Braking Strength Test of Electric Scooters for the Elderly: Key to Safety and Reliability

Braking Strength Test of Electric Scooters for the Elderly: Key to Safety and Reliability

Introduction
With the intensification of the global aging trend, the market demand for electric scooters for the elderly as a convenient and environmentally friendly means of personal transportation continues to grow. For international wholesale buyers, ensuring that the purchased electric scooters for the elderly meet high standards in terms of braking performance is a key link in ensuring product quality and user safety. This article will explore in depth the relevant content of the braking strength test of electric scooters for the elderly, including its importance, test standards, methods, and factors affecting braking strength, etc., aiming to provide buyers with a comprehensive and professional reference basis.

1. The Importance of Braking Strength Test of Electric Scooters for the Elderly
Safety Guarantee: The braking system is the last line of defense to ensure the safety of users of electric scooters for the elderly. Reliable braking strength can ensure that the vehicle stops quickly and smoothly during driving, especially in emergency situations, effectively avoiding accidents such as collisions and falls, and protecting the physical health and life safety of the elderly.
Improve product quality and competitiveness: Strict braking strength testing is one of the important indicators for measuring the quality of electric scooters for the elderly. Through high-standard testing and continuous optimization of braking performance, the overall quality of the product can be improved, the competitiveness in the international market can be enhanced, and the trust and recognition of buyers and users can be won.
Compliance with regulations and standards: Different countries and regions have corresponding regulations and standards for the braking performance of electric scooters. For example, the EU’s EN 17128 standard has clear restrictions on the braking distance, braking deceleration, etc. of electric scooters. Conducting braking strength tests helps ensure that the product meets these regulations and standards and enters the target market smoothly.

2. Braking strength test standards for elderly electric scooters
Domestic standards: GB/T 42825 requires that electric scooters should have more than two (including two) braking systems, and at least one is a mechanical braking system. In terms of braking performance, it is necessary to test the fully exerted mean deceleration (MFDD) and braking distance on dry roads. For dry braking distance, it is generally required that the braking distance of vehicles with front and rear dual mechanical brakes is ≤4.4m, and the braking distance of vehicles with single mechanical brakes is ≤7m.
International standards: The EU EN 17128 standard stipulates that the braking distance of electric scooters on dry roads should not exceed 4 meters when the speed is 16km/h; on wet roads, it should not exceed 6 meters, and it must pass 50 consecutive braking performance tests. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is also constantly increasing its attention to the braking performance of electric scooters, requiring manufacturers to provide detailed braking test reports and data to ensure the safety of products.

3. Braking strength test method for elderly electric scooters
Braking distance test: According to the standard requirements, the elderly electric scooter is accelerated to the specified test speed, which is usually a certain proportion of the maximum speed specified by the manufacturer, such as 0.9 times. Then perform emergency braking on a dry and flat test site, and measure the distance from the initial point of braking to the complete stop of the vehicle, which is the measured braking distance. Test multiple times in a row, and take the arithmetic average as the final result. At the same time, it is also necessary to observe the stability of the vehicle during braking, whether there is wheel locking, abnormal vibration, deviation from the track, etc.
Braking deceleration test: The deceleration of the vehicle during braking is measured by installing an acceleration sensor on the vehicle or using professional testing equipment. The magnitude and change curve of the braking deceleration are calculated based on the test data to evaluate the response speed of the braking system and the stability of the braking force. Generally speaking, the greater the braking deceleration, the better the braking performance of the vehicle, but excessive deceleration may cause the vehicle to lose control, so it is necessary to find a balance in the test.
Durability test: In order to simulate the changes in the braking performance of elderly electric scooters during long-term use, durability testing is necessary. Let the vehicle perform repeated braking operations under certain load conditions, usually requiring tens of thousands or even hundreds of thousands of times. During the test, regularly check the wear of various components of the braking system, such as brake pads, brake discs, brake calipers, etc., as well as the degree of attenuation of the braking force. Through durability testing, potential problems in the braking system can be discovered in a timely manner, and the product can be improved and optimized.

