Karma KS-242 User manual

Powered Scooter Owner's Manual
KS-242/ KS-333/ KS-343

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GENERAL WARNNING
IMPORTANT
Do not attempt to use the scooter before a qualified person has explained to your
satisfaction how to operate it without risk to yourself or others.
WARNNING
Do not operate this equipment without first reading and understanding this manual. If
you are unable to understand the warnings, cautions and instructions, contact a
dealer, healthcare professional or technical personnel if applicable before attempting
to use this equipment --otherwise, injury or damage may result. Procedures other
than those described in this manual must be performed by a qualified technician.
THE INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS DOCUMENT IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE
WITHOUT NOTICE.
WARNNING
As a manufacturer of power scooters, KARMA endeavors to supply a wide variety of
power scooters to meet the many needs of the user. However, the responsibility of
final selection of the type of power scooter to be used by an individual rests solely
with the user and his/her healthcare professional capable of making such a
selection.
KARMA recommends that power scooter users NOT be transported in vehicles of
any kind while in a power scooter.
The powered scooter is not designed to be used as seats in any type of vehicles.
That is, Karma recommends that users of power scooters are NOT transported in
any vehicle while seated on the power scooter. In the case of accident or a sudden
stop, the user could be thrown from the chair and get injured. The suggested
solution is to move the user from the wheelchair into a normal seat of the vehicle and
make use of the restraints made available by the vehicle manufacturer. The scooter
should be securely stowed in a separate compartment. Karma cannot and does not
recommend any power scooter transportation systems.
It is the responsibility of the Durable Medical Equipment (DME) Dealer, therapists
and other healthcare professionals to determine if a seat-positioning strap is

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required to ensure the safe operation of this equipment by the user. Serious injury
can occur in the event of a fall from a power scooter.
Operating Information
●Performance adjustments should ONLY be carried out by professionals of the
healthcare field or persons fully conversant with this process and the driver's
capabilities. Incorrect settings could cause injury to the driver or bystanders and
damage to the power scooter and surrounding property.
●To determine and establish your particular safety limits, practice bending, reaching,
mounting and dismounting activities in several combinations in the presence of a
qualified healthcare professional BEFORE attempting active use of the power
scooter.
●For individuals with balance problems, practice mounting and dismounting
activities WITH AN ASSISTANT in the presence of a qualified healthcare
professional. If so equipped, DO NOT operate the scooter without anti-tippers
being installed. Anti-tippers MUST BE attached at all times.
●DO NOT attempt to reach objects if you have to move forward in the seat or pick
them up from the floor by reaching down between your knees as this may cause
loss of balance.
●DO NOT lean over the back of the chair to reach objects behind you as this may
cause the scooter to tip over.
●DO NOT shift your weight or sitting position toward the direction you are reaching
as the scooter may tip over.
●DO NOT use an escalator to move a scooter between floors. Serious bodily injury
may occur.
●DO NOT operate in car lanes on roads, streets, highways, etc.
●DO NOT attempt to move up or down an incline with a water, ice or oil film.
●DO NOT attempt to ride over curbs or obstacles. Doing so may cause your scooter
to turn over and cause bodily harm and/or damage to the scooter.
●DO NOT make sharp turns, in forward or reverse, at excessive speeds.
●DO NOT attempt to lift the scooter by its casings and seat.
●DO NOT attempt to lift the scooter by any detachable parts. Lifting by means of
any detachable parts of a scooter may result in injury to the user or damage to the

