Trampoline safety guide

The BS EN 71-14 standard

BS EN 71-14 is the European standard for trampolines intended for domestic outdoor use, adopted in the UK as a British Standard. It sets requirements for construction, enclosures and labelling, among other things. We only say a product meets the standard when the manufacturer or retailer explicitly states it. North, for example, says the Pioneer follows the EU safety standard without naming which one, and that it has been tested and evaluated by RISE (Research Institutes of Sweden). So we do not claim the Pioneer meets BS EN 71-14.

Safety nets

The net stops the jumper landing off the trampoline. Look at how it attaches: a net that seals closely to the mat means nobody can slip between the mat and the springs. Some models add a safety belt in the net and a self-closing entrance. Net poles should be padded. Check the net regularly, as sunlight and weather break the material down over time.

Pads

The pad covers the springs and frame. A wider, thicker pad covers more, but the most important thing is that it is in place and intact. Replace a pad that has split or slipped, because the springs become exposed.

Weight limits and age

Every trampoline has a maximum user weight and a recommended minimum age set by the manufacturer. Follow both. Note that a figure like North's "weight-tested to 650 kg" for the Pioneer describes a manufacturer test, not a permitted user weight – look for the user weight limit in the manual. Where we do not have that figure we show "n/a".

Placement and anchoring

Place the trampoline on level, soft ground with clear space around and above it, as the manual specifies. Keep it away from fences, walls, trees and play equipment. In exposed gardens, anchor it so it cannot lift in the wind.

Rules for jumping

• Follow the manual on how many can jump at once – often only one.
• Respect the maximum user weight and minimum age.
• Jump in the centre of the mat and climb off calmly rather than jumping off.
• No going underneath the trampoline and no climbing the net.
• Younger children should jump under adult supervision.
• Don't jump when the mat is wet or slippery.

Pre-season check

1. Inspect the frame for rust or cracks.
2. Check every spring is attached and none is overstretched.
3. Look for holes or wear in the mat and net.
4. Make sure the pad covers the springs all the way round.
5. Check the anchoring after winter.

How to use our comparison

Every product in our comparison is shown with the details the manufacturer or retailer actually states. If a figure is missing – maximum user weight, warranty length or spring count, for example – we show "n/a" rather than guess. Scores are based on specifications across safety, performance, durability, ease of use and value, and any commission we may earn from retailers never affects them. We have not tested the trampolines hands-on, so use the comparison to quickly rule out models that do not suit you, then read the manufacturer's manual and terms before you decide. We explain exactly how everything is calculated on our how we compare page.

To compare safety features across models, use the compare tool or see trampolines for kids.

See trampolines with enclosure