Scooters, children’s bikes and helmets in the laboratory: design defects in 10 of 20 sports scooters and 9 of 40 ride-on toys, helmets all passed
Between January and April 2026 Poland’s Trade Inspection checked 75 models: 40 tricycles, balance bikes and children’s scooters (toys, PN-EN 71-1+A1:2018-08), 20 sports scooters (PN-EN 14619:2019-11) and 15 cycling and scooter helmets (PN-EN 1078+A1:2013-04). Design defects were found in 10 sports scooters and 9 toys, while all helmets met the design requirements in tests at CIOP in Łódź.
- For the toys the laboratory checked static and dynamic strength (simulating an impact against an obstacle such as a kerb), stability, wheel diameter, gaps between moving parts and the operation of locking mechanisms and brakes; the most frequent defects were incorrect gaps between the wheel and other parts, a badly placed minimum-insertion mark on the seat post, undersized front wheels, a non-functioning handlebar height lock, sharp edges and packaging film that was too thin.
- Among sports scooters 10 of 20 models failed: handlebar-end grips that came off, handlebar stems that bent or broke, and stems without a permanent minimum-insertion mark that could be pulled out completely without tools.
- Experts at the Central Institute for Labour Protection (CIOP) in Łódź tested the helmets for impact absorption and the effectiveness of the retention system — all 15 models met the requirements; objections concerned the marking and documentation of 8 helmets and the instructions and information for 3 models.
- Marking shortcomings were found in 14 of 40 toys and 9 of 20 sports scooters. The checks resulted in requests to the President of UOKiK to open proceedings: 8 for toys, 7 for sports scooters and 3 for helmets; for a sports scooter that fails the general safety requirement the manufacturer or importer faces a fine of up to PLN 1 million.
Source: UOKiK — Lato na sportowo! Wyniki kontroli hulajnóg, rowerków i kasków (12.06.2026)