Watchdog finds most skateboards fail safety checks

Three in four skateboards tested by the Consumer Council failed to meet European Union standards, with 10 out of 16 tested failing to pass a safety check in a fall simulation, including five cracking.

The skateboard models were priced between HK$80 to HK$2,580, including six that claimed to be able to bear a weight of up to 100 kilograms and 10 of up to 50kg.

Ten models did not pass the drop test that simulates the impact on the board when the rider jumps. Half of those also cracked during the weight test.

Five models failed in the structural safety test, including two with wheel-fixing screws protruding beyond the board's width which could injure the user. Three models were found with an excessively smooth surface, which could cause slips. And on one of the skateboards, the radius of its rounded corners was shorter than the 10 millimeter standard requirement, which would increase the risk of injury.

The weight limit is not clearly marked on the packaging of 11 items.

"The council reminds consumers to wear appropriate protective gear when riding a skateboard, so as not to turn fun into tragedy," said Kyrus Siu King-wai, chairman of the council's publicity and community relations committee.

Meanwhile, the council tested 30 models of adult diapers, pants and incontinence pads, but 13 were found with low levels of breathability, two showed higher re-wet tendency to the surface and one was found with a high amount of leakage.

Two highly rated diapers cost HK$5 and HK$6.2 apiece, while the priciest one cost HK$9.3 apiece and was rated three out of five. Customers were reminded that price does not always reflect quality.

The watchdog said the breathability of diapers or pants is crucial as low breathability would make the wearer swelter and could cause skin irritations.

Eleven of 15 diaper models were considered "non-breathable," while the overall breathability for pant models was considered as being good, with four models scoring five points.

All models complied with the hygiene and chemical safety standards, but an irritating substance of free formaldehyde was found in four diapers while one had a small amount of fungi.

The watchdog said consumers should choose absorbent pads based on the health condition of the user.

sophie.hui@singtaonewscorp.com