Spring Riders for Public Playgrounds
Spring riders are compact playground units that allow children to rock forwards, backwards and sideways using a heavy-duty spring mechanism. Intergard supplies colourful spring riders in different designs, including animal-themed models such as Seal, Dragon, Elephant and Dog, for use in playground environments.
The spring riders are manufactured from solid HDPE panels and feature handles, footrests and a steel spring and anchoring system. The HDPE panels are 19mm thick and the footrests have an anti-slip profile. The steel anchoring is hot-dip galvanised and can be installed in concrete in accordance with the installation requirements.
For public playground applications, always check the specifications and documentation of the individual model, including any applicable EN 1176 or TÜV information. Spring riders form part of our range of commercial playground equipment.
Spring Riders for Playgrounds, Schools and Play Areas
A spring rider is a piece of playground equipment consisting of a seat or shaped body mounted on a heavy-duty spring. The spring allows the rider to rock in different directions while the child holds the handles and places their feet on the footrests.
Spring riders are particularly suited to playground layouts where a compact item of play equipment is required. Depending on the individual model and its specified application, they can be used in public playgrounds, school playgrounds, campsites, holiday parks and other play areas.
What Is a Playground Spring Rider?
A playground spring rider, also known as a spring rocker, is a rocking playground unit mounted on a steel spring. Unlike a traditional seesaw, a single-seat spring rider can be used independently by one child where the model is designed for one user.
The rocking movement creates an interactive play experience in a relatively compact area. Different designs can also give the equipment a recognisable theme, such as an animal or fantasy figure.
HDPE Spring Riders
Intergard spring riders are manufactured using solid 19mm HDPE panels where specified for the models in this range. HDPE is a plastic material commonly used for outdoor applications and allows colourful shapes and designs to be created.
HDPE requires relatively little routine surface maintenance, but this does not make the complete spring rider maintenance-free. The spring, fixings, handles, footrests, anchoring and other components should still be inspected regularly.
Handles and Anti-Slip Footrests
The spring riders are equipped with handles and footrests to provide defined hand and foot positions during use. The footrests feature an anti-slip profile on the models concerned.
These components are subject to repeated use and should therefore form part of routine playground inspections. Loose, damaged or excessively worn components should be addressed before the equipment is returned to use.
Heavy-Duty Steel Spring
The steel spring creates the characteristic rocking movement of a spring rider. For the models described in this category, the spring dimensions are approximately Ø17 x 40cm with an 18mm spring diameter.
Because the spring is a moving and load-bearing component, its condition, connections and fixing points should be checked regularly in accordance with the applicable inspection and maintenance instructions.
Hot-Dip Galvanised Steel Anchoring
The spring riders use a hot-dip galvanised steel anchoring system for fixing the equipment to the ground. Hot-dip galvanising provides a protective zinc coating that helps reduce corrosion of the steel.
Galvanised steel should not, however, be described as completely rust-proof. Environmental conditions, wear and damage to the protective layer can affect its condition over time.
Installing a Spring Rider in Concrete
The anchoring of a spring rider can be installed in concrete where this is specified by the installation instructions. A stable and correctly prepared foundation is important because the equipment is repeatedly subjected to movement during use.
The precise foundation dimensions, anchoring position and installation method should always follow the instructions for the individual spring rider. General foundation dimensions should not be substituted for product-specific requirements.
Spring Riders and EN 1176
Spring riders intended for public playgrounds should be assessed in relation to the requirements applicable to professional playground equipment. EN 1176 is the European standards series covering playground equipment and playground surfacing.
Where an Intergard spring rider is tested or certified in relation to EN 1176 and/or TÜV, this should be verified in the documentation of the individual product. A statement applying to one model should not automatically be applied to every spring rider in the range.
Product certification alone also does not determine the safety of the complete installation. Correct foundations, installation, safety clearances, surfacing, inspection and maintenance remain important.
Spring Riders for Public Playgrounds
A commercial spring rider can provide a compact rocking activity within a public playground. Its relatively small footprint can make it useful alongside larger playground equipment, provided the required safety area is maintained.
For a public playground project, check the intended users, number of users, product dimensions, free fall height, safety area, foundation requirements and surfacing specifications of the selected model.
Spring Riders for School Playgrounds
Spring riders specified for professional use can also be considered for school playgrounds. The suitability of a particular model depends on its intended users and technical specifications.
The equipment should be positioned so that its movement does not interfere with circulation routes or the safety areas of adjacent playground equipment.
Animal Spring Riders
Animal-themed spring riders combine the rocking mechanism with a recognisable figure. The Intergard range includes designs such as Seal, Dragon, Elephant and Dog.
The appearance of a spring rider can be useful when creating a themed play area, but the technical specifications and intended application should remain the main considerations when selecting playground equipment.
Spring Rider or Seesaw?
A single-seat spring rider differs from a conventional seesaw because it can be operated by one child without requiring another user at the opposite end. The movement is generated by the spring rather than by a long beam pivoting around a central point.
The two types of equipment therefore provide different play experiences and have different space, installation and safety requirements.
What Age Are Spring Riders Suitable For?
The appropriate age range should be taken from the specifications of the individual spring rider. Some models in this range have previously been specified for children from approximately 3 to 12 years, but this should not automatically be applied to every model.
For a public or school playground, use the product-specific age or user information when planning the play area.
How Many Children Can Use a Spring Rider?
