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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 Electromagnetic 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 two-way
radios (such as walkie-talkies and CBs), radio stations, TV stations, amateur
radio transmitters, wireless computer links, microwave sources, and paging
transmitters. Radio waves are a form of electromagnetic energy (EM). EM is
more intense closer to transmitting antennas, which are sources of emissions.
The greater the transmission strength, the greater the concern to electric mobility
vehicle users.
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:
The strength of the radio waves.
The construction of your particular mobility vehicle.
The location of your mobility vehicle (whether it is on level ground/incline).
Whether 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 FDA
recommends that you report all incidents of unintended motion or unintended
brake release of your mobility vehicle to its manufacturer and, if possible,
EMI/RFI
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