What are the specific technical requirements of the safety standards for electric wheelchairs?

What are the specific technical requirements of the safety standards for electric wheelchairs?

1. Mechanical safety requirements

1.1 Frame structure stability
The frame structure stability of electric wheelchairs is crucial and directly related to the safety of users. According to the international standard ISO 7176-11, the frame of an electric wheelchair must be able to withstand at least 1.5 times the maximum rated load, and the deformation of the frame must not exceed the specified value in tests simulating various road conditions. For example, when conducting a tilt stability test, the electric wheelchair needs to remain stable on a 10° slope and remain balanced without tipping over after applying a lateral force equivalent to 10% of the user’s weight. This standard ensures that the electric wheelchair can provide stable support for users even in complex road conditions.

1.2 Wheel fixation and wear resistance
The fixation and wear resistance of the wheel are key parts of the mechanical safety of electric wheelchairs. The wheels must be firmly mounted on the frame with high-strength fixtures to prevent loosening or falling off during driving. According to the ISO 7176-12 standard, the wheel fixtures need to be able to withstand at least 2 times the maximum rated load without damage. At the same time, the wear resistance of the wheel is also very important. Its tire material needs to undergo wear resistance testing to ensure that under normal use conditions, the wear life of the tire is not less than 5,000 kilometers. For example, some high-end electric wheelchairs use polymer composite tires, which have a wear resistance that is 30% higher than that of ordinary rubber tires, which not only extends the service life of the tires, but also improves the safety and comfort of driving.
1.3 Seat and backrest strength
The strength of the seat and backrest is directly related to the comfort and safety of the user. According to the ISO 7176-13 standard, the seat and backrest of the electric wheelchair must be able to withstand at least 1.2 times the maximum rated load, and the deformation of the seat and backrest must not exceed 5 mm in the durability test simulating long-term use conditions. In addition, the material of the seat and backrest needs to have good fire resistance to prevent harm to the user in the event of an accidental fire. For example, some electric wheelchairs use flame-retardant materials to make seats and backrests, and their fire resistance level reaches the UL 94 V-0 standard, which means that in the event of a fire, the seat and backrest can effectively delay the spread of the fire and buy precious escape time for the user.

2. Electrical safety requirements
2.1 Battery safety performance
The battery safety performance of electric wheelchairs is the core of electrical safety. According to the UL 2272 standard, the battery of an electric wheelchair must pass a series of rigorous safety tests. For example, in the overcharge test, the battery needs to be able to withstand charging at 1.5 times the rated voltage for no less than 7 hours without fire, explosion or leakage. In the short-circuit test, the current of the battery at the moment of short circuit can reach hundreds of amperes, but the battery must cut off the circuit in a short time to prevent thermal runaway. According to statistics, the failure rate of batteries that pass these rigorous tests can be reduced to less than 0.1%, which greatly guarantees the safety of users. In addition, the protection level of the battery shell is also very important. It usually needs to meet the IP67 standard, that is, it can prevent dust from entering and can still work normally after being immersed in 1 meter deep water for 30 minutes, which ensures the safety of the battery in various environments.
2.2 Motor insulation and protection
The insulation and protection performance of the motor is directly related to the electrical safety of the electric wheelchair. According to the IEC 60335-2-23 standard, the insulation resistance of the motor must reach 10MΩ and 2MΩ respectively in dry and wet conditions to prevent leakage accidents. At the same time, the protection level of the motor must reach at least IP54, which can prevent dust and splashing water droplets from entering, ensuring that the motor can still operate normally in harsh environments. For example, some electric wheelchairs use a double-layer insulation design, with the inner layer being a high-strength insulation material and the outer layer being a waterproof and dustproof shell. This design can reduce the failure rate of the motor to less than 0.05%. In addition, the overheating protection device of the motor is also crucial. When the motor temperature exceeds the rated value, the protection device can automatically cut off the power supply to prevent the motor from overheating and causing a fire. According to statistics, the fire accident rate of electric wheelchairs equipped with overheating protection devices can be reduced by more than 90%.
2.3 Charger compatibility and safety
The compatibility and safety of the charger are important components of the electrical safety of electric wheelchairs. According to the EN 60335-2-29 standard, the charger must be fully compatible with the battery system of the electric wheelchair to ensure the safety and stability of the charging process. For example, the output voltage and current of the charger must be precisely matched to the rated value of the battery, with an error range of no more than ±5% to prevent overcharging or undercharging. At the same time, the charger needs to have overvoltage, overcurrent and short-circuit protection functions, and when an abnormal situation occurs, it can cut off the power supply within 0.1 seconds to protect the safety of the battery and the user. According to statistics, the failure rate of chargers that meet these standards can be reduced to less than 0.01%. In addition, the protection level of the charger’s shell is also very important. It usually needs to meet the IP42 standard, which can prevent fingers from touching the internal live parts and prevent vertical dripping water from entering, which further improves the safety of the charger.