Single-seat spring riders are designed for one user where this is specified for the model. Do not assume that every spring-mounted item has the same user capacity, as larger or differently designed spring equipment may have different specifications.
Safety Area Around a Spring Rider
A spring rider requires sufficient clear space around the equipment for its intended movement and use. The exact safety area depends on the dimensions, movement and technical specifications of the individual model.
When planning the playground, allow for the complete safety area rather than only the physical dimensions of the spring rider itself.
What Surfacing Is Needed Under a Spring Rider?
The required playground surface depends on factors including the equipment's free fall height and the requirements of the particular installation. Where impact-attenuating surfacing is required, its performance must be appropriate for the equipment.
Intergard also supplies rubber playground tiles in different variants. The suitability of a particular tile, including its required thickness, should be checked against the specifications of the spring rider and the intended installation.
How to Install a Playground Spring Rider
A spring rider should be installed according to the technical and foundation instructions supplied for the individual model. Correct positioning and anchoring are important because the equipment is subjected to repeated dynamic movement.
- Check the product dimensions and installation instructions.
- Determine the required position and safety area.
- Check the required foundation and anchoring method.
- Prepare the ground and foundation.
- Install the anchoring system in the specified position.
- Assemble the spring, panels and other components according to the instructions.
- Check all bolts, fixings, handles and footrests.
- Provide the required playground surface.
- Inspect the complete installation before putting it into use.
The panels and spring are supplied unassembled as a kit for the models concerned. Always follow the product-specific assembly instructions.
Inspection and Maintenance of Spring Riders
Playground spring riders require regular inspection and maintenance because they contain moving and load-bearing components. Particular attention should be paid to the spring, connections, fixings, handles, footrests, panels and anchoring.
The surrounding playground surface and foundation should also be checked where relevant. Inspection and maintenance intervals should follow the requirements applicable to the product and playground installation.
Combining Spring Riders with Other Playground Equipment
Spring riders can be combined with other play activities to create a more varied playground. Their safety area should not conflict with the movement or safety zones of adjacent equipment.
Intergard also supplies play towers, rope climbing pyramids, playground slides, commercial swing seats and nest swings.
Buy Spring Riders from Intergard
Intergard supplies spring riders for professional playground applications in different colourful designs. Compare the dimensions, intended users, number of users, foundation requirements, safety area and product documentation before choosing a model.
Spring riders can be combined with other commercial playground equipment to create a varied play area. For questions about a particular model, larger quantities or a playground project, please contact Intergard.
Frequently Asked Questions About Spring Riders
What is a spring rider?
A spring rider is a piece of playground equipment consisting of a seat or shaped body mounted on a heavy-duty spring. The spring allows the equipment to rock when the child moves their body.
What is another name for a spring rider?
Spring rocker is another commonly used term for this type of playground equipment. Terms such as playground spring rider and spring rocking toy are also used.
Are spring riders suitable for public playgrounds?
Models specified for professional playground use can be suitable for public playgrounds. Check the intended application and technical documentation of the individual model.
Are spring riders suitable for school playgrounds?
Professional models can be suitable for school playgrounds when their specifications match the intended users and application. Installation, safety space and surfacing must also be considered.
Are Intergard spring riders EN 1176 compliant?
Any EN 1176 and TÜV information should be checked for the individual spring rider. Testing or certification stated for one product should not automatically be assumed to apply to the complete range.
What are Intergard spring riders made from?
The models described in this range use solid HDPE panels combined with a steel spring and steel anchoring system. The exact construction should always be checked in the individual product specifications.
How thick is the HDPE?
The HDPE panels are 19mm thick on the models for which this specification applies. Check the individual product description before ordering.
What size is the spring?
The stated spring size for the models concerned is approximately Ø17 x 40cm, with an 18mm spring diameter. Product-specific specifications should take precedence.
Are the footrests anti-slip?
The models concerned are equipped with footrests featuring an anti-slip profile. Footrests should nevertheless be included in routine inspections for wear or damage.
How many children can use a spring rider?
A single-seat spring rider is intended for one child where this is specified for the model. Always check the stated user capacity of the individual product.
What age is a spring rider suitable for?
The appropriate age depends on the individual model. Some models have been specified for approximately 3–12 years, but the product-specific information should always be used.
Does a spring rider need to be concreted into the ground?
Concrete anchoring can be required or recommended depending on the model and installation instructions. Follow the foundation and anchoring specifications supplied with the equipment.
Is the anchoring rust-proof?
No, hot-dip galvanised steel should not be described as completely rust-proof. Galvanising helps protect steel against corrosion, but environmental conditions and damage can affect the protective layer.
Are spring riders maintenance-free?
No, playground spring riders should not be regarded as maintenance-free. The spring, fixings, handles, footrests, panels, anchoring and surrounding area require periodic inspection.
Do spring riders need safety surfacing?
The surfacing requirements depend on the individual equipment and its installation specifications. Where impact-attenuating surfacing is required, it must provide suitable performance for the relevant free fall height.
Can rubber tiles be installed under a spring rider?
Rubber tiles can be used where their specifications are suitable for the particular playground installation. Intergard supplies rubber playground tiles, but the required type and thickness should be determined from the equipment and surfacing requirements.
Are spring riders supplied assembled?
The panels and spring are supplied unassembled as a kit for the models concerned. Assembly should follow the instructions supplied with the product.
Where can I buy spring riders for a public playground?
Intergard supplies spring riders as part of its range of commercial playground equipment. Compare the technical specifications and intended application of each model before ordering.