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scooter. Please hold onto the frame when lifting your scooter.
●DO NOT operate the scooter until you have checked that the surroundings are
clear and that the area is safe for travel.
●Please pay attention to the environment, and to keep away from the hazard of
external flame. When the user is smoking, pay attention to your safety and make
sure to extinguish the fire when finished. Be alert to the environment when
someone nearby is smoking or using a cigarette lighter, keep away from the
hazard and use fire-proof cloth.
●DO NOT use parts, accessories or adapters other than those authorized by Karma.
Before attempting to sit in or exit the power scooter, REMOVE the key from the
ignition. This will ensure that the POWER is OFF and the power scooter will not
drive. Remove the key from the ignition while the scooter is not in use. Otherwise,
injury and/or damage to the scooter and surrounding property may occur.
●DO NOT connect any medical device (i.e., a ventilator, life support machine, et
cetera) to the battery. This could cause unexpected failure of the device and the
power scooter.
●KARMA specifically disclaims responsibility to all personal injury and property
damage that may occur during use which does not comply with applicable federal,
state and local laws and ordinances.
●DO NOT stand on the front or rear casing of the power scooter.
●Only use freewheel mode on flat surfaces since your electromagnetic brakes are
not engaged in this mode, without these brakes the scooter will roll down a hill
causing injury or damage.
●Never drive under the influence of alcohol or medication.
RAMPS
●DO NOT climb, go up or down ramps or traverse slopes greater than the safe
climbing angle for your model specified in Section 11.
●When negotiating ramps, if the variable speed lever is released while moving
forward, the powered scooter will roll backwards approximately one foot before the
brake engages. If the variable speed lever is released while in reverse, the power
scooter will roll backwards approximately two and a half feet before the brake
engages.
●Be sure to reduce your speed when driving on curved roads or making a turn; do

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not drive at full speed. Please drive at a slower speed so you have complete
control of the scooter.
ELECTRICAL
●Check to ensure that all electrical connections are secure at all times.
●Grounding Instructions: DO NOT, under any circumstances, cut or remove the
round grounding prong from any plug. Some devices are equipped with
three-prong (grounding) plugs for protection against possible shock hazards.
Where a two-prong wall receptacle is encountered, it is the personal responsibility
and obligation of the customer to contact a qualified electrician and have the
two-prong receptacle replaced with a properly grounded three-prong wall
receptacle/outlet in accordance with the National Electrical Code and local laws.
Do not use an extension cord when charging your batteries. A risk of fire and /or
electric shock could be encountered.
BATTERIES
●The warranty and performance specifications contained in this manual are based
on the use of deep cycle sealed lead acid batteries. KARMA strongly recommends
their use as the power source for this unit. (Refer to Section 6)
●Carefully read the battery and charger information prior to installing, servicing or
operating your scooter.
RAIN TEST
●KARMA has tested its power scooter in accordance with ISO 7176 Part 9 Rain
Test. This test provides the end user or his/her attendant sufficient time to remove
his/her power scooter from a rainstorm and retain operation.
●DO NOT leave your power scooter in a rain storm of any kind.
●DO NOT use your power scooter in a shower or leave it in a damp bathroom while
taking a shower.
●DO NOT leave your power scooter in a damp area for any length of time. Direct
exposure to rain or dampness could cause the power scooter to malfunction
electrically and mechanically and may cause the power scooter to prematurely
rust.
WEIGHT LIMITATION
●The maximum weight that can be carried, including goods, is stated beside "Max.

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Capacity" in Section 11.SPECIFICATIONS
STAIRWAYS
●DO NOT attempt to move an occupied power scooter
between floors using a stairway. (See Figure 1)
(Figure 1)
●Use an elevator to move an occupied power scooter between floors.
●If moving a power scooter between floors by means of a stairway, the occupant
MUST be removed and transported independently of the power scooter. Extreme
caution is advised when it is necessary to move an UNOCCUPIED power scooter
up or down stairs. Karma recommends disassembling the scooter and transporting
the components independently up or down stairs. Make sure to use ONLY secure,
non-detachable parts on each component for handhold supports.
●DO NOT attempt to lift a power scooter by any removable (detachable) parts.
Lifting by means of removable (detachable) parts may result in injury to the user or
assistants or damage to the scooter.
ESCALATORS
●DO NOT use an escalator to move a power scooter between floors. Serious bodily
injury and damage to the scooter may occur.
YOU AND YOUR KARMA SERVICE PROVIDER
●No tools are required for assembly. Your vehicle should be assembled by your
authorized Karma dealer. Your authorized Karma dealer is also your service
provider. Unauthorized repairs, upgrades and add-ons will void your warranty.
Anything scooter related that requires tools should be done by your authorized
Karma service provider. Your Karma service provider has the necessary service
manual for your scooter.
●If you have any defective parts or lose any parts, please contact your dealer for
repair and/or replacement. Please only use parts authorized by karma. Use of
parts that are not authorized by Karma will void your warranty.
●Part numbers are listed on our bill of materials (explosion drawings), which we give
to our authorized dealers and service providers. Customers should order parts

