Karma KM-9000 User manual

Manual Wheelchair Owner's Manual
Ergo Live Series
(KM-9000)

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GENERAL WARNING
●DO maintain your wheelchair well, in particular check the tire pressure since this
affects the efficiency of the brakes. To know the correct tire pressure, please see
the walls of the tires.
●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 user's feet are safely on the footrests and the 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 owner's manual
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.
●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.

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●Do NOT use the wheelchair when the back is folded. This alters the center 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 dealer for all service needed 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
wheelchair in top performance. Check the warranty section of this manual to find
out what KARMA guarantees and what maintenance and parts that are not
covered by our 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.

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CE MARKING
●This wheelchair complies with the requirements of the Medical Devices Directive
93/42/EEC.
CAUTION:
●Before purchasing and using KARMA wheelchairs, please consult qualified
professionals so as to ensure that you choose suitable products and use
them correctly as well. For safety reasons, if there is any risk due to the user's
movement in the wheelchair or other environmental factors that might
cause the wheelchair to tip or the person on the wheelchair to fall off (ex. an
amputee), KARMA recommends that you install anti-tippers, pelvic belt,
safety belt, or other additional safety accessories.

TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. PREFACE....................................................................................................................... 1
2. SAFETY.......................................................................................................................... 1
2.1 Doorways.............................................................................................................. 1
2.2 Leaning .................................................................................................................. 1
2.3 Negotiating Inclines.......................................................................................... 2
2.4 Kerbs....................................................................................................................... 2
2.5 Stairs ....................................................................................................................... 2
2.6 Streets..................................................................................................................... 3
2.7 General................................................................................................................... 3
2.8 Upholstery............................................................................................................ 3
2.9 Anti-Tippers ......................................................................................................... 3
2.10 Maximum User Weight Limit ...................................................................... 4
2.11 Avoid General Misuse .................................................................................... 4
2.12 Labeling............................................................................................................... 5
3. INTENDED USE & PARTS....................................................................................... 6
3.1 Intended Use ....................................................................................................... 6
3.2 KM-9000 with 24〞Rear Wheel Parts Description................................. 7
4. OPERATION................................................................................................................ 8
4.1 Unfolding.............................................................................................................. 8
4.2 Folding................................................................................................................... 8
4.3 Getting Into Your Wheelchair ...................................................................... 9
4.4 Getting Out of Your Wheelchair................................................................... 9
4.5 Rear Wheel Disassembly................................................................................. 9
4.6 Rear Wheel Assembly.....................................................................................10
4.7 Wheel Locks.......................................................................................................11
4.8 Footrest Height Adjustment........................................................................11
4.9 Longitudinal (Forward /Backward) Position of Footplates...............12
4.10 Lateral (Sideways) Position ........................................................................13
4.11 Adjusting the Center of Gravity................................................................13
4.12 Adjusting the Seat Height..........................................................................14
4.13 Caster Angle Review.....................................................................................14
4.14 Backrest Height..............................................................................................15
4.15 Backrest Angle Adjustment .......................................................................16
4.16 Flip Back and Height Adjustable Armrest.............................................16
4.17 Upholstery........................................................................................................17

4.18 Anti-Tippers.....................................................................................................17
4.19 Safety Belt (Option) ......................................................................................18
4.20 How to Operate It:.........................................................................................19
4.21 Maintenance....................................................................................................19
4.22 Storing ...............................................................................................................19
4.23 Transferring In.................................................................................................19
4.24 Transferring Out.............................................................................................20
4.25 General Use .....................................................................................................21
4.26 Tilting by the Attendant..............................................................................22
4.27 Tilting by the User .........................................................................................23
4.28 Going Down Kerbs........................................................................................23
4.29 Avoid Jarring the User..................................................................................24
4.30 Going Up Kerbs..............................................................................................24
4.31 Going Up or Down Steps/Stairs ...............................................................24
5. INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE .................................................................25
5.1 Daily Check.........................................................................................................25
5.2 Regular Maintenance Record......................................................................26
5.3 Adjustment Manual ........................................................................................28
6. OPTIONS AND ACCESSORIES ...........................................................................29
7. TROUBLESHOOTING.............................................................................................29
7.1 Trouble or Problems with Your Wheelchair............................................29
8. SPECIFICATIONS.....................................................................................................30
9. CLEANING & RECYCLING....................................................................................32
9.1 Cleaning...............................................................................................................32
9.2 Post-Consumer Recycling.............................................................................32
10. WARRANTY............................................................................................................33
10.1 Serial Number.................................................................................................33
10.2 Warranty Policy...............................................................................................33

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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.
2.2 Leaning
Do not lean over the side of your wheelchair since such an action may cause your to

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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 an attendant is pushing the wheelchair straight up a slope, if the user
needs to go down midway on the slope, 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 and make the user 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.
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

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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 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.
2.8 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