Wheelchair Trampoline

Wheelchair Trampoline Buying Guide: How to Find the Right Wheelchair Trampoline for Your Facility

Wheelchair trampolines open up new possibilities for exercise, therapy and shared play for people with limited mobility – safe, accessible and inclusive. They are ideal for schools, special education facilities, therapy centres and clubs. In this buying guide, you’ll learn what to look out for when purchasing a wheelchair trampoline and which model is best suited to your facility.

• What is a wheelchair-accessible trampoline?
• What design requirements does this place on the construction?
• What should I look for in a wheelchair trampoline?

 

 

What is a wheelchair-accessible trampoline?

A wheelchair-accessible trampoline is a specially designed trampoline that allows people in wheelchairs or with limited mobility to use it safely and without barriers. Unlike conventional trampolines, these models are characterised in particular by their flush, ground-level installation and integrated ramps. The goal is full inclusion: wheelchair users should be able to enjoy jumping and therapeutic exercises on an equal footing and without outside assistance.

What design requirements does this place on the construction?

The construction must meet both safety and ergonomic requirements. Typical features include a reinforced, stable jumping surface that can withstand the weight and pressure points of a wheelchair, sloped access routes (ramps) and lateral fall protection. This enables independent access, safe use and safe exit from the trampoline.

++ Normative requirements

Wheelchair-accessible trampolines for public spaces must meet 2 key standards:

• DIN EN 1176-1 (“Playground equipment and surfacing – Part 1: General safety requirements and test methods”), which regulates safety requirements for playground trampolines.
• DIN 18040-1 (“Accessible construction – public buildings”), which specifies requirements for accessibility, ramp gradients and design, handrails and manoeuvring spaces.

 

What should I look for in a wheelchair trampoline?

For a wheelchair trampoline, pay particular attention to barrier-free access, a sufficiently large and load-bearing jumping surface, high tipping stability, non-slip surfaces, certified safety standards and suitability for your target group (therapy, school, club).

++ Barrier-free accessibility

A key criterion is threshold-free, comfortable and safe access to the jumping surface. This generally requires ground-level installation of the trampoline. According to DIN 18040, the access ramp may have a maximum gradient of 6% and must be equipped with stable, easy-to-grip handrails. At the beginning and end of the ramp, manoeuvring spaces of at least 150 x 150 cm are required to allow turning. Wheel guards with a minimum height of 10 cm prevent rolling off the edge (see appendix, DIN 18040-1).

++ Safety and stability of the jumping surface

The jumping mat must be strong enough to safely support wheelchairs including user weight. Special technical solutions (e.g. reinforced springs, reinforced frame) are necessary, as both the load points and total weight can vary greatly. The surface should be slip-resistant and, if necessary, softly padded to minimise the risk of falls.

++ Fall protection and safety features

The transition from the ramp to the trampoline must be designed to prevent unintentional rolling off or tipping of the wheelchair. Sloped impact protection tiles and lateral wheel guards are frequently used. For public areas, all risk of injury must generally be reduced to a minimum (DIN EN 1176-1).

++ Maintenance and hygiene

A particularly robust design for permanent outdoor use and easy-to-clean surfaces are important, as the jumping mats are regularly exposed to wheelchair tyres, street dirt and other soiling.

++ Supervision and range of applications

For therapeutic use, the trampoline should be designed to allow both individual and group exercises. Supervising staff must have sufficient space. Inclusion concepts also require that not only wheelchair users, but all user groups can use the equipment together.

Whether for school playgrounds, club grounds or public play areas: wheelchair-accessible trampolines for inclusive outdoor spaces and other inclusive playground equipment are available in the Sport-Thieme online shop.

Do you have specific questions about installing a wheelchair trampoline on your playground? Contact us and arrange a consultation appointment. Our playground experts will call you back via video call at your preferred time.