Quality Inspection Guidelines for Bulk Procurement of Electric Four-Wheeled Mobility Vehicles for the Elderly

Quality Inspection Guidelines for Bulk Procurement of Electric Four-Wheeled Mobility Vehicles for the Elderly

With the accelerating global aging population, international market demand for electric four-wheeled mobility vehicles for the elderly continues to rise. When procuring these products in bulk, the quality inspection process directly determines the product’s market access eligibility, user safety experience, and brand reputation. Significant differences exist in regulations, standards, climates, and usage scenarios across different countries and regions. Quality inspection work must accurately align with the needs of the target market to mitigate trade risks and improve procurement efficiency.

I. Core Principles of Bulk Procurement Quality Inspection

Compliance First: All quality inspection items must meet the target market’s access certification standards as a baseline, ensuring the product passes local regulatory review.

Full-Chain Control: Covering all production stages, including raw materials, core components, finished product assembly, and environmental adaptability, to avoid potential problems in a single stage affecting overall quality.

Scientific Sampling: Following the sampling methods of SN/T 1658-2013 “Inspection Procedures for Imported and Exported Electric Mobility Vehicles,” the sample size is determined based on the batch size to ensure representative results.

Dynamic Adaptation: Track updates to target market standards, such as new restricted substances added under the EU REACH regulation or adjustments to US state regulations, and optimize quality inspection indicators accordingly.

II. Differentiated Quality Inspection Standards and Practical Points for Key Markets

EU Market: Compliance Certification and Safety/Environmental Standards Compliance
The EU classifies electric four-wheeled mobility scooters for the elderly as light four-wheeled vehicles (L6e/L7e class), with CE certification as the core entry threshold, requiring compliance with multiple technical directives.

Core Certification: Must pass CE MDR medical device certification, combined with EN 12184 standard testing, covering mechanical strength, electrical safety, electromagnetic compatibility (EMC), etc.

Key Quality Inspection Items:

Structural Safety: The roof must withstand 1.5 tons of pressure, with deformation ≤125 mm upon rollover, and A-pillar deformation not exceeding 15 cm after a small offset collision.

Battery Requirements: Energy density ≥70Wh/kg; passes nail penetration, compression, and overcharge tests without ignition or explosion; equipped with a BMS battery management system; provides a full lifecycle recycling solution.

Environmental Standards: Complies with REACH regulations restricting phthalates and other hazardous substances; all vehicle wiring harnesses use flame-retardant materials; meets electromagnetic compatibility requirements to avoid interference with medical equipment.

Special Note: A designated authorized representative in the EU is required to enter product information into the EUDAMED database and label it with the Basic UDI-DI code.

US Market: Dual Compliance with Federal and State Regulations The US categorizes low-speed mobility scooters (LSVs). At the federal level, they are regulated by the NHTSA and CPSC; state regulations differ significantly and require close attention.

Core Certifications: FDA 510K registration + ISO 7176 series standard testing; commercially used products must additionally comply with UL 2849 standards.

Key Quality Inspection Items:

Safety Configuration: Must be equipped with 27 items including three-point seat belts, turn signals, and reversing lights; braking response time ≤ 0.3 seconds; braking distance ≤ 4 meters on dry and wet roads at 20km/h.

Technical Compatibility: V2G grid peak-shaving equipment is required for the California market; speed limit is 32km/h for Texas models; “No Driving on Main Roads” sign is required for New York models.

Electrical Safety: Insulation resistance ≥ 10MΩ; leakage current ≤ 300μA; charging interface meets IPXXD protection level; FCC Part 15 wireless certification (for models with Bluetooth/GPS functionality).

Special Note: Tariffs will be imposed on some imported products starting in 2025. Local production in Mexico is recommended to mitigate cost risks.

Southeast Asian Market: Balancing Environmental Adaptability and Localization Compliance

The tropical climate of Southeast Asia (high temperature and humidity, salt spray corrosion) and complex road conditions place special demands on product durability. Furthermore, tariff and certification policies vary significantly among different countries.

Core Certifications: Indonesia requires ARAI+BIS dual certification; Thailand and Malaysia require locally authorized representatives; Vietnam implements tiered tariff certification.

