Latest news with #StiftungWarentest
The Star
28-05-2025
- Automotive
- The Star
Buying a first bike for your youngster? Here's how to choose the correct one
If you want to buy your youngster a first bicycle, bear these tips in mind. 'Learning to ride a bike actually starts earlier,' says Thomas Geisler from German cycling association Pressedienst-Fahrrad (pd-f). Depending on what toys are available, children often lay the basic foundations for bike riding with their first scooter or sliding vehicle. These types of vehicle allow kids to gain experience in terms of speed and steering. They often then learn to balance on a balance bike. So once they get a children's bike, they can learn the business of pedalling rather just pushing off with their feet. Pick the right size – this is crucial. Don't be tempted to buy a larger bike for your youngster to grow into. 'A bike that is too big or too small is simply no fun,' says Geisler. 'The most important thing is that the children can easily reach the brake levers with their fingers and pull them.' When you adjust the saddle height, make sure your child is still able to put both feet on the ground, at least for the first few rides while they are learning. 'Kids are still familiar with how to brake using their feet from their balance bikes and in a dangerous situation, they will do so intuitively,' says Geisler. 'Always set the lowest saddle height on a new bike and make sure that your child can reach the ground with the tips of their feet,' echoes Nico Langenbeck, project manager at Stiftung Warentest, a German consumer advice organisation. That will enable them to stop at traffic lights without losing balance. As they gain experience of cycling over time, you can raise the saddle so that they sit more ergonomically and can stretch their legs better when they are pedalling. Orientation on site and with the sizes 'We recommend buying a bike from your local dealer,' says Langenbeck. Doing so means you can test ride different models one after the other, and also that you can also get advice and service before and after making the purchase. Geisler agrees. But if you are planning to get the bike as a surprise – or to orient yourself in the shop at the start of the process, you can use the size of the tyres as a guide. Some manufacturers provide information online as to which body sizes the information in inches is roughly suitable for. But you cannot transfer this directly from one manufacturer to another, as their specifications may differ as to which wheel sizes fit which range of body sizes. And body size alone is only a guideline, as the lengths of kids' legs and upper bodies can also vary greatly. The bikes usually start at 10 to 12 inches (25 to 30cm) – often these have wheels but do not have pedals though there are also models in this size with pedals. These are often suitable for children around one and a half years old to three. From around three to four years of age, you might want a model with 14-inch (35.5cm) tyres. Parents with kids starting school at around six years of age often opt for bikes with 20-inch (50.8cm) tyres. This is also the size where there is a greater choice of equipment, for example in terms of brakes and gears, Langenbeck says. Using a local store for a first bike for your youngster means you can get advice and test out different models. Photo: CHRISTIN KLOSE/dpa-tmn/dpa The weight of children's bike One of the most recent tests supervised by Langenbeck involved bikes with 20-inch tyres. Some of the models were pretty heavy, some even more than 15kg – heavier than some adult bikes. Others only weighed around 8kg. When choosing a bike for younger children in particular, it makes sense to look for models that are not too heavy, as they are easier for the child to handle, whether starting off or picking up the bike. The weight also depends on the frame material. A bike with a steel frame may be a little more stable, says Langenbeck. 'But it is also significantly heavier than an aluminium one, for example.' 'Many manufacturers are now focusing on building children's bikes that are as light as possible so that kids don't have to carry too much weight and accelerate,' says Geisler. These days, children's bikes are more in the mountain bike segment meaning without pannier racks and fewer accessories. Often, aluminium is used for the frame material. Entry-level models with 16-inch (40.6cm) wheels weigh around 6kg to 7kg, sometimes even just 5kg. But as with adult models, 'the lighter the bike, the more expensive it becomes,' says Geisler. Equipment on the bike Most kids' bikes have two hand brakes – otherwise it would be necessary to switch from coaster brakes to hand brakes later on. Hand brakes can also be controlled better in terms of when and how you slow down, says Geisler. Langenbeck also advises against using a back-pedal brake, as you would first have to be in the correct pedal position to be able to pedal back quickly enough and with sufficient force in an emergency. Some manufacturers offer different coloured grips on the left and right for the front and rear wheel brakes. When it comes to lights, you can usually choose between a hub dynamo and a lighter, removable battery light. You rarely find side-wheel dynamos these days, or only on very cheap bikes. Depending on the regulations where you live, legally, bikes for children under the age of eight often do not need lights, as they are considered play vehicles and may only be used on pavements. More is not always more When choosing a bike, try not to be overly tempted by technical bells and whistles. Some models already have a suspension fork or full suspension. 