ASTM F2641-08(2015)

Standard Consumer Safety Specification for Recreational Powered Scooters and Pocket Bikes

SCOPE
1.1 This consumer safety specification covers the establishment of performance requirements and corresponding test methods used to minimize the hazards to users of recreational powered scooters and pocket bikes.  
1.2 This specification is intended to cover use of these products for children:  
1.2.1 Age eight to twelve for units limited to speeds 16 km/h (10 miles/h) or less.  
1.2.2 Age 13 and above for fast-moving units capable of achieving speeds >16 km/h (>10 miles/h).  
1.3 This consumer safety specification is not intended for units designed or licensed for roadway use regulated by transportation regulations (Department of Transportation (DOT) or state).  
1.4 This specification is not intended for units designed and sold as “Adult Use Only” and are prominently labeled and marked as such.  
1.5 This consumer safety specification is not intended for nonpowered scooters (Consumer Safety Specification F2264), battery powered ride-on toys (Consumer Safety Specification F963), skateboards, motorcycles, all-terrain vehicles, go-carts (Practice F2007), fun-karts (Specification F2011), snowmobiles, motorized trail bikes, lawnmowers, or motorized wheelchairs including mobility scooters.  
1.6 No product covered by this specification produced after the approval date of this consumer safety specification shall, by label, marking, or other means, indicate compliance with this consumer safety specification unless it conforms to all requirements herein.  
1.7 The values given in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. The values in parentheses are for information only.  
1.8 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

General Information

• Status: Historical
• Publication Date: 31-May-2015
• ICS: 43.140 - Motorcycles and mopeds
• Technical Committee: F15 - Consumer Products
• Drafting Committee: F15.58 - Powered Scooters & Skateboards

Standards Content (Sample)

NOTICE: This standard has either been superseded and replaced by a new version or withdrawn.
Contact ASTM International (www.astm.org) for the latest information
Designation: F2641 − 08 (Reapproved 2015)
Standard Consumer Safety Specification for
Recreational Powered Scooters and Pocket Bikes
This standard is issued under the fixed designation F2641; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
INTRODUCTION
During the period from July 1, 2003 through June 30, 2004, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety
Commission (CPSC) staff estimates that there were 10 015 emergency-room-treated injuries related to
powered scooters. In addition, CPSC received reports of 49 deaths attributed to powered scooters from
October 1998 through November 2004. These losses are described in “Powered Scooter Special
Study” 7/1/03-6/30/04 dated April 2005.
1. Scope label, marking, or other means, indicate compliance with this
consumer safety specification unless it conforms to all require-
1.1 This consumer safety specification covers the establish-
ments herein.
ment of performance requirements and corresponding test
methods used to minimize the hazards to users of recreational 1.7 The values given in SI units are to be regarded as the
powered scooters and pocket bikes. standard. The values in parentheses are for information only.
1.8 This standard does not purport to address all of the
1.2 This specification is intended to cover use of these
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
products for children:
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
1.2.1 Age eight to twelve for units limited to speeds 16 km/h
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
(10 miles/h) or less.
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.
1.2.2 Age 13 and above for fast-moving units capable of
achieving speeds >16 km/h (>10 miles/h).
2. Referenced Documents
1.3 This consumer safety specification is not intended for
2.1 ASTM Standards:
units designed or licensed for roadway use regulated by
D3359 Test Methods for Measuring Adhesion by Tape Test
transportation regulations (Department of Transportation
F963 Consumer Safety Specification for Toy Safety
(DOT) or state).
F2007 Practice for Design, Manufacture, and Operation of
1.4 This specification is not intended for units designed and
Concession Go-Karts and Facilities
sold as “Adult Use Only” and are prominently labeled and
F2011 Specification for Safety and Performance of Fun-
marked as such.
