Special provisions of electric wheelchair braking system in international safety standards

Special provisions of electric wheelchair braking system in international safety standards

I. Introduction
As an important means of travel for people with limited mobility, electric wheelchairs have been widely used around the world. The safety of its braking system is directly related to the life safety of the user, and is therefore strictly regulated by international safety standards. This article will explore in depth the special provisions of electric wheelchair braking system in international safety standards, provide professional product knowledge for international wholesale buyers, and help them make wise decisions in their business.

II. Overview of international safety standards
(I) ISO 7176 series of standards
The ISO 7176 series of standards is an internationally recognized standard system for safety performance and design requirements of electric wheelchairs. Among them, the content related to the braking system covers parking brakes, driving brakes, and emergency brakes, and specifies in detail the performance indicators, test methods, and safety requirements of the braking system.

(II) EN 12184 standard
EN 12184 is a safety standard formulated by the European Union for electric wheelchairs, which puts forward strict requirements on the braking system, especially in terms of braking efficiency, braking stability, and reliability of the braking system. The standard also emphasizes the braking safety of electric wheelchairs under different road conditions and usage conditions to ensure that users are fully protected in all situations.
(III) UL 2723 standard
UL 2723 is a safety standard for electric wheelchairs developed by the American Underwriters Laboratory, focusing on the safety of the electrical and mechanical systems of electric wheelchairs, including the braking system. The standard makes detailed provisions on the insulation performance of the braking system, overload protection, and prevention of braking system failures to reduce the safety risks that users may face during use.

III. Special provisions for the braking system of electric wheelchairs

(I) Parking brake performance
Parking brake force requirements
According to the ISO 7176-14 standard, the parking brake force of an electric wheelchair should be sufficient to prevent the wheelchair from sliding on an inclined plane of a specified slope under maximum load. Specifically, for electric wheelchairs of different weight levels, their parking brake force must meet the corresponding minimum requirements to ensure the stability of the wheelchair when parked.
The EN 12184 standard further stipulates that the parking brake device should be able to maintain reliable braking force under various environmental conditions (such as slippery roads, different temperature ranges, etc.) to prevent safety accidents caused by reduced braking force due to environmental factors.
Reliability of parking brake device
International standards require that the parking brake device must be highly reliable and able to withstand multiple braking cycle tests without functional failure or performance degradation. For example, in the ISO 7176-14 test, the parking brake device needs to maintain a stable working state under the specified test times and conditions to ensure that it can provide users with continuous and reliable parking safety protection during long-term use.

(II) Driving brake efficiency
Braking distance limit
ISO 7176-14 specifies the maximum allowable braking distance of electric wheelchairs at different speeds. For example, when the electric wheelchair is traveling at the highest design speed, its braking distance should not exceed the specific value specified in the standard to ensure that the user has enough time and distance to react in case of emergencies to avoid collisions and other dangerous situations.
The UL 2723 standard also has strict regulations on braking distance, and requires manufacturers to clearly mark the braking distance range of electric wheelchairs at various speeds in the product manual so that users can understand and reasonably control the driving speed to ensure driving safety.
Braking stability
During the braking process, the electric wheelchair must maintain good stability to avoid side slipping, tail swinging and other uncontrolled phenomena. The EN 12184 standard stipulates that the design of the braking system should ensure that the braking force of each wheel of the wheelchair is reasonably distributed when braking, so that the wheelchair can slow down and stop smoothly. At the same time, the standard also requires strict testing and verification of the stability of the braking system to ensure that the safety of users is fully guaranteed in actual use.

(III) Emergency braking function
Emergency braking trigger conditions
International safety standards require electric wheelchairs to be equipped with reliable emergency braking functions to deal with sudden dangerous situations. The emergency braking function should be able to start quickly under specific trigger conditions. For example, when the user releases the control device or an electrical system failure occurs, the braking system should respond immediately and implement emergency braking to ensure that the wheelchair stops running in the shortest time and minimize the risk of accidents.
Emergency braking performance requirements
For the performance of emergency braking, the standard stipulates that its braking deceleration should not be less than a certain value to ensure that the wheelchair can be quickly decelerated and stopped in an emergency. At the same time, the stability and safety of the wheelchair during emergency braking must also be guaranteed to avoid secondary injuries caused by emergency braking, such as the user falling or being injured by collision due to inertia.

