twenty years.
Use the equation below as a guideline:
- Installation costs: Request quotes including design, groundwork, and certification
- Maintenance costs: ask about the annual maintenance program and the costs thereof
- Warranty: How many years of warranty does the supplier offer, and on which parts?
- Lifespan: An asphalt PumpTrack lasts at least 20 years.
- Cost per user: divide the total investment by the expected number of users per year
A track that can be used by all ages and on all wheel types has a much lower cost per user than a skatepark or playground that serves only a limited target group. This also makes it a strong argument for the city council or management.
What questions do you ask a supplier before you decide?
Ask at least these questions to every supplier you are considering, so that you can make a fair comparison:
- How many PumpTracks have you built in the Netherlands, and can we visit one?
- Does the track comply with WAS legislation and is a NEN-EN14974 certificate provided?
- Who carries out the annual inspection and what are the costs?
- How long is the warranty period and what exactly does it cover?
- Do you also handle the design phase and permit guidance?
- What is the expected lifespan of the track under normal use?
- Are there references from municipalities or recreation parks we can call?
The answers to these questions give you an immediate idea of how professionally and transparently a supplier operates. A supplier who struggles with any of these questions is probably not the party you want for an investment of this magnitude. View our completed projects to see how we answer these questions in practice.
How do you recognize a supplier with proven experience?
A supplier with proven experience has a demonstrable portfolio of completed projects, collaborates with recognized inspection bodies and can provide concrete references from satisfied clients. Experience is not just a number, but also the knowledge to adapt a track to specific locations, target groups, and budgets.
Look for the following as indicators of genuine expertise:
- Active in the market for several years, preferably more than ten years
- Dozens or hundreds of realized tracks, also in comparable municipalities
- International presence through a network of partners or branches
- In-house designers and builders performing specialized manual work
- Active involvement in industry standards and certification
A supplier active in multiple countries and part of an international network has access to knowledge and innovations that a local player lacks. This translates directly into the quality of the design and execution.
What are common mistakes when choosing a PumpTrack supplier?
The most common mistake is choosing based on the lowest price without comparing total costsOther common mistakes include: not checking whether the supplier is certified, forgetting to ask about the maintenance offer, and not requesting references from other municipalities or parks.
Another mistake we see regularly: defining the target group too narrowly. Anyone applying for a PumpTrack as a “facility for young people” is missing opportunities. A well-designed asphalt PumpTrack is suitable for anyone with wheels, from young children on balance bikes to adults on BMX bikes, skateboards, scooters, or inline skates. Manual wheelchairs are also perfectly suitable for a PumpTrack; a handbike is not necessary for this. That broad reach is precisely what distinguishes a PumpTrack from a traditional skatepark or playground.
Finally: do not wait too long to request multiple quotes. Comparing takes time, but it prevents you from making a decision under time pressure that you will regret later. Schedule visits to existing tracks, talk to administrators from other municipalities, and ensure you are well-informed before signing.
How Velosolutions helps choose the right PumpTrack
At Velosolutions, we don't take over the selection process for you, but we do help you navigate it properly. We are the market leader in the Netherlands with over 100 completed PumpTracks and 12 years of experience. As part of the global Velosolutions network of 35 partners, we have access to the latest insights and techniques in the field of asphalt PumpTracks.
- We handle the entire process: from initial consultation and design to certification and annual maintenance.
- Our tracks are certified according to WAS legislation and NEN-EN14974, and are the only ones in the world to be UCI certified.
- We offer a 5-year warranty and a lifespan of at least 20 years.
- Wearing a helmet is mandatory on Velosolutions PumpTracks.
- We offer annual inspection and maintenance, also available via a maintenance contract.
- We have references from municipalities and recreation parks throughout the Netherlands that you can visit or call.
- We also guide initiators who want to convince their municipality of the need for a PumpTrack.
Read more about us and discover what sets us apart, or request a no-obligation consultation and discuss immediately what a PumpTrack can mean for your municipality or recreation park.