Karts
F2264 Consumer Safety Specification for Non-Powered
1.5 This consumer safety specification is not intended for
Scooters
nonpowered scooters (Consumer Safety Specification F2264),
2.2 ANSI Standard:
battery powered ride-on toys (Consumer Safety Specification
ANSI/OPEI B71.1 Consumer Turf Care Equipment—Walk-
F963), skateboards, motorcycles, all-terrain vehicles, go-carts
Behind Mowers and Ride-On Machines with Mowers—
(Practice F2007), fun-karts (Specification F2011),
Safety Specifications
snowmobiles, motorized trail bikes, lawnmowers, or motorized
2.3 SAE Standard:
wheelchairs including mobility scooters.
SAE J386 Operator Restraint Systems for Off-Road Work
1.6 No product covered by this specification produced after
Machines
the approval date of this consumer safety specification shall, by
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
This consumer safety specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Commit- Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
tee F15 on Consumer Products and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee the ASTM website.
F15.58 on Powered Scooters & Skateboards. Available from American National Standards Institute (ANSI), 25 W. 43rd St.,
Current edition approved June 1, 2015. Published September 2015. Originally 4th Floor, New York, NY 10036, http://www.ansi.org.
approved in 2008. Last previous edition approved in 2008 as F2641 – 08. DOI: Available from Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE), 400 Commonwealth
10.1520/F2641-08R15. Dr., Warrendale, PA 15096-0001, http://www.sae.org.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
F2641 − 08 (2015)
2.4 Federal Standards: 3.1.15 unit, n—any of the items listed in 1.1.
16 CFR 1303 Lead Containing Paints
Federal Hazardous Substance Act (FHSA) and regulations 4. General Requirements
promulgated under this act
4.1 Before testing, the units shall be completely assembled,
unless otherwise noted, in accordance with the manufacturer’s
3. Terminology
instructions.
3.1 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
4.2 The unit or segment to be tested shall be in a room with
3.1.1 accelerator system, n—mechanical system that is used
an ambient temperature of 23 6 5°C (73 6 9°F) for at least 1
to control the throttle position.
h before testing.
3.1.2 axle guard, n—device that covers the drive axle so that
the possibility of injury resulting from hand, hair, body parts or
4.3 All testing required by this consumer safety specifica-
loose clothing contacting the axle is reduced. tion shall be conducted on the same unit unless otherwise
specified.
3.1.3 conspicuous, adj—label or marking that is visible
when the unit is assembled.
4.4 All components tested under Section 6 shall not show
any evidence of permanent deformation, material separation,
3.1.4 deck, n—generally, low horizontal platform upon
visible cracking, or component failure that presents a hazard to
which the user places one or both feet.
the user.
3.1.5 deck plate, n—form of guarding through the use of
relatively flat barriers to cover rotating components. 4.5 The unit shall conform to 16 CFR 1303 and the Federal
Hazardous Substance Act (FHSA) both before and after all
3.1.6 dynamic load, n—force applied to an item by means of
testing.
motion or impact.
4.6 All exposed parts shall be smooth and free of splinters,
3.1.7 locking fastener, n—includes prevailing torque
spurs, burrs, and sharp edges.
locknuts, cotter pins, serrated surface lock nuts, pal nuts, safety
wire, and similar hardware intended to prevent unintended
4.7 Units shall meet the specific requirements of Section 5.
loosening when properly used.
3.1.8 manufacturer’s recommended use position, n—any 5. Specific Requirements
position that is presented as a normal, allowable, or acceptable
5.1 Brakes—Units shall meet the dynamic brake test speci-
configuration for use of the product by the manufacturer in any
fied in 6.2. Hand brake levers shall be located on the handle-
descriptive or instructional literature. This specifically ex-
bars in a position that is readily accessible to the rider in the
cludes conditions such as when the unit is unassembled
recommended use position. Hand brake levers shall have a
(completely or partially) or folded and positions that the
maximum reach (dimension between the hand brake lever(s)
manufacturer shows or explains as being unacceptable, unsafe,
and the handle bars) of not more than 89 mm (3.5 in.) at any
or not recommended.
