EN 1985:1998
(Main)Walking aids - General requirements and test methods
Walking aids - General requirements and test methods
This standard specfies requirements and test methods for Walking Aids manipulated by one arm (Walking Aids used singly or in pairs, each manipulated by one arm, possibly in combination with the upper body) and Walking Aids manpulated by both arms (Walking Aids used singly, manipulated by both arms, possibly in combination with the upper body), as covered by the subclasses 1203 and 1206 in EN ISO 9999:1998. This standard does not apply to walking aids specially designed or with adaptations for specific disabled persons. NOTE: Appropriate parts of this standard may be applied to the above products and other walking aids outside this scope.
Gehhilfen - Allgemeine Anforderungen und Prüfmethoden
Diese Norm legt Anforderungen und Prüfverfahren für mit einem Arm zuhandhabende Gehilfen (Gehilfen, einzeln oder paarweise benutzt und jeweils mit nur einem Arm, evtl. mit Hilfe des Oberkörpers, zuhandhabenden) und für mit beiden Armen gehandhabte Gehilfen (einteilige Gehilfen, die mit beiden Armen, evtl. mit Oberkörperunterstützung, zuhandhabenden) fest, entsprechend den Gruppen 1203 und 1206 in EN ISO 9999:1998.
Aides à la marche - Prescriptions générales et méthodes d'essai
La présente norme spécifie les prescriptions et les méthodes d'essai relatives d'une part, aux aides à la marche manipulées par un bras (aides à la marche utilisées soit par unité, soit par paires, et manipulées par un des bras, éventuellement en combinaison avec la partie supérieure du corps) et, d'autre part, aux aides à la marche manipulées par les deux bras (déambulateurs) (aides à la marche utilisées seules, manoeuvrées par les deux bras, éventuellement en combinaison avec la partie supérieure du corps). Ces aides sont couvertes par les paragraphes 1203 et 1206 de l'EN ISO 9999:1998.
Pripomočki za hojo - Splošne zahteve in preskusne metode
General Information
- Status
- Published
- Publication Date
- 17-Nov-1998
- Withdrawal Date
- 30-May-1999
- Technical Committee
- CEN/TC 293 - Technical aids for disabled persons
- Drafting Committee
- CEN/TC 293/WG 1 - Walking aids
- Current Stage
- 9060 - Closure of 2 Year Review Enquiry - Review Enquiry
- Start Date
- 02-Dec-2025
- Completion Date
- 02-Dec-2025
Overview - EN 1985:1998 (Walking aids - General requirements and test methods)
EN 1985:1998 is a CEN standard that sets general requirements and test methods for walking aids. It covers walking aids manipulated by one arm (used singly or in pairs, possibly together with upper‑body support) and those manipulated by both arms (used singly, possibly with upper‑body support). The standard aligns with classifications in EN ISO 9999:1998 (subclasses 1203 and 1206). It does not apply to walking aids specially designed or adapted for particular disabled persons, although appropriate parts may be applied beyond the stated scope.
Key topics and technical requirements
- Scope and classification: Defines which types of mobility aids (one‑arm and two‑arm devices) the standard applies to, referencing EN ISO 9999 product subclasses.
- General safety requirements: Sets expectations for user safety, structural integrity and basic ergonomics for walking aids and mobility aids.
- Performance and durability: Specifies test methods to evaluate mechanical performance, durability and continued safe operation under expected use.
- Stability and strength: Requires assessment of load‑bearing capacity and resistance to failure during normal use.
- Usability and dimensions: Covers aspects of device design that affect fit, handling and effective support for users.
- Exclusions and applicability notes: Clarifies that devices specially adapted for individual disabilities are out of scope, while noting that relevant clauses may be applied more widely.
(EN 1985:1998 describes test methods and requirements at a general level rather than product‑specific measurements; consult the full standard for precise procedures.)
Applications - who uses EN 1985:1998
- Manufacturers and product designers: To design and validate walking frames, canes, crutches and other mobility aids for general use.
- Test laboratories and certification bodies: To perform standardized tests and demonstrate compliance with CEN requirements.
- Procurement and healthcare buyers: To specify minimum safety and performance criteria when purchasing mobility aids.
- Regulators and conformity assessors: For market surveillance and ensuring products meet recognized European standards.
- Clinicians and rehabilitation specialists: To understand baseline safety/performance expectations for off‑the‑shelf walking aids.
Related standards
- EN ISO 9999:1998 - referenced classification system (subclasses 1203 and 1206).
- National adoptions (example: SIST EN 1985:2000) reflect local publication of the CEN text.
Keywords: EN 1985:1998, walking aids, walking frames, crutches, mobility aids, general requirements, test methods, CEN, EN ISO 9999, product safety.
Frequently Asked Questions
EN 1985:1998 is a standard published by the European Committee for Standardization (CEN). Its full title is "Walking aids - General requirements and test methods". This standard covers: This standard specfies requirements and test methods for Walking Aids manipulated by one arm (Walking Aids used singly or in pairs, each manipulated by one arm, possibly in combination with the upper body) and Walking Aids manpulated by both arms (Walking Aids used singly, manipulated by both arms, possibly in combination with the upper body), as covered by the subclasses 1203 and 1206 in EN ISO 9999:1998. This standard does not apply to walking aids specially designed or with adaptations for specific disabled persons. NOTE: Appropriate parts of this standard may be applied to the above products and other walking aids outside this scope.
This standard specfies requirements and test methods for Walking Aids manipulated by one arm (Walking Aids used singly or in pairs, each manipulated by one arm, possibly in combination with the upper body) and Walking Aids manpulated by both arms (Walking Aids used singly, manipulated by both arms, possibly in combination with the upper body), as covered by the subclasses 1203 and 1206 in EN ISO 9999:1998. This standard does not apply to walking aids specially designed or with adaptations for specific disabled persons. NOTE: Appropriate parts of this standard may be applied to the above products and other walking aids outside this scope.
EN 1985:1998 is classified under the following ICS (International Classification for Standards) categories: 11.180 - Aids for disabled or handicapped persons. The ICS classification helps identify the subject area and facilitates finding related standards.
EN 1985:1998 is associated with the following European legislation: EU Directives/Regulations: 93/42/EEC; Standardization Mandates: M/023. When a standard is cited in the Official Journal of the European Union, products manufactured in conformity with it benefit from a presumption of conformity with the essential requirements of the corresponding EU directive or regulation.
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Standards Content (Sample)
SLOVENSKI STANDARD
01-januar-2000
3ULSRPRþNL]DKRMR6SORãQH]DKWHYHLQSUHVNXVQHPHWRGH
Walking aids - General requirements and test methods
Gehhilfen - Allgemeine Anforderungen und Prüfmethoden
Aides a la marche - Prescriptions générales et méthodes d'essai
Ta slovenski standar
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