Karma KM-8020 User manual

Manual Wheelchair Owner's Manual
KM-8000 Series
(KM-8020 & KM-8520)

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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. Please see the walls of the tyres for the
correct tyre pressure.
● DO make sure that both brakes are applied before getting in or out of the
wheelchair.
● DO make sure that 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 user's feet are safely on the footrests and all 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 it 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 seat 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 have any unconscious patient use the wheelchair.

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● 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.
● 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 to fold
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
repairs will void your warranty. Procedures other than those described in this

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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 .................................................................................... 5
2.12 Labeling .............................................................................................................. 6
3. INTENDED USE & PARTS ....................................................................................... 7
3.1 Intended Use ....................................................................................................... 7
3.2 KM-8000 with 24" Rear Wheel Parts Description .................................. 8
4. OPERATION ................................................................................................................ 9
4.1 Preparing For Use .............................................................................................. 9
4.2 Pelvic Belt (Option) .......................................................................................... 14
4.3 Storing ................................................................................................................. 16
4.4 Transferring In and Out ................................................................................. 16
4.5 General Use ........................................................................................................ 18
4.6 Transportation .................................................................................................. 22

5. INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE ................................................................. 26
5.1 Daily Check ......................................................................................................... 26
5.2 Regular Maintenance Record ...................................................................... 26
6. OPTIONS AND ACCESSORIES ........................................................................... 29
7. TROUBLESHOOTING ............................................................................................. 31
7.1 Trouble or Problems with Your Wheelchair ........................................... 31
8. SPECIFICATIONS ..................................................................................................... 32
9. CLEANING & RECYCLING .................................................................................... 33
9.1 Cleaning .............................................................................................................. 33
9.2 Post-Consumer Recycling ............................................................................. 33
10. WARRANTY ............................................................................................................ 34
10.1 Serial Number ................................................................................................. 34
10.2 Warranty Policy .............................................................................................. 34

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1. PREFACE
Please carefully read this owner's manual before using the wheelchair. Any improper
use of the wheelchair could result in harm or injury.
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: KM-8000 Series.
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 having an assistant, go straight up a slope. If the user needs to go down
midway, walk backwards until the 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 diagonally.
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 drive on any slope (in any direction) greater than 7
degrees. If your daily activities require crossing 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 cross streets with great caution. 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 that 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

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could cause the chair to tip over. Please refer to the figure below for the best
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 stay far away from any flame because it might injure the 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 the end of each anti-tipper and the rear
wheel is at least 5 cm; the distance to the ground is no more than 5 cm.
2.10 Maximum User Weight Limit
Refer to "Maximum User Weight" in Section 8. SPECIFICATIONS. Loading exceeding
weight can damage your wheelchair and cause malfunctions yielding a safety
hazard. The warranty does not cover damage caused by improper operation of the
wheelchair.

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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 any children stand or play on the wheelchair. (See Figure 2.5)
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.

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3. INTENDED USE & PARTS
3.1 Intended Use
3.1.1 The KM-8000 Series with 24" rear wheels is a self-propelled wheelchair. It can
either be pushed by an attendant or by the user.
3.1.2 The KM-8000 Series is suitable for a single user up to 130 kg in weight. 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 to touch
any metal parts in normal use).
3.1.4 This wheelchair is designed for both indoor and outdoor use.
3.1.5 The casters have PU tyres for greater durability; pneumatic casters are
available on request.
3.1.6 Rear wheels are 24 inches in diameter and solid PU tyres are available on
request.
3.1.7 KM-8000 system provides pressure relief, stabilization and reduces sliding.