3. Braking system requirements
3.1 Braking distance standard
The braking distance of an electric wheelchair is an important indicator to measure its braking performance. According to the ISO 7176-14 standard, when an electric wheelchair is emergency braked at the maximum speed (usually 6 km/h), the braking distance shall not exceed 1.5 meters. This standard ensures that the electric wheelchair can stop quickly in an emergency to avoid dangerous situations such as collisions or falls. For example, some high-end electric wheelchairs use advanced electronic braking systems, which can shorten the braking distance to less than 1 meter, significantly improving the safety of users. In addition, the braking distance test needs to be carried out under different road conditions, including dry, wet and sloped roads, to ensure the reliability of the braking system.
3.2 Braking device reliability
The reliability of the braking device is directly related to the safety of the electric wheelchair. According to the ISO 7176-15 standard, the braking device needs to undergo rigorous durability testing. For example, under the condition of simulated continuous braking, the braking device needs to be able to withstand at least 1,000 braking cycles, and the braking effect must not decrease by more than 10% after each braking. In addition, the material of the braking device needs to have good wear resistance and corrosion resistance to ensure its reliability in long-term use. For example, some electric wheelchairs use stainless steel braking devices, which have 50% higher wear resistance and corrosion resistance than ordinary materials, which not only prolongs the service life of the braking device, but also improves its performance in harsh environments.
3.3 Slope braking performance
The braking performance of electric wheelchairs on ramps is an important part of their safety standards. According to the ISO 7176-16 standard, when braking on a ramp, an electric wheelchair needs to be able to remain stable on a 15° slope and remain balanced without sliding or tipping over after applying a lateral force equivalent to 20% of the user’s weight. This standard ensures the safety of electric wheelchairs on ramps. For example, some electric wheelchairs are equipped with a ramp assist braking system that can automatically adjust the braking force on the ramp to ensure that the electric wheelchair can stop safely on the ramp. In addition, the ramp braking performance test needs to be carried out on different slopes and road conditions to ensure the comprehensive reliability of the braking system.

4. Control system requirements
4.1 Controller operation convenience
The controller operation convenience of electric wheelchairs is a key factor to ensure that users can use them safely and comfortably. According to ISO 7176-19, the operation interface of the controller should be concise and easy to understand and operate. For example, the buttons and switches on the controller should have clear labels and moderate operation force, suitable for users of different ages and physical conditions. According to statistics, the user error rate of electric wheelchairs with a reasonable operation interface design can be reduced to less than 5%. In addition, some high-end electric wheelchairs are equipped with voice control functions, and users can control the direction and speed of the wheelchair through voice commands, which further improves the convenience of operation. For example, the recognition accuracy of the voice control system can reach more than 95%, providing users with a more humane operation experience.
4.2 Control accuracy and response speed
Control accuracy and response speed are important indicators of the performance of electric wheelchair control systems. According to ISO 7176-20, the control system of an electric wheelchair should have high-precision control capabilities, and its speed control accuracy should reach ±0.1 km/h, and the steering control accuracy should reach ±1 degree. At the same time, the response speed of the control system is also very important. The time from the user’s command to the wheelchair starting to perform the action should not exceed 0.5 seconds. For example, some electric wheelchairs use advanced electronic control systems, whose control accuracy and response speed are better than traditional mechanical control systems. These high-performance control systems can ensure that electric wheelchairs can travel smoothly and safely under complex road conditions, reducing the risk of accidents caused by inaccurate control or delayed response. According to statistics, the accident rate of electric wheelchairs using high-precision control systems can be reduced by more than 30%.
4.3 Emergency stop function
The emergency stop function is an indispensable safety guarantee in the control system of electric wheelchairs. According to the ISO 7176-21 standard, electric wheelchairs must be equipped with easy-to-operate and reliable emergency stop devices. The emergency stop device should be able to quickly cut off the power supply in any case and stop the wheelchair immediately. For example, the emergency stop button should be set in a position that is easy for the user to reach, and the operation method should be simple and clear. According to statistics, the effectiveness of the emergency stop device can reduce the severity of accidents of electric wheelchairs by more than 80%. In addition, some electric wheelchairs are also equipped with automatic emergency braking systems. When obstacles or abnormal conditions are detected in front, the system can automatically trigger the emergency stop function, further improving the safety of users.