'But that's pointless, especially for small children on their first bikes. They can't even trigger the suspension yet because they are simply too light,' says Geisler. Shifting gears only makes sense for older children, as they can operate the gear lever properly and enjoy the benefits gears bring. Smaller children can often get distracted by gears, a concern especially when out in traffic. You can also get mountain bikes with 16-inch tyres with gears, which can make sense for off-road use. If your kids want to do regular cycling out and about though, Geisler suggests these bikes are best for kids starting from age six or seven at the earliest. Take a test ride first Do an extensive test ride, is the advice of Stiftung Warentest. If something rattles, squeaks, wobbles or is hard to operate, then you are better off not buying it. If you order online, bear in mind that the bike may not yet be fully assembled. If so you may still have to fit, adjust or tighten parts such as handlebars or pedals. If you don't want to do so or lack the right tools, you can get someone to do this for you at a workshop. Another disadvantage of buying online is that if the bike doesn't fit after all, you usually have to repack it and send it back, which is time-consuming and expensive, though some mail order companies also have retail outlets. – dpa
Euronews
30-03-2025
- Health
- Euronews
Why experts are warning parents not to give their kids dietary supplements like vitamins
ADVERTISEMENT Parents should think twice before giving their children dietary supplements, a German consumer group warned after testing the ingredients of more than a dozen common products. Supplements contain vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients and are intended as an add-on to a normal diet – but parents are also bombarded with conflicting messages about whether incorporating them into their child's diet will help or hurt their growth and development. The Berlin-based consumer group Stiftung Warentest tested the ingredients of 18 common supplements against recommended nutrient intake levels for young people. Related Sugary drink consumption among kids climbed nearly 23% over three decades, study finds It also analysed how they were advertised and whether their stated benefits were backed up by medical evidence. The test team flagged issues with 17 of the supplements, with dosages above recommended levels for children in 15 of them. Five contained vitamin A at levels higher than the maximum recommendation for adults. 'Unnecessary at best, risky at worst' Overall, Stiftung Warentest said, supplements for children are "unnecessary at best and risky at worst". Food supplements are generally not considered necessary for healthy people with normal diets, and they aren't enough to make up for "one-sided, imbalanced" diets, according to the German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), which does food safety assessments. But supplements, which are regulated as food in the European Union, have become increasingly popular. Related Want to live better in old age? Scientists advise following these eating habits A 2022 survey in 14 EU countries found that 93 per cent of adults had taken supplements in the past year, with most of them citing general health benefits. When it comes to children, supplements are often billed as a way to boost kids' performance, development, or immune systems, according to BfR. Those messages, the Stiftung Warentest analysis found, may not be entirely accurate. "Manufacturers use enticing messages and suggestive images to make their products appealing to parents – sometimes using advertising claims that are illegal," the group said. When supplements might be helpful Meanwhile, Dr Berthold Koletzko, president of the European Academy of Paediatrics (EAP) and a paediatric gastroenterologist at the Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, said the new conclusions are generally reasonable – but that they do not consider cases where vitamins and supplements might be beneficial for children. Related Body's internal clock could play a role in teens' late eating habits, researchers say "Of course, you can get all the nutrients you need from a balanced diet," Koletzko told Euronews Health, adding that "most children don't need supplements". However, he said, there are young children and adolescents with "suboptimal supplies of critical nutrients, and even deficiencies" of things like vitamin D, calcium, and omega-3 fatty acids. ADVERTISEMENT That's especially true if their families are vegetarian, gluten-free, or have another restrictive diet, Koletzko said, or if they live in a place without much sun. A 2017 study, for example, found that 3.4 per cent of German children ages 6 to 17 were vegetarians, a level Koletzko expects has risen in the years since. Related Over 75% of 3 and 4-year-olds in Europe get too much screen time and not enough sleep and exercise Even for children who could benefit from supplements, Koletzko said not all vitamins are created equal. Gummy vitamins, for example, are often high in sugar and run the risk of kids eating too many because they taste and look like sweets. Children who get too many vitamins and minerals can experience stomach issues or loose stools. ADVERTISEMENT The bottom line, Koletzko said, is that parents worried about their child's nutritional status should seek guidance from a trusted health professional. "It's important if you choose a supplement to select the right one and get advice from your paediatrician," Koletzko said.