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through their dealer as well as all repairs and scheduled maintenance.
●Customers should go to their dealership for all service needs to guarantee their
warranty is not void. Always go to an authorized service provider. Unauthorized
repairs will void your warranty. Procedures other than those described in this
manual must be performed by a qualified technician. They also have the service
manual with a complete list of maintenance required to keep your Karma scooter in
top performance. Check the warranty section of this manual to find out what Karma
guarantees and what maintenance service and parts that are not covered by the
warranty.
●Karma does not have an official list of service providers at this time. Please contact
your dealer for service. If you cannot contact your dealer, please contact another
authorized Karma dealer for service. If all else fails, contact Karma directly via our
website or give us a call and we can refer you to your new service provider.
CLASSIFICATION
Karma's KS-242 is classified as class A mobility products for indoor use. The KS-3
series are classified as B mobility product for indoor and outdoor use. They have
been tested, passed and meet Germany, British, American and other international
standards. Check with your local government as to legislation pertaining to mobility
vehicles to assure your legal requirements to drive on public roads have been met, i.e.
a safety belt, lighting or registration/licensing.
CE MARKING
This scooter complies with the requirements of the Medical Devices Directive
93/42/EEC.
CAUTION:
●When prescribing scooters for use by full or partial amputees (above or below
knee, single or double) or other conditions that affects the user's natural center of
gravity and might cause the scooter to tip or the person on the scooter to fall off,
we suggest contacting your therapist or dealer as well as attaching anti-tippers,
pelvic belt, safety belt or other additional safety accessories.
●When using the scooter, ALWAYS follow the Highway Code or your local traffic
regulations when outdoors and the guidelines written in this manual.

TABLEL OF CONTENTS
1. PREFACE..........................................................................................................1
2. SAFETY.............................................................................................................1
2.1 Before Driving...........................................................................................1
2.2 While Driving ............................................................................................3
2.3 Labeling.................................................................................................... 6
3. EMI/RFI .............................................................................................................7
4. PARTS ............................................................................................................ 11
5. OPERATION ................................................................................................... 13
5.1 Control Panel.......................................................................................... 13
5.2 How to Operate Your Scooter................................................................. 13
6. BATTERIES AND CHARGER.......................................................................... 23
6.1 Charging the Batteries............................................................................ 23
6.2 Charger .................................................................................................. 26
6.3 Batteries ................................................................................................. 28
7. Disassemble and Assemble............................................................................. 35
7.1 Disassemble........................................................................................... 35
7.2 Assembly................................................................................................ 36
8. INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE................................................................ 38
8.1 Daily Check ............................................................................................ 38
8.3 Batteries, Fuses and Tires...................................................................... 41
8.4 General Maintenance ............................................................................. 42
8.5 Transporting and Storing ........................................................................ 43
9. OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES............................................................................ 48
10.TROUBLESHOOTING.................................................................................... 49
11. SPECIFICATIONS......................................................................................... 52
12. CLEANING & RECYCLING ........................................................................... 55
13. WARRANTY.................................................................................................. 57
13.1 Serial Number....................................................................................... 57
13.2 Warranty Policy..................................................................................... 57