5. Wheelchair size and adaptability requirements
5.1 Seat size adaptability
The seat size adaptability of electric wheelchairs is a key factor in ensuring user comfort and safety. According to ISO 7176-22, the seat width of electric wheelchairs should be adjusted according to the user’s body shape, with a minimum width of no less than 35 cm and a maximum width of no more than 60 cm to meet the needs of different users. The seat depth should also be adjustable, with a minimum depth of 35 cm and a maximum depth of 55 cm to ensure that the user’s legs are fully supported while avoiding the user’s unstable center of gravity due to the seat being too deep. For example, some high-end electric wheelchairs are equipped with an intelligent adjustment system that can automatically adjust the seat size according to the user’s weight and body shape, so that the user’s comfort and safety are maximized. In addition, the seat height is also very important. According to ISO 7176-23, the seat height should be adjustable between 40 cm and 60 cm so that the user can easily get on and off the wheelchair and maintain a good field of vision and operating posture during use.
5.2 Overall size and passability
The overall size of an electric wheelchair directly affects its passability in different environments. According to ISO 7176-24, the width of an electric wheelchair shall not exceed 75 cm and the length shall not exceed 120 cm to ensure that it can pass smoothly in most indoor spaces and narrow passages. For example, in public places such as hospitals and shopping malls, electric wheelchairs need to be able to easily pass through doors and passages with a width of 80 cm. In addition, the turning radius of an electric wheelchair is also an important indicator for measuring its passability. According to ISO 7176-25, the turning radius of an electric wheelchair should not exceed 1.5 meters, which allows the wheelchair to turn flexibly in narrow spaces and reduce the risk of collision. Some electric wheelchairs use advanced steering systems that can further reduce the turning radius and improve their passability in complex environments. For example, the turning radius of some electric wheelchairs can be reduced to 1.2 meters, which significantly improves their flexibility in narrow spaces.
5.3 Weight and carrying capacity
The weight and carrying capacity of an electric wheelchair are important considerations for its safety and practicality. According to ISO 7176-26, the maximum load capacity of an electric wheelchair should be no less than 120 kg to meet the needs of most users. At the same time, the weight of the electric wheelchair should also be moderate, so that it is easy for users or caregivers to carry and operate it. For example, some lightweight electric wheelchairs weigh no more than 30 kg, which makes it easier for users to put them in the trunk of a car or carry them to different places. In addition, the battery life of an electric wheelchair is also closely related to its weight. According to ISO 7176-27, an electric wheelchair should be able to travel at least 20 kilometers when fully charged to meet the daily travel needs of users. For example, some high-performance electric wheelchairs have a range of more than 30 kilometers, which provides users with longer use time and a larger range of activities.

