The ZOOM is an electric, four-wheel, recumbent (seated) off-road vehicle. Although electrically powered, the experience of riding the ZOOM resembles using a mountain bike. Improper use of the ZOOM can cause severe injury or death.
Read this User Manual and follow all instructions and warnings to reduce risk of an accident and to reduce the risk of serious injury or death.
1. Be a responsible owner
As the ZOOM’s owner, you are responsible for the safe operation of your vehicle. Be sure to read this manual and the labels on the vehicle before operating the ZOOM. Use this manual and the labels to instruct new users. Do not allow anyone to operate your ZOOM unless you are sure that they are willing and able to follow these instructions.
Remove the key switch when the ZOOM is parked to prevent unauthorized use.
2. Before you operate the Zoom
Please make sure that the zoom confirms with your physical abilities and that you had a proper introduction by a qualified reseller/dealer on how to adjust the zoom to your needs.
- User weight limit 300 lb/136 kg: Never exceed the weight limit of 300 lb/136 kg (user and gear). Overloading the ZOOM may affect handling, which might result in loss of control or an accident.
- No passengers: The ZOOM is designed to carry the user only. Never carry a passenger, including a child or pet. A passenger could be seriously injured by a sudden stop or turn.
- User capabilities: The user must be able to keep their hands on the handlebar, reach and be able to use all controls on the handlebar, keep their legs away from the wheels and off the ground, and keep their back against the seat back. Any person unable to fit comfortably or to maintain control should not ride the ZOOM.
- Age requirement: in the US the ZOOM is intended for use by an user 16 years of age or older. Check your local regulations.
3. Prepare yourself
- Helmet: Wear an approved bicycle helmet.
- Be appropriately dressed: Dress appropriately and tie up long hair to reduce the risk of injuries, including entanglement in the wheels or steering system.
- Wear closed-toe shoes and keep shoelaces tied.
- Do not wear loose clothing.
- A long-sleeved shirt, long pants, and gloves are recommended if you’re riding in rough terrain/brush.
- Avoid distractions: Do not use a cell phone when riding.
- No drugs or alcohol: Do not ride while under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
4. Do not overload the Zoom
Do not overload or inappropriately tow from the ZOOM.
Overloading the ZOOM or improperly carrying cargo or towing may affect handling, which could increase the risk of loss of control or an accident.
- Never exceed the stated load capacity of 300 lb/136 kg (user and gear) for the ZOOM.
- If carrying gear in baskets, never carry more than 15 lb/6.8 kg on the front and 15 lb/6.8 kg on the back of the ZOOM (30 lb/13.5 kg total).
- Never tow a trailer or use the ZOOM to pull anything unless using an approved ZOOM accessory to do so. Follow all safety instructions and respect the weight limit specified by the towing accessory.
5. Extreme surface temperatures
Be aware that exposure to direct sunlight might cause the ZOOM’s surfaces to become very hot. Be careful not to touch hot surfaces to avoid burns.
6. Perform a pre-operation check
Perform a pre-operation check each time you use the ZOOM to make sure it is in good operating condition. Do not use the ZOOM if it appears to be damaged or otherwise not fully functional. Failure to inspect or properly maintain the ZOOM increases the possibility of an accident or equipment damage. For additional information, please read section XXX.
7. Maintain proper tire pressure
Keep the tires at 22-29 psi/150-200 kPa/1.5-2.0 bar (see section 7.6). Operation of the ZOOM with improper tire pressure may increase the risk of severe injury or death from loss of control or rollover. Overinflated tires seriously affect handling, and overinflating may cause the tire to explode or blow the tire off the rim. Under-inflation could result in tire damage or cause the tire to dislodge from the rim.
8. Brake lever adjustment
As the brake pads on your ZOOM wear down with use or you are low on brake fluid, you will feel that the brake handle needs to be pressed closer to the handlebar before you reach the full braking effect.
The position where you get the full braking effect can be set by turning the adjustment screw (see figure) on the brake handle.
9. Plan your riding environment
Always check and obey any local laws or regulations that may affect the locations where the ZOOM may be used and seek permission from local authorities if in doubt.
ZOOM is intended for outdoor use. Use indoors could result in collisions with people, animals, walls, or objects and could damage flooring.
