Electric wheelchair standard update cycle: grasp the pulse of the industry and assist in purchasing decisions

Electric wheelchair standard update cycle: grasp the pulse of the industry and assist in purchasing decisions
In today’s globalized business environment, the electric wheelchair industry is undergoing rapid development and change. For international wholesale buyers, it is crucial to keep abreast of the update cycle of electric wheelchair standards. This not only helps to ensure the quality and safety of the purchased products, but also seizes the initiative in the highly competitive market. This article will explore in depth the cycle of electric wheelchair standard updates, the reasons behind them, and how to deal with the challenges brought about by standard updates, providing valuable information for buyers of electric wheelchair independent stations.

I. Overview of the cycle of electric wheelchair standard updates
(I) International standard update cycle
ISO 7176 series standards: ISO 7176 series is an internationally recognized wheelchair equipment standard that covers the performance, safety, test methods and other aspects of electric wheelchairs and non-electric wheelchairs. The update cycle of this series of standards is usually about 3-5 years. For example, ISO 7176-6:2001 provides detailed test methods and requirements for the industry regarding the determination of the maximum speed, acceleration and deceleration of electric wheelchairs. With the development of technology and changes in market demand, it may be revised and updated accordingly in the future.
EN 12184 standard: In the European market, EN 12184 is one of the important standards for electric wheelchairs. It was first released in 1999 and is currently undergoing its fourth iteration – EN 12184:2014. It covers multiple design aspects of electric wheelchairs, such as biocompatibility and toxicity, safety of moving parts, and prevention of human body parts from being clamped. Its update cycle is about 5 years.

(II) National Standard Update Cycle
China National Standard: In recent years, China’s national standards in the field of disability services and rehabilitation assistive devices have been continuously updated and improved. Taking “Wheelchairs Part 6: Determination of Maximum Speed ​​of Electric Wheelchairs” as an example, the GB/T 18029.6-2024 standard released in 2024 replaced the previous version and made detailed provisions on test facilities, preparation of the wheelchair to be tested, and determination methods of maximum speed on the horizontal plane. The update cycle of China’s national standards is generally about 5-10 years, but it will be adjusted and supplemented in a timely manner according to the rapid development of the industry and actual needs.
ANSI Shanghai Xianwan Standard: ANSI Shanghai Xianwan Rehabilitation Assistive Device Standard is one of the important reference standards for the US electric wheelchair industry. Its update cycle is relatively flexible, usually between 3-7 years. The standard will revise and update the safety, performance and other aspects of electric wheelchairs based on the latest technical research results, market demand and user feedback to ensure that the quality and safety of the product meet the strict requirements of the US market.

2. Analysis of the reasons for the update of electric wheelchair standards
(I) Technological progress promotes standard updates
With the continuous advancement of science and technology, electric wheelchairs have made significant breakthroughs in power systems, braking systems, control systems, and comfort configurations. For example, the application of new battery technology has enabled electric wheelchairs to have longer range and shorter charging time; advanced braking systems have improved product safety and stability; and intelligent control systems have provided users with a more convenient and personalized operating experience. The update and development of these technologies require standards to keep pace with the times so that new products and technologies can be accurately evaluated and standardized to ensure their reliability and safety in actual use.
(II) Changes in market demand prompt standard updates
Diversified user needs: The user group of electric wheelchairs is growing, and their needs are also diverse. Different users have different requirements for the performance, function, comfort, portability, etc. of electric wheelchairs. For example, some elderly users may pay more attention to the stability and ease of operation of the product; while young users may have higher expectations for the product’s appearance design, intelligent functions and endurance. In order to meet these diverse needs, electric wheelchair manufacturers continue to launch new products and functions, which requires timely updates of standards to adapt to market changes and ensure that products can meet the needs of different user groups.
Improved market competitiveness: Against the backdrop of increasingly fierce competition in the global electric wheelchair market, manufacturers continue to innovate technology and upgrade products in order to improve the competitiveness of their products. The update of standards can prompt companies to improve product quality and performance, promote the improvement of the overall level of the industry, and thus better meet market demand. At the same time, strict standardization can also help regulate market order, prevent low-quality products from entering the market, protect the legitimate rights and interests of consumers, and enhance consumers’ trust in electric wheelchair products.
(III) Safety and regulatory requirements promote standard updates
Strengthened safety assurance: As a special means of transportation, the safety performance of electric wheelchairs is crucial. With the expansion of the scope of use of electric wheelchairs and the increase in the frequency of use, some potential safety issues have gradually emerged. For example, the stability, braking performance, electrical safety and other aspects of the vehicle may pose a threat to the personal safety of the user. In order to ensure the safety of the user, the standards need to be continuously updated and improved, higher requirements for product safety are put forward, and corresponding test methods and evaluation standards are formulated to reduce the risk of accidents.
Regulatory coordination and consistency: There are certain differences in the requirements for electric wheelchairs in the regulations of different countries and regions, which has caused certain troubles for manufacturers and buyers. In order to promote the unification of international trade and markets, the International Organization for Standardization and governments of various countries have continuously worked to coordinate the differences between regulations and standards and promote the updating and unification of standards. By formulating unified standards, trade barriers can be reduced, market efficiency can be improved, and the international development of the electric wheelchair industry can be promoted.

