Electric Cars and Bikes Safe for Pacemaker and Defibrillator Users

Author: Mayo Clinic
Published: 2013/03/10 - Updated: 2025/04/20
Publication Details: Peer-Reviewed, Findings
Category Topic: Home Medical Devices - Academic Publications

Page Content: Synopsis - Introduction - Main - Insights, Updates

Synopsis: The report titled "Electric Cars and Bikes Do Not Interfere with Implanted Cardiac Devices" presents findings from a Mayo Clinic study that investigated whether electric and hybrid vehicles cause electromagnetic interference (EMI) with implanted cardiac devices such as pacemakers and defibrillators. The study involved 30 participants monitored in various seating positions inside a 2012 Toyota Prius hybrid at different speeds, with continuous observation for any device malfunction. Results showed no clinically relevant EMI, indicating that driving or riding in electric cars is safe for patients with these devices. However, the researchers recommended further studies on other electric vehicle models to confirm these findings. The article is particularly useful for seniors and people with disabilities who rely on implanted cardiac devices, as it alleviates concerns about the safety of electric transportation and supports informed mobility choices. The study was recognized by the American College of Cardiology and funded by the Mayo Clinic Center for Translational Science Activities, lending it strong scientific credibility - Disabled World (DW).

Defining Electromagnetic Interference (EMI)

Electromagnetic Interference (EMI): Electromagnetic interference, often abbreviated as EMI, refers to the disruption or degradation of electrical circuit performance caused by external electromagnetic fields. These fields can originate from a wide range of sources, including natural phenomena like lightning or human-made devices such as radios, cell phones, and electric motors. When these external electromagnetic signals interfere with the normal operation of an electronic device, they can cause it to malfunction, produce errors, or even fail completely. Managing and mitigating EMI is particularly important in sensitive equipment like medical implants, aviation systems, and communication networks, where even minor disturbances can have serious consequences.

Introduction

A Mayo Clinic study has concluded that patients with implanted cardiac devices such as pacemakers and defibrillators can safely drive or ride in an electric car without risk of electromagnetic interference (EMI).

Main Content

The study, titled "Hybrid Cars and Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillators: Is It Safe" is the first of its kind to address the interaction between these devices and electric cars. It was presented at the 2013 American College of Cardiology Annual Scientific Session in San Francisco on March 9th.

In some cases, implanted devices may sense signals from electrical or magnetic objects and misinterpreted them as potential distress coming from the patient's heart.

The increasing prevalence of electric and hybrid cars, one of the fastest growing segments of the American automotive industry, prompted Mayo Clinic cardiac investigators to study the potential risk of the effects of EMI on patients with implantable devices.

Mayo Clinic researchers used implantable devices from the three major manufacturers and a 2012 Toyota Prius hybrid in the study.

Electric and magnetic fields were measured in six positions:

From the driver's seat
Front passenger seat
Left and right rear seats
In front of and behind the car from the outside

Each position was evaluated at different speeds: 30 mph, 60 mph and at variable speeds of acceleration and deceleration.

The 30 study participants with implanted devices were continuously monitored while rotating positions in the car and driving the car, with a particular focus on real-time detection of any interruption in the normal functionality of their devices.

Luis R. Scott, M.D., Cardiologist, and Fernando Tondato, M.D., Cardiology Fellow, both of Mayo Clinic in Arizona and the study's lead investigators, called for additional study.

They said that although the study results revealed that the car tested did not generate clinically relevant amounts of EMI and that the car is safe for patients with implanted devices, more research will help define and solidify the results.

"Further studies may be necessary to evaluate the interaction between implantable devices and other models of hybrid or electric cars," says Dr. Scott.

The American College of Cardiology named a poster that summarizes the study and will be presented at the conference, as a 2013 "Best Fellows In Training (FIT) Poster," which represents the top 3 percent scoring percentile of abstracts accepted for presentation at the conference.

Mayo Clinic is a nonprofit worldwide leader in medical care, research and education for people from all walks of life.

The study was funded by the Mayo Clinic Center for Translational Science Activities.

Insights, Analysis, and Developments

Editorial Note: As electric vehicles become increasingly common, this article provides critical, evidence-based reassurance to cardiac device patients, helping to dispel fears about electromagnetic interference. By grounding its conclusions in rigorous clinical research, it bridges the gap between advancing technology and patient safety, ensuring that innovations in transportation remain accessible to vulnerable populations - Disabled World (DW).

Attribution/Source(s): This peer reviewed publication was selected for publishing by the editors of Disabled World (DW) due to its relevance to the disability community. Originally authored by Mayo Clinic and published on 2013/03/10, this content may have been edited for style, clarity, or brevity.