Overview
EN ISO 20957-9:2016 - Stationary training equipment - Part 9: Elliptical trainers, additional specific safety requirements and test methods - is the ISO/CEN standard that supplements the general safety rules of ISO 20957‑1 with requirements and test methods specific to elliptical trainers. It covers cardiovascular equipment that uses a closed‑pattern and/or reciprocating motion where the user’s feet remain on a footplatform (excluding steppers), and applies to devices used from a standing or seated position.
This EN ISO document (approved November 2016) aligns with the ISO 20957 series and was prepared by ISO/TC 83 and CEN/TC 136.
Key topics
The standard focuses on safety, classification and reproducible test methods for elliptical trainers. Major subject areas include:
- Scope & classification: Defines the equipment types and class categories (Class A/B/C) and the relationship to ISO 20957‑1.
- Safety requirements: Addresses hazards and protective measures such as:
- Squeeze and shear points in accessible areas
- Temperature rise of external parts
- Handlebars (movable, non‑movable, seat handlebars)
- Footplatforms including non‑slip surfaces and guards
- Stability and endurance under intended loading
- Seat systems where applicable
- Additional instructions and warnings for users
- Test methods: Specifies reproducible tests and reporting, including:
- Dimensional checks and visual examination
- Performance and endurance testing (speed‑dependent and speed‑independent)
- Testing of squeeze/shear points, temperature rise and intrinsic loading
- Handlebar, stability, friction and power‑repeatability tests
- Requirements for test reports and bibliography
Applications
EN ISO 20957-9:2016 is practical for:
- Manufacturers and product designers - to design elliptical trainers that meet recognized safety expectations and to validate prototypes.
- Compliance and safety engineers - to develop verification programs and produce test evidence.
- Independent test laboratories - to carry out endurance, stability and safety testing in a standardized way.
- Procurement teams and gym operators - to specify safer equipment and evaluate supplier conformity.
- Regulatory and standards bodies - to harmonize national requirements with CEN/ISO practice.
Using ISO 20957‑9 together with ISO 20957‑1 helps organizations demonstrate that elliptical trainers meet harmonized safety and test method expectations across Europe and internationally.
Related standards
- ISO 20957‑1 - General safety requirements and test methods for stationary training equipment
- Other parts of ISO 20957 series (treadmills, rowing machines, steppers, etc.) for equipment‑specific rules
Keywords: EN ISO 20957-9:2016, ISO 20957‑9, elliptical trainers safety standard, stationary training equipment, test methods, cardiovascular equipment.