1. PREFACE
Please carefully read this owner's manual before using the vehicle. Improper use of
the vehicle could result in harm, injury or traffic accidents. Therefore, for safe and
enjoyable use of the vehicle, please read this owner's manual.
This owner's manual includes operation instructions for the aspects of the vehicle,
assembly instructions, and instructions on how to deal with possible accidents.
This owner's manual is written for Karma Scooters: KS-242, KS 333 and KS-343.
The symbols used in this manual are explained below. Pay special attention to the
parts marked with these symbols.
WARNING:
Improper use could lead to serious injury or death.
CAUTION:
Improper use could lead to serious injury and/or damage to
your scooter.
SUGGESTION:
Follow these instructions to keep the scooter in good
condition.
●This manual includes the repair and maintenance chart as well as the warranty.
Please keep it in a safe place or with the scooter.
●If someone else uses the scooter, make sure that you give him or her this owner's
manual for his or her reference.
●As designs change, some illustrations, pictures and specifications in this manual
may not correspond to the vehicle that you purchased. We reserve the right to
make design modifications without further notice.
2. SAFETY
2.1 Before Driving
The user must be familiar with the use and operation of this vehicle before driving.
Therefore, please always keep these safety guidelines in mind.
Traffic Rules
●Pedestrian traffic rules apply to this vehicle. Please be safe.
●Drive only on pedestrian areas such as the sidewalk. Never drive the scooter on

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the highway. (See Figure 2.1)
●Be aware of other vehicles when crossing all roads.
●Be extremely cautious when driving your scooter in heavy traffic or the shopping
mall.
●DO NOT drive your scooter when you feel tired or consume alcohol.
●Please do not drive your scooter at night.
●Please follow pedestrian traffic lights.
Practice Driving
●Before you are familiar with the operation of your scooter please practice in a wide
and open area, like a park.
●To avoid falling off your scooter please practice all kinds of driving motions, such
as accelerating, stopping, turning, reversing and going up and down ramps.
●Please set the speed dial on "3" when you first start practicing.
●Be safe. Make sure someone accompanies you incase you need assistance.
●Be sure you are able to control and operate your scooter easily and confidently
before you set the speed dial higher.
No Passengers
●KARMA Scooters are limited to one single driver.
●Do not carry passengers (including children) on your scooter.
No Hauling Heavy Goods
●Do not use this vehicle to carry or haul heavy goods.
●The maximum weight that can be carried, including goods, is stated beside "Max.
Capacity" in Section 11. SPECIFICATIONS.
●Maximum loading weight for the basket is 3 kg (6.6 lb).
RAIN
This product is not guaranteed to be water resistant. Please do not drive in the rain,
through puddles or spray water to clean this product. (See Figure 2.2)

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Figure 2.1
Figure 2.2
Figure 2.3
2.2 While Driving
Please carry out daily inspections. Refer to Section 8.1 Daily Check.
General Warning
●Do not lean over the side of the vehicle as such an action may cause you to lose
balance and fall.
●Use caution to assure your clothing doesn't get tangled with the wheels.
●DO NOT tow the scooter by other vehicles (cars, motorcycles or bicycles, etc.)
Railroad Crossing (See Figure 2.3)
●Before crossing the tracks, please stop completely and look both ways.
●Cross the tracks perpendicular to avoid your wheels getting stuck.
●Do not drive at full speed over the railroad tracks.
Circumstances to Avoid
●Avoid roads with heavy traffic, mud, excessive gravel or bumps, snow and ice.
These conditions may damage your scooter.
●Avoid roads that are too narrow or by a canal/ waterway without any fence/ hedge.
●Also avoid places where your wheels might get stuck, slip or not have traction.
●Do not drive in a gale, at night or in rainy/snowy/foggy/misty weather. These
conditions may cause you scooter to rust. (See Figure 2.4)
●Do not drive in a figure 8, S curve, do doughnuts or make sudden turns.
●Do not take an escalator.
Mobile Phones and Other Electric Equipment