4. Factors affecting the braking strength of elderly electric scooters
Braking system type: Common braking systems include mechanical brakes, electric brakes, and regenerative brakes. Mechanical brakes, such as disc brakes and drum brakes, have a relatively simple structure. The braking force is directly transmitted through the mechanical structure. The braking effect is relatively direct and stable, but regular maintenance and adjustment may be required. Electric brakes generate braking torque by reversing the motor. They have the advantages of fast response speed and easy operation, but they may affect the braking performance in the case of low power or motor failure. Regenerative braking can recover part of the energy during braking and improve energy utilization efficiency, but its braking force is relatively small and usually needs to be used in conjunction with other braking systems.
Vehicle weight and load: The weight of the elderly electric scooter and the weight of the user will affect the braking strength. The heavier the vehicle, the longer the braking distance will be under the same braking force. At the same time, when the vehicle carries heavy objects or the user is heavier, the braking system needs to provide greater braking force to overcome inertia, which puts higher requirements on the performance of the braking system. Therefore, when designing and testing the braking strength, it is necessary to fully consider the maximum load of the vehicle to ensure that the braking performance meets the needs of different usage scenarios.
Tire and road conditions: The material, pattern design and contact area of ​​the tire with the road will affect the braking performance of the vehicle. Tires with good grip can provide greater friction during braking, thereby shortening the braking distance. The road conditions, such as dry, wet, smooth or rough, will also have a significant impact on the braking strength. On slippery roads, the friction between the tire and the ground is reduced, and the braking distance will increase significantly, so the braking system needs to be optimized to improve the braking reliability of the vehicle under various road conditions.
Driving speed: The higher the driving speed of the vehicle, the greater the braking force and braking distance required during braking. This is because the kinetic energy of the vehicle is proportional to the square of the speed. The higher the speed, the greater the kinetic energy, and more energy is required to convert it into heat or other forms of energy to achieve parking. Therefore, the braking strength test of the elderly electric scooter should be carried out under different speed conditions to ensure that the vehicle has sufficient braking capacity at various driving speeds to meet safety requirements.

5. How to improve the braking strength of the elderly electric scooter
Optimize the braking system design: According to different usage requirements and target market standards, select the appropriate type of braking system and optimize the design. For example, for mechanical brake systems, high-performance brake pad materials can be used, the size and heat dissipation performance of brake discs can be increased, and the structure and layout of brake calipers can be optimized to improve the transmission efficiency and braking effect of braking force. At the same time, the torque distribution and adjustment mechanism of the braking system should be reasonably designed to ensure stable and reliable braking force output under different working conditions.
Strengthen vehicle structural strength: Ensure that key components such as frame, handlebars, suspension, etc. have sufficient strength and rigidity to withstand various forces and torques generated during braking. The use of high-quality materials and advanced manufacturing processes, such as high-strength aluminum alloy frames and carbon fiber composite handlebars, can not only reduce the weight of the vehicle, but also improve the overall structural strength and safety of the vehicle. In addition, the connection parts and key components of the vehicle are reinforced and optimized to prevent problems such as loosening, deformation or failure during braking, thereby ensuring the normal operation of the braking system.
Improve tire performance: Selecting tires with good grip, wear resistance and low rolling resistance is crucial to improving the braking strength of elderly electric scooters. The pattern design of the tire should be optimized according to different usage scenarios and road conditions to increase friction with the ground. At the same time, keeping the tire pressure within the appropriate range can not only ensure the vehicle’s driving performance, but also ensure good contact between the tire and the ground, thereby improving the braking effect.
Reasonable control of vehicle speed: By limiting the maximum speed of the vehicle, the requirements for braking strength can be effectively reduced. According to the usage characteristics of the elderly electric scooter and the needs of the target user group, the maximum speed of the vehicle should be reasonably set, and it is usually recommended not to exceed 20km/h – 25km/h. In addition, the vehicle can be equipped with a speed adjustment device, such as a variable speed handle or an electronic speed regulator, so that users can flexibly adjust the driving speed according to actual road conditions and needs, and ensure that there is enough time and distance to achieve safe parking when braking.
Regular maintenance and care: Formulating a comprehensive regular maintenance and care plan, checking, adjusting and replacing vulnerable parts of the brake system of the elderly electric scooter is one of the key measures to maintain braking strength. It is recommended that users conduct a simple inspection of the brake system before each use, such as checking the wear of the brake pads, the level and quality of the brake fluid, and the tightness of the brake line. At the same time, regularly go to professional maintenance points for comprehensive maintenance, including cleaning the brake system, checking and replacing brake parts, debugging brake clearance, etc., to ensure that the brake system is always in good working condition and ensure the braking performance and safety of the vehicle.

6. Evaluation and application of brake strength test results
Evaluation indicators and qualified judgment: Evaluate the brake strength test results according to different test standards and methods. The main evaluation indicators include braking distance, braking deceleration, braking stability and durability. Compare the test results with the limits specified in the standard to determine whether the braking performance of the vehicle is qualified. If the test results do not meet the standard requirements, the vehicle needs to be improved and optimized and retested until it meets the qualified standards.
Quality control and product improvement: The brake strength test results can provide important quality control basis for manufacturers of elderly electric scooters. Through the analysis of test data, find out the problems and deficiencies in the brake system, such as too long braking distance, uneven braking force, and too fast wear of brake parts, and then improve and optimize the product in a targeted manner. For example, improve the design of the brake system, replace better brake parts, optimize the weight distribution of the vehicle, etc., to improve the overall braking performance and quality level of the product.
Market access and purchasing decisions: For international wholesale buyers, the braking strength test results are one of the important factors in deciding whether to purchase elderly electric scooters. Buyers can evaluate the safety and reliability of products based on the test results and select suppliers and products that meet standard requirements and have excellent braking performance. In addition, the test results can also serve as a strong basis for negotiations with suppliers, requiring them to improve or adjust their products to meet market demand and user expectations. At the same time, before the product enters the market, buyers can refer to the test results for market positioning and publicity and promotion, highlight the braking safety performance advantages of the product, and improve the market competitiveness and user recognition of the product.

