SG 127/24
A new standard has been published by CEN in July 2024 to address potential hazards from the use of pushchairs during sporting activities.
Back in 2014, the European Committee for Standardization (CEN) TC252 decided to split standard EN1888, applicable to wheeled child conveyances, into several parts to clearly address safety concerns linked to the use of a variety of products.
EN1888-3:2024 is the third part of the EN1888 series. It is applicable to pushchairs intended for leisure sport activities and only applies in conjunction with EN1888-1+A1:2022 (and EN1888-2+A1:2022, if the product is suitable for children up to 22 kg), adding relevant requirements.
The scope of this standard is to include requirements from wheeled child conveyances to be used whilst running/jogging or skating. Ice skating is still explicitly ruled out as too many hazards are involved with this activity.
Other types of pushchair, where the carer is transported while pushing (e.g. the combination of a longboard and a pushchair) are also excluded from the scope.
The main concerns addressed by this new standard are:
- Suitability for use: the vehicle shall ensure a safe ride on uneven surfaces and provide a safe position for the child. A restraint system shall limit the displacement of the child in case of impact
- The requirement to prevent entanglement hazards is applicable when assessed against EN 1888-1+A1:2022, but clause 8.4 of this standard does not apply to tether straps (if provided)
- The stability requirements set forth in EN1888-1+A1:2022 have been improved to take into account the potential for steep and uneven terrain
- Regarding structural integrity, the number of cycles and speed of the irregular surface test provided in EN1888 parts 1 and 2 +A1:2022 has been increased to consider longer, faster and more intensive use. Additionally, requirements for the strength of wheels have been developed
- A braking device is required to prevent hazards relating to higher speed incidents, and tests have been introduced to check its efficiency and function. In addition, the pushchair shall be provided with a means to stop it if the carer loses control – a tether is a suitable solution
- Vehicle visibility: reflectors or retroreflective materials shall be provided on the four sides
- Enhanced product information: the use for sporting activities is only suitable for children of at least 9 months of age and a warning is required to remind the user that extra care should be taken when sharing sport activities with a young child. Statements have also been added for the child and carer to wear suitable protective equipment – a helmet for the child and reflective clothing for the carer. If provided, a warning sentence on the tether shall remind the user that the tether must always be used. A pictogram, such as the one indicated below, may be used on the product, but the same pictogram must also be used and explained in the instruction manual
The standard was made available by CEN in July 2024. European national bodies have six months to publish it in their catalogues and any conflicting national standards must be withdrawn by January 2025, at the latest.
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