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●Do not use a mobile phone or other wireless communication devices while driving.
●Do not charge the mobile phone or other electric devices from your scooter's
batteries.
Ramps, Inclines and Drops
●Do not drive in the night or dark place. (See Figure 2.4) If necessary, please turn
on the headlight and always use turning signal for your safety.
●Do not drive onto a steep ramp. Refer to "Safe Slope Angle" in Section 11.
SPECIFICATIONS for your scooter's safe climbing angle. (See Figure 2.5)
●When climbing up to an incline, please set the speed dial higher than the center
mark and drive carefully.
●When going down an incline, set the low speed and never use reverse.
●Do not drive on a road with many bumps and holes close to each other, such as
potholes or washboard roads. (See Figure 2.6) Refer to "Ground Clearance" in
Section 11. SPECIFICATIONS.
●Do not cross a ditch wider than 5 inches as the wheels might get stuck. (See
Figure 2.7)
●Please lower your speed when driving down a hill.
●Do not make sudden turns when driving on gravel roads or ramps.
●The maximum surmountable obstacle height is 4 cm for KS-242 and 7 cm for KS-3
series scooters. Exceeding this obstacle height will damage your scooter and void
your warranty. (See Figure 2.8)
●When negotiating an obstacle slow down, put your seat into the full upright position
and approach it head on (perpendicular).
●Just before the obstacle, speed up until the entire scooter has conquered the
obstacle. Negotiating an obstacle at an angle may cause your scooter to tip over.
Don't do it!
●When climbing down a curb, slow down just before you get to it and only speed up
after the entire scooter has lowered to the road.
●Again, descending obstacles should be done perpendicularly. (See Figure 2.9)
●Karma does not design scooters to take jumps over or off obstacles. Doing so will
void your warranty.

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WARNNING
Do not set the scooter in freewheel mode when on an incline or decline.
If you breakdown on railroad tracks, first, check for an oncoming train. If a train is
coming, get out of its way immediately! If no train is coming, set to freewheel mode
and push the vehicle off the tracks.
Maximum User Weight Limit
●Refer to "Max. User Weight " in Section 11. SPECIFICATIONS.
●Loading exceeding maximum capacity can damage your scooter and cause
malfunctions yielding a safety hazard. The warranty does not cover damage
caused by improper operation of the scooter.
Figure 2.4
Figure 2.5
Figure 2.6
Figure 2.7
Figure 2.8
Figure 2.9

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2.3 Labeling
Please carefully read all the labeling on the scooter before driving it. Do not remove
them. Protect them for future reference.
WARNNING
Do not operate the scooter unless the steering column is locked into position. Do not
lean against or pull forward on the handlebars while mounting or dismounting the
scooter. Serious harm or injury may occur.

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WARNNING
Radio waves can influence the operation of motor driven vehicles
Radio wave sources: Broadcasting/TV stations and personal wireless
telecommunication equipment that transmits waves can affect the normal operation
of the vehicle. Therefore, follow the items below to lower the chance of abnormal
vehicle operating conditions or brake system failure, which may lead to injury.
Do not use personal telecommunication devices (for example, mobile phones or
walkie-talkies) when the power source of the electric powered vehicle has been
turned on.
Try to avoid locations that broadcast radio waves, such as TV stations or radio
stations.
If the electric vehicle acts abnormally or the brake system fails, turn off the power
source as soon as safely possible.
Remember that the installation of non-genuine KARMA parts makes it difficult to
predict what effects radio waves will have on the vehicle. (Note: it is not possible to
make a direct calculation how radio waves will influence the vehicle).
If the vehicle moves abnormally or the brake system fails after turning on the power
source under normal operating conditions, notify the manufacturer immediately.
3. EMI/RFI
This section provides the user with basic information about the problems with EMI,
known sources of EMI and protective measures either to reduce the possibility of
exposure or to minimize the degree of exposure. This section also shows some
conditions in which unexpected or erratic scooter movements may occur.
CAUTION
It is very important that you read this information regarding the possible effects of
electromagnetic interference on your electric KARMA Scooter.
Electromagnetic Interference From Radio Wave Sources
Powered vehicles may be susceptible to electromagnetic interference (EMI), which is
interfering electromagnetic energy (EM) emitted from sources such as radio stations,

