Getting a new lightweight electric wheelchair is a turning point. Suddenly, errands, appointments, family visits, and longer outings—things you've been avoiding—are more manageable. But your new device takes a little getting used to, and if you're like most folks, you probably have a few questions.
The Journey Air Elite Max Ultra-Lightweight Portable Power Chair is designed to be intuitive, so once you've had a little practice, it will feel as natural as riding a bike or driving a car. Taking a little extra time at the beginning to learn about the Air Elite Max can help you feel more comfortable, so you can get the most out of your new ride.
Use this checklist to guide you from unboxing through your first independent rides.
In This Article:
Check the Box Before Assembling the Chair
Ready to put your new Air Elite Max together? Having a family member, friend, or caregiver with you during setup can be helpful. Together, open the packaging carefully and inspect the chair and all included components before you begin assembly. The Air Elite Max package should contain:
- Power chair
- Two footrests
- Joystick controller
- Two batteries
- Battery carrying case
- 24V/2A charger
- Product manual
Look for bent parts, cracks, loose wires, damaged connectors, torn fabric, or other signs of shipping damage. Do not use the chair if anything appears broken or incomplete. Contact Journey Health & Lifestyle before attempting to operate it.
Keep plastic bags, packing materials, and small pieces away from children and pets. Save the original packaging until you have confirmed that the chair is operating properly.
Setting Up the Chair
Carefully remove the chair from the box and place it upright on the floor. Open the frame by pulling the left and right sides apart. Press the two seat base tubes down into the grooves on each side of the frame.
Next, raise the handle to engage the folding pole with its locking mechanism. Make sure the frame is fully open and secure before placing any weight on the seat. A partially opened folding chair can collapse or shift unexpectedly.
Fasten the backrest cover to the frame using the attached hook-and-loop closures. Confirm that the lower portion is also firmly attached to the seat cushion. Smooth the fabric so it is not twisted, bunched, or caught in the folding mechanism.
Attach the Footrests Securely
Install both footrests on the frame and confirm that they are properly fastened. Before getting in or out, fold the footrests up and out of the way. Once you are seated, lower them and place both feet securely on them. The footrests are designed to support your feet while you are seated. They are not steps and should never be used to support your body weight while getting into or out of the chair—this can shift the chair's center of gravity and cause it to tip forward.
Install the Controller
Place the joystick controller into its mounting point on the armrest. Pull down the tightening lever or spanner until the controller is firmly secured and does not rotate, slide, or feel loose. Position it so you can comfortably reach the joystick and buttons without leaning forward or twisting your body.
Install Both Batteries
The Air Elite Max uses two lithium batteries. Slide each battery into the upper rail and press it down firmly until you hear it click into place.
Check that both batteries are secure and cannot shift. Turn on both batteries before operating the chair. The system is designed to identify the battery with the higher voltage and use it first. When that battery is nearly depleted, the chair can automatically switch to the second battery. Although the chair can operate using one battery, installing both gives you the full potential range and automatic switching benefit.
Charge the batteries fully before operating the Air Elite Max for the first time. To charge, turn off the controller and make sure the chair is in power drive mode rather than manual mode. Connect the charger's three-pin plug to the charging port on the controller, then plug the charger into a standard wall outlet. A blue light indicates that charging is underway; a green light means charging is complete.
Charging generally takes approximately eight to 12 hours. Use only the charger supplied with the chair. Keep the charger and batteries away from water, open flames, heaters, and direct sunlight.
Do not operate the chair while it is connected to the charger.
Set Brake Levers to Drive Mode
Each motor has a brake lever that switches the chair between electric drive mode and manual push mode. Before you sit down, confirm that both levers are in the power driving position. If one or both are set to manual mode, the chair may power on without moving properly.
Manual mode is intended for situations in which another person needs to push the chair. Never switch into manual mode by yourself while seated and never use manual mode on a slope as the chair may roll unexpectedly.
Getting Started
Now that you've set up the chair, it's time to try it out! The controller should always be off while you are getting into or out of the chair. This prevents accidental contact with the joystick from causing the chair to move.
Make sure the brake levers are in drive mode. Fold the footrests upward and move the armrest out of the way if needed. Slide into the seat and sit as far back as possible. (Don't pull yourself into the chair using the joystick, armrest, or footrest—these parts are not designed to bear your full weight.)
The Air Elite Max has flip-up armrests, which may provide more space for a side transfer. Once seated, lower the armrest, place your feet on the footrests, and fasten the safety belt. Do not hang heavy bags from the armrests or back of the chair. Extra weight placed high or to one side can affect balance and steering.
Test the Joystick
With the chair on a flat, open surface, turn on the controller. The battery indicator and display should light up normally. Select the lowest speed setting. Gently move the joystick forward and observe how the wheels respond. Test left, right, and reverse movements using very small inputs.
Release the joystick after each movement. It should return to its centered position, and the wheels should stop automatically.
If the joystick sticks, does not return to center, or causes unexpected movement, turn the chair off, check for obstructions around the controller, and contact Journey or your dealer if the issue remains.
Practice Makes Perfect
The Air Elite Max has five speed settings, ranging from approximately 1.2 mph to 3.7 mph. Start with the lowest setting, which gives you more time to react and helps you learn how far the chair moves in response to different joystick inputs.
