Overview
ISO 20957-9:2016 - Stationary training equipment - Part 9: Elliptical trainers - specifies additional safety requirements and test methods for elliptical trainers, supplementing the general requirements of ISO 20957‑1. It covers cardiovascular equipment that produces a closed‑pattern or reciprocating foot motion (feet in contact with a footplatform) used standing or seated - excluding steppers. The standard focuses on design safety, mechanical integrity and repeatable test methods to reduce injury risk and ensure reliable performance.
Key Topics and Requirements
- Scope & classification
- Applies in addition to the general safety requirements of ISO 20957‑1 and addresses different equipment classes (examples: class A, B, C; endurance classes H and S).
- External construction
- Eliminate squeeze and shear points in accessible areas; specific probe tests are defined to check entrapment risk.
- Temperature rise: accessible parts must not exceed 65 °C under test.
- Handlebars
- Moving handlebars: limited permanent deformation (≤ 3%) and tip geometry to reduce facial injury risk (examples: tip diameter ≥ 50 mm or inverted U-shape).
- Non‑moving and seat handlebars: deformation and load resistance limits; seat handlebars tested at specified vertical loads (≥ 1 000 N / 2 000 N depending on condition).
- Footplatforms
- Non‑slip surface requirement (minimum 300 mm × 100 mm or 90% of usable surface) with coefficient of friction > 0.5 (ISO 5904 test).
- Front and inside edge guards: minimum heights and coverage to prevent feet slipping off.
- Stability & endurance
- Equipment must not tip over during stability tests.
- Endurance cycle requirements: 12,000 cycles for class H and 100,000 cycles for class S; product must remain functional after testing.
- Power and performance
- Class A: mechanical power accuracy limits (±5 W up to 50 W; ±10% over 50 W) and user manual warnings about human vs. mechanical power.
- Class B/C: specific rules about power display (e.g., not in watts for some classes) and reproducible adjustment ranges (class B ±25%).
- Test methods
- Defined procedures for dimensional checks, visual/tactile examination, squeeze/shear testing, temperature, handlebars, stability, endurance and power repeatability.
Applications - Who Uses This Standard
- Elliptical trainer manufacturers - design validation and conformity to international safety practice.
- Test laboratories and certification bodies - conducting standardized safety and performance tests.
- Product designers & R&D teams - integrating safety features (handlebar geometry, footplatform guards, thermal management).
- Procurement, gym operators & facility managers - selecting compliant and durable equipment.
- Regulators & compliance officers - referencing objective test methods and acceptance criteria.
Related Standards
- ISO 20957‑1 - Stationary training equipment - General safety requirements and test methods (foundation standard).
- ISO 5904 - Determination of resistance to slipping (applies to footplatform testing).
- EN 71‑1 - Test finger probe references for entrapment testing.
Keywords: ISO 20957-9:2016, elliptical trainers safety, stationary training equipment, test methods, footplatform, handlebars, endurance testing, power accuracy, ISO 20957-1.
Open preview (PDF)Stationary training equipment — Part 9: Elliptical trainers, additional specific safety requirements and test methods