Must-Check Safety Features of Senior Scooters When Purchasing

Must-Check Safety Features of Senior Scooters When Purchasing

I. Lifeline: Core Safety Systems That Cannot Be Compromised

1. Braking System: From “Stoppable” to “Stop Steady”

Basic Specifications: Front disc and rear drum are the entry-level standard. Vehicles over 3 meters in length must be equipped with vacuum brake assist. Tests show that dual-disc brake systems reduce stopping distances by 40% compared to single-drum brakes in rainy conditions.

Advanced Safety Options: Prioritize models with ABS anti-lock braking system and EBD brake force distribution. One brand’s lack of this feature has led to rollover accidents caused by sudden braking on slippery roads. Electromagnetic automatic braking technology enables “hands-off stop,” effectively preventing rolling on hills.

Market Differences: US DOT certification mandates independent operation of the parking brake and service brakes, while the EU ECE R13 standard clearly limits brake pedal force.

2. Body Protection: “Survival Space” in a Collision

Key to Structural Safety: High-strength steel must account for at least 70% of the vehicle’s structure. For example, the Truff M2 utilizes a high-strength steel body and anti-collision steel plates in key areas, keeping the A-pillar’s collision deformation rate below 15%.

Occupant Protection: Automotive-grade three-point seatbelts are mandatory, with airbags optional in some markets. Be sure to verify that the vehicle has passed the GB/T18385 crash test or the EU ECE R66 small-offset crash test.

Rollover Prevention: Dual rear-wheel drive (such as the Benli 001) and thickened front bumpers (such as the Swayze) can reduce rollover risk by 30%.

II. Scenario Adaptation: A Protection System for Complex Road Conditions

3. Driving Stability System: Conquer Diverse Terrains

Power Matching Formula: 70kg passenger + daily climbing requirements, motor power ≥ 3.5kW (Li Chi V8 tested without slipping on a 10° slope). Mountain users are recommended to choose a motor of 500W or above, while 300-800W is sufficient in plain areas.

Suspension and Tire Configuration: Independent McPherson suspension reduces bumps by 60%, and 155mm-wide automotive-grade tires significantly improve grip. Run-flat tubeless tires (such as the 4mm thicker sidewalls on the Phoenix C model) provide puncture and slip resistance.

4. Environmental Perception System: Eliminate Blind Spots

Lighting System Standard: A combination of LED headlights and fog lights is essential for exits, increasing visibility threefold in rainy and foggy conditions. Inspection Technique: The light spot on a white paper test paper must be uniform and free of dark areas. Auxiliary Warning Features: Reversing radar (detection range ≥ 1.5 meters) + a reverse camera with auxiliary lines are essential. The Turtle Six electric vehicle’s intelligent controller also features automatic steering warning. US FMVSS 500 certification mandates dual side mirrors and reflective markings.

III. Compliance and Intelligence: The Key to Accessing the Export Market

5. Battery Safety: Balancing Range and Risk

Type Selection Guide:

Battery Type
Reduced Range in Winter
Lifespan
Applicable Markets
Lead-Acid Battery
40%
2-3 Years
Short Distance Transportation
Lithium Battery
15%
5-8 Years
Long Distance Commuting

Mandatory Certification Requirements: Exports must pass UN38.3 battery safety certification. The EU additionally requires a battery energy density of ≥ 70Wh/kg.

6. International Compliance Certifications: A “Passport” for Different Markets

US Market: DOT certification requires 27 safety features (including three-point seatbelts and turn signals), while EPA certification targets hybrid vehicle emissions. California also requires V2G grid interaction.

EU Market: L6e vehicles (≤45 km/h) must be equipped with ABS+ESP and pass the ECE R66 crash test. L7e vehicles (≤80 km/h) have even stricter standards.

General Checklist: MIIT’s “Announcement on Road Motor Vehicle Manufacturers and Products,” China Compulsory Certification (CCC), and consistency between vehicle frame numbers and certificates.

7. Intelligent Safety Assistance: Technology Protects Travel

Anti-Incorrect Operation Design: A soft-start system prevents sudden acceleration, and a rotary gearshift is easier to operate than a traditional gear lever.

Emergency Assistance: Automatic fall alarm (linked to children’s phones), GPS tracking, and electronic fencing are now standard features on high-end models. The low-speed warning device (automatic beep at ≤20 km/h) complies with EU noise regulations.

IV. Pitfall Avoidance Guide: Don’t Buy These “Pseudo-Safety” Features

Beware of false advertising: “No Driver’s License Required” = Non-compliant vehicles. Florida imposes a $500 fine per incident for such vehicles.

Avoid the pitfalls of underpricing: Low-priced models often omit vacuum-assisted brakes. Models over 3 meters long without this feature have their braking distance doubled.

Ignore after-sales risks: Prioritize brands with service centers within 5 kilometers, and ensure the battery has a clear warranty with regard to cycle limits.