Just one trampoline in a group of 10 has passed all of our safety tests. The Springfree R79 scored 90% when tested to the voluntary Australian safety standard, while eight models had serious safety failures.
"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."
The safest model we tested
When it comes to trampoline safety, the Springfree model was the clear winner by leaps and bounds.
"Based on our safety testing, CHOICE has found that the Springfree R79 is the best model we've tested because of its strong, durable frame and enclosure, and the way in which the trampoline protects the user from any impacts against the frame, mat or enclosure," says Barnes.
"There are no significant entrapment hazards and the instructions are clear and easy to follow."
Another model, the Jumpflex Flex100, passed the main structural safety tests, but CHOICE testers noted some minor safety issues.
Serious safety concerns in eight trampolines tested
"The remaining eight trampolines that we tested all had serious safety failures, which included serious entrapment hazards, padding or enclosures that didn't stand up to durability testing and structural failures," reports Barnes.
Here are the trampoline models with serious safety issues. Click the links to see the full reviews including safety failures:
- Kahuna Classic 10ft
- Kmart 12ft Springless
- Lifespan HyperJump3
- Little Nation 10ft Trampoline
- OzTrampolines Summit
- Plum Space Zone V3 30212
- Premier Trampolines 10ft Premier with Net & Ladder
- Vuly Thunder Medium
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 calls for a General Safety Provision – a law that puts 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.
Trampoline safety tips
Aside from buying a trampoline that meets the voluntary safety standard, parents and carers can take other precautions to minimise the risk of injury when using the trampoline.
Here are some suggestions for safe trampoline use:
- Supervise children when they're using the trampoline, particularly if they're under six years old.
- Only allow one person on the trampoline at a time.
- Don't deliberately bounce against the net.
- Avoid landing hard on the padding.
- Tell children to stick to bouncing in the middle of the trampoline.
"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 we test for foreseeable misuse and accidents, like bouncing against the enclosure net or landing hard on the padding."
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Stock images: Getty, unless otherwise stated.