7. Case analysis: Braking strength test and optimization practice of a certain brand of elderly electric scooters
Test process: Take a certain brand of elderly electric scooters as an example to test its braking performance on dry and wet roads. In the dry road test, according to the standard requirements, the vehicle was accelerated to a speed of 16km/h and emergency braking was performed. The braking distance was measured to be 3.8 meters and the braking deceleration was 5.2m/s²; in the wet road test, the braking distance was 5.2 meters and the braking deceleration was 4.1m/s². At the same time, the vehicle’s braking system was tested for durability. After 100,000 braking operations, it was found that the brake pads were severely worn and the braking force decreased.
Problem analysis: Through the analysis of test data, it was found that the braking performance of this brand of elderly electric scooters on dry roads is good and meets the standard requirements; but the braking distance on wet roads is slightly higher than the standard limit, which poses certain safety hazards. In addition, the durability test results show that after long-term use of the braking system, the wear of the braking components will affect the stability of the braking force, which needs to be further optimized.
Optimization measures: In response to the above problems, the manufacturer has taken a series of optimization measures. First, improve the material formula of the brake pads, use higher quality friction materials, and improve the wear resistance and braking performance of the brake pads; second, optimize the design of the brake calipers to increase the output and stability of the braking force; third, adjust the tire pattern design of the vehicle to increase the grip of the tire on wet roads; finally, strengthen the sealing and protection performance of the braking system to prevent water vapor and impurities from entering the braking components and affecting the braking effect. After optimization, retesting found that the braking distance of the vehicle on wet roads was reduced to 4.8 meters, and the braking deceleration was increased to 4.5m/s². The durability test results also showed that the performance of the braking system was more stable and reliable, achieving the expected optimization effect.

8. Future Development Trends and Prospects
Intelligent braking system: With the continuous advancement of science and technology, intelligent braking systems will become one of the development trends of elderly electric scooters. For example, equipped with advanced braking technologies such as electronic brake assist system (EBA) and anti-lock braking system (ABS), it can automatically adjust the size and distribution of braking force according to different road conditions and driving conditions, and improve the braking effect and vehicle stability. In addition, through sensors and intelligent control systems, real-time monitoring and fault warning of the braking system can be achieved, and users can be reminded to perform maintenance and care in time, reducing the risk of safety accidents caused by braking system failures.
Application of new materials and new processes: In the future, new high-performance materials and advanced manufacturing processes will be widely used in the braking systems of electric scooters for the elderly. For example, the research and development and application of new materials such as carbon fiber composite materials and ceramic brake pads will further improve the strength, wear resistance and thermal stability of the braking system, while reducing the weight of the vehicle and improving the performance of the entire vehicle. In addition, the introduction of advanced manufacturing technologies such as 3D printing technology and laser processing technology will help to achieve personalized design and precise manufacturing of braking components, improve product quality and production efficiency.
Multi-dimensional safety design and testing: In addition to the braking strength test, the safety design and testing of electric scooters for the elderly will be more comprehensive and multi-dimensional in the future. Starting from the overall safety of the vehicle, comprehensive performance testing and evaluation are carried out by comprehensively considering multiple aspects such as the vehicle’s structural strength, stability, electrical safety, and electromagnetic compatibility. At the same time, with the development of technologies such as virtual reality (VR) and computer-aided engineering (CAE), virtual simulation testing and optimization will be carried out in the product design stage to discover and solve potential safety problems in advance, reduce product R&D costs and cycles, and improve product safety and reliability.
Integration with intelligent transportation systems: Against the background of the continuous development of intelligent transportation systems, electric scooters for the elderly are expected to be deeply integrated with them. By communicating and interacting with traffic lights, intelligent road facilities, etc., vehicles can obtain road condition information in advance, optimize driving routes and speed control, and reduce the number and risk of emergency braking. At the same time, the intelligent transportation system can monitor and manage the driving status of electric scooters for the elderly in real time, provide safety warnings and emergency rescue services, and provide more comprehensive protection for the travel safety of the elderly.

9. Conclusion
The brake strength test of electric scooters for the elderly is an important part of ensuring product quality and user safety, and is of vital importance to international wholesale buyers. By comparing the brake strength test standardThrough in-depth discussions on standards, methods, influencing factors and improvement measures, we can fully understand all aspects of the braking performance of electric scooters for the elderly and take effective measures to ensure that the products meet high standards in braking performance. In the future development, with the continuous innovation and progress of technology, the braking system of electric scooters for the elderly will be more intelligent, safe and reliable, providing a more convenient and safe means of transportation for the elderly, and also bringing more opportunities and challenges to the international trade market.