(IV) Redundant design of braking system
Equipment of redundant braking device
In order to improve the reliability and safety of the braking system, international standards encourage electric wheelchair manufacturers to adopt redundant braking design. That is, in the event of failure of the main braking system, the braking function can be achieved through the backup braking device to ensure the safety of the user. For example, in addition to the conventional driving braking system, a parking brake device can be added to the wheelchair as a redundant braking means. When the driving brake fails, the user can still control the stop and start of the wheelchair through the parking brake.
Coordination of redundant braking system
When equipped with a redundant braking system, the standard requires that the various braking systems can work in coordination to avoid reduced braking efficiency or confusion in operation due to mutual interference of the braking system. Manufacturers need to carefully design and strictly test the control logic and working mode of the redundant braking system to ensure that each braking system can effectively function according to the predetermined priority and working order under different circumstances, providing users with all-round safety protection.

(V) Electrical safety of the braking system
Electrical insulation performance
Since the braking system of an electric wheelchair is usually closely connected to the electrical system, the electrical insulation performance is crucial. The UL 2723 standard strictly stipulates the insulation resistance, withstand voltage strength and other indicators of electrical components in the braking system to prevent electrical faults such as leakage and short circuit caused by poor insulation, and to ensure the electrical safety of users when operating electric wheelchairs.
Overload protection and fault diagnosis
The electrical part of the braking system should have an overload protection function, which can automatically cut off the power supply when the current is too large or the system is overheated, to prevent damage to electrical components and possible safety accidents such as fire. At the same time, the standard also requires that the braking system be equipped with a fault diagnosis function, which can monitor the electrical parameters and working status of the braking system in real time, and issue an alarm to the user in time if an abnormal situation is found, reminding the user to carry out repairs and maintenance to ensure the normal operation of the braking system.

IV. Testing and certification of electric wheelchair brake system

(I) Test methods and procedures
Parking brake test
According to ISO 7176-14 standard, parking brake test is usually carried out on an inclined plane with a specified slope. Load the electric wheelchair to the maximum design load, then apply the parking brake, and observe the sliding of the wheelchair within a certain period of time to verify whether the parking brake force meets the standard requirements. At the same time, the parking brake device needs to be tested for multiple cycles to simulate the frequent braking conditions in actual use and verify its reliability and durability.
Driving brake test
The driving brake test mainly measures the braking distance and braking stability of the electric wheelchair at different speeds. On a flat road, drive the wheelchair at a specified speed, then apply the driving brake, record the braking distance, and observe the posture and stability of the wheelchair during braking. In order to ensure the accuracy of the test results, it is necessary to repeat the test multiple times and perform statistical analysis on the data to verify whether the braking system meets the requirements of international safety standards.
Emergency brake test
The emergency brake test is designed to evaluate the response speed and braking efficiency of the braking system in emergency situations. By simulating trigger conditions such as the user releasing the control device or electrical system failure, the emergency braking function is activated, the braking deceleration and braking distance of the wheelchair are measured, and its stability and safety are observed. At the same time, the reliability and repeatability of the emergency braking system must be tested to ensure stable performance in multiple emergency braking operations.

(II) Certification process and requirements
Product inspection and document review
Manufacturers need to send electric wheelchair samples to qualified third-party testing agencies for certification testing. Before submission for inspection, detailed product technical documents, including design drawings, electrical schematics, material lists, quality control documents, etc., must be prepared for the testing agency to review the documents. After the document review is passed, the testing agency will conduct various tests on the samples in accordance with the corresponding international safety standards.
Testing and evaluation
The testing agency conducts comprehensive tests on the braking system of the electric wheelchair in accordance with the prescribed test methods and procedures, including performance tests on parking brakes, driving brakes, emergency brakes, etc. At the same time, a comprehensive evaluation of the overall safety, electrical performance, mechanical strength, etc. of the product will be conducted to ensure that the product meets the requirements of international safety standards.
Issuance of certification certificate and subsequent supervision
If the electric wheelchair sample passes all the tests and evaluation items, the testing agency will issue the corresponding certification certificate to prove that the product meets international safety standards. After obtaining the certification certificate, the manufacturer can mark the corresponding certification mark on the product to enhance the market competitiveness of the product and the trust of consumers. At the same time, the testing agency will also conduct subsequent supervision and spot checks on the certified products to ensure that the manufacturer can continue to maintain product quality and safety during mass production and meet the requirements of the certification standards.