point between the pivot point of the lever and the lever
3.1.9 motor stop switch, n—toggle switch, or other two-
midpoint. At no point along the lever shall the grip dimension
position positively engaging switch, that, when activated,
exceed 102 mm (4 in.). An operating force of equal to or less
causes the motor to stop, not operate or both.
than 44.5 N (10 lbf) applied to the hand lever at a point 25 mm
(1.0 in.) from the open end of the hand lever shall cause the
3.1.10 pocket bike, n—motorized two-wheel vehicle de-
brake to begin its retarding function.
signed for a single occupant in the seated position typically
designed to look like a motorcycle but scaled down to one
5.2 Electrical Systems:
quarter to one half the size of a typical motorcycle and not
5.2.1 All vented batteries shall have a vent tube, which is
intended for use on public roads.
pointed downwards and extends below the bottom of the
3.1.11 protective components, n—specific items added to a
battery. The battery end of the vent tube shall be attached
product with the primary purpose of reducing a hazard such as securely to the battery. The drain end of the vent tube shall be
sharp edges, entrapment holes, protrusions, and so forth;
secured within 25 mm (1 in.) of the end of the tube.
normally, these components cover or shield the area of the
5.2.2 All positively charged electrical connections at battery
hazard.
shall have insulated coverings.
5.2.3 Units that are designed for children eight to twelve
3.1.12 scooter, n—vehicle that has two or more wheels, a
shall not exceed 36 V nominal.
low platform, a vertical element for the user to grasp, and a
5.2.4 Chargers shall be UL or equivalent listed for use as
method of steering.
battery chargers.
3.1.13 static load, n—vertically downward load applied by a
5.2.5 Unit shall have charger connect-interlock so that the
dead weight or other means.
unit cannot be activated when the charger is plugged in.
3.1.14 throttle stop, n—device used to limit the travel of the
5.2.6 Controllers shall have the following protections:
throttle control.
5.2.6.1 Brake activation cutoff to cut off power when brake
is applied.
Available from U.S. Government Printing Office Superintendent of Documents,
5.2.6.2 Field-Effect Transistor (FET) Short Sensing—
732 N. Capitol St., NW, Mail Stop: SDE, Washington, DC 20401, http://
www.access.gpo.gov. Controller shall be able to compare power transistor versus
F2641 − 08 (2015)
speed controller/throttle to prevent any power to the motor if 5.5.4 Inaccessibility of Mechanisms—Mechanisms shall not
and when the FET is shorted. have any accessible part of the mechanism present a pinch or
5.2.7 Resettable circuit breakers or fuses shall be used to laceration hazard.
protect the system.
5.6 Fasteners—Fasteners used for wheel hubs, brake pivots,
5.3 Latching Devices—Any unit that folds shall have a
accelerator pivots, steering linkage pivots, axle attachments,
latching device or other provision in the design that will
and brush-bar attachments shall be locking fasteners.
prevent the unit from unintentional folding when placed in the
5.7 Plastics—Exposed components made of plastic shall
manufacturer’s recommended use position. Latching devices
have an ultraviolet (UV) inhibitor.
for folding steering handles on scooters shall be tested in
accordance with 6.9. During and upon completion of this test,
5.8 Shields and Guards:
the unit shall remain latched in its manufacturer’s recom-
5.8.1 Does not apply to spoked wheels and disk brakes.
mended use position.
5.8.2 Guards for rotating components shall be permitted to
2 2
5.4 Curb Impact Tests—Units shall be tested per 6.1.
have multiple holes each no larger than 32-mm (0.05-in. )
area.
