Karma KM-2000 Series User manual

Manual Wheelchair Owner's Manual
KM-2000 Series
(KM-2500/KM-2500L)

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GENERAL WARNING
●DO maintain your wheelchair well, in particular check the tyre pressure since this
affects the efficiency of the brakes. Correct tyre pressure, please see the walls of
the tyres.
●DO make sure both brakes are applied before getting in or out of the wheelchair.
●DO make sure both brakes are applied when the wheelchair is not being pushed
or used.
●DO take care when climbing kerbs or turning on slopes.
●DO avoid steep or uneven surfaces that may cause the wheelchair to tip over.
●DO avoid soft surfaces as the casters may become bogged down.
●DO travel smoothly in all conditions.
●DO look well ahead to anticipate hazards such as furniture, doors, potholes, etc.
●DO make sure that both feet are safely on the footrests and that clothing is
safely tucked out of the way so that it cannot get caught in the wheels.
●DO take care when traveling up or down or across inclines.
●DO keep both hands on the push handles to control the wheelchair, if you are
the attendant.
●DO pay attention to keep the wheelchair balanced.
●DO check the frame and components regularly and refer to this user guide
during and after the warranty period.
●DO tie-up the upholstery or replace which with a new one when it becomes
loose.
●DO lubricate bearings regularly.
●DO equip with anti-tippers to avoid falling backwards.
●DO equip with a pelvic belt designed for disabled people.
●DO equip with "heel loops" for disabled people.
●DO clean both hands after oiling the wheelchair.
●DO keep far away from flame
●DO NOT overload the wheelchair in any circumstance.
●DO NOT hang anything heavy on the back of the wheelchair that could cause
the wheelchair to become unstable, particularly when negotiating inclines.
●DO NOT allow more than one user at a time.
●DO NOT use with an unconscious patient.
●DO NOT use other transport to pull the wheelchair.
●DO NOT do "wheelies", since you might fall or tip over backwards and suffer a
severe injury.
●DO NOT sit in the wheelchair within a moving vehicle unless it has been affixed
the labels of hook mark. The labels of hook mark mean that the wheelchair fulfils

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the performance requirements for a “Crash Test” of ISO 7176-19 and is
suitable to use as a seat in vehicles that have been adapted for this purpose.
WARNING:
●As of this date, the KM-2000 series have NOT been tested for safety in collisions
according to ISO 7176-19. Therefore, the KM-2000 series cannot be used as
seats in any vehicles. That is, KARMA recommends that users are NOT
transported in any vehicle while seated in the wheelchair. In the case of accident
or a sudden stop, the user could be thrown from the wheelchair and get injured.
The suggested solution is to transfer the user from the wheelchair into a normal
seat of the vehicle and to securely stow the wheelchair in a separate
compartment.
●DO NOT go too fast or turn too quickly.
●DO NOT stand on the footplates when getting in or out of the wheelchair.
●DO NOT go down steps forward, whether solo or with an attendant.
●DO NOT attempt to lift the wheelchair by any removable (detachable) parts.
Lifting by means of any removable (detachable) parts of the wheelchair may
result in injury to the user and/or assistant or damage to the wheelchair.
●Do NOT use the wheelchair when the back is folded. This alters the centre of
gravity and may cause the wheelchair to tip backwards. The back should only be
folded for storage or transport of the wheelchair.
●DO NOT hang anything on the back joint that could cause the backrest folding
suddenly and may cause injury.
YOU AND YOUR KARMA SERVICE PROVIDER
●No tools are required for assembly. Your wheelchair 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 wheelchair related that requires tools should be done by
your authorized KARMA service provider. Your KARMA service provider has the
necessary service/maintenance manual for your wheelchair.
●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 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

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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
wheelchair 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.
CE MARKING
●This wheelchair complies with the requirements of the Medical Devices Directive
93/42/EEC.
CAUTION:
●When prescribing wheelchairs 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 wheelchair to tip or the person
on the wheelchair to fall off, we suggest contacting your therapist or dealer
as well as attaching anti-tippers, pelvic belt, or other additional safety
accessories.
●When using the wheelchair, ALWAYS follow the Highway Code or your local
traffic regulations when outdoors and the guidelines written in this manual.

TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. PREFACE....................................................................................................................... 1
2. SAFETY.......................................................................................................................... 1
2.1 Doorways.............................................................................................................. 1
2.2 Leaning.................................................................................................................. 2
2.3 Negotiating Inclines ......................................................................................... 2
2.4 Kerbs....................................................................................................................... 2
2.5 Stairs ....................................................................................................................... 3
2.6 Streets .................................................................................................................... 3
2.7 General .................................................................................................................. 3
2.8 Upholstery............................................................................................................ 4
2.9 Anti-tippers.......................................................................................................... 4
2.10 Maximum User Weight Limit...................................................................... 4
2.11 Avoid General Misuse.................................................................................... 4
2.12 Labeling .............................................................................................................. 6
3. INTENDED USE & PARTS....................................................................................... 7
3.1 Intended Use....................................................................................................... 7
3.2 KM-2000 Parts Description............................................................................ 8
4. OPERATION................................................................................................................ 9
4.1 Preparing For Use.............................................................................................. 9
4.2 Storing .................................................................................................................12
4.3 Transferring In and Out .................................................................................13
4.4 General Use........................................................................................................14

5. INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE .................................................................18
5.1 Daily Check.........................................................................................................18
5.2 Regular Maintenance Record......................................................................19
6. OPTIONS AND ACCESSORIES ...........................................................................21
7. TROUBLESHOOTING.............................................................................................23
7.1 Trouble or Problems with Your Wheelchair ...........................................23
8. SPECIFICATIONS.....................................................................................................24
9. CLEANING & RECYCLING....................................................................................25
9.1 Cleaning ..............................................................................................................25
9.2 Post-Consumer Recycling.............................................................................25
10. WARRANTY............................................................................................................26
10.1 Serial Number.................................................................................................26
10.2 Warranty Policy ..............................................................................................26

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1. PREFACE
Please carefully read this owner's manual before using the wheelchair. Improper use
of the wheelchair could result in harm or injury. Therefore, for safe and enjoyable use
of the wheelchair, please read this owner's manual.
1.1 This owner's manual includes operation instructions for the aspects of the
wheelchair, unfolding/folding instructions and instructions on how to deal with
possible accidents.
1.2 This owner's manual is written for KARMA wheelchair
1.3 The symbols used in this manual are explained below. Pay special attention to the
parts marked with these symbols.
WARNING:
Improper use could lead the user to severe injury or death.
CAUTION:
Improper use could lead the user to severe injury and/or
damage to your wheelchair.
SUGGESTION:
Follow these instructions to keep the wheelchair in good
condition.
1.4 This manual includes the repair and maintenance chart as well as the warranty.
1.5 If someone else uses the wheelchair, make sure that you give him or her this
owner's manual for his or her reference.
1.6 As designs change, some illustrations and pictures in this manual may not
correspond to the wheelchair that you purchased. We reserve the right to make
design modifications without further notice.
2. SAFETY
2.1 Doorways
The safest way to operate the wheelchair is on level floors that are free of obstacles.
Whenever possible use a ramp to enter or exit a facility. Keeping your hands on the
push rims will allow you to maintain maximum balance. Do not try to force yourself
over an obstruction by propulsion and never use the sides of a doorway to pull
yourself through a passageway.

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2.2 Leaning
Do not lean over the side of your wheelchair since such an action may cause your to
lose balance and fall. (See Figure 2.1.)
2.3 Negotiating Inclines
2.3.1 Never turn on a hill due to the danger of tipping.
2.3.2 When assisting, go straight up a slope. If user needs to go down midway, walk
backwards until user is on level ground. (See Figures 2.2 and 2.3.)
2.3.3 Do not drive up to 7 degrees of incline to avoid danger. When negotiating
inclines, don't propel up to 3 degrees of incline.
2.3.4 Avoid stopping on an incline, it can potentially cause you to lose control of the
wheelchair.
2.3.5 Do not use the brakes to slow down or stop the wheelchair, this could cause it
to seize up, causing you to lose control or fall out of the wheelchair.
2.3.6 Whenever possible, utilize help from an assistant/attendant while negotiating
inclines.
CAUTION:
●Although the product has met ISO 7176-1 requirements, we still
recommend you not to across a slope (in any direction) greater than 7
degrees. If your daily activities have to across slopes, we suggest you
purchase and install anti-tippers to increase the stability of the wheelchair.
2.4 Kerbs
2.4.1 Whenever possible get help from an assistant/attendant (if you have
assistance make sure that your chair is equipped with push handles)
2.4.2 Avoid hard impacts when descending a kerb. A hard impact could adversely
affect the wheelchair.
2.4.3 Never try to scale or descend kerbs that exceed a normal height.
2.4.4 Always take care when climbing kerbs or turning on slopes and never move in
reverse without an assistant.

