A trampoline is a fixture in many Australian backyards, a source of screen-free fun and a favourite way for active kids to burn off energy outdoors. But with all that flipping and bouncing going on, you want to ensure your trampoline is also as safe as possible.
With no mandatory safety standard in place for trampolines, it's currently up to manufacturers to ensure their products are safe. But in recent CHOICE testing of several popular brands, we've found a number of trampolines that do not pass all of the voluntary safety tests as set out in the Australian Standard.
"Our trampoline safety tests look at how children can use the product in real life as well as how the trampoline performs if you follow all safety instructions," says CHOICE testing expert Chris Barnes.
"We look at what can happen if children bounce against the enclosure net or land hard on the padding."
With no mandatory safety standard in place for trampolines, it's currently up to manufacturers to ensure their products are safe
The models that failed had issues such as padding that doesn't provide adequate protection or isn't durable, frames that didn't pass structural integrity testing, or models with pinching hazard or risk of limb entrapment.
Our testers noted other issues such as inadequate or difficult-to-follow instructions, which can result in incorrect or unsafe assembly, and minor safety failures such as a padding colour that doesn't contrast with the mat, making it more difficult to differentiate.
The trampolines that passed our safety tests
Two Springfree trampolines – the Springfree Medium Square S72 and the Springfree R79 Medium Round – have both passed when tested to a method based on the voluntary Australian safety standards and are recommended by our experts.
A Vuly model also passed (once we had adjusted the testing methods to accommodate its unique design), but it has since been discontinued.
"Both the Springfree models and the discontinued Vuly trampoline passed all our structural, impact and safety tests. They each have a strong, durable frame and enclosure, which helps protect the user from any impacts," says Barnes.
"There are no significant entrapment hazards and the instructions are clear and easy to follow, with instructions and safety labelling that meets the requirements of the voluntary standard."
Trampolines with safety failures
These are the trampolines from our two most recent tests that had safety issues and are still available to buy. There are other models that failed our durability tests that have now been discontinued from sale. Click the links to see the full reviews, including their safety failures:
- Lifespan HyperJump3
- Lifespan Hyperjump4 10ft spring trampoline
- OzTrampolines 10ft Round Summit
- Plum 10ft Space Zone II Springsafe
CHOICE tests trampolines to the voluntary Australian standard, as there is no mandatory standard for trampolines.
"Unfortunately, the current Australian standard for trampolines is only voluntary, which means manufacturers are not required by law to meet it," says Barnes.
We're continuing to call for stronger product safety laws that put the onus on manufacturers and retailers to ensure products they sell are safe before they hit store shelves and online platforms. Australians can join the call for better product safety laws at choice.com.au/productsafety.
Kids are best supervised, particularly if under six.
CHOICE calls for safer products for Australians
Right now, it is not illegal to sell unsafe products in Australia. While a handful of products are subject to mandatory standards and product bans, there's no general law preventing the sale of unsafe products, unlike in other jurisdictions like the EU and UK.
This means when you go to the shops or buy something online, you can't be certain that the manufacturer has made sure it's safe for use. This is why CHOICE wants stronger safety laws.
"It's disappointing to see these products failing our safety testing, but not surprising given Australia's lax product safety laws," says Andy Kelly, CHOICE deputy director of campaigns and communications.
"Unfortunately, it can take someone being seriously injured or killed before an unsafe product is recalled, or a new mandatory standard or product ban introduced. That's why CHOICE is calling on the government to introduce strong new product safety laws that would make it illegal for businesses to sell unsafe products. Until then, people will continue to be exposed to unacceptable risks."
Expert tips for buying the best, safest trampolines
Aside from buying a trampoline that meets the voluntary safety standard, parents and carers can take other precautions to minimise risks when buying and using a trampoline.
- Choose a trampoline with a strong, flexible net that fully encloses the mat, that won't tear if a jumper jumps into it. Take notice of different brands of trampolines owned by friends or neighbours - has the net held up well or is it torn and sagging?
- Nets should be attached inside the springs or frame to prevent falls onto hard edges.
- Springless trampolines (rods or elastics instead of springs) reduce the chance of pinching, entrapment and hard impact points.
- If buying a spring model, check for thick, durable padding that fully covers the springs and frame. It is a requirement of the voluntary standard that this padding is a different colour from the mat to make it easier to see.
- Choose a trampoline that's large enough to suit your kids's ages, sizes and number of jumpers (although it's safest if you only allow one jumper at a time).
- Look for galvanised steel frames and UV-resistant nets and mats.
- Trampolines can be notoriously difficult to assemble and it's important to ensure a trampoline is assembled correctly. In our reviews we note whether the trampoline comes with adequate, easy to follow instructions. If you're buying secondhand, ask the person you're buying from if they have kept the instructions.
- Supervise children when they're using the trampoline, particularly if they're under six years old.
"Many safety risks can be minimised or avoided completely by safe use of the trampoline, such as only allowing one person on the trampoline at a time, or no deliberate bouncing against the net," explains Barnes.
"We know that for a fun product like a trampoline, safety instructions aren't always followed exactly by children. That's why the Australian standard tests trampolines for foreseeable misuse and accidents, like bouncing against the enclosure net or landing hard on the padding."
Responses from manufacturers
After testing, we contacted the manufacturers of the trampolines we tested with our results.
Some manufacturers disputed our findings, producing test certificates showing that their product meets the voluntary Australian standard.
Testing trampolines requires a very specific laboratory set-up, not to mention a lot of floor space and high ceilings. While CHOICE does have high-quality NATA-accredited laboratories, we don't have the necessary equipment or skills – or indeed the floor space and ceiling heights – to test trampolines to the Australian standard. So instead, when we review trampolines, we send them to an expert external lab. We stand by the results of this testing.
We're on your side
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Instead we're funded by members who value expert reviews and independent product testing.
With no self-interest behind our advice, you don't just buy smarter, you get the answers that you need.
You know without hesitation what's safe for you and your family. And our recent sunscreens test showed just how important it is to keep business claims in check.
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Stock images: Getty, unless otherwise stated.
