Important field safety notice: eFOLDi powerchair — information for users and retailers

Last Updated on 28/01/2026 by Sarah Sarsby

The British Healthcare Trades Association (BHTA) is sharing important safety information on behalf of SunTech UK, trading as eFOLDi. SunTech UK is a member of the BHTA, and the association is aware of this Field Safety Notice (FSN).

On 21 January 2026, SunTech UK issued a Field Safety Notice concerning the eFOLDi powerchair, following the discovery that several safety warnings were missing from earlier versions of the product’s Instructions for Use (IFU).

This action has been taken as a precautionary measure. There have been no reported incidents, injuries, or adverse events related to this issue. The update reflects SunTech UK’s continued commitment to ensuring that all users have complete and accurate safety information.

About the field safety notice

As part of a routine internal review, SunTech UK identified that certain safety warnings were omitted from previous versions of the eFOLDi powerchair’s instructions. The updated IFU now includes these additional safety statements and clarifies that the product is designed for indoor and limited outdoor use on smooth, level surfaces, such as homes, assisted living facilities, shopping centres, offices, and hospitals.

Although users should have been informed of these safety considerations during product demonstrations and handovers, SunTech UK has issued this written update to ensure all users and retailers have clear, complete information.

The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has been notified of this corrective action.

Key safety warnings

The following safety warnings must be reviewed and followed by all eFOLDi powerchair users and retailers:

• Do not get on or off the eFOLDi powerchair with the handbrakes disengaged
• Never operate the powerchair without the anti-tip wheels securely in place
• Always apply manual brakes before getting in to or out of the power chair
• Not intended to be used as a seat in a motor vehicle
• The Attendant Control has no impact on the braking system of the powerchair
• Do not use the powerchair on a ramp/slope if the battery is out of power without applying manual brakes, it does not have any electric brake without power
• Use of this electric wheelchair adjacent to or stacked with other electrical equipment should be avoided because it could result in improper operation
• Portable RF communications equipment (including peripherals such as antenna cables and external antennas) should be used no closer than 30cm (12 inches) to any part of the electric wheelchair
• If the use location is near (e.g. less than 1.5km from) AM, FM or TV broadcast antennas, before using this equipment, it should be observed to verify that it is operating normally.

These warnings are essential to prevent unintended movement, falls, instability, and interference that could affect safe use. The revised IFU also includes further details on how to identify damage to the battery or charger, information relating to electromagnetic compatibility, updated performance specifications, and clearer instructions for transportation, maintenance, and refurbishment.

Risk awareness

The absence of these warnings in earlier documentation could lead to unintended use that increases the risk of:

• Loss of stability when getting in or out of the device
• Tip-over events if anti-tip wheels are not installed
• Unexpected movement when handbrakes are not engaged
• Unsafe use as a seat in a moving vehicle
• Abnormal behaviour due to electromagnetic interference

Although no such incidents have been reported, SunTech UK has taken this precautionary action to minimise any potential risks and ensure continued user safety.

Actions required

To ensure the continued safe use of the eFOLDi powerchair, SunTech UK requests that users and retailers take the following steps without delay.

For users

1. Download and read the official Field Safety Notice.
2. Review and follow all safety warnings listed above.
3. Confirm that the anti-tip wheels are securely installed before use.
4. Always apply manual brakes when getting into or out of the powerchair.
5. Never use the powerchair as a seat in a vehicle.
6. Dispose of any earlier versions of the Instructions for Use while keeping the information relating to your device purchase and serial number.
7. Familiarise yourself with the new instructions for use and retain them for future reference.
8. Respond to the Field Safety Notice by scanning the QR code or completing the form provided in the notice to confirm acknowledgement.

For retailers

1. Download and review the official Field Safety Notice.
2. Contact all customers who have purchased the affected eFOLDi powerchair and provide them with a copy of the updated IFU and Field Safety Notice.
3. Confirm receipt of the notice by scanning the QR code or completing the retailer response form in the notice.
4. Maintain a record of all communications sent to customers as part of this corrective action.

For further information or support, contact:

SunTech UK
25 Ormside Way, Holmethorpe Industrial Estate, Redhill, Surrey, RH1 2LW
📞 +44 (0) 20 3143 5168
📧 services@efoldi.com
🌐 www.efoldi.com