Heartway Medical Products S23K, User Manual

Page: 7 / 33

and alarm systems of shops. 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 warnings 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 WHEN EXPERIENCING THE
FOLLOWING:

Unintentional scooter movements

Unintended or uncontrollable direction.

Unexpected brake release
The FDA has written to the manufacturers of power scooters asking them to test new products to be sure they
provide a reasonable degree of immunity against EMI. The FDA requires that a powered wheelchair should
have an immunity level at least 20 V/m, which provides a reasonable degree of protection against more
common sources of EMI. 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 alarm systems of shops.
7