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2.5 Stairs
2.5.1 Always use two or more assistants. Tilt the wheelchair to its point of
equilibrium. One assistant (at the back) holds the wheelchair up against the
first step, gripping the handles firmly to lift. The second assistant, holding
firmly a fixed part of the front frame, lifts the wheelchair above the stairs and
holds it while the first attendant places one foot on the following step and
repeat the operation (See below Figure)
2.5.2 Never go down steps forwards.
2.5.3 Never use an escalator for transport, use an elevator.
2.6 Streets
2.6.1 Always use extreme caution when crossing streets. Reflective tape on the
wheelchair and/or your clothing will make you more visible to drivers.
2.6.2 Please comply with traffic safety code.
2.6.3 Avoid potholes and rough terrain that might cause the casters to become
stuck. (See Figure 2.4)
2.7 General
2.7.1 Always make sure BOTH brakes are applied before getting in or out of the
wheelchair.
2.7.2 Never stand on the footplates when getting in or out of the wheelchair.
2.7.3 Never carry more than one passenger. KARMA wheelchairs are limited to one
user.
2.7.4 Use caution to assure your clothing doesn't get tangled with the wheels.
2.7.5 When the user is opearting the wheelchair using the pushrim, please push the
wheelchair gently. DO NOT apply a sudden huge force on the pushrim. It
could cause the chair to tip over. Please refer to the figure below for the best

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grip points for using the pushrim.
2.8 Upholstery
2.8.1 When cleaning the upholstery, use warm water and a mild soap.
2.8.2 Upholstery cleaner/foam can also be used, but avoid other cleaning solvents.
2.8.3 Do be far away of flame, it might injury user and damage the wheelchair.
2.9 Anti-tippers
Please strongly consider purchasing anti-tippers and always use them to avoid
personal injury. The distance between anti-tipper and wheels is at least 5cm; the
height to floor doesn’t exceed 5 cm.
2.10 Maximum User Weight Limit
Refer to " Maximum User Weight" in Section 8. SPECIFICATIONS. Loads exceeding
maximum capacity can damage your wheelchair and cause malfunctions yielding a
safety hazard. The warranty does not cover damage caused by improper
operation of the wheelchair.
2.11 Avoid General Misuse
2.11.1 Please note that our "Owner's Manual" contains a number of cautions -- any
vehicle can cause injury if misused -- use within our guidelines and with
reasonable care and your safety will be increased. Your wheelchair will give
years of safe use if used sensibly and carefully. Be aware that careless use
endangers your own safety as well as that of others. ALWAYS follow the
Highway Code when outdoors and the guidelines written in this manual.
2.11.2 Do not let children stand or play on the wheelchair. (See Figure 2.5)

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Figure 2.1
Figure 2.2
Figure 2.3
Figure 2.4
Figure 2.5

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2.12 Labeling
Please carefully read all the labeling on the wheelchair before driving it. Do not
remove them. Protect them for future reference.
only for seat width 18″PU Casters

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3. INTENDED USE & PARTS
3.1 Intended Use
3.1.1 The KM-2000 series is a self-propelled or transit wheelchair. That is, it can
either be propelled by an attendant (transit) or by the user (self-propelled)
3.1.2 These wheelchairs are suitable for users up to 100 kg for seat width 16”,and
up to 115 kg for seat width 18”. Hand brakes are provided for both rear
wheels.
3.1.3 It has pneumatic tyres for traction and comfort. It also has an extremely
durable aluminum alloy frame with tough accessories and does not suffer in
dramatic extremes of temperature (neither user nor attendant need touch
metal parts in normal use).
3.1.4 The casters have PU tyres for greater durability; pneumatic casters are
available on request.
3.1.5 Rear wheels are 20 inches in diameter micro-cellular spoked wheels.
(KM-2500L)

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3.2 KM-2000 Parts Description
1. Push Handle
2. Attendant brake (optional)
3. Side Panel
4. Brake
5. Rear Wheel (KM-2500)
6. Cross Brace (Cross Bar)
7. Caster
8. Backrest Upholstery
9. Armrest
10. Seat Upholstery
11. Calf Strap
12. Footplate
＊KM-2500L is equipped with 20”rear wheels.

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4. OPERATION
4.1 Preparing For Use
4.1.1 Unfolding
4.1.1.1 Holding the armrests, pull outwards. (See Figure 4.1)
4.1.1.2 Pointing your fingers inward with the palm of your hand on the frame, push
down until the seat is fully lowered. Make sure the frame is firmly seated
in its holder. (See Figure 4.2)
4.1.1.3 Flip the footplates down. (See Figure 4.3)
4.1.1.4 Ready for action! (See Figure 4.4)
Alternatively, you can stand at the side of the wheelchair and complete step 1 by
pulling the nearest armrest towards yourself and pushing the other one away.
Figure 4.1
Figure 4.2
Figure 4.3
Figure 4.4
While completing step 2, never put your fingers around
the sides or under the wheelchair as they can be trapped
between the seat and the frame. (See the right figure.)

