Karma Flexx Adapt User manual

User manual
Flexx Adapt

1. Index
1. Index......................................................................................................0
2. How to contact Karma............................................................................1
3. Introduction............................................................................................2
3.1 Serial number.................................................................................2
4. Symbols.................................................................................................3
5. Warranty................................................................................................4
6. Intended use..........................................................................................5
7. Intended environment.............................................................................5
8. Wheelchair components –functions and operations ...............................6
8.1 Overview........................................................................................6
8.2 Attendant brake..............................................................................8
8.3 Parking brake (optional)..................................................................8
8.4 Seat................................................................................................9
8.4.1 Frame.....................................................................................9
8.4.2 Rail.......................................................................................10
8.4.3 Angle....................................................................................10
8.4.4 Tilt ........................................................................................11
8.5 Backrest.......................................................................................12
8.6 Stroller handle ..............................................................................14
8.7 Armrest.........................................................................................15
8.8 Footrest........................................................................................15
8.9 Articulating elevating legrest (optional)..........................................16
8.10 Headrest.......................................................................................18
8.11 Medial knee support (optional)......................................................18
8.12 Hip support / Lateral knee support (optional).................................19
8.13 Lateral trunk support (optional)......................................................19
8.14 Tray table (optional)......................................................................20

8.15 Anti-tippers...................................................................................21
8.16 Seat and backrest cushions..........................................................22
8.17 Positioning belts............................................................................22
8.17.1 Pelvic belt .............................................................................22
8.17.2 Chest harness.......................................................................23
8.18 Rear wheels .................................................................................24
8.18.1 Removing .............................................................................24
8.18.2 Installing ...............................................................................24
9. Wheelchair components - adjustments.................................................25
9.1 Seat & seat accessories................................................................25
9.1.1 Seat......................................................................................25
9.1.2 Hip support / lateral knee support (optional)...........................31
9.1.3 Medial knee support (optional) ..............................................32
9.2 Backrest & backrest accessories...................................................33
9.2.1 Backrest................................................................................33
9.2.2 Lateral trunk support (optional)..............................................34
9.2.3 Headrest...............................................................................35
9.3 Armrest.........................................................................................37
9.4 Footrest/Legrest (optional)............................................................38
9.4.1 Footrest/Legrest (optional) ....................................................38
9.4.2 Calf pad (optional).................................................................38
9.4.3 Footplate...............................................................................40
9.5 Positioning belts............................................................................42
9.5.1 Pelvic belt .............................................................................42
9.5.2 Chest harness.......................................................................42
10. Using the wheelchair............................................................................45
10.1 General warnings and precautions................................................45
10.1.1 Use in combination with other products.................................45
10.1.2 Use in hot and cold environment ...........................................46

10.1.3 Use on differect surfaces.......................................................46
10.1.4 Danger of pinching................................................................46
10.1.5 Surroundings ........................................................................47
10.2 Storage.........................................................................................47
10.2.1 Folding the wheelchair ..........................................................48
10.2.2 Unfolding the wheelchair.......................................................49
10.3 Transfer........................................................................................50
10.3.1 Transfer into the wheelchair ..................................................50
10.3.2 Transfer out of the wheelchair...............................................50
10.4 Driving and steering the wheelchair...............................................51
10.4.1 General use for user and attendant.......................................51
10.4.2 Pass through doorways.........................................................52
10.4.3 Cross streets.........................................................................52
10.4.4 Drive and steer the wheelchair..............................................52
10.4.5 Tipping backwards................................................................52
10.5 Negotiating steps and curbs..........................................................54
10.5.1 Going up steps/curbs............................................................54
10.5.2 Going down steps/curbs........................................................55
10.6 Going up and down stairs .............................................................55
10.7 Negotiating ramps and slopes.......................................................55
10.8 Stability and balance when seated................................................57
10.8.1 Leaning forward....................................................................57
10.8.2 Leaning backward.................................................................57
11. Transport..............................................................................................58
11.1 Transporting the wheelchair with occupant....................................58
11.1.1 Four-point strap-type tiedown system....................................59
11.1.2 Three-point belt restraint.......................................................60
11.2 Transporting the wheelchair without occupant...............................62
11.2.1 Lifting the wheelchair.............................................................62

11.2.2 Airplane ................................................................................63
12. Maintenance and repairs......................................................................63
12.1 Daily checks .................................................................................63
12.2 Maintenance schedule..................................................................65
12.3 Tools ............................................................................................67
12.4 Cleaning.......................................................................................67
12.4.1 Upholstery.............................................................................67
12.4.2 Metal surfaces.......................................................................67
12.4.3 Plastic covers........................................................................68
13. Refurbishment and reuse .....................................................................68
14. Disposal...............................................................................................68
15. Troubleshooting ...................................................................................69
16. Technical specifications........................................................................70