Web Release
27-03-2025
- Business
- Web Release
LG SHOWCASES INNOVATIVE HEATING SOLUTIONS FOR A BETTER FUTURE AT ISH 2025
By Editor_wr On Mar 27, 2025 LG Electronics (LG) is presenting its latest heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) solutions tailored for the European market at the International Trade Fair for Sanitation, Heating and Air (ISH) 2025, taking place in Frankfurt, Germany, from March 17-21. LG's showcase features high-efficiency solutions optimized for both commercial and residential spaces, including the large-capacity Monobloc G Air-to-Water Heat Pump (AWHP). The comprehensive exhibit underscores the company's commitment to electrification and decarbonization, as well as its focus on providing first-class performance, flexibility and ease-of-installation. Enhanced Energy Efficiency and Advanced Heating with the New Therma V R290 Located at the entrance of LG's exhibition booth, the Hero zone introduces visitors to the new Therma V™ R290 Monobloc. This impressive residential solution boasts excellent energy efficiency and a premium European design. Winner of a 2024 International Design Excellence Award and rated 'Good' by the German consumer organization Stiftung Warentest, the new Therma V utilizes R290 refrigerant. which has a low Global Warming Potential of 3. Designed to reduce energy usage and environmental impact, LG's solution harnesses heat from the air to reduce carbon emissions and achieve an A+++ energy rating.1 Made to withstand Europe's tough winter conditions, the new Therma V AWHP leverages LG's proprietary scroll compressor to deliver exceptional energy efficiency and a strong, reliable performance. The positioning of the compressor at a lower-than-usual height within the unit itself contributes to the Therma V's ability to function at 100 percent capacity, even at temperatures as low as minus 15 degrees Celsius. It also leads to improved energy savings and operational stability. With a noise level of just 50 A-weighted decibels in Low Noise Mode, the Therma V produces minimal vibrations, helping to create a relaxing and peaceful environment both inside and outside the home.2 In the multi-residential and large-scale housing zone, LG is presenting the Monobloc G large capacity AWHP and the Cascade Control Unit. The energy-efficient Cascade system offers flexible scalability, allowing the addition of up to eight units to cope with increased heating demand. The Cascade provides multiple benefits for multi-family dwellings, including low-noise operation, a space-saving design and continuous operation via backup systems. Efficient Heating and Cooling Solutions for Modern Homes and Multi-Residential Buildings LG's ISH exhibition includes a variety of residential heating solutions that have been purpose-built for European kitchens, laundry rooms and living areas. The company's latest Heat Pump Water Heaters (HPWH) with R290 refrigerant utilize both electricity and ambient air to heat water, achieving higher efficiency compared to traditional electric or gas water heaters. These HPWHs are Smart Grid ready, meaning they can optimize energy consumption by adjusting their operation based on electricity demand signals. To cater to diverse installation environments, LG offers its water heaters in both floor-standing and wall-mounted models. Additionally, the company offers three different indoor units to suit a variety of home settings, each designed for easy installation and maximum space efficiency. Advanced Commercial HVAC Solutions for Effective Energy Management Additionally, LG is introducing a range of cutting-edge commercial heating solutions at ISH. A standout among these is the LG Inverter Scroll Chiller – an energy-efficient system for heating (and cooling) commercial facilities. Equipped with twin inverter scroll compressors and plate-type heat exchangers, the LG Inverter Scroll Chiller offers a wide operating frequency range and excellent heat transfer efficiency. When integrated with LG's Building Energy Control (BECON) CPM system, the chiller provides seamless control of all connected fan coil units and air conditioning systems. BECON CPM monitors and adjusts various control elements to maintain peak efficiency and allows users to track system status in real time. It even sends users helpful alerts if an issue arises, so that appropriate action can be taken to quickly remedy the situation. Set to launch in Europe, BECON CPM also employs LG's advanced AI-based technology to prevent energy waste and to simplify control for system managers. One of the many highlights of LG's booth is the R32 Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF)-based integrated solution