What to Expect With Your New Zoomer

The doorbell rings and your Journey Zoomer Lightweight Folding Power Chair is sitting there on your stoop, ready for its new home. Congratulations! You are about to discover how much of your daily life and independence you can reclaim with an assist from your new mobility support. The question now is, where to start?

The Zoomer is designed to be simple to use, but as with any electrical device, learning how to operate it for the first time can be a little intimidating. Worry not—we've got you covered. Start with this checklist to make sure you put your Zoomer together safely for your first ride.

Do a Setup Check

When your Zoomer arrives, take a few minutes to inspect the chair:

• Make sure all the components have been included. This includes the frame, cushion, lithium battery, joystick controller, and charger.
• Check the chair for any visible damage. If anything appears broken, loose, bent, or missing, contact Journey customer support.
• Unfold the Zoomer fully. The chair should open until the locking pins click into position. A chair that is not fully locked open may not be stable. Keep your hands and fingers away from folding parts during setup and folding to avoid pinch points.
• Check the anti-tip wheels at the back of the chair. These should be loosened, slid out, and tightened into position before use. Anti-tip wheels help stabilize the chair, especially when navigating inclines or uneven transitions.
• Set the two drive levers on the rear of the Zoomer to Lock/Drive mode. This keeps the chair from moving when you sit down.

Examine the Brakes

The Zoomer has two brake modes: Drive/Lock and Free Wheel/Unlock. In Drive/Lock mode, the electromagnetic braking system is active. When you release the joystick or return it to the center position, the chair stops automatically. This is the mode you should use for normal driving, and it is the mode the chair should be in when you enter or exit.

Free Wheel mode allows the rear wheels to roll freely. This can be useful if a caregiver needs to push the chair manually, but it is not the mode to use when sitting down, standing up, or parking on a slope. Never sit in the Zoomer when the brakes are set to Free Wheel unless a caregiver is holding the chair securely. The chair may roll unexpectedly. Never switch into Free Wheel mode on a slope.

Practice Using the Joystick

The Zoomer's joystick can be mounted on either armrest and allows the chair to move forward, backward, left, and right. The chair has five speed levels with a top speed of 3.7 mph.

For your first few rides, choose an open area with a flat, smooth driving surface. Start at the lowest speed setting. Push the joystick gently in the direction you want to go. The farther you push it, the faster the chair will move. To stop, return the joystick to the center position.

The braking system will engage when the joystick returns to center but avoid releasing the joystick suddenly whenever possible to prevent an abrupt stop. Smooth movements are safer and more comfortable.

Similarly, avoid sharp turns at higher speeds. The Zoomer has a tight 35.5-inch turning radius, which is a major advantage in homes, stores, restaurants, and elevators. But tight turns should be taken slowly to aid in stability.

Know Where to Ride

The Zoomer is designed for both indoor and outdoor use on well-maintained surfaces. In your home, wood flooring, linoleum, and carpets are all safe surfaces to ride on. Outdoor terrain, such as short grass or packed gravel, is also safe for the Zoomer under normal conditions.

But this does not mean it should be treated like an off-road vehicle. Avoid sand, mud, snow, ice, high grass, loose gravel, steep slopes, heavily rutted trails, stairs, and escalators. These surfaces can reduce traction, stability, control, and battery performance. They may also damage the wheels, bearings, shafts, motors, or other parts of the chair.

Use caution on uneven ground or bumpy surfaces. Slow down before obstacles, steer around them when possible, and do not attempt to force the chair over something that looks unstable or too high.

Use Caution on Slopes and Ramps

The Zoomer has a maximum climbing angle of 10 degrees—greater than many power chairs—but you should still pay extra attention to slopes. Do not drive on inclines steeper than recommended and avoid continuous uphill or downhill paths when possible. Never turn while on a slope and never drive backward on a slope, either: Both can affect stability and increase the risk of tipping.

When approaching a ramp, slow down and drive straight. Keep your weight distributed evenly in the seat. Do not lean too far forward or backward, especially on inclines. The Zoomer includes rear anti-tip wheels and an electromagnetic braking system, but safe driving habits are still essential.

Practice Entering and Exiting the Chair

Before getting in or out of the Zoomer, make sure the power is off and both brake levers are in Lock/Drive mode. Never enter or exit when the chair is in Free Wheel mode. If the rear wheels are unlocked, the chair may move underneath you.

To enter or exit your Zoomer, swing the footrest aside first so your feet are on the floor. (Never step on the footrest with your full weight.) The Zoomer's patented floating footrest is designed to make transferring easier because it does not need to be fully removed. Use the armrests to guide yourself as you lower into or lift out of the seat, but don't place your full body weight on them since this may destabilize the chair.

Charge the Battery Daily

The Zoomer uses a lithium-ion battery that is removable and travel-friendly, but any battery requires careful handling. Fully discharging the battery can cause permanent damage, so do not ignore low-battery warnings.

After each use, charge the battery in a safe, ventilated area away from sparks, cigarettes, and flammable items. Keep metal objects away from the battery terminals to reduce the risk of shock or fire. Do not open or dismantle the battery.

Only charge within the recommended temperature range of 23°F to 104°F. Do not use or move the chair while the battery is charging. The Zoomer includes a safety feature that prevents the joystick from functioning while the chair is connected to the charger.

Keep Your Zoomer Dry

The Zoomer is not designed for wet environments. Do not use it in rain, snow, ice, showers, rivers, or puddles. Wet or slippery ground can cause loss of control, and moisture can damage electrical components.

If the Zoomer is exposed to water, remove the battery and make sure it is completely dry (as well as the chair) before reinstalling it. If you are unsure whether it is safe to use again, contact customer support before riding.

Stay Focused!

Distracted driving isn't just for street cars. The Zoomer requires your full attention, too. Look both ways when crossing streets and follow local traffic rules. If you use the Zoomer at night, wear reflective clothing so others can see you more easily.

Another top tip: The Zoomer is not intended for children, people under the influence of alcohol or drugs, or passengers (i.e., do not place your grandkid on your lap while driving!). It is also not intended for anyone who is fully restricted to a seated position and requires a medically prescribed wheelchair.

Also be aware of electromagnetic interference when you are operating the power chair. Although rare, strong signals from radios, walkie-talkies, mobile phones, computers, or wireless equipment may interfere with powered mobility devices. If the chair ever moves unexpectedly on its own, turn off the power right away.

Putting Safety First

Operating your Zoomer is truly as simple as it sounds. The chair was designed to be low maintenance and all-around durable, but it's always smart to know what to look for and how to care for your device, in case it helps you prevent or nip issues in the bud. Remember, the safest ride starts with good habits.

Don't own a Zoomer yet? Now's the time! Explore the Journey Zoomer's special features and benefits and see if it's right for you.

*The Zoomer is a personal electric vehicle and is not a medical device nor a wheelchair. It is not intended for medical purposes to provide mobility to persons restricted to a sitting position. Journey does not diagnose, prescribe, accept, or process insurance claims. However, most Journey products are eligible for reimbursement with an FSA or HSA.