6. Comfort and auxiliary function requirements
6.1 Seat comfort design
The seat comfort design of an electric wheelchair is crucial to the user experience. According to ISO 7176-28, the seat should be made of high-density foam material with a density of no less than 45 kg/m³ to provide good support and comfort. This material can maintain its shape after long-term use, reducing the user’s fatigue. For example, some high-end electric wheelchairs use memory foam seats, which can be adaptively adjusted according to the user’s body shape to further improve comfort. In addition, the surface material of the seat should have good breathability and waterproofness to ensure the user’s comfortable experience in different environments. According to statistics, the user satisfaction of electric wheelchairs with high-quality seat materials can be increased by more than 30%.
6.2 Tilt and lift function
The tilt and lift function is an important auxiliary function of electric wheelchairs, which can significantly improve the user’s quality of life. According to ISO 7176-29 standard, the tilt angle of electric wheelchairs should be able to be freely adjusted between 0° and 45° to meet the needs of users in different scenarios. For example, when riding for a long time, the appropriate tilt angle can reduce the pressure on the user’s back and prevent the occurrence of pressure sores. At the same time, the lifting function is also very important. According to ISO 7176-30 standard, the seat height of electric wheelchairs should be able to be adjusted between 30 cm and 70 cm, which makes it easier for users to carry out daily activities, such as getting on and off the vehicle, communicating with others, etc. According to statistics, the user’s ability to take care of themselves can be improved by more than 40% for electric wheelchairs equipped with tilt and lift functions.
6.3 Auxiliary control devices
Auxiliary control devices are essential for users with limited mobility. According to ISO 7176-31, electric wheelchairs should be equipped with a variety of auxiliary control devices, such as one-handed control levers and foot switches, to meet the needs of different users. For example, for users with weak hand strength, a one-handed control lever can provide an easier operating experience. At the same time, the operating force of the auxiliary control device should be moderate and suitable for users of different ages and physical conditions. In addition, some electric wheelchairs are also equipped with intelligent assistance systems, such as automatic obstacle avoidance and path planning functions, which can further improve the safety and convenience of users. According to statistics, the user’s operational satisfaction of electric wheelchairs equipped with auxiliary control devices can be increased by more than 50%.

7. Safety warning and labeling requirements
7.1 Safety warning signs
Safety warning signs are an integral part of the safety standards for electric wheelchairs. According to ISO 7176-32, electric wheelchairs must be equipped with clear and easy-to-understand safety warning signs at key locations. For example, warning signs such as “Danger”, “High Voltage” and “Do Not Touch” should be posted on the battery compartment, charging port and motor of the electric wheelchair to remind users of potential dangers. These signs should use internationally accepted symbols and text to ensure that users of different language backgrounds can understand them. According to statistics, setting clear safety warning signs can increase users’ awareness of danger by more than 70%, thereby effectively reducing safety accidents caused by misoperation.
7.2 Clarity of operating instructions and signs
The clarity of operating instructions and signs directly affects the correct operation of the electric wheelchair by users. According to the ISO 7176-33 standard, the operating instructions of the electric wheelchair should describe the product’s usage, precautions and maintenance in detail and accurately. The instructions should use easy-to-understand language and be accompanied by clear diagrams to ensure that users can easily understand and master them. In addition, the signs on the operating buttons, switches and display screens on the electric wheelchair should also be clear and legible, with a font size of no less than 3 mm and a color contrast of more than 70% to ensure that they can be clearly seen under different lighting conditions. For example, some high-end electric wheelchairs use backlit displays and large font logos to further improve the clarity of the logos. According to the survey, the user’s operating error rate can be reduced by more than 60% for electric wheelchairs with clear operating instructions and labels.
7.3 Protective device labels
Protective device labels help users to correctly use and maintain the protective devices of electric wheelchairs. According to ISO 7176-34, the protective devices of electric wheelchairs, such as seat belts, armrests, anti-collision devices, etc., should be clearly marked to indicate their correct use methods and precautions. For example, the buckle of the seat belt should be marked with prompts such as “Make sure to fasten” and the adjustment part of the armrest should be marked with “Make sure to lock before adjustment”. These labels should use eye-catching colors and clear fonts to ensure that users can quickly identify and understand them. According to statistics, electric wheelchairs equipped with clear protective device labels can increase the correct use rate of protective devices by users by more than 80%, thereby effectively improving the safety of electric wheelchairs.