3. Strategies for dealing with the update of electric wheelchair standards
(I) Pay attention to the update of standards
Pay attention to the official websites of the International Organization for Standardization and national standard organizations: These websites will promptly publish important information such as notices of standard updates, revisions and implementation time. For example, the official website of ISO will announce the latest developments of the ISO 7176 series of standards; the website of the Standardization Administration of China will publish updates on China’s national standards. By regularly browsing these websites, buyers can obtain relevant information on standard updates in the first place and prepare in advance.
Participate in industry exhibitions and seminars: Industry exhibitions and seminars are important platforms for understanding the dynamics of standard updates. In these activities, manufacturers, suppliers, standard setting organizations, industry experts, etc. will gather together to discuss the trends of industry development and standard updates. Buyers can communicate and communicate with all parties by participating in exhibitions and seminars, and timely understand the impact of standard changes on products, as well as the response strategies and development directions within the industry. For example, at the electric wheelchair exhibition, many companies will display products and technologies that meet the new standards, and hold relevant technical lectures and seminars to provide buyers with opportunities for learning and communication.
(II) Strengthen communication and cooperation with suppliers
Establish a long-term and stable cooperative relationship: Establishing a long-term and stable cooperative relationship with a reliable electric wheelchair supplier will help buyers better cope with the challenges brought by standard updates. Through close cooperation with suppliers, buyers can keep abreast of the supplier’s product development progress, quality control system, and response measures to standard updates. At the same time, suppliers can also adjust product strategies in a timely manner according to the needs and feedback of buyers to ensure that the products provided meet the latest standard requirements. For example, during the standard update period, buyers can discuss product improvement plans with suppliers and cooperate in product testing and verification to speed up the speed of product compliance with new standards.
Request suppliers to provide detailed product standard compliance certification documents: During the procurement process, buyers should require suppliers to provide detailed product standard compliance certification documents, such as test reports, certification certificates, etc. These documents can prove that the product meets the requirements of the relevant standards and provide quality assurance for buyers. In addition, buyers should carefully review these documents to ensure their authenticity and validity, and understand the standard versions and specific requirements that the product complies with. If it is found that the documents provided by the supplier are suspicious or do not meet the requirements, they should communicate with the supplier in time to solve the problem to avoid legal disputes and economic losses caused by product quality problems.
(III) Actively participate in the standard setting process
Join industry associations and standardization organizations: Buyers can join relevant industry associations and standardization organizations, such as the International Organization for Standardization’s Wheelchair Technical Committee (ISO/TC 168), China Rehabilitation Assistive Devices Association, etc. By participating in the activities of these organizations, buyers can gain an in-depth understanding of the process and principles of standard setting, express their own needs and opinions, and have a positive impact on the formulation and updating of standards. In addition, industry associations and standardization organizations will also organize member units to carry out standard publicity and technical training activities to help member units better understand and implement the standards.
Cooperate with manufacturers and scientific research institutions to carry out standard research projects: Buyers can cooperate with electric wheelchair manufacturers and scientific research institutions to jointly carry out standard research projects. In this way, buyers can gain an in-depth understanding of the industry’s technological development trends and the direction of standard updates, and provide a basis for their own corporate strategies and procurement decisions. At the same time, cooperative standard research projects will also help promote the technological progress and standardization level of the entire industry, and promote the healthy development of the electric wheelchair industry. For example, buyers can cooperate with manufacturers and scientific research institutions to jointly study the performance requirements and test methods of electric wheelchairs in different usage environments, and provide technical support for the revision and improvement of relevant standards.