5.5 Folding Mechanisms, Hinges, and Clearances—This
5.8.3 All guards and shields for pulleys and sprockets shall
requirement is intended to eliminate possible crushing,
be secured permanently or attached to prevent their removal
laceration, or pinching hazards that might occur in folding
from the unit without tools. The fasteners for those guards and
mechanisms and hinges. Examples are the motion of a hinge
shields shall be reusable.
that produces a scissor action and the changing clearances at
the hinge line between two hinged portions, such that the gap 5.8.4 The entry and exit points on and off of the sprockets or
will admit fingers at one position of the hinge but not at all
pulleys of drivetrains (chain and sprocket or belt and pulley)
positions. This requirement is also intended to eliminate and open running chain and belt sections shall be covered on
possible hazards that may be caused by changing clearances.
top and outwardly to prevent inadvertent touching from a
The different pinch clearance requirements listed reflect the normal riding position. A section of the rear sprocket or pulley
different modes of entrapment or pinching that may be encoun-
drive may be exposed to facilitate the inspection and mainte-
tered. nance of the drivetrain. The inside and bottom may be exposed.
5.5.1 Hinge-Line Clearance—Units having a gap or clear- The drivetrain is not exempt from the finger-probe standard,
ance along the hinge line between a stationary portion and a but the probe (Fig. 1) shall be applied at angles relative to the
moveable portion that weighs more than 0.2 kg ( ⁄2 lb) shall be normal riding position and not applied from rearward or
so constructed that, if the accessible gap at the hinge line will underneath positions. A specific drivetrain warning shall be
admit a 5-mm ( ⁄16-in.) diameter rod, it will also admit a 13-mm permanently engraved, stamped, or applied to the guard. The
( ⁄2-in.) diameter rod at all positions of the hinge. warning shall read “WARNING—Keep away from moving
5.5.2 Hinge-line clearance (5.5.1) and accessible clearance parts” or equivalent.
(5.5.3) requirements shall not apply to drive trains, wheels, or
5.9 Dynamic Strength—All units shall be tested per 6.3.
brake systems.
5.5.3 Accessible Clearances for Moveable Segments—This 5.10 Static Strength—All units shall meet the static strength
requirement concerns clearances between movable segments test specified in 6.4.
intended for children in which the potential for pinching or
5.11 Wheel Retention—All units shall meet the wheel reten-
crushing fingers or other appendages exists. If such accessible
tion test specified in 6.10.
clearances admit a 5-mm ( ⁄16-in.) diameter rod, they shall also
admit a 13-mm ( ⁄2-in.) diameter rod to prevent the trapping of 5.12 Grip Retention—All units shall meet the grip retention
fingers. test specified in 6.5.
FIG. 1 Finger Probe
F2641 − 08 (2015)
5.13 Handle Stem—All units shall meet the handle stem 6.2.2 The following test conditions shall be followed:
tests specified in 6.7 and 6.8.
6.2.2.1 The unit shall be ridden over a dry, clean, smooth
paved test course free from protruding aggregate. The test
5.14 Dynamic Brake Test—All units shall meet the dynamic
course shall provide a coefficient of friction of less than 1.0 and
brake test specified in 6.2.
shall have a slope of less than 1 %.
5.15 Paint—Paint on all units shall comply with the lead
6.2.2.2 The wind velocity shall be less than 11 km/h (7
content provisions of 16 CFR 1303.
mph).
5.16 Material Quality—Units shall be made from new or
6.2.2.3 The unit shall attain the specified ground speed
reprocessed materials and shall be visually clean and
...

This document is not an ASTM standard and is intended only to provide the user of an ASTM standard an indication of what changes have been made to the previous version. Because
it may not be technically possible to adequately depict all changes accurately, ASTM recommends that users consult prior editions as appropriate. In all cases only the current version
of the standard as published by ASTM is to be considered the official document.
Designation: F2641 − 08 F2641 − 08 (Reapproved 2015)
Standard Consumer Safety Specification for
Recreational Powered Scooters and Pocket Bikes
This standard is issued under the fixed designation F2641; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
INTRODUCTION
During the period from July 1, 2003 through June 30, 2004, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety
Commission (CPSC) staff estimates that there were 10 015 emergency-room-treated injuries related to
powered scooters. In addition, CPSC received reports of 49 deaths attributed to powered scooters from
October 1998 through November 2004. These losses are described in “Powered Scooter Special
Study” 7/1/03-6/30/04 dated April 2005.
