
16 Legend
III. EMI/RFI
Are all electric Scooters susce tible to EMI/RFI?
Each make and model of electric cooter differs in its ability to resist EMI/RFI. Every cooter 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 cooter with a high
resistance level is less likely to be affected by a strong radio source than is an electric cooter with a low
resistance level.
What is the FDA doing about the roblem?
The FDA has written to electric cooter manufacturers and requested that those manufacturers test their
new cooter models to be certain that they provide a reasonable degree of resistance against EMI/RFI. The
FDA has stated that all newly manufactured electric cooter models should have a resistance level of at
least 20 V/m. This level of resistance provides a reasonable degree of protection against the common
sources of EMI/RFI.
The FDA has also requested or recommended that:
nElectric cooter manufacturers clearly label new products with their resistance level or state that the
resistance level is not known.
nThe labeling or informational material supplied with new electric cooters must explain what the
resistance level means and warn users about the possibility of EMI/RFI and how to avoid it.
nElectric cooter manufacturers undertake an educational program to inform electric cooter users and
their caregivers about the problems associated with EMI/RFI and about the actions they can take to
minimize the risk of EMI/RFI.
nWhile there is no exact way to tell if your cooter is totally safe, an immunity level of 20 V/m (May
1994) is generally achievable and useful. This product has been tested and passed at an immunity level
of 20 V/m.
What can I do to find out if my Scooter is likely to be affected by EMI/RFI?
If you have had your cooter for some time and have not experienced any unintended motion, it is not
likely that you will have a problem in the future. However, it is always possible that EMI/RFI problems
could arise if you are close to a source of radio waves. Therefore, it is very important for you to be alert to
this possibility. The cooter meets or exceeds a resistance level of at least 20 V/m.
What can I do to reduce the risk of my Scooter being affected by EMI/RFI?
Here are some precautions you can take:
nDo not turn on or use hand-held personal communications devices, such as citizens band (CB) radios
and cellular phones, while your cooter is turned on.
nBe aware of nearby radio wave transmitters, such as radio or TV stations and hand-held or mobile two-
way radios. Try not to operate your cooter too close to those transmitters. For example, if you are on
an electric cooter with a resistance level of at least 20 V/m, you should remain at least three feet from
a hand-held two-way radio and at least ten feet from a mobile two-way radio.
nBe aware that adding accessories and/or components, or modifying your cooter in any way, may
change its EMI/RFI resistance level and may make it more susceptible to interference from radio wave
sources.
What should I do if my Scooter moves unex ectedly?
If unintended motion or unintended brake release occurs, turn off your cooter (by removing the key) as
soon as it is safe to do so.
If my Scooter moves unintentionally, where should I re ort the incident?
Call your authorized Pride provider.