Overview
ISO 11199-2:2021/Amd 1:2024 is the latest amendment to the international standard specifying requirements and test methods for assistive products designed to aid walking, specifically focusing on rollators manipulated by both arms. This amendment, published by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), removes brake requirements from the existing standard, refining design and performance expectations for rollators used indoors, outdoors, or in mixed environments. The update aims to enhance product maneuverability while ensuring safety and usability for individuals relying on these mobility aids.
Key Topics
-
Removal of Brake Requirements
The amendment eliminates mandatory brake specifications for rollators, impacting design flexibility and potentially reducing manufacturing complexity while maintaining essential safety characteristics.
-
Maneuverability Specifications
Rollators must be designed for effective maneuvering based on their intended environments:
- For indoor use on level surfaces, rollators must have front wheels with a diameter of at least 75 mm.
- For outdoor use, the front wheel diameter must be at least 180 mm with a minimum wheel width of 22 mm to handle rougher terrain and provide stability.
-
Product Testing and Compliance
The standard details robust test methods ensuring rollators meet the adjusted requirements for durability and usability without brake components, supporting manufacturers in quality assurance.
-
Collaboration and Development
This document was developed by ISO Technical Committee ISO/TC 173, responsible for assistive products, in collaboration with the European Committee for Standardization (CEN/TC 293). It reflects international consensus and compliance with ISO/IEC directives.
Applications
-
Manufacturers of Mobility Aids
Companies designing and producing rollators can apply these updated requirements to innovate and streamline product designs, particularly by reconsidering braking mechanisms and focusing on wheel specifications for indoor and outdoor use.
-
Healthcare Providers and Care Facilities
Understanding this amendment supports procurement decisions, ensuring selected rollators meet confirmed standards for maneuverability tailored to various environments without compromising user safety.
-
Regulatory and Testing Bodies
Authorities and testers can align assessment protocols with this amendment to guarantee compliance and consistent product quality across markets.
-
Users and Caregivers
Improved design flexibility potentially leads to enhanced ease of use, comfort, and reliability for individuals relying on rollators for mobility support.
Related Standards
-
ISO 11199 Series
ISO 11199 encompasses comprehensive standards that cover assistive walking products manipulated with both arms, including other types of walking aids beyond rollators, ensuring holistic guidance on design and safety.
-
ISO/IEC Directives, Part 1 and 2
These directives govern the preparation and maintenance of ISO standards, underlining the procedural framework behind this amendment’s publication.
-
European Committee for Standardization (CEN) Collaborations
The partnership with CEN Technical Committee 293 ensures alignment of international and European standards for assistive products, promoting harmonization in market regulations.
ISO 11199-2:2021/Amd 1:2024 reflects the evolving needs within assistive mobility device standards. By removing brake requirements and refining wheel dimension criteria, this amendment supports better product usability and adaptability across different environments, benefiting manufacturers, regulators, and end-users alike. For detailed guidance or implementation inquiries, stakeholders are encouraged to consult their national ISO member bodies or visit the official ISO website.
Open preview (PDF)Assistive products for walking manipulated by both arms — Requirements and test methods — Part 2: Rollators — Amendment 1: Removal of brake requirements