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2. How to contact Karma
Head office
Karma Medical
Address: No. 2363, Sec. 2, University Road, Minxiong Township,
Chiayi County 621015, Taiwan (R.O.C.)
Phone: [phone]
Email: [e-mail]
Website: www.karmamedical.com
European representative
Karma Mobility S.L.
KARMA Mobility S.L.
Address: C/ Periodista Francisco Carantoña Dubert,
23 Bajo 33209 Gijón - Asturias (Spain)
Phone: [phone]
Email: [e-mail]
Website: www.karmamobility.es
UK representative
Karma Mobility Ltd.
Address: Unit 6 Target Park, Shawbank Road, Reddtich,
B98 8YN England United Kingdom
Phone: [phone]
Email: [e-mail]
Website: www.karmamobility.co.uk
Produced and published by Karma, Taiwan.
Technical changes and print errors are prohibited.

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3. Introduction
Congratulations on your new Karma wheelchair! This product has been made
with great care and dedication to increase your freedom of mobility and
independence. If you have questions or suggestions about our products, do
not hesitate to get in contact with us at globalsa[email protected].tw.
You must read and understand this entire manual prior to use. Always keeping
it with your product. This way, you will be able to find additional information
when needed.
Karma runs the policy of continuous product improvement. Therefore, pictures
of products or options shown in this manual might differ from what you see in
the product. Karma reserves the right to make changes to the product without
prior notice.
3.1Serial number
We will keep the serial number in our data system. The serial number label is
on the frame tube. Please carefully read all the labeling on the wheelchair
before using the wheelchair, and do not remove them.

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4. Symbols
The following symbols indicate general warnings. There are three levels of
them:
Warning
Use extreme caution where this symbol appears. Ignoring
these warnings may result in personal or property damage.
Caution
Use caution to prevent dangerous situations.
Note
The symbol refers to additional information that might be
useful. Take notice of this information.
⚫Before using the wheelchair, you should read this manual to get familiar
with this product. Improper use of the wheelchair could result in harm or
injury.
⚫Follow our guidelines and use the product with reasonable care to increase
your safety. Be aware that careless use may result in danger.
⚫Ensure the local reseller has set up the product properly to fit your exact
needs and requirements.
⚫Always be accompanied by an attendant when operating the wheelchair for
the first time.

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5. Warranty
Karma offers a 5-year guarantee on the frame and cross-braces and a 1-year
guarantee on the gas strut after delivery to the customer. Your local supplier
will carry out this warranty.
The wheelchair must be repaired by a Karma designated Customer Service
agent. This warranty is VOID if the original chair serial number is removed or
altered. Please get in touch with our Karma authorized dealers for warranty
claims.
The warranty does not apply to damage or faults of the product caused by
wrong or improper use or neglected maintenance.
This guarantee does not apply to components susceptible to wear, such as
brakes, bearings, footplates, pads, side guards, upholsteries, wheels, etc.
The warranty does not cover consequential costs arising from the rectification
of defects, such as freight and travel expenses, labor costs, fees, etc.
Karma reserves the right to alter the specifications at any time. No
responsibility can be accepted for any changes in the specifications.
Change of specification can originate from availability of parts, product
improvement based on market experience, changed legislation, etc.
Warning
Using non-original parts on this product may result in personal
injury or material damage. Karma cannot be held responsible
for these results.
Repairs executed by unauthorized persons may result in
personal injury or material damage. Karma cannot be held
responsible for these results.
If you have any doubt about the service provided to your
wheelchair, please contact Karma for information.

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6. Intended use
The wheelchair is intended to provide mobility to people with mobility
limitations and require proper sitting positioning. The maximum user weight is
75 kg.
We strongly suggest the wheelchair occupant be evaluated by a doctor,
therapist, or other qualified and trained staff before using the wheelchair.
The wheelchair user should physically and mentally be able to use the
wheelchair safely.
The expected service life of the product is five years, presuming that the
product is used daily following the safety operation instructions, inspection and
maintenance instructions, and intended use described in this manual.
7. Intended environment
The wheelchair is suitable for indoor and outdoor use. Only use the wheelchair
on level ground and on accessible terrain outdoors. Avoid using the
wheelchair on beaches to prevent saltwater and sand damage. Clean the
wheelchair right after being contacted with sand and saltwater. Refer to Part
14.4.
The wheelchair can be used in different weather conditions. Note that metal or
plastic surfaces of the wheelchair can become very hot when exposed to
direct sun for a long time.

