Braking distance test: a key indicator for measuring the safety of mobility scooters for the elderly

Braking distance test: a key indicator for measuring the safety of mobility scooters for the elderly
In today’s society, mobility scooters for the elderly have become one of the important means of travel for the elderly. Its safety is directly related to the safety of life and property of the elderly, and braking distance, as one of the important indicators for measuring vehicle safety, has an important impact on the overall safety of mobility scooters for the elderly. This article will explore in depth the impact of braking distance tests on the safety of mobility scooters for the elderly, aiming to draw the attention of the industry and consumers to this issue.

1. Definition and influencing factors of braking distance
The braking distance refers to the distance required for a vehicle to stop completely from a reduced speed. It is affected by many factors:
(I) Initial speed of the vehicle
The higher the initial speed, the greater the kinetic energy of the vehicle, and the longer the time and distance required for braking. For example, the braking distance of a mobility scooter traveling at 50km/h will be significantly longer than the braking distance when traveling at 30km/h.
(II) The magnitude of the braking force
The greater the braking force, the faster the vehicle decelerates and the shorter the braking distance. The braking force depends on the performance of the braking system, including the quality and matching of components such as brake calipers, brake pads, and brake discs. A good quality braking system can provide greater braking force, thereby effectively shortening the braking distance.
(III) Adhesion coefficient between tire and road surface
The adhesion coefficient between tire and road surface reflects the friction between tire and ground. The higher the adhesion coefficient, the stronger the tire grip and the better the braking effect. For example, on dry asphalt road surface, the adhesion coefficient of tire is higher and the braking distance is relatively short; on slippery road surface, the adhesion coefficient is reduced and the braking distance will increase significantly.
(IV) Total mass of vehicle
The greater the mass of vehicle, the greater the inertia and the greater the force required for braking. If the braking systems of two elderly scooters are the same, the braking distance of the vehicle with larger mass will be longer.
(V) Response time of braking system
The response time of braking system refers to the time from when the driver presses the brake pedal to when the braking system starts to work. The shorter the response time, the shorter the braking distance. This involves the sensitivity of the braking system and the degree of tacit cooperation of various components.

2. Methods and standards for braking distance test
(I) Test method
Site selection
Choose a cement or asphalt road surface that is flat, dry, clean and has a uniform adhesion coefficient. At the same time, ensure that the surrounding environment of the test site is safe and free of interference factors.
Test equipment
Use a professional brake tester, which can accurately measure the vehicle’s initial speed, braking deceleration, braking distance and other parameters. At the same time, a standard brake pedal force meter is also required to measure the force of the driver’s brake pedal.
Test process
The driver accelerates the elderly scooter to the specified initial speed, then quickly steps on the brake pedal and maintains a certain braking force until the vehicle stops completely. During this process, the brake tester will automatically record the relevant data. Usually multiple tests are required, and the average value is taken as the final braking distance result.
(II) Test standard
According to relevant national standards, when the initial braking speed of a passenger car is 50km/h, the braking distance for no-load detection is required to be no more than 19m, and the braking distance for full-load detection is required to be no more than 20m. Although there are differences between elderly scooters and passenger cars, this standard can still be used as a reference. In actual tests, if the braking distance of the mobility scooter for the elderly exceeds this standard, it means that there are major problems with its braking performance and its safety is worrying.

III. The impact of braking distance on the safety of mobility scooters for the elderly
(I) Risk avoidance ability in emergency situations
In daily driving, the elderly may encounter various emergencies, such as pedestrians, obstacles or emergency braking of vehicles in front. At this time, the mobility scooter for the elderly needs to slow down and stop quickly in a short time to avoid collision accidents. If the braking distance is too long, the vehicle cannot stop in time, increasing the risk of collision with obstacles in front, which may cause serious casualties and property losses.
(II) Impact on other road users
Mobility scooters for the elderly usually travel on community roads, sidewalks or roads mixed with motor vehicles. A long braking distance not only endangers the safety of the elderly themselves, but may also pose a threat to pedestrians, non-motor vehicles and other motor vehicles around them. For example, at an intersection, if the mobility scooter for the elderly cannot brake within the effective distance, it may collide with other vehicles or pedestrians passing through the intersection, causing complex traffic accidents.
(III) The relationship between braking distance and vehicle stability
During the braking process, the center of gravity of the vehicle will shift, and unstable phenomena such as nodding, tilting, or even rolling over may occur. A long braking distance means that the unstable state of the vehicle during braking will last longer, which will reduce the vehicle’s maneuverability and make it more difficult for the elderly to control the direction and posture of the vehicle. Especially when driving at high speeds or emergency braking, the instability of the vehicle may lead to more serious accident consequences.

