04/09/2026
Ever wondered how your mobility scooter or powerchair stops when you let go of the joystick/lever? βοΈ
Electromagnetic brakes make it happen, and here's how they work:
πΉ Stopped: Springs keep the brakes engaged, preventing the equipment from rolling.
πΉ Driving: The joystick activates electromagnets, releasing the brakes so the wheels can turn.
πΉ Joystick/lever released: The electromagnets switch off, and the brakes automatically re-engage.
π‘οΈ Fail-safe design: If power is lost or the battery goes flat, the brakes automatically engage to help prevent the equipment from rolling away. Most scooters and powerchairs also have a manual brake release lever, usually red or yellow, for when the equipment needs to be pushed manually.
π‘ Simply put: Power on = brakes released. Power off = brakes engaged.