S8 Aviator
Owner’s Handbook
Page 4
ELECTROMAGNETIC INTERFERENCE
The rapid development of electronics, especially
in the area of communications, has saturated
our environment with electromagnetic (EM)
radio waves that are emitted by television, radio
and communication signals. These EM wave are
invisible and their strength increases as one
approaches the source. All electrical conductors
act as antennas to the EM signals and, to
varying degrees, all power wheelchairs and
scooters are susceptible to electromagnetic
interference (EMI). The interference could result
in abnormal, unintentional movement and/or
erratic control of the vehicle. Power scooters
may be susceptible to electromagnetic
interference (EMI), which is interfering
electromagnetic energy emitted from sources
such as radio stations, TV stations, amateur
radio (HAM) transmitters, two-way radios,
cellular phones and alarm systems. The
interference (from radio wave sources) can
cause the power scooter to release its brakes,
move by itself or move in unintended directions.
It can also permanently damage the powered
scooter’s control system. The intensity of the EM
energy can be measured in volts per meter
(V/m). Each powered scooter can resist EMI up
to a certain intensity. This is called “immunity
level”. The higher the immunity level the greater
the protection. At this time, current technology is
capable of providing at least 20 V/m of
immunity level, which would provide useful
protection against common sources of radiated
EMI.
Following the advisory notes listed below should
reduce the chance of unintended brake release
or powered scooter movement that could result
in serious injury:
1.
Do not turn on hand-held personal
communication devices such as citizens
band (CB) radios and cellular phones while
the powered scooter is turned on.
2.
Be aware of nearby transmitters such as
radio or TV stations and try to avoid
coming close to them.
3.
If unintended movement or brake release
occurs, turn the powered scooter off as
soon as it is safe.
4.
Be aware that adding accessories or
components, or modifying the powered
scooter, may make it more susceptible to
interference from radio wave sources
(Note: It is difficult to evaluate the effect on
the overall immunity of the powered
scooter).
5.
Report all incidents of unintended
movement or brake release to the powered
scooter manufacturer, and note whether
there is a radio wave source nearby.
TURN OFF YOUR POWERED SCOOTER AS
SOON AS POSSIBLE IF YOU EXPERIENCE
THE FOLLOWING:
Unintentional scooter movements
Unintended or uncontrollable
direction.
Unexpected brake release
The higher the immunity level the greater the
protection. Your powered scooter has an
immunity level of 20 V/m which should protect
against common sources of EMI.
Warning: The scooter itself can disturb the
performance of the electromagnetic fields such
as emitted by an alarm system
