You can ride on a PumpTrack with virtually anything that has wheels: bicycles, BMX bikes, mountain bikes, skateboards, scooters, inline skates, and even balance bikes. The track is designed for all ages and skill levels, from a toddler stepping onto a balance bike for the first time to an advanced BMX rider taking the rollers at speed. In this article, we answer the most frequently asked questions about who can ride a PumpTrack and what makes the track so special.
Which vehicles are suitable for a PumpTrack?
A PumpTrack is suitable for all vehicles with wheels: bicycles (from balance bikes to racing bikes), BMX, mountain bikes, skateboards, scooters, and inline skates. Thanks to the asphalt surface and the gradual curves and rollers, the track works for every type of wheel, regardless of the size or speed of the user.
That broad scope is precisely what distinguishes a PumpTrack from many other sports facilities. A skate park is primarily intended for skaters, a bike path for cyclists. A PumpTrack combines both worlds and adds a whole range of other users to the mix. Children on balance bikes ride the same track as teenagers on skateboards or adults on mountain bikes. They share the space, but each in their own way and at their own pace.
De Asphalt PumpTracks The ones we build are UCI-certified and the only ones in the world approved for professional use. This means that the track is not only suitable for recreational use, but also for competitive riders who want to train seriously.
Can a PumpTrack be used by all ages?
Yes, a PumpTrack is suitable for all ages. Children from about two years old on a balance bike can already join in, and there is no upper limit. Adults and everyone in between can use the track at their own level and with their own vehicle.
This makes a PumpTrack one of the most versatile sports facilities a municipality or recreation park can build. Traditional playgrounds are often intended for children up to about twelve years old. Skateparks primarily attract teenagers and young adults. A PumpTrack serves all generations simultaneously.
In practice, on a PumpTrack you see parents riding with their young children, teenagers practicing tricks, and adults using the track for interval training. This mix of users also creates a lively and social atmosphere. View our completed projects to see what that looks like in practice at municipalities and recreation parks throughout the Netherlands.
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How does riding on a PumpTrack differ from a skatepark?
The biggest difference is that on a PumpTrack you move forward by shifting your weight, not by pedaling or pushing off. You “pump” the turns and hills by bending and straightening your knees at the right moment. A skatepark is primarily designed for tricks and jumping, while a PumpTrack is all about flow and speed.
In addition, accessibility is different. A skatepark quickly requires a certain skill level before it becomes fun. On a PumpTrack, you can immediately enjoy the track as a complete beginner, even if you have never been on a skateboard or BMX before. The learning curve is much flatter.
The target group also differs. A skatepark primarily attracts skaters and BMX riders in a specific age category. A PumpTrack is accessible to cyclists, skaters, scooter riders, and inline skaters of all ages. For municipalities and recreation parks that want to utilize the available space as broadly as possible, this is a relevant difference.
Is a PumpTrack also suitable for wheelchair users?
Yes, an asphalt PumpTrack is also suitable for wheelchair users. The gradual ramps, curves, and rollers are easy to navigate in a manual or electric wheelchair — a handbike is not necessary for this. The asphalt surface offers sufficient grip and is flat enough for a smooth passage.
Inclusivity is an important part of the design. A PumpTrack does not need special adaptations to be accessible to people with disabilities. The track works for anyone with wheels, including wheelchair users and people with adapted bicycles or tricycles.
For municipalities working on inclusive outdoor spaces, this is a strong argument. A single facility that serves both able-bodied and disabled residents yields a higher return per square meter and per euro than facilities that reach only a portion of the population.
What skill level do you need to ride a PumpTrack?
You do not need a specific skill level to ride a PumpTrack. Beginners can start immediately, as the track is designed so that you learn while riding. The gradual turns and rollers automatically provide feedback on when to pump and when to steer.
For advanced riders, the same track offers a completely different challenge. By riding faster, pumping harder, and optimizing the line, you can get more and more out of the track. There is no ceiling: professional BMX and mountain bike riders also train on PumpTracks because the technique you learn is directly applicable in competition situations.
That layering is what makes a PumpTrack so interesting as a sports facility. Beginners and experts ride the same track, but experience it completely differently. This ensures long-term use and less wear and tear on the facility's popularity.
What makes an asphalt PumpTrack more durable than other surfaces?
Asphalt is more durable than wood, concrete, or synthetic material because it is resistant to weather, heavy use, and temperature fluctuations. A well-constructed asphalt PumpTrack will at least 20 years along without major interventions, whereas wooden structures can rot or sag after just a few years.
In addition, asphalt is low-maintenance. Small cracks or wear are easy to repair without replacing the entire track. The surface remains easily rideable even in the rain thanks to the material's grip, which enhances safety. Velosolutions offers annual inspection and maintenance to ensure the track is always in optimal condition. This can also be purchased via a maintenance contract.
For municipalities and recreation parks considering the total costs over the lifespan of a facility, asphalt is therefore the sensible choice. The higher initial investment compared to a temporary or wooden track pays for itself through lower maintenance costs and a longer lifespan.
How Velosolutions helps realize your PumpTrack
Velosolutions is the market leader in the Netherlands with over 12 years of experience and more than 100 built PumpTracks. We guide municipalities and recreation parks from the initial consultation to delivery and beyond. Wearing a helmet is mandatory on Velosolutions PumpTracks. Our PumpTracks comply with WAS legislation and are certified according to NEN-EN 14974, providing you, as the client, with legal certainty.
- Custom designed for your location, target audience and budget
- Suitable for all wheels: bicycle, BMX, skateboard, scooter, inline skates and wheelchair
- 5 year warranty and a lifespan of at least 20 years
- Annual inspection and maintenance, also available via a maintenance contract, so that the track always remains in top condition
- Fully certified according to WAS and NEN-EN 14974
- Part of a global network of 35 partners with proven expertise
Read more about us and discover why municipalities and recreation parks throughout the Netherlands choose Velosolutions. Do you want to know what a PumpTrack can mean for your location? Request a no-obligation consultation and we are happy to think along with you.