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4.1.2 Folding
4.1.2.1 Swing up the footplates. (See Figure 4.5)
4.1.2.2 Pull up on the seat upholstery by holding it in the centre of its front and
back edge. (See Figure 4.6)
4.1.2.3 Press the two release levers on the backrest frame (push handle tubes) to
fold the backrest down for compact storage and easy transport. (See Figure
4.7)
4.1.2.4 Folding is now completed. (See Figure 4.8) (Travel bag is optional)
Figure 4.5
Figure 4.6
Figure 4.7
Figure 4.8
CAUTION:
●Be careful not to get your fingers caught when folding the wheelchair.
4.1.3 Rear Wheel
4.1.3.1 Your wheelchair may be supplied with quick-release wheels. If so, please
follow the instructions below.
4.1.4 Rear Wheel Removal
4.1.4.1 Support the weight of the chair with one hand by holding the push handle.
4.1.4.2 Depress the hub cover and hold down the quick-release mechanism.
4.1.4.3 Remove the wheel. (See Figure 4.9)

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4.1.5 Rear Wheel Attachment
4.1.5.1 First ensure that the brake is in the OFF position.
4.1.5.2 Take up the assembled wheel and axle and depress the button in the centre
of the axle, as above.
4.1.5.3 This retracts the ball bearings that will allow you to push the axle into the
wheel bracket that is located on the lower rear frame of the wheelchair.
4.1.5.4 When you remove your thumb from the button on the axle, the ball
bearings should be visible protruding from the axle at the back of the
wheel bracket. This will secure the wheel safely in the frame. (See Figure
4.10).
CAUTION:
●You must make sure that the axle is fully located in the wheelchair bracket
and that the ball bearings are fully open and have positively attached the
wheel in the frame.
●The rear wheel can be mounted at different positions on the frame to alter
the seat height and overall stability of the chair. Changing the wheel
position should be carried out by your approved repairer or therapist.
Figure 4.9
Figure 4.10
4.1.6 Important Do’s and Don’ts
4.1.6.1 Do: Keep axles clean and lubricated with light oil or maintenance spray.
4.1.6.2 Do: Maintain correct tyre pressure if using pneumatic tyres.
4.1.6.3 Do not: Try to remove the wheels while the wheelchair is occupied even
when using anti-tip levers.

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4.1.7 Footrest
4.1.7.1 Footrests can swing out, which makes transferring easier.
4.1.8 Footplate Height
4.1.8.1 To adjust footplate height use the Karma tool provided to loosen the bolt at
the end of the footrest arm.
4.1.8.2 Adjust to required height and re-tighten. (See Figure 4.11).
Figure 4.11
Figure 4.12
SUGGESTION:
●Make sure that the footplate height is adjusted properly according to the
user’s calf length to reduce pressure on the body.
●The footrest height must be more than 5 cm. (See Figure 4.12).
4.2 Storing
Make sure the wheelchair is folded when stored.
SUGGESTION:
●Please store the wheelchair in a location where it is out of direct sunlight, rain
and dew. For more details, consult your KARMA dealer.
WARNING:
●Don't put anything on the wheelchair while it is in
storage. Storing goods on a folded or unfolded
wheelchair will cause damage and is not covered under
warranty. (See Right Figure.)

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4.3 Transferring In and Out
4.3.1 Transferring In
4.3.1.1 Engage both hand brakes
4.3.1.2 Turn the footplates up and swing them to the side
4.3.1.3 Lower the user into the seat, allowing them to use the armrests for support.
4.3.1.4 Turn the footplates back down, so that the user can place his feet on them.
Ensure that the heels rest against the heel supports to prevent contact with
the casters.
4.3.1.5 Release both hand brakes.
CAUTION:
●Always ensure that the front casters are in line with the rear wheels and
pointing forwards and that the back of the chair is secure either against a
wall or firmly held by an attendant.
4.3.2 Transferring Out
4.3.2.1 Make sure that the chair is near your final destination
4.3.2.2 Move the wheelchair backwards so that the casters are pointing forwards
and are in line with the rear wheels
4.3.2.3 Ensure that, where possible, the rear of the chair is against a wall or, if not, it
must be firmly held by an attendant.
4.3.2.4 Engage both hand brakes.
4.3.2.5 Turn the footplates up and swing them to the side.
4.3.2.6 Slide forwards on the seat. Place one foot firmly on the ground with the
knee at a right angle and the other foot slightly apart and further back.
4.3.2.7 Place your hands on the front of the armrests and moving your weight
forward, bring your head and shoulders up over your knees as you push
yourself up.
4.3.2.8 Some people have to side transfer.
4.3.2.9 Flip back your armrest, and make sure that the chair is near your final
destination.
4.3.2.10 Prop up your body and move sideward slowly, using transfer board. Be
careful to hit the brake or other components of wheelchair.