1. Scope
1.1 This consumer safety specification covers the establishment of performance requirements and corresponding test methods
used to minimize the hazards to users of recreational powered scooters and pocket bikes.
1.2 This specification is intended to cover use of these products for children:
1.2.1 Age eight to twelve for units limited to speeds 16 km/h (10 miles/h) or less.
1.2.2 Age 13 and above for fast-moving units capable of achieving speeds >16 km/h (>10 miles/h).
1.3 This consumer safety specification is not intended for units designed or licensed for roadway use regulated by transportation
regulations (Department of Transportation (DOT) or state).
1.4 This specification is not intended for units designed and sold as “Adult Use Only” and are prominently labeled and marked
as such.
1.5 This consumer safety specification is not intended for nonpowered scooters (Consumer Safety Specification F2264), battery
powered ride-on toys (Consumer Safety Specification F963), skateboards, motorcycles, all-terrain vehicles, go-carts (Practice
F2007), fun-karts (Specification F2011), snowmobiles, motorized trail bikes, lawnmowers, or motorized wheelchairs including
mobility scooters.
1.6 No product covered by this specification produced after the approval date of this consumer safety specification shall, by
label, marking, or other means, indicate compliance with this consumer safety specification unless it conforms to all requirements
herein.
1.7 The values given in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. The values in parentheses are for information only.
1.8 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility
of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory
limitations prior to use.
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
D3359 Test Methods for Measuring Adhesion by Tape Test
F963 Consumer Safety Specification for Toy Safety
F2007 Practice for Design, Manufacture, and Operation of Concession Go-Karts and Facilities
F2011 Specification for Safety and Performance of Fun-Karts
This consumer safety specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee F15 on Consumer Products and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee F15.58
on Powered Scooters & Skateboards.
Current edition approved July 1, 2008June 1, 2015. Published August 2008September 2015. Originally approved in 2008. Last previous edition approved in 2008 as
F2641 – 08. DOI: 10.1520/F2641-08.10.1520/F2641-08R15.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM Standards
volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on the ASTM website.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
F2641 − 08 (2015)
F2264 Consumer Safety Specification for Non-Powered Scooters
2.2 ANSI Standard:
ANSI/OPEI B71.1 Consumer Turf Care Equipment—Walk-Behind Mowers and Ride-On Machines with Mowers—Safety
Specifications
2.3 SAE Standard:
SAE J386 Operator Restraint Systems for Off-Road Work Machines
2.4 Federal Standards:
16 CFR 1303 Lead Containing Paints
Federal Hazardous Substance Act (FHSA) and regulations promulgated under this act
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
3.1.1 accelerator system, n—mechanical system that is used to control the throttle position.
3.1.2 axle guard, n—device that covers the drive axle so that the possibility of injury resulting from hand, hair, body parts or
loose clothing contacting the axle is reduced.
3.1.3 conspicuous, adj—label or marking that is visible when the unit is assembled.
3.1.4 deck, n—generally, low horizontal platform upon which the user places one or both feet.
3.1.5 deck plate, n—form of guarding through the use of relatively flat barriers to cover rotating components.
3.1.6 dynamic load, n—force applied to an item by means of motion or impact.
3.1.7 locking fastener, n—includes prevailing torque locknuts, cotter pins, serrated surface lock nuts, pal nuts, safety wire, and
similar hardware intended to prevent unintended loosening when properly used.
3.1.8 manufacturer’s recommended use position, n—any position that is presented as a normal, allowable, or acceptable
configuration for use of the product by the manufacturer in any descriptive or instructional literature. This specifically excludes
conditions such as when the unit is unassembled (completely or partially) or folded and positions that the manufacturer shows or
explains as being unacceptable, unsafe, or not recommended.
3.1.9 motor stop switch, n—toggle switch, or other two-position positively engaging switch, that, when activated, causes the
motor to stop, not operate or both.