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8. Wheelchair components –functions and
operations
8.1Overview
1. Recline release lever-orange (optional)
2. Tilt release lever-blue
3. Backrest
4. Attendant brakes
5. Parking brakes (optional)
6. Lateral trunk supports (optional)
7. Hip support / Lateral knee support (optional)
8. Seat
9. Armrests
10. Medial knee support (optional)
11. Footrests

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12. Headrest
13. Dynamic backrest switch (optional)
14. Stroller handle
15. Anti-tippers
16. Rear wheels
17. Front casters

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8.2Attendant brake
The attendant brakes allow the caregiver to brake the wheelchair when
needed. They can also be used to lock the rear wheels to the wheelchair from
moving.
To brake the wheelchair while moving, squeeze both brake handles (A)
upwards to slow down and stop the wheelchair.
To lock the wheel, squeeze the brake handles (A) and press the lock pins (B)
inwards. Then release the brake handles.
To release the brakes, squeeze the brake handles (A), and the lock pins (B)
will release automatically.
8.3Parking brake (optional)
The parking brakes can lock the wheel when stationary to prevent it from
moving.
To engage the brake, move the brake lever (A) forwards as far as possible. To
release the brake, push the brake lever (A) backwards.
Engage the brake
Release the brake
A
A
A
B

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Warning
⚫Never apply the parking brakes when the wheelchair is
moving. If you do so, the wheelchair may become
uncontrollable or stop suddenly, leading to a collision or the
user falling forward.
⚫Do not apply the parking brakes to slow down the
wheelchair. And do not lean on the parking brakes for
support. These actions may lead to the uncontrollable
conditions of the wheelchair.
⚫When moving the brake lever forward, be careful not to trap
your fingers between the lever and frame.
Caution
There might be a small gap between the rear wheel and the
parking brake with the risk that you could trap your fingers.
When using the brake, always keep your hand on the brake
lever.
Note
If needed, contact a Karma authorized dealer to adjust the
distance between the brake shoe and the tire to keep the
braking efficacy.
8.4Seat
The rails on each side provide the mounting points for accessories such as hip
supports or pelvic belt.
8.4.1 Frame
The seating system allows the adjustment of the seat depth, seat width, and
backrest angle. The seat plate is flat and is compatible with other seating

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cushions. Also, various modular seating supports can attach to the frame to
meet each user’s needs.
8.4.2 Rail
There are rails on each side of the seat frame to mount different accessories
to the wheelchair.
8.4.3 Angle
According to the user’s needs, the seat angle can be preset to 0 degrees or 5
degrees. If necessary, please consult a Karma authorized dealer for
adjustment.
Note
When the preset seat angle is 0 degrees, vertical
footrests/legrests are recommended to avoid interference.

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8.4.4 Tilt
The seat tilt function contributes to
pressure relief and provides a more
stable seat position and safe driving
when driving down a slope. The tilting
angle is up to 45°.
To adjust the seat angle, pull the blue
lever (A) marked with the symbol (B) on the left-hand side to tilt the seat to the
desired position. Then release the lever.
Caution
⚫When tilting, always steer clear of obstacles where possible,
especially at the front and rear of the wheelchair.
⚫Keep your fingers away from the gap between the movable
parts and the frame.
A
B

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⚫When tilting, the total length of the wheelchair will become
longer. Make sure there is sufficient space to propel the
wheelchair.
⚫The user should keep the head in an upright position when
the backrest is reclined, and/or the seat is tilted. The
wheelchair must always be equipped with a headrest.
8.5Backrest
There are two types of backrests available: angle-adjustable backrest and
reclining backrest. Each of them can add on a dynamic backrest.
The angle-adjustable backrest has a threaded tube behind the backrest for
angle adjustment from 0°to 20°.
The reclining backrest (optional) has a gas strut behind the backrest. The
reclining angle ranges from 0°to 40°.
Angle-adjustable backrest
Reclining backrest
To recline the backrest, pull the orange lever (A) marked with the symbol (B)
on the right-hand side to recline the backrest to the desired angle. Then
release the lever.

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Caution
⚫When reclining, always steer clear of obstacles where
possible, especially at the front and rear of the wheelchair.
⚫Keep your fingers away from the gap between the movable
parts and the frame.
⚫When reclining, the total length of the wheelchair will
become longer. Make sure there is sufficient space to propel
the wheelchair..
⚫When tilting or reclining, use a headrest to keep the head
upright.
A
B

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The dynamic backrest (optional) provides movement of the back to absorb
the extensor forces. This mechanism can protect the client from injury and the
seating system from breakage.
To engage the shock-absorbing dynamic backrest, rotate the switch (C)
clockwise. To stop the shock-absorbing dynamic backrest, rotate the switch
counterclockwise.
Dynamic backrest
Release the lockout
Lock the lockout
8.6Stroller handle
The stroller handle is easy for angle adjustment to meet the attendant’s
preferences and needs.
To adjust the angle, depress both push
buttons (A) simultaneously to allow the
stroller handle to rotate freely. Releasing
the push buttons (A) to lock the
adjustable stroller handle in the desired
position.
Warning
Always keep fingers away from the hinge when adjusting the
angle of the stroller handle.
C
C
A