10. Be careful around pedestrians and others
Be careful to avoid pedestrians, skaters, skateboards, scooters, bikes, children, animals or any other obstacles which may enter your path, and respect the rights of others.
Go slowly and use extra caution around pedestrians. Do not make unexpected maneuvers. In addition:
- Always ride under control.
- Ride at a speed that is safe for you and those around you.
- Always be prepared to fully stop within the distance you can see ahead of you.
- Respect pedestrians by always stopping and yielding the right of way.
- Avoid startling pedestrians. When approaching from behind, announce yourself and slow down to walking speed when passing. Pass on the side with ample margin whenever possible.
- When approaching a pedestrian from the front, stay to the side and slow down.
- When riding with pedestrians, stay at their pace. Pass only if there is ample space to do so safely. Do not weave in and out of pedestrian traffic.
11. Do not ride alone
Make sure that help is available in case you encounter a problem during your ride.
12. Consider your terrain
- Avoid obstacles. Watch out for potential obstacles that could catch your wheels or force you to swerve suddenly or lose control. Do not attempt jumps or stunts or intentionally hit obstacles. Avoid overly rough riding such as hitting large rocks and tree stumps or hitting obstacles at high speed as this may result in loss of control or damage.
- Choose slopes carefully. Choose carefully which hills you attempt to climb or descend, and avoid side hilling (riding across slopes). Avoid hills with slippery surfaces or those where you will not be able to see far enough ahead of you. Use common sense and remember that some hills are too steep for the ZOOM to climb or descend. Use proper riding techniques to avoid rearward, forward, or sideways rollovers on hills and slopes.
- Never ride near drop-offs. Never use the ZOOM near steps, swimming pools, boat docks, or other drop-offs.
- Do not rotate the swivel seat when standing or riding on slopes. The ZOOM may become less stable and might cause you injury.
13. Avoid exposure to water
If water reaches the electric motors inside the wheels or the batteries, they may malfunction or be permanently damaged, resulting in possible unsafe conditions. While the ZOOM components are made to withstand some moisture such as rain and snow, you still must protect the wheel hub motors and battery packs from water:
- Do not ride through or expose the ZOOM to standing or flowing water, mud, or wet sand deeper than approximately two inches (that is, deeper than the tire).
- Never expose the ZOOM to salt water, which will corrode the vehicle and damage the motors and batteries.
- Do not clean with a pressure washer.
Wet brakes may have reduced effectiveness. If you ride through a puddle or in the rain, test your brakes. If necessary, apply the brakes several times to let friction dry out the linings. After riding in wet conditions, make sure to remove any residual moisture to prevent water from entering the motors or batteries.
14. Consider visibility
The ZOOM is a low-profile vehicle. If you ride in hilly terrain or areas where others may be riding, consider mounting a flag to increase the ZOOM’s visibility.
15 Get to know the zoom
This off-road vehicle will handle and maneuver differently from cars, ATVs, go-carts, golf carts, wheelchairs, or recumbent bicycles. Start slowly and practice in a safe, open area while you get comfortable with the ZOOM’s controls and handling.
Avoid unintended vehicle movement: Keep the key switch in OFF position except when riding. Make sure the ZOOM is turned off, and parking brake engaged, before getting on or off the vehicle. Keep the ZOOM turned off any time you are not actively riding. If you or a bystander unintentionally apply throttle — for example, when getting on or off of a ZOOM with the key switch is ON position — the vehicle will move. This can result in a collision or other accident.
To avoid accidental throttle application:
- Before getting on or off the ZOOM, engage the parking brake and make sure the keyswitch is turned off.
- Any time you stop and take your hands off the handlebar, turn the key switch to the OFFposition.
- Keep the ZOOM turned off and the key switch removed when loading on a trailer or transport vehicle, or in similar situations, and when the ZOOM is parked or otherwise unattended. This will also help to prevent unauthorized use.
16. Stay in proper position
To reduce the risk of serious injury or death:
- Hold the handlebar at all times.
- Keep your fingers and other body parts away from the wheels, steering system, and all other moving components.
- Always keep your legs on the footrest, away from the wheels and off the ground when riding.
- If you think or feel the ZOOM may tip or roll, reduce your risk of injury:
- Keep a firm grip on the handlebar, pull your elbows in, and brace yourself.
- Do not put your arms or legs out for any reason.
- Do not try to stop the vehicle from tipping over using your limbs.