V. Notes for international wholesale buyers

(I) Selection and evaluation of suppliers
Supplier’s technical strength and production capacity
Buyers should give priority to suppliers with strong technical R&D strength and advanced production capacity. Understand the supplier’s technical accumulation and innovation ability in the design and manufacture of electric wheelchair brake systems to ensure that it can produce high-quality products that meet international safety standards. At the same time, examine the supplier’s production equipment, process flow and quality control system to evaluate whether it has the ability to stably produce qualified products.
Supplier’s quality management system
A complete quality management system is the key to ensuring product quality. Buyers need to review whether the supplier has passed ISO 9001 and other internationally recognized quality management system certifications, and understand their quality management measures and implementation in raw material procurement, production process control, product inspection and other links. Working with suppliers with strict quality management systems can reduce the risk of quality problems in purchased products and ensure that the purchased electric wheelchair brake system meets international safety standards.
Supplier’s market reputation and customer feedback
Understanding the supplier’s reputation in the market and customer reputation is crucial to choosing a reliable partner. Buyers can evaluate the market recognition and customer satisfaction of their products by reviewing the supplier’s historical sales records, customer reviews and case studies. Choosing suppliers with good market reputation and positive customer feedback can not only obtain better products and services, but also reduce business risks and reputation losses caused by product quality problems.

(II) Product compliance and certification
Ensure that the product meets the safety standards of the target market
Different countries and regions may have different safety standards and regulatory requirements for electric wheelchair brake systems. Before purchasing products, buyers must clarify the specific standards of the target market and ensure that the purchased electric wheelchair brake system fully meets these requirements. For example, electric wheelchairs sold in the EU market must comply with the EN 12184 standard, and in the US market they must meet the UL 2723 standard. Only products that meet local safety standards can enter the market smoothly and gain the trust of consumers.
Authenticity and validity of certification certificates
Buyers need to carefully verify the authenticity and validity of the certification certificates provided by suppliers. You can directly contact the certification body or visit the official website of the certification body to inquire about the authenticity, validity period, and product range covered by the certificate. Avoid accepting false or invalid certification certificates that result in the inability to sell purchased products in the target market, causing economic losses and commercial disputes.

(III) Quality inspection and acceptance
Establish detailed quality inspection standards
When signing a purchase contract with a supplier, the purchaser should clearly formulate detailed quality inspection standards, including inspection content and acceptance standards for various performance indicators, appearance quality, packaging requirements, etc. of the electric wheelchair brake system. These standards should be based on international safety standards and their own business needs to ensure that the quality of the purchased products meets the expected requirements.
Implement strict incoming inspection
Buyers should conduct strict incoming inspection after the goods arrive, and conduct comprehensive inspection and testing of the electric wheelchair brake system in accordance with established quality inspection standards. For any quality problems found, they should communicate with the supplier in a timely manner and negotiate solutions, such as return, exchange, repair, etc. Through strict incoming inspection, unqualified products can be effectively prevented from entering the market, protecting the rights and interests of consumers and their own business reputation.

(IV) After-sales service and technical support
Supplier’s after-sales service capabilities
Consider whether the supplier has a complete after-sales service system, including service capabilities in product maintenance, parts supply, technical consultation, etc. When the electric wheelchair brake system fails or has problems, it is crucial to obtain the supplier’s professional technical support and after-sales service in a timely manner to ensure the safety of users and the normal use of the product.
Technical training and data support
Buyers can require suppliers to provide technical training services so that their own technicians and maintenance personnel are familiar with the structure, principle and maintenance methods of the electric wheelchair brake system, and improve their ability to maintain and troubleshoot independently. At the same time, suppliers should also provide detailed product technical information, maintenance manuals, parts drawings and other information so that buyers can accurately perform repairs and maintenance when necessary to extend the service life of the product.

VI. Case Analysis

(I) Compliance Case of Electric Wheelchair Braking System in EU Market
During the product design phase, a European electric wheelchair manufacturer strictly followed the EN 12184 standard to design and develop the braking system, and optimized and tested functions such as parking brake, driving brake and emergency brake. After the product was put on the market, it was widely recognized and trusted by local consumers because its braking system complied with EU safety standards, and its market share gradually increased. However, another manufacturer failed to fully meet the requirements of the EN 12184 standard due to defects in the braking system design. After the product entered the EU market, there were frequent complaints of braking failures. The market supervision and management department eventually required the product to be recalled and rectified, resulting in huge economic losses and damage to brand reputation.