4. Impact of electric wheelchair standard updates on buyers and case analysis
(I) Impact
Changes in procurement costs: Standard updates may lead to an increase in the production cost of electric wheelchairs, thereby affecting procurement costs. For example, new safety standards may require manufacturers to use higher quality materials or add safety devices, which will increase the cost of the product. Buyers may need to pay higher prices when purchasing products that meet the new standards. On the other hand, standard updates may also lead to intensified market competition. Some manufacturers improve product quality and performance to meet new standards and gain competitive advantages, which may lead to fluctuations in market prices. Buyers need to reasonably control procurement costs while ensuring product quality.
Changes in product selection range: With the update of standards, products that do not meet the new standards may be gradually eliminated from the market, while the number and types of products that meet the new standards will continue to increase. This may lead to changes in the range of product selection for buyers. Buyers need to re-evaluate and screen suppliers and their products to ensure that the purchased products meet the latest standard requirements. At the same time, new standards may also bring some innovative products and technologies, providing buyers with more choices to meet the needs of different customers. For example, some manufacturers have launched electric wheelchair products with innovative features such as intelligent functions and lightweight design on the basis of meeting the new standards, providing buyers with more competitive product options.
Changes in market access thresholds: Standard updates usually raise market access thresholds. Products that do not meet the new standards may be prohibited from being sold or entering certain markets. For buyers, this means that they need to more strictly control product quality to ensure that the purchased products can enter the target market smoothly. Otherwise, there may be risks such as product unsalability and product returns, which will cause economic losses to the company. For example, in the European market, if the electric wheelchair product does not meet the relevant EU standards such as EN 12184, it will not be able to obtain CE certification and thus cannot be sold in the European market. Therefore, when purchasing products, buyers must fully understand the standard requirements of the target market to ensure the compliance of the products.
(II) Case analysis
Taking the US market as an example, in 2021, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) updated the safety standards for electric wheelchairs, requiring enhanced testing and evaluation of the braking system, stability, etc. of electric wheelchairs. This standard update has had an important impact on electric wheelchair buyers. Some buyers have made corresponding adjustments and tests on the purchased products in advance to ensure that the purchased products meet the requirements of the new standards due to timely understanding of the standard updates and close cooperation with suppliers, thus occupying a favorable position in the market competition. They not only avoided economic losses caused by product non-compliance with the standards, but also won the trust of customers and expanded market share with high-quality products that meet the new standards.
However, some buyers did not pay enough attention to the standard update and failed to take effective measures in time, resulting in the inability of the purchased products to enter the market after the implementation of the new standard, causing a large amount of inventory backlog and economic losses. This case fully illustrates the importance of buyers paying attention to the standard update dynamics and actively responding to standard changes.

5. Conclusion
The update cycle of electric wheelchair standards is usually about 3-10 years, but the update frequency varies in different regions and different standards. Technological progress, changes in market demand, and safety and regulatory requirements are the main reasons for promoting standard updates. As an international wholesale buyer, it is crucial to understand the standard update cycle and reasons and adopt effective response strategies. By paying attention to standard dynamics, strengthening cooperation with suppliers, and actively participating in standard formulation, buyers can better cope with the challenges brought by standard updates, ensure the quality and safety of purchased products, and improve market competitiveness.
In the future development, the electric wheelchair industry will continue to develop in the direction of intelligence, comfort, and lightweight, and the corresponding standards will continue to be updated and improved. Buyers should keep up with industry development trends, actively adapt to changes in standards, and work together with manufacturers, suppliers, standard-setting organizations and other parties to promote the sustainable development of the electric wheelchair industry, provide better-quality and safer electric wheelchair products for people with disabilities and the elderly around the world, and create a more convenient and beautiful travel environment.