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TV stations, amateur radio (HAM) transmitters, two-way radios, and cellular phones.
The interference (from radio wave sources) can cause the powered vehicle to release
its brakes, move by itself, or move in unintended directions. It can also permanently
damage the powered vehicle's control system. The intensity of the interfering EM
energy can be measured in volts per meter (V/m). Each powered vehicle can resist
EMI up to certain intensity. This amount of resistance is called its immunity level.
The higher the immunity level, the greater the protection. At this time, current
technology is capable of achieving at least a 20 V/m immunity level, which would
provide useful protection from the more common sources of radiated EMI. This
powered vehicle model, with no further modification, has an immunity level of 20 V/m
without any accessories.
There are a number of sources of relatively intense electromagnetic fields in our
everyday environment. Some of these sources are obvious and easy to avoid. Others
are not apparent and exposure could be unavoidable. However, we believe that by
following the warnings listed below, your risk to EMI can be greatly minimized.
The sources of radiated EMI can be broadly classified into three types:
1. Hand-held portable transceivers (transmitter-receivers) with the antenna mounted
directly on the transmitting unit, such as citizens band (CB) radios, walkie-talkies,
security and fire or police transceivers, cellular telephones and other personal
communication devices;
2. Medium-range mobile transceivers used in police cars, fire trucks, ambulances
and taxis usually having the antenna mounted on the outside of the vehicle; and
3. Long-range transmitters and transceivers, such as commercial broadcast
transmitters (radio and TV broadcast antenna towers) and amateur (HAM) radios.
NOTE:
Some cellular telephones or similar devices transmit signals while they are ON, even
though they are not in use.

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Powered Vehicle Electromagnetic Interference (EMI)
Because EM energy rapidly becomes more intense as one moves closer to the
transmitting antenna (source), the EM fields from hand-held radio wave sources
(transceivers) are of special concern. It is possible to unintentionally bring high levels
of EM energy too close to the powered vehicle's control system while using these
devices. This can affect your powered vehicle's movement and braking. Therefore,
the warnings listed below are recommended to prevent possible interference with the
control system of the powered vehicle.
Warnings
Electromagnetic interference (EMI) from sources such as radio and TV stations,
amateur radio (HAM) transmitters, two-way radios and cellular phones can affect
powered vehicles and motorized scooters. Following the warnings listed below should
reduce the chance of unintended brake release or powered vehicle movement, which
could result in serious injury.
1. Do not operate hand-held transceivers-receivers such as citizens band (CB)
radios or turn ON personal communication devices such as cellular phones, while
the powered vehicle is turned ON.
2. Be aware of nearby transmitters, such as radio or TV stations, and try to stay
away from them.
3. If unintended movement or brake release occurs, turn the powered vehicle OFF
as soon as it is safe.
4. Be aware that adding accessories/components or modifying the powered vehicle
may make it more susceptible to EMI. There is no easy way to evaluate their
effect on the overall immunity of the powered vehicle.
5. Report all incidents of unintended movement or brake release to your powered
vehicle dealer or KARMA, and note whether there was a source of EMI nearby.
Important Information
1. 20 Volts per meter (V/m) is a generally achievable and useful immunity level
NOTE:
Other types of hand-held devices (cordless phones, laptop computers, AM/FM
radios, TV sets, CD players, cassette players, and small appliances such as electric
shavers and hair dryers, et cetera) so far as we know, are not likely to cause EMI
problems.

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against EMI (the higher the level, the greater the protection).
2. This product has an immunity level of 20 V/m without any accessories connected
to it.

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4. PARTS
Parts Description
1. Headrest
2. Backrest
3. Armrest
4. Recline Lever
5.Driver's Seat
6. Slide & Swivel Lever
7. Rear Casing
8. Rear Wheel
9. Floorboard
10. Front Wheel
11. Handlebar
12. Rear View Mirror
13. Nameplate Casing
14. Turn Signals
15. Basket
16. Headlight
17. Front Bumper
(Figure 4.1)