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EMI/RFI WARNINGS
Laboratory tests performed by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have shown that radio waves can
cause unintended motion of electric scooters. Radio waves are a form of electromagnetic energy (EM).
When electromagnetic energy adversely affects the operation of an electrical device, that adverse effect is
called Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) or Radio Frequency Interference (RFI).
EMI/RFI Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The following FAQs summarize what you should know about EMI/RFI. Use this information to minimize
the risk that EMI/RFI will adversely affect your Dynamo.
Where do radio waves come from?
Radio waves are emitted from the antennas of cellular phones, mobile two-way radios (such as walkie-
talkies and CBs), radio stations, TV stations, amateur radio (HAM) transmitters, wireless computer links,
microwave sources, and paging transmitters. Radio waves are a form of electromagnetic energy. Because
EM is more intense closer to transmitting antennas (sources of emission), the EM fields from two-way
radios are of special concern to electric scooter users.
If EMI/RFI affects my Dynamo, what kind of motion should I expect?
This is difficult to predict. The answer would depend on a number of factors:
n The strength of the radio waves
n The construction of your particular Dynamo
n The location of your Dynamo (whether it is level or on an incline)
n Whether or not your Dynamo is in motion
The motion of any electric scooter affected by EMI/RFI can be erratic. The scooter may come to a sudden
stop or move in an uncontrolled manner. Also, it is possible for EMI/RFI to release the brakes of an electric
scooter. Some intense EMI/RFI can even damage the control system components of an electric scooter.
Is there any way to know for certain whether or not radio waves are the cause of any unintended
motion of my Dynamo?
Unfortunately, EMI/RFI may be difficult to recognize, since the signals from radio sources are invisible
and may be intermittent. However, the FDA recommends that you report all incidents of unintended motion
or unintended brake release of your electric scooter to the scooters manufacturer and, if possible, deter-
mine whether or not there was a radio wave source nearby at the time of the incident.
One precaution you can take against inadvertent motion of your Dynamo is to make certain that you or
someone else is not the cause of the unintended motion.
n Turn off your Dynamo by removing the key from the key switch when you are getting on or off of your
Dynamo.
n Never leave the key in the key switch of an unattended Dynamo. By following these steps, you greatly
reduce the risk of you or anyone else inadvertently bumping the throttle control levers and causing the
Dynamo to move unintentionally.
III. EMI/RFI