3.1.10 pocket bike, n—motorized two-wheel vehicle designed for a single occupant in the seated position typically designed to
look like a motorcycle but scaled down to one quarter to one half the size of a typical motorcycle and not intended for use on public
roads.
3.1.11 protective components, n—specific items added to a product with the primary purpose of reducing a hazard such as sharp
edges, entrapment holes, protrusions, and so forth; normally, these components cover or shield the area of the hazard.
3.1.12 scooter, n—vehicle that has two or more wheels, a low platform, a vertical element for the user to grasp, and a method
of steering.
3.1.13 static load, n—vertically downward load applied by a dead weight or other means.
3.1.14 throttle stop, n—device used to limit the travel of the throttle control.
3.1.15 unit, n—any of the items listed in 1.1.
4. General Requirements
4.1 Before testing, the units shall be completely assembled, unless otherwise noted, in accordance with the manufacturer’s
instructions.
4.2 The unit or segment to be tested shall be in a room with an ambient temperature of 23 6 5°C (73 6 9°F) for at least 1 h
before testing.
4.3 All testing required by this consumer safety specification shall be conducted on the same unit unless otherwise specified.
4.4 All components tested under Section 6 shall not show any evidence of permanent deformation, material separation, visible
cracking, or component failure that presents a hazard to the user.
4.5 The unit shall conform to 16 CFR 1303 and the Federal Hazardous Substance Act (FHSA) both before and after all testing.
4.6 All exposed parts shall be smooth and free of splinters, spurs, burrs, and sharp edges.
Available from American National Standards Institute (ANSI), 25 W. 43rd St., 4th Floor, New York, NY 10036, http://www.ansi.org.
Available from Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE), 400 Commonwealth Dr., Warrendale, PA 15096-0001, http://www.sae.org.
Available from U.S. Government Printing Office Superintendent of Documents, 732 N. Capitol St., NW, Mail Stop: SDE, Washington, DC 20401, http://
www.access.gpo.gov.
F2641 − 08 (2015)
4.7 Units shall meet the specific requirements of Section 5.
5. Specific Requirements
5.1 Brakes—Units shall meet the dynamic brake test specified in 6.2. Hand brake levers shall be located on the handlebars in
a position that is readily accessible to the rider in the recommended use position. Hand brake levers shall have a maximum reach
(dimension between the hand brake lever(s) and the handle bars) of not more than 89 mm (3.5 in.) at any point between the pivot
point of the lever and the lever midpoint. At no point along the lever shall the grip dimension exceed 102 mm (4 in.). An operating
force of equal to or less than 44.5 N (10 lbf) applied to the hand lever at a point 25 mm (1.0 in.) from the open end of the hand
lever shall cause the brake to begin its retarding function.
5.2 Electrical Systems:
5.2.1 All vented batteries shall have a vent tube, which is pointed downwards and extends below the bottom of the battery. The
battery end of the vent tube shall be attached securely to the battery. The drain end of the vent tube shall be secured within 25 mm
(1 in.) of the end of the tube.
5.2.2 All positively charged electrical connections at battery shall have insulated coverings.
5.2.3 Units that are designed for children eight to twelve shall not exceed 36 V nominal.
5.2.4 Chargers shall be UL or equivalent listed for use as battery chargers.
5.2.5 Unit shall have charger connect-interlock so that the unit cannot be activated when the charger is plugged in.
5.2.6 Controllers shall have the following protections:
5.2.6.1 Brake activation cutoff to cut off power when brake is applied.
5.2.6.2 Field-Effect Transistor (FET) Short Sensing—Controller shall be able to compare power transistor versus speed
controller/throttle to prevent any power to the motor if and when the FET is shorted.
5.2.7 Resettable circuit breakers or fuses shall be used to protect the system.
5.3 Latching Devices—Any unit that folds shall have a latching device or other provision in the design that will prevent the unit
from unintentional folding when placed in the manufacturer’s recommended use position. Latching devices for folding steering
handles on scooters shall be tested in accordance with 6.9. During and upon completion of this test, the unit shall remain latched
in its manufacturer’s recommended use position.