Key Quality Inspection Items:

Environmental Adaptability: Passes 800-hour xenon lamp aging test; exterior parts color difference NBS < 3.0; gloss retention rate > 70%; wading test depth ≥ 350mm; rain test lasts 10 minutes without failure.

Structural Durability: Frame deformation ≤ 2mm after 10,000 fatigue cycles; coating passes neutral salt spray test with no rust; tire dry friction coefficient ≥ 0.7, wet friction coefficient ≥ 0.4.

Battery Protection: No leakage after 8 hours at 55℃; charger casing temperature rise ≤ 50K (non-metallic materials), avoiding overheating risks.

Special Notes: For the Indonesian market, RFID chips must be embedded for full lifecycle traceability; battery suppliers must meet local factory requirements to enjoy tariff preferences.

Japan, South Korea, and Australia: Refined Standards and Traceability Requirements

Standards in Japan, South Korea, and Australia emphasize safety details and adaptability to various usage scenarios, with stringent traceability requirements.

Core Certifications: Japan JIS certification (including JIS C 8715-2 battery standard), Australia ADR design rule certification, South Korea KC certification.

Key Quality Inspection Items:

Safety Limitations: Japanese models have a speed limit of 24km/h, electric assist below 15km/h cannot exceed human power, and must pass an 8km/h crash test.

Compatibility Requirements: Australian models have a wheelbase ≥640mm, seat height ≥635mm, and voltage not exceeding 48V; the South Korean market requires enhanced electromagnetic radiation protection testing.

Traceability Management: Japan requires the retention of battery production workshop temperature records for 10 years, all models must have embedded RFID chips, and charging interfaces must be compatible with the CHAdeMO protocol.

III. Full-Chain Batch Quality Inspection Implementation Process

1. Incoming Component Inspection

Core Components: Batteries must provide UN3171 dangerous goods transportation certification; motor efficiency deviation ≤ ±5%; controller error rate ≤ 0.1%.

Basic Materials: Aluminum alloy/carbon steel frame must meet strength standards; plastic parts must meet UV resistance standards; coating adhesion must meet cross-cut adhesion test requirements.

Electrical Components: Wiring harness insulation layer thickness must be uniform; charging interface insulation resistance ≥ 10MΩ; short-circuit protection response time ≤ 0.5 seconds.

2. Finished Product Assembly Inspection

Assembly Accuracy: Steering system sensitivity meets standards; minimum turning radius meets design requirements; all connections are secure.

Functional Verification: Parking brake is reliable; climbing ability meets target market gradient standards (e.g., US 12% gradient, speed ≥ 10km/h); headlight illuminance ≥ 100lx.

Safety Testing: Emergency braking device triggers reliably; anti-tipping sensor is sensitive; automatic parking system is stable on slopes without slippage.

3. Factory Sampling Inspection and Certification Verification

Sampling Ratio: According to SN/T 1658-2013 standard, 3% sampling is conducted for batches of 500 units or less, and 2% sampling is conducted for batches of more than 500 units, with a minimum of 15 units.

Comprehensive Testing: Environmental simulation testing (operating temperature from -10℃ to 50℃), battery life measurement (deviation ±5km), electromagnetic compatibility testing (radiated emission limit 30dBμV/m).

Document Review: Verification of certification certificates (CE/FDA/JIS, etc.), test reports (must include ISO 17025 certification), UDI codes, and other complete compliance documents.

IV. Guidelines for Avoiding Pitfalls in Bulk Procurement Quality Inspection

Reject “One-Size-Fits-All” Quality Inspection: Avoid using a single market standard to cover the entire globe. For example, high-temperature protection testing in Southeast Asia cannot be omitted, and EU environmental standards cannot be simplified.

Prioritize compliant supply chains: Core component suppliers must possess the certifications required for the target market, such as battery suppliers holding UL 2580 (USA) and EN 50604-1 (EU) certifications.

Allow for certification time: Certifications in Europe and the US typically take 4-8 weeks; testing time must be planned in advance to avoid delivery delays.

Emphasis on after-sales quality control: After bulk shipments arrive, key indicators such as battery voltage stability and braking performance must be verified to ensure no damage occurred during transportation.