package. The LG Multi V™ i, an all-electric VRF solution, intelligently manages performance according to environmental changes and helps prevent unnecessary energy consumption. When connected to the Hydro Kit, the Multi V i supports floor heating and hot water supply while its compatibility with Air Handling Unit applications from various companies enables it to serve large warehouses and other specialized business-to-business environments. Along with exceptional scalability, the company's all-electric system offers efficient management with convenient Smart Control features. Powered by LG's advanced AI Engine, these features analyze the operational data of the Multi V i to improve indoor comfort and create significant energy savings. 'The groundbreaking LG residential and commercial HVAC solutions on show at ISH 2025 demonstrate our commitment to delivering energy-efficient, high-performance heating systems for the European market,' said James Lee, president of the LG ES Company. 'As a key player in the global shift towards electrification, and a trusted provider of advanced HVAC solutions, LG will continue to pursue innovation that maximizes customer value while minimizing environmental impact.' Visitors to ISH 2025 can experience the latest LG HVAC solutions at the company's exhibition booth (E69, 12.1 Hall, Messe Frankfurt). LG SHOWCASES INNOVATIVE HEATING SOLUTIONS FOR A BETTER FUTURE AT ISH 2025 Comments are closed.
Associated Press
03-03-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
Temu Wins High Ratings for Quality, Data Handling and Returns from Top German Consumer Watchdog
BERLIN, March 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Stiftung Warentest, Germany's leading consumer testing organization, awarded Temu a 'good' rating for data handling and shopping experience. The independent evaluation also found that products purchased from Temu were 'usable and as described.' The assessment was part of Stiftung Warentest's review of seven major e-commerce platforms, examining product safety, data handling, and the overall shopping experience. Temu was among the top performers in the evaluation, which also included Amazon, eBay, AliExpress, Fruugo, Wish, and Banggood. Founded in 1964 by the German federal parliament, Stiftung Warentest is Germany's most trusted independent consumer testing agency. Its evaluations follow strict scientific protocols, combining laboratory testing with real-world use cases to provide objective, reliable product assessments. Temu's performance in the evaluation reflects its ongoing efforts to strengthen quality assurance. The company implements a rigorous seller and product vetting process, backed by proactive monitoring and swift corrective action. Germany is Temu's largest EU market, with 17 million users, according to its latest EU transparency report. Since launching in Europe in April 2023, Temu has prioritized quality assurance and data protection to enhance consumer trust. Temu collaborates with leading global testing and certification organizations, including TÜV SÜD, TÜV Rheinland, SGS, and Bureau Veritas, to ensure third-party seller products meet required standards. In addition, Temu has been certified by Dekra, a respected German testing and certification body, to meet the Mobile App Security Assessment cybersecurity standard. In its evaluation, Stiftung Warentest rated Temu's shopping process 'good' and its return experience 'very good"— the highest rating in the evaluation and the best among the seven marketplaces tested. 'Our purchase via Temu went smoothly. We were able to return the goods free of charge and without any complications; the full purchase price was refunded without any problems,' Stiftung Warentest noted in its report. Since launching in the U.S. in 2022, Temu has expanded to over 90 global markets, offering consumers a broad selection of quality, affordable products. The company is actively onboarding local sellers and has rolled out local fulfillment in key markets, including the U.S., U.K., Germany, France, Belgium, Netherlands, Italy, Spain, Sweden, and Poland. Temu expects its local-to-local model to account for 80% of European sales, creating new opportunities for local businesses while offering consumers quality products at competitive prices. About Temu Temu is a global e-commerce platform connecting consumers with millions of manufacturers, brands, and business partners. Operating in over 90 markets worldwide, Temu is committed to providing affordable, high-quality products that enable customers to live better lives. Founded in 2022, Temu's mission is to create an inclusive environment where consumers and businesses can thrive.