5.4 Curb Impact Tests—Units shall be tested per 6.1.
5.5 Folding Mechanisms, Hinges, and Clearances—This requirement is intended to eliminate possible crushing, laceration, or
pinching hazards that might occur in folding mechanisms and hinges. Examples are the motion of a hinge that produces a scissor
action and the changing clearances at the hinge line between two hinged portions, such that the gap will admit fingers at one
position of the hinge but not at all positions. This requirement is also intended to eliminate possible hazards that may be caused
by changing clearances. The different pinch clearance requirements listed reflect the different modes of entrapment or pinching that
may be encountered.
5.5.1 Hinge-Line Clearance—Units having a gap or clearance along the hinge line between a stationary portion and a moveable
portion that weighs more than 0.2 kg ( ⁄2 lb) shall be so constructed that, if the accessible gap at the hinge line will admit a 5-mm
3 1
( ⁄16-in.) diameter rod, it will also admit a 13-mm ( ⁄2-in.) diameter rod at all positions of the hinge.
5.5.2 Hinge-line clearance (5.5.1) and accessible clearance (5.5.3) requirements shall not apply to drive trains, wheels, or brake
systems.
5.5.3 Accessible Clearances for Moveable Segments—This requirement concerns clearances between movable segments
intended for children in which the potential for pinching or crushing fingers or other appendages exists. If such accessible
3 1
clearances admit a 5-mm ( ⁄16-in.) diameter rod, they shall also admit a 13-mm ( ⁄2-in.) diameter rod to prevent the trapping of
fingers.
5.5.4 Inaccessibility of Mechanisms—Mechanisms shall not have any accessible part of the mechanism present a pinch or
laceration hazard.
5.6 Fasteners—Fasteners used for wheel hubs, brake pivots, accelerator pivots, steering linkage pivots, axle attachments, and
brush-bar attachments shall be locking fasteners.
5.7 Plastics—Exposed components made of plastic shall have an ultraviolet (UV) inhibitor.
5.8 Shields and Guards:
5.8.1 Does not apply to spoked wheels and disk brakes.
2 2
5.8.2 Guards for rotating components shall be permitted to have multiple holes each no larger than 32-mm (0.05-in. ) area.
5.8.3 All guards and shields for pulleys and sprockets shall be secured permanently or attached to prevent their removal from
the unit without tools. The fasteners for those guards and shields shall be reusable.
5.8.4 The entry and exit points on and off of the sprockets or pulleys of drivetrains (chain and sprocket or belt and pulley) and
open running chain and belt sections shall be covered on top and outwardly to prevent inadvertent touching from a normal riding
position. A section of the rear sprocket or pulley drive may be exposed to facilitate the inspection and maintenance of the drivetrain.
The inside and bottom may be exposed. The drivetrain is not exempt from the finger-probe standard, but the probe (Fig. 1) shall
F2641 − 08 (2015)
FIG. 1 Finger Probe
be applied at angles relative to the normal riding position and not applied from rearward or underneath positions. A specific
drivetrain warning shall be permanently engraved, stamped, or applied to the guard. The warning shall read “WARNING—Keep
away from moving parts” or equivalent.
5.9 Dynamic Strength—All units shall be tested per 6.3.
5.10 Static Strength—All units shall meet the static strength test specified in 6.4.
5.11 Wheel Retention—All units shall meet the wheel retention test specified in 6.10.
5.12 Grip Retention—All units shall meet the grip retention test specified in 6.5.
5.13 Handle Stem—All units shall meet the handle stem tests specified in 6.7 and 6.8.
5.14 Dynamic Brake Test—All units shall meet the dynamic brake test specified in 6.2.
5.15 Paint—Paint on all units shall comply with the lead content provisions of 16 CFR 1303.
5.16 Material Quality—Units shall be made from new or reprocessed materials and shall be visually clean and free from
infestation. The materials shall be assessed visually by the unaided eye rather than under magnification. If reprocessed materials
a
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