A PumpTrack and a skatepark look similar at first glance, but the differences are significant. A PumpTrack is a closed circuit of hills and curves that you ride without pedaling or pushing, whereas a skatepark consists of individual elements such as rails, kickers, and bowls that require more technical skills. The biggest difference lies in accessibility: a PumpTrack is suitable for almost anyone with wheels, from a toddler on a balance bike to an adult on a BMX. In this article, we answer the most frequently asked questions about both facilities so that you can make an informed choice.
Which ages and users can a PumpTrack serve?
A PumpTrack caters to virtually all ages and user groups. Children from around 2 years old on a balance bike can already get started with it, and adults on a road bike, BMX, or mountain bike ride it just as well. This makes a PumpTrack one of the widest range of sports facilities you can install as a municipality or recreation park.
In practice, a skatepark targets a much narrower audience. Young children feel less at home there, and the barrier to entry is higher. You need more technical skills to get enjoyment out of it.
On an asphalt PumpTrack, users drive on bicycle, skateboard, scooter and inline skatesThis means that a single facility brings together multiple sports cultures in the same place. Moreover, well-designed PumpTracks are wheelchair-friendly — manual wheelchairs are also suitable; a handbike is not necessary for this — which further enhances inclusivity. From toddlers on balance bikes to adults on BMX bikes: one track, for everyone. Wearing a helmet is mandatory on Velosolutions PumpTracks.
How much does a PumpTrack cost compared to a skatepark?
The construction costs of a PumpTrack and a skatepark are in the same order of magnitude, but the total costs over the lifespan differ significantly. A PumpTrack has lower maintenance costs, a longer lifespan, and reaches more users per euro of investment. As a result, the cost per user of a PumpTrack is structurally lower than that of a traditional skatepark.
An asphalt PumpTrack goes at least 20 years along with regular annual maintenance. Asphalt is more robust than the wooden or concrete elements seen in many skateparks and requires fewer repairs. Velosolutions offers annual inspection and maintenance, also available via a maintenance contract, ensuring the track always remains in optimal condition. Skateparks with wooden structures suffer more frequently from wear and tear, vandalism, and weather influences, which drives up maintenance costs.
Do you want to properly justify the investment to a city council or management? Then take a look at the total cost of ownership: construction costs plus maintenance plus lifespan divided by the number of users. That way, a PumpTrack usually works out better, especially if you take into account the broad target group that uses the track daily.
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What surface and materials are used for a PumpTrack and skatepark?
A PumpTrack is constructed in asphalt, while a skatepark is made of concrete, wood, or a combination thereof. Asphalt offers a smooth, durable riding surface that functions well in all weather conditions and requires little maintenance. Concrete is also durable but more expensive to construct. Wooden skateparks are cheaper but more susceptible to wear and tear and the elements.
The asphalt of a PumpTrack is laid by hand, ensuring smooth transitions between hills and gradual curves. This manual laying is skilled craftsmanship: the shape of the track directly determines how well you can ride on it. A poorly finished PumpTrack quickly loses its riding quality. Therefore, execution by a specialized party is important.
In a skatepark, the chosen materials also determine the possibilities for use. A concrete bowl feels different from a wooden halfpipe, and both require different use and maintenance. Asphalt as a material for a PumpTrack combines the best of both worlds: durable, smooth, and affordable to maintain.
How much space do you need for a PumpTrack versus a skatepark?
A PumpTrack can be constructed starting from approximately 200 square meters, whereas a full skatepark with various elements quickly requires more space. PumpTracks are compact due to their enclosed circuit and are well-suited for locations where space is limited, such as a city park, schoolyard, or recreational area.
That compact design is a major advantage for municipalities dealing with scarce land. You make maximum use of a small surface area because the track can be in continuous use by multiple users simultaneously. A skatepark often requires separate elements with safety margins between them, which quickly increases the required space.
Moreover, a PumpTrack is flexible in shape. The track adapts to the available space, whether it is rectangular, elongated, or irregular. This makes it easier to fit a PumpTrack in locations where a skatepark simply wouldn't fit. View our completed projects for a clear picture of what is possible at various locations and in different formats.
What safety and certification requirements apply to a PumpTrack and skatepark?
In the Netherlands, play equipment in public spaces must comply with the Amusement and Play Equipment Act (WAS). For PumpTracks, the NEN-EN14974 standard applies, the same standard that applies to skate parks and similar facilities. Consequently, a certified PumpTrack meets the same legal requirements as recognized play equipment.
This is an important point for municipalities. You do not want to run the risk of liability by installing a facility that does not meet legal requirements. A PumpTrack certified according to WAS and NEN-EN14974 provides legal certainty and protects both the municipality and the users.
Not every provider of PumpTracks or skateparks delivers a certified end product. Therefore, always ask for a certificate upon delivery and check whether the provider has experience with Dutch regulations. Asphalt Pump Tracks Those that meet these standards give you, as the client, the assurance that your investment meets all requirements in the long term as well.
When do you choose a PumpTrack and when a skatepark?
Choose a PumpTrack if you want to reach the widest possible target audience with a single facility, have limited space, and consider low maintenance costs important. Choose a skatepark if you want to focus specifically on skating and tricks, and if there is already an active skate community requesting technical elements.
In practice, we see that municipalities are increasingly opting for a PumpTrack as a basic facility, sometimes supplemented with separate skate elements. This offers the best of both worlds: broad accessibility via the PumpTrack, with an extra challenge for advanced users through additional elements.
A skatepark is a good choice if there is a clear demand from a specific sports community. But if the goal is to to get as many people as possible moving, from young to old, from beginner to expert, a PumpTrack structurally offers more value per euro invested.
Unsure? Then compare the two options on three points: target audience reach, maintenance costs, and required space. On all three, a PumpTrack scores better than a traditional skatepark in most situations.
How Velosolutions helps with the choice between a PumpTrack and a skatepark
We are Velosolutions Benelux, market leader in the Netherlands with over 12 years of experience and more than 100 completed PumpTracks. We help municipalities and recreation parks not only with construction, but also with the preliminary assessment: what best suits your location, target group, and budget?
- Personal consultation about the possibilities at your location
- Custom design, tailored to the available space and the desired use
- Certification according to WAS and NEN-EN14974, including delivery documentation
- 5 year warranty and annual inspection and maintenance to keep the course in top condition, also available via a maintenance contract
- Concrete references from other municipalities and recreation parks in the Netherlands
Read more about us and discover why we are the most experienced party in this field in the Benelux. Ready to take the next step? Request a no-obligation consultation and we are happy to think along with you.
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