(II) Certification Case of Electric Wheelchair Braking System in the US Market
A Chinese electric wheelchair manufacturer planned to launch its products in the US market, so it actively prepared for UL 2723 certification. During the certification process, the manufacturer strictly followed the UL standard to improve and optimize the electrical insulation performance, overload protection and other functions of the braking system, and successfully passed various tests of the testing agency and obtained the UL certification certificate. With the authority and credibility of UL certification, the manufacturer’s products have been favored by more consumers and recognized by dealers in the US market, successfully opened the door to the US market, and sales have increased year by year. Another manufacturer ignored the importance of UL certification and tried to enter the US market with a low-price strategy, but because its products did not meet the UL 2723 standard, it encountered a large number of consumer complaints and legal proceedings during the sales process and was eventually forced to withdraw from the US market.

VII. FAQ
Q1: Why should the electric wheelchair braking system comply with international safety standards?
A1: The electric wheelchair braking system complies with international safety standards to ensure the life safety and physical health of the user. International safety standards have made strict regulations on the performance, reliability, stability and other aspects of the braking system, which can effectively reduce the risk of accidents caused by braking system failures or design defects. At the same time, a braking system that meets international safety standards can also help improve the market competitiveness of products and consumer trust, and promote the healthy development of the electric wheelchair industry.
Q2: How to judge whether the braking system of an electric wheelchair complies with international safety standards?
A2: To determine whether the electric wheelchair brake system meets international safety standards, first check whether the product has the corresponding certification certificate, such as ISO, EN, UL and other certification marks. Secondly, you can ask the supplier to provide product test reports and relevant technical documents to understand the performance test results of the brake system in terms of parking brake, driving brake, emergency brake, etc. In addition, you can also feel the actual performance of the brake system such as response speed, braking distance, stability, etc. through actual operation and testing to determine whether it meets the standard requirements.
Q3: What should I do if I find that the purchased electric wheelchair brake system does not meet international safety standards?
A3: Once it is found that the purchased electric wheelchair brake system does not meet international safety standards, the sale and use of the product should be stopped immediately to avoid safety accidents caused by product defects. Contact the supplier in time to negotiate solutions, such as return, exchange or require the supplier to rectify the product. At the same time, report the situation of product non-compliance with standards to the relevant market supervision and management departments, and actively cooperate with the investigation and handling of the regulatory authorities to reduce the adverse effects on consumers and the market.
Q4: How often do international safety standards update electric wheelchair brake systems?
A4: International safety standards are usually updated and revised regularly according to technological development, market demand and changes in safety requirements. For example, the ISO 7176 series of standards will be comprehensively reviewed and updated every few years to ensure the scientificity, advancement and applicability of the standards. Therefore, buyers need to pay close attention to the updates of relevant standards, keep abreast of changes in the standards, and require suppliers to design and produce products in accordance with the latest standards to ensure that the purchased electric wheelchair brake systems always meet the requirements of international safety standards.
Q5: What differences should be paid attention to when selling electric wheelchair brake systems in different countries?
A5: There may be differences in safety standards and regulatory requirements for electric wheelchair brake systems in different countries. For example, the EU market emphasizes the EN 12184 standard, while the US market focuses on the UL 2723 standard. In addition, some countries may have special regulations for specific performance indicators, test methods or certification procedures for brake systems. When entering the markets of different countries, buyers need to fully understand and comply with local relevant standards and regulations to ensure that products meet the access requirements of local markets and avoid product bans and recalls due to non-compliance with local regulations.

8. Conclusion
The electric wheelchair brake system faces a series of strict and special regulations in international safety standards. These regulations cover parking brakes, service brakes, emergency brakes, redundant design, electrical safety and other aspects, aiming to ensure the safety of users and the reliability of products. For international wholesale buyers, in-depth understanding of these standards and regulations, strict control of product quality, and selection of electric wheelchair brake system products that meet international safety standards are not only a manifestation of responsibility to consumers, but also the foundation for gaining a foothold in the fierce market competition. With the continuous advancement of technology and the improvement of safety standards, the electric wheelchair industry will develop in a safer, more reliable and more convenient direction, providing better travel solutions for people with limited mobility.