A pumptrack is a continuous track with hills (bumps) and curves where you propel yourself forward without pedaling or pushing off. You “pump” with your body: by shifting your weight at the right moments, you generate speed. The result? Riding endless laps on a bike, scooter, skateboard, or inline skates. Pumptracks are suitable for all ages and are increasingly being installed in Dutch municipalities as modern outdoor play facilities.
What is a pump track and how exactly does it work?
A pumptrack is an enclosed riding track made up of a series of rollers (hills) and banked turns. The technique revolves around “pumping”: by bending and straightening your knees and arms at the right moment, you accelerate without pedaling or pushing off even once. The better your technique, the faster you go. This makes it immediately accessible to beginners and challenging enough for advanced riders to keep practicing endlessly.
The track is a continuous loop, meaning you never have to stop. You can ride laps continuously, set your own pace, and vary the route. That is exactly why a pumptrack is so addictive: you are always working on improving. And because there is no pedaling or pushing off involved, it is also a great way to train balance, coordination, and body awareness. Playing outdoors naturally becomes a sport.
For which ages and users is a pumptrack suitable?
A pumptrack is suitable for everyone from about 2 years old well into adulthood. Toddlers on balance bikes, elementary school students on their BMX bikes, teenagers on skateboards, and adults on mountain bikes: they all ride on the same track. That makes a pumptrack unique as an outdoor play facility, because virtually no other piece of playground equipment serves such a broad target group.
In addition to bicycles and go-karts, scooters, inline skates, and skateboards are also welcome. Wheelchair users can also enjoy the track on special handbikes. The asphalt pump track is designed to allow everyone on wheels to participate, regardless of age or experience level. That is not only fun, but also valuable for municipalities that want to reach as many residents as possible with a single facility.
What's the difference between a pump track and a skate park?
The biggest difference between a pumptrack and a skatepark lies in the target audience and usage. A skatepark focuses primarily on skaters and BMX riders with some basic experience. A pumptrack is accessible from day one to virtually anyone on wheels, from toddlers to seniors, without prior knowledge or special equipment.
Below you will see the most important differences listed:
- Target audience: A skatepark primarily serves teenagers and young adults. A pumptrack serves all ages.
- Means of transport: A skatepark is primarily for skateboards and BMXs. A pumptrack also works for bicycles, scooters, and inline skates.
- Threshold: A skatepark requires basic skills. A pumptrack is immediately accessible to beginners.
- Maintenance: Asphalt pumptracks have a lifespan of 8 to 12 years and low maintenance costs. Concrete skateparks require more repair work in the event of damage.
- Certification: Pumptracks can be certified according to WAS legislation and NEN-EN 14974. This is less common for skateparks.
Do you want to know which projects have already been completed? View our completed projects for concrete examples of pumptracks in Dutch municipalities and recreation parks.
Why are municipalities increasingly opting for a pumptrack?
Municipalities opt for a pumptrack because it is one of the few outdoor play facilities that serves a broad audience in a relatively small area. In effect, a single pumptrack replaces multiple facilities: a play structure for preschoolers, a bike track for primary school students, and a sports area for teenagers and adults. This makes it financially attractive and spatially efficient.
Furthermore, a pumptrack aligns perfectly with the growing need for urban sports and outdoor exercise. Municipalities are observing increasing inactivity among young people and are actively seeking accessible ways to get people outdoors. A pumptrack attracts users without the need for supervision, membership, or fixed times. You simply cycle there and ride. This spontaneous nature makes it a valuable addition to the existing sports offerings in public spaces.
How safe is a pump track and what standards must it meet?
A pump track is safe when it is constructed and certified according to the applicable Dutch standards. The relevant legislation is the Amusement and Playground Equipment Act (WAS), and the corresponding standard is NEN-EN 14974. A pump track that meets these requirements is supplied with an official certificate and may be installed in public spaces.
What makes a pumptrack inherently safe? The track has no sharp edges, no freestanding obstacles, and a smooth progression of hills and curves. Users determine their own speed, and there is no risk of collision with other equipment. Furthermore, children learn to handle speed and balance intuitively, which benefits motor development. Helmets and protective gear are recommended, but the track itself is designed so that falls have limited consequences.
How much does it cost to build a pumptrack and what are the maintenance costs?
The construction costs of a pumptrack depend on the size, design, and location. A small entry-level track for a primary school or neighborhood requires a different investment than a large municipal facility. What is certain, however, is that the total cost of ownership of a pumptrack is favorable compared to many other play facilities, thanks to a long lifespan and low annual maintenance costs.
Take the following cost items into account:
- Construction: Depending on size and design, including earthworks and asphalt laying.
- Certification: One-off inspection and certificate in accordance with WAS and NEN-EN 14974.
- Annual maintenance: Periodic inspection and minor repairs to keep the track in top condition.
- Lifespan: 8 to 12 years with normal use and proper maintenance.
- Warranty: 5 years on the structure.
The low maintenance costs make a pumptrack a smart choice in the long run for municipalities with a limited budget. Asphalt requires little repair work, and by scheduling annual maintenance, you prevent major, expensive repairs later on.
How Velosolutions helps build a pumptrack
Velosolutions is the market leader in the Netherlands, with over 12 years of experience and more than 100 completed pumptracks. We guide municipalities and recreation parks from the initial idea to official completion, and continue to do so for years to come with maintenance and inspections. In concrete terms, this means:
- Custom-designed pumptracks, tailored to your location and target audience
- Fully certified according to WAS legislation and NEN-EN 14974
- UCI-certified as the only pumptrack provider in the world
- 5-year warranty and an annual maintenance program
- Support for initiators who want to convince their municipality
- Proven concept with concrete references from across the Netherlands
Do you want to know who we are and what drives us? Read more about us. Or get started right away: request a no-obligation consultation and discover what a pumptrack can mean for your municipality or recreation park.
