How to ensure that the electric wheelchair design complies with the EN 12184 standard
In today’s globalized market, electric wheelchairs are an important auxiliary mobility device with an increasing market demand. For global wholesale buyers, it is crucial to ensure that the electric wheelchairs they purchase meet international standards. The EN 12184 standard is a European standard for the safety and performance requirements of electric wheelchairs and their chargers. It is applicable to electric wheelchairs with a maximum speed of no more than 20 km/h and a maximum load of no more than 300 kg.
1. Understanding the core requirements of the EN 12184 standard
(I) Scope of application
The EN 12184 standard applies to the following types of electric wheelchairs:
Electric wheelchairs with three or more wheels.
Manual wheelchairs with additional electric drive systems.
Hand-start electric wheelchairs.
Electric upright wheelchairs.
Swivel wheelchair drive wheel devices.
Push-assisted wheelchairs.
(II) Scope of non-application
This standard does not apply to the following:
Electric wheelchairs used for special purposes, such as exercise, showering or toileting.
Customized electric wheelchairs.
Standing electric wheelchair.
Electric office chair.
(III) Key performance requirements
The EN 12184 standard puts forward the following key requirements for the performance and safety of electric wheelchairs:
Static, impact and fatigue strength: The wheelchair must be able to withstand certain static loads, impact forces and fatigue stress during repeated use.
Braking system: The braking system must still work normally when the battery is exhausted or in flywheel mode, and the parts and accessories of the brake cannot be deformed.
Charging connector: The charging connector must be safe and reliable, prevent overcurrent, and have clear indications when charging and charging is completed.
Driving performance: Including the measurement of maximum speed, acceleration and deceleration to ensure the stability and safety of the wheelchair under different road conditions.
Dynamic stability: The wheelchair must maintain good stability during driving to prevent rollover.
Electrical safety: The circuit protection system must prevent overcurrent, and the driving, braking and steering functions must not be affected when the protection circuit is operating.
2. Key considerations in the design phase
(i) Mechanical design
Strength and durability: Choose high-strength materials, such as aluminum alloy or carbon fiber, to ensure that the wheelchair frame can withstand long-term use and various environmental conditions.
Stability: Rationally design the center of gravity of the wheelchair to ensure stability under different slopes and road conditions. For example, increasing the wheelbase and wheelbase can improve stability.
Braking system: Design a reliable braking system to ensure that it can stop quickly in an emergency. The brake should be easy to operate and maintain good performance in different environments.
(ii) Electrical design
Circuit protection: Install overcurrent protection devices, such as fuses or circuit breakers, to prevent circuit overload.
Battery management system: Equipped with an intelligent battery management system to ensure the safety and efficiency of the battery during charging and use.
Charger design: The charger should have an automatic power-off function to prevent overcharging, and have clear instructions during charging and when charging is completed.
(iii) User interface design
Operational convenience: The control panel should be designed to be simple and easy to operate. For example, large-sized buttons and clear indicator lights should be used.
Emergency stop function: Set an easily accessible emergency stop button to ensure that the user can quickly stop the wheelchair in an emergency.
3. Testing and certification process
(I) Test items
Mechanical test: including static stability test, dynamic stability test, braking effect test, etc.
Electrical test: evaluate circuit protection, battery management system, charger performance, etc.
Environmental test: test the performance of the wheelchair in high temperature, low temperature, high humidity and other environments.
Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) test: ensure that the wheelchair works normally in an electromagnetic environment and does not interfere with other equipment.
(II) Certification process
Project application: Submit an application form to the certification body and provide detailed information about the product.
Data preparation: prepare technical documents, including product description, risk assessment report, test data, etc.
Product testing: send samples to the laboratory for testing.
Prepare report: the certification engineer writes a report based on the test data.
Submit for review: the engineer submits the report to the certification body for review.
Issuance of certificate: after the review is passed, the certification body will issue a CE certificate.
4. Continuous Compliance and Quality Control
(I) Quality Management System
Establish a quality management system that complies with ISO 13485 standards to ensure that every step in the production process meets the standard requirements. This includes raw material procurement, production process control, finished product inspection and other links.
(II) Post-marketing supervision
After the product is launched, continuously monitor the performance and safety of the equipment, and promptly report and handle any adverse events. This not only helps to maintain the brand image, but also ensures the safety of users.
5. Case Analysis and Common Problems
(I) Success Cases
YOUHA provides comprehensive testing and certification services to electric wheelchair manufacturers, helping their products to successfully obtain the CE mark and enter the European market. Through rigorous design review and testing, manufacturers are able to ensure that their products comply with the EN 12184 standard.
(II) Common Problems
Electrical safety issues: such as unclear indication functions of battery chargers and insufficient discharge capacity.
Mechanical safety issues: unstable performance of the braking system in different environments.
Electromagnetic compatibility issues: wheelchairs may interfere with other equipment when working in an electromagnetic environment.
User control interface issues: unreasonable layout of operating devices and insignificant emergency stop functions.
6. Conclusion
Ensuring that the design of electric wheelchairs complies with the EN 12184 standard is an important step to enter the European market. By understanding the standard requirements, optimizing the design, rigorous testing and continuous quality control, manufacturers can ensure that their products not only meet regulatory requirements, but also provide users with a safe and reliable product experience.
Post time: Jul-30-2025