What are the international safety standards for electric wheelchair brake systems?

What are the international safety standards for electric wheelchair brake systems?
The brake system of an electric wheelchair is a key component to ensure the safety of the user, and its design and performance must meet strict international safety standards. These standards not only cover the performance requirements of the brake system, but also include test methods and manufacturer information disclosure. The following are the main international safety standards for electric wheelchair brake systems:

I. ISO 7176 series of standards
The ISO 7176 series of standards are international standards for wheelchairs (including manual wheelchairs and electric wheelchairs), covering the design, performance and testing requirements of wheelchairs. The following are some standards related to the brake system:
(I) ISO 7176-3:2012
Standard content:
Test purpose: This standard specifies the test method for measuring the effectiveness of the brakes of manual wheelchairs and electric wheelchairs (including scooters), which is applicable to wheelchairs that carry one person and have a maximum speed of no more than 15 km/h.
Test equipment: The test equipment usually includes a brake dynamometer, a speed measuring device and a wheelchair simulator. The brake dynamometer is used to measure the braking force generated during braking, and the speed measuring device is used to measure the speed change of the wheelchair during braking.
Test steps:
Ensure that the wheelchair is in good working condition and is properly maintained and adjusted.
Attach a speed measuring device to the wheelchair and record the initial speed.
Start the brakes and gradually apply the braking force while monitoring the wheelchair’s speed change.
When the wheelchair comes to a complete stop, record the maximum braking force during the braking process and the wheelchair’s final speed.
Evaluate the performance of the braking system based on the test results, including braking force and stability.
Interpretation of results: The test results should include the maximum braking force during braking, the final speed, and the stability during braking. These data can be used to evaluate whether the performance of the braking system meets expectations.
Scope of application: This standard applies to different types of wheelchairs, including manual and electric wheelchairs.

(II) ISO 7176-14:2008
Standard content:
Power and control system: This standard specifically targets the power and control systems of electric wheelchairs and scooters, including requirements and test methods for motors, batteries, controllers, safety protection systems, and other related components.
Braking system requirements: The braking system should be able to effectively stop the wheelchair and have anti-lock function. The test method includes evaluating the performance of the braking system to ensure that it can provide sufficient braking force under various road conditions.
Test method: The test includes evaluating the performance of the battery, motor, reducer, controller, brake system, steering system and speed control system to ensure that they meet the relevant safety and performance standards.
2. EN 12184 standard
EN 12184 is a European standard that covers the safety, reliability, performance, handling characteristics, and mechanical and electrical requirements of electric wheelchairs and electric mobility devices.
(I) Braking system requirements
Off-power operation: The braking system can still operate when the battery has no power to supply the drive system.
Flywheel mode: The braking system should be able to work effectively when the wheelchair is in flywheel mode.
Emergency braking: The braking system should have an emergency braking function to ensure that the wheelchair can be stopped quickly in an emergency.

3. GB/T 18029 series of standards
The GB/T 18029 series of standards are Chinese national standards that cover a number of performance and test requirements for wheelchairs. The following are some standards related to the braking system:
(I) GB/T 18029.3-2008
Standard content:
Test method: This standard specifies the test method for the performance of wheelchair brakes, including horizontal road braking, maximum safe slope braking, etc.
Performance requirements:
Indoor type: maximum speed not exceeding 4.5 km/h, braking distance not exceeding 1.0 m.
Outdoor type: maximum speed not exceeding 6 km/h, braking distance not exceeding 1.5 m.
Road type: maximum speed not exceeding 15 km/h, braking distance not exceeding 3.5 m.
(II) GB/T 18029.14-2012
Standard content:
Power and control system: This standard specifies the requirements and test methods for the power and control systems of electric wheelchairs and electric scooters.
Braking system: The braking system should have good performance to ensure that the wheelchair can be effectively stopped under various conditions.
IV. Other relevant standards
(I) GB/Z 18029.3-2021
Standard content:
Test method: This standard specifies the test method for the brake performance of manual wheelchairs and single-person electric wheelchairs (including electric scooters).
Scope of application: Applicable to wheelchairs with a maximum speed of no more than 15 km/h.
Summary
The brake system of an electric wheelchair is a key component to ensure the safety of the user, and its design and performance must meet strict international safety standards. The ISO 7176 series of standards, EN 12184 standard and GB/T 18029 series of standards provide comprehensive performance requirements and test methods for the brake system of electric wheelchairs. Manufacturers should strictly follow these standards to ensure the safety and reliability of their products. At the same time, when choosing an electric wheelchair, users should also pay attention to whether it meets the relevant standards to ensure the safety of themselves and others….