Your first practice session should take place indoors or in a flat, dry, obstacle-free area. Have someone nearby, in case you need assistance. Practice these movements individually:
- Starting from a complete stop
- Moving forward in a straight line
- Releasing the joystick to stop
- Making wide left and right turns
- Moving backward slowly
- Navigating gentle "S" shapes
- Approaching a doorway
- Turning around within a clear area
The Air Elite Max is 24 inches wide. Measure narrow areas like doorways in your home and approach them slowly and as straight as possible. Avoid turning sharply while halfway through a doorway.
Also avoid sharp turns at higher speeds and slow down before changing direction. The chair may respond more quickly than expected when the joystick is moved firmly. The Air Elite Max has a braking distance of 39.4 inches on a level surface. Actual stopping distance may vary depending on your speed, weight, surface, incline, and battery condition.
Practice until these movements feel predictable rather than merely possible.
Stay on Approved Surfaces
The Air Elite Max is designed primarily for indoor use and flat, smooth outdoor surfaces near buildings. Suitable surfaces may include indoor flooring, level sidewalks, paved paths, smooth driveways, and similar areas.
Avoid:
- Grass
- Loose gravel
- Sand
- Mud
- Snow or ice
- Wet pavement
- Puddles
- Steep slopes
- Rough trails
- Potholes
- Stairs and escalators
The chair offers limited protection from small splashes, but it is not waterproof. Water can damage the controller, batteries, motors, and wiring.
Avoid obstacles higher than 1 inch. Use an accessible ramp instead of attempting to climb a curb or large threshold.
Next Steps With Your Journey Air Elite Max
Once you've got your chair set up and you've done a practice drive, it's time to learn more about the features and bells and whistles that make this a premium device.
Get to Know the Horn and Headlight
To keep you safe when you're out in public, the controller includes a horn and headlight control. Test both before going out.
Use the horn to alert pedestrians when necessary, particularly in busy hallways, store aisles, parking areas, or around blind corners. The headlight can improve visibility in dim spaces, but it does not make the chair suitable for unsafe nighttime driving or roadway use.
Do not assume that drivers, cyclists, or pedestrians can see you. Wear visible clothing and remain on accessible pedestrian routes.
Reading the Battery Gauge
The battery gauge helps you decide when it is time to recharge. All bars illuminated means the battery is full. Three or four bars indicate a usable charge, while fewer than two bars means you should recharge soon.
While this power mobility chair can technically cover up to 19.8 miles before a recharge, do yourself a favor and do not plan a 19-mile outing with no opportunity to recharge. The actual range depends on user weight, surface, temperature, hills, speed, stops, and battery condition.
During your first outings, stay close to home and note how quickly the gauge changes under your normal conditions. This will give you a more realistic understanding of your chair's daily range.
What to Do if the Chair Stops
The Air Elite Max includes an overload protector. If the motors or batteries become overloaded, the system may temporarily cut power. If the chair stops unexpectedly, release the joystick and turn off the controller. Wait one to two minutes for the protector to reset. Check that you are on a flat, smooth surface and that nothing is blocking the wheels.
If the controller beeps or the display lights flash, the system may have detected a fault. Turn off the chair, inspect visible battery and motor connections, and restart it. Do not attempt electrical repairs yourself.
Contact Journey or your dealer if the warning continues or if the chair behaves unpredictably.
Perform a Quick Check Before Every Ride
Once you are comfortable using the Air Elite Max, make a brief inspection part of your routine. Before every ride, check:
- Battery charge
- Battery installation
- Joystick movement
- Brake lever position
- Footrest security
- Armrest position
- Tire condition
- Visible wiring
- Folding mechanism
- Seat and backrest attachment
- Safety belt
- Frame condition
Stop using the chair if you notice a loose component, unusual noise, damaged wire, wobbling wheel, sticking joystick, or change in braking or steering.
Cleaning and Storing Your Air Elite Max
As far as electric wheelchairs go, the Air Elite Max is pretty low maintenance. Still, you should always store it indoors in a clean, dry environment. Avoid excessive heat, freezing temperatures, humidity, rain, and direct sunlight.
Turn off the power after use. If the chair will not be used for an extended period, follow the battery storage and charging instructions in the manual.
Once a week or so, clean the frame with a soft, damp cloth. Mild, neutral soapy water may be used on the seat and armrests. Dry all surfaces thoroughly. Never hose down the chair, immerse any part in water, or use harsh chemicals. Keep the controller, charger, battery terminals, and electrical connectors clean and dry.
Take Time to Learn
Your first day with the Air Elite Max is exciting, but don't overdo it. Begin with short, controlled practice sessions and gradually add new environments. Save the trip to the busy, crowded mall for after you've had a few practices to gain confidence.
Learning to operate a power chair is similar to learning any new mobility skill: repetition matters. Over time, you'll gain a sense of not only how to make the chair move, but how it responds, how much room it needs, and how to make safe decisions before a problem occurs.
Once setup and practice become familiar, the Air Elite Max can do what it was designed to do: help you spend less energy worrying about mobility and more energy participating in the life around you.
Need More Support?
For more information on how to use the Journey Air Elite Max Ultra-Lightweight Portable Power Chair, contact our customer service at 888-404-1724.
