Are the inexpensive Amazon-brand telescoping/multi-position ladders safe?

They can be, but with caveats. Verified-purchase reviewers and YouTube testers generally find the better-rated aluminum multi-position ladders (LANBITOU, LEVELEVE) stable within their rated load when locked correctly. However, specialist subreddits repeatedly flag flex at full extension, pinch points during reconfiguration, and weight as real downsides versus a name-brand Little Giant or a dedicated fiberglass step ladder. For occasional homeowner use they're a reasonable value; for daily pro use, most tradespeople in r/Tools still recommend Werner, Little Giant or Louisville.