IV. Current problems with the braking distance of elderly mobility scooters
(I) Design defects of the braking system
In order to reduce costs, some elderly mobility scooter manufacturers have deficiencies in the design of the braking system and the selection of components. For example, the use of poor quality brake pads and brake calipers, or unreasonable design of the braking system pipeline, leads to problems such as insufficient braking force and slow braking response, which directly affect the braking distance. The braking system of some low-speed electric vehicles cannot meet the braking needs of the vehicle at high speeds, making the braking distance too long.
(II) Vehicle overweight problem
In order to increase comfort or function, some elderly mobility scooters are equipped with too many equipment and components, such as luxurious seats, audio systems, etc., resulting in the total mass of the vehicle exceeding the design range. In addition, some elderly people may load too many items in the car, further increasing the burden on the vehicle. Overweight vehicles will require the braking system to overcome greater inertia, thereby extending the braking distance.
(III) Uneven tire quality
The quality and performance of tires have an important impact on braking distance. However, some elderly scooters on the market use tires of poor quality, with problems such as severe tread wear and tire aging, which leads to a decrease in the adhesion coefficient between the tire and the ground and a worse braking effect. Moreover, the tire pressure of some elderly scooters does not meet the standard requirements. Excessive air pressure will reduce the contact area between the tire and the ground and reduce the grip; too low air pressure will increase the rolling resistance of the tire and affect the braking performance.
(IV) Lack of regular maintenance
The brake system is a key safety component of the vehicle and requires regular maintenance. However, many elderly people have a weak awareness of the maintenance of elderly scooters. They do not replace worn brake pads, brake discs and other components in time, and do not check the level and quality of the brake fluid. As the braking system ages and wears, the braking force will gradually decrease and the braking distance will increase accordingly. For example, when the brake pads are worn to a certain extent, their friction coefficient will decrease, and they will not be able to provide sufficient braking force during braking, resulting in a longer braking distance.

V. Suggestions for Improving the Braking Performance of Elderly Scooters
(I) Strengthening Production Supervision
Relevant government departments should increase supervision of manufacturers of elderly scooters, formulate strict safety technical standards, and standardize the design, production and testing processes of the braking system. Require enterprises to use brake parts that meet the standards to ensure the performance and quality of the braking system. At the same time, strengthen the random inspection of elderly scooters on the market, and order enterprises to recall and rectify products that do not meet safety standards, so as to eliminate safety hazards at the source.
(II) Improve consumer safety awareness
Through publicity and education activities, improve the elderly’s awareness of the safety of elderly scooters and enhance their understanding of the importance of braking distance. Guide the elderly to correctly choose elderly scooters, pay attention to the braking performance indicators of the vehicle, and avoid purchasing low-quality products. At the same time, remind the elderly to regularly maintain the vehicle, replace worn brake parts in time, maintain good tire condition, and ensure the normal operation of the braking system.
(III) Improve road infrastructure
In areas where the elderly often move around, such as communities and parks, improve road infrastructure, set up reasonable traffic facilities such as speed bumps and speed limit signs, reduce vehicle speeds, and provide a safer driving environment for elderly scooters. In addition, add facilities such as crosswalks and overpasses to reduce the risk of elderly people traveling on the road.
(IV) Enterprise technological innovation and improvement
Encourage elderly scooter manufacturers to increase investment in technology research and development and continuously improve the design and performance of the braking system. For example, adopt more advanced brake assist technology, electronic stability control system, etc. to improve the braking effect and stability of the vehicle. At the same time, optimize the overall design of the vehicle, reduce the weight of the vehicle, improve energy efficiency, and create favorable conditions for improving braking performance.
In summary, the braking distance test has a vital impact on the safety of elderly scooters. Too long braking distance will seriously threaten the life safety of the elderly and the safety of other users on the road. Therefore, it is necessary for the government, enterprises, consumers and other parties to work together to strengthen supervision, improve safety awareness, improve infrastructure, promote technological innovation, and effectively improve the braking performance of elderly scooters to create a safe and convenient travel environment for the elderly. Only in this way can mobility scooters truly become a “good helper” for the elderly to travel, rather than a “road killer.”