Pride Mobility Sidekick manual I . E M I / R F, EMI/RFI Warnings, Where do radio waves come from?

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I I I . E M I / R F I

EMI/RFI WARNINGS

Laboratory tests performed by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have shown that radio waves can cause unintended motion of electric scooters. Radio waves are a form of electromagnetic energy (EM). When electro- magnetic energy adversely affects the operation of an electrical device, that adverse effect is called Electromag- netic Interference (EMI) or Radio Frequency Interference (RFI).

EMI/RFI FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQS)

The following FAQs summarize what you should know about EMI/RFI. Use this information to minimize the risk that EMI/RFI will adversely affect your Sidekick.

Where do radio waves come from?

Radio waves are emitted from the antennas of cellular phones, mobile two-way radios (such as walkie-talkies and CBs), radio stations, TV stations, amateur radio (HAM) transmitters, wireless computer links, microwave sources, and paging transmitters. Radio waves are a form of EM. Because EM is more intense closer to transmitting antennas (sources of emission), the EM fields from two-way radios are of special concern to electric scooter users.

If EMI/RFI affects my Sidekick, what kind of motion should I expect?

This is difficult to predict. The answer would depend on a number of factors:

νThe strength of the radio waves.

νThe construction of your particular Sidekick.

νThe location of your Sidekick (whether it is on level ground or on an incline).

νWhether or not your Sidekick is in motion.

The motion of any electric scooter affected by EMI/RFI can be erratic. The scooter may come to a sudden stop or move in an uncontrolled manner.Also, it is possible for EMI/RFI to release the brakes of an electric scooter. Some intense EMI/RFI can even damage the control system components of an electric scooter.

Is there any way to know for certain whether or not radio waves are the cause of any unintended motion of my Sidekick?

Unfortunately, EMI/RFI may be difficult to recognize, since the signals from radio sources are invisible and may be intermittent. However, the FDA recommends that you report all incidents of unintended motion or unintended brake release of your electric scooter to the scooter’s manufacturer and, if possible, determine whether or not there was a radio wave source nearby at the time of the incident.

One precaution you can take against inadvertent motion of your Sidekick is to make certain that you or someone else is not the cause of the unintended motion.

νTurn off your Sidekick by removing the key from the key switch when you are getting on or off of your Sidekick.

νNever leave the key in the key switch of an unattended Sidekick.

By following these steps, you greatly reduce the risk of you or anyone else inadvertently bumping the throttle control levers and causing the Sidekick to move unintentionally.

Are all scooters susceptible EMI/RFI?

Each make and model of electric scooter differs in its ability to resist EMI/RFI. That is, each scooter has a particular level of resistance to EMI/RFI. This resistance is measured in volts per meter (V/m).A higher resistance level offers greater protection against EMI/RFI. In other words, an electric scooter with a high resistance level is less likely to be affected by a strong radio source than is an electric scooter with a low resistance level.

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Contents Exeter, PA F E T Y G U I D E L I N E S N T E N T S P Y R I G H T N T R O D U C T I O N Doors S a F E T YElevators Ramps and Other InclinesNormal Driving Position Driving SurfacesS a F E T Y Where do radio waves come from? EMI/RFI Frequently Asked Questions FaqsI . E M I / R F EMI/RFI WarningsWhat should I do if my Sidekick moves unexpectedly? What is the FDA doing about the problem?Sidekick Dimensions Specification SModel Numbers E S C R I P T I O N Control Console AssemblySpeed Adjustment Dial Key SwitchBattery Condition Meter Light SwitchOptionalElectronic Controller Assembly Onboard Battery ChargerRear Section BatteriesMotor/Transaxle Assembly Manual Freewheel LeverAnti-Tip Wheels Follow These Easy Steps to Charge Your Batteries Safely B a T T E R I E S a N D C H a R G I N GWhat do the LEDs on the onboard battery charger indicate? Batteries and CHARGING-FREQUENTLY Asked Questions FaqsHow does the charger work? Can I use a different charger?Use these specifications to reorder deep-cycle batteries What type and size of battery should I use?To change a battery in your Sidekick Why do my new batteries seem weak?How can I ensure maximum battery life? How should I store my Sidekick and its batteries?What about public transportation? I . O P E R a T I O N PRE-RIDE Adjustments and ChecksGetting on Your Sidekick Operating Your SidekickGetting OFF of Your Sidekick Seat Height Adjustment Tiller Angle AdjustmentArmrest Width Adjustment I I . C O M F O R T a D J U S T M E N T SSeat Adjustments Power Seatactuator OptionalD I S a S S E M B L Y a N D a S S E M B L Y DisassemblyDisconnecting the FRONT-TO-REAR Assembly P T I O N a L a C C E S S O R I E S What if all the systems on my Sidekick seem to be dead? B a S I C TroubleshootingWhat if the motor runs but my Sidekick does not move? What if the Sidekick’s batteries won’t charge?I . C a R E a N D M a I N T E N a N C E THREE-YEAR Warranty Exceptions THREE-YEAR Limited WarrantyONE-YEAR Limited Warranty Warranty ExclusionsI I . W a R R a N T Y T E S T E S
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