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3.2 KM-8000 with 24" Rear Wheel Parts Description
1. Push Handle
2. Side Panel
3. Rear Wheel
4. Brake
5. Anti-Tippers
6. Cross Brace (Cross Bar)
7. Caster
8. Backrest Upholstery
9. Armrest
10. Seat Upholstery
11. Calf Strap
12. Footplate

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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 Connect the bottom of the backrest upholstery to the underside of the seat.
(See Figure 4.3)
4.1.1.4 Attach footrest and check it is locked. (See Figure 4.4)
4.1.1.5 Flip the footplates down. (See Figure 4.5)
4.1.1.6 Ready to use! (See Figure 4.6)
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 Figure 4.5 Figure 4.6

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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.)
4.1.2 Folding
4.1.2.1 Flip up the footplates. (See Figure 4.7)
4.1.2.2 Disassemble the footrest. (See Figure 4.8)
4.1.2.3 Separate the backrest upholstery from underneath the seat. (See Figure 4.9)
4.1.2.4 Pull up on the seat upholstery by holding it in the centre of its front and
back edge. (See Figure 4.10)
4.1.2.5 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
4.11)
4.1.2.6 Folding is now completed.
Figure 4.7 Figure 4.8 Figure 4.9
Figure 4.10 Figure 4.11
CAUTION:
● Be careful not to get your fingers caught when folding the wheelchair.

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4.1.3 Armrest
4.1.3.1 Standard armrest: flip-back armrest.
4.1.3.2 Flip back the armrest by pressing the release lever located at the front base
of the armrest. After you press the release lever, you can lift the armrest
backwards. (See Figures 4.12 and 4.13).
4.1.3.3 Height adjustment of armrest (Option, See Fig. 4.14)
4.1.3.4 Unscrew the knob bolt.
4.1.3.5 Adjust the armrest to the desired height.
4.1.3.6 Tighten the knob bolt.
Figure 4.12 Figure 4.13 Figure 4.14
4.1.3.7 Armrest options; detachable and height adjustable, detachable armrest,
flip-back and height adjustable armrest.
4.1.3.8 Detachable: press the lever of No. 1 in Figure 4.15 to release the armrest
and side frame. And pull upwards the armrest. Detaching is completed.
4.1.3.9 Height adjustment: pull the bolt of No. 2 in Figure 4.15 (Figure 4.17) and
adjust the armrest to the desired height, release bolt.
Figure 4.15 Figure 4.16 Figure 4.17

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4.1.3.10 Detachable height adjustment armrest (See Fig. 4.15).
4.1.3.11 Detachable armrest (See Fig. 4.16).
4.1.3.12 Flip-back height adjustment, desk length armrest (See Fig. 4.17).
4.1.4 Rear Wheel
4.1.4.1 Your wheelchair may be supplied with quick-release wheels. If so, please
follow the instructions below.
4.1.5 Rear Wheel Removal
4.1.5.1 Support the weight of the chair with one hand by holding the push handle.
4.1.5.2 Depress the hub cover and hold down the quick-release mechanism.
4.1.5.3 Remove the wheel. (See Figure 4.18)
4.1.6 Rear Wheel Attachment
4.1.6.1 First ensure that the brake is in the OFF position.
4.1.6.2 Take up the assembled wheel and axle and depress the button in the centre
of the axle, as above.
4.1.6.3 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.
4.1.6.4 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
4.19).
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.

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Figure 4.18 Figure 4.19
4.1.7 Important Do’s and Don’ts
4.1.7.1 Do: Keep axles clean and lubricated with light oil or maintenance spray.
4.1.7.2 Do: Maintain correct tyre pressure if using pneumatic tyres.
4.1.7.3 Do not: Try to remove the wheels while the wheelchair is occupied even
when using anti-tip levers.
4.1.8 Footrest
4.1.8.1 Footrests can swing out, which makes transferring easier.
4.1.9 Footplate Height
4.1.9.1 To adjust the footplate height, use the Karma tool provided to loosen the
bolt at the end of the footrest arm.
4.1.9.2 Adjust it to the required height and re-tighten. (See Figure 4.20).
Figure 4.20 Figure 4.21 Figure 4.22