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 mobility vehicles. Radio waves are a form of electromagnetic energy (EM). When electromagnetic energy adversely affects the operation of an electrical device, that adverse effect is called Electro- magnetic 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 mobility vehicle.
Where do radio waves come from?
Radio waves are emitted from the antennas of cellular phones, mobile
If EMI/RFI affects my mobility vehicle, 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 mobility vehicle.
νThe location of your mobility vehicle (whether it is on the level ground or on an incline).
νWhether or not your mobility vehicle is in motion.
The motion of any electric mobility vehicle affected by EMI/RFI can be erratic. The mobility vehicle 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 mobility vehicle. Some intense EMI/RFI can even damage the control system components of an electric mobility vehicle.
Is there any way to know for certain whether or not radio waves are the cause of any unintended mobility vehicle motion?
Unfortunately, EMI/RFI may be difficult to recognize, because the signals from radio sources are invisible and may be intermittent. However, the FDArecommends that you report all incidents of unintended motion or unintended brake release of your mobility vehicle to its 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 unintended motion of your mobility vehicle is to make certain that you or someone else is not the cause of the unintended motion.
νTurn off your mobility vehicle by removing the key from the key switch when you are getting onto or off of your mobility vehicle.
νNever leave the key in the key switch of an unattended mobility vehicle.
νBy following these steps, you greatly reduce the risk of you or anyone else inadvertently bumping the throttle control levers and causing the mobility vehicle to move unintentionally.
Has anyone been injured by the erratic, unintended motion of an electric mobility vehicle?
The FDA has reports of injuries that resulted from uncontrolled motion of electric mobility vehicles, but it is not clear just how many of those injuries were actually caused by EMI/RFI.
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