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

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personal injury. The distance between the end of each anti-tipper and the rear
wheel is at least 5cm; the distance to the ground is no more than 5cm.
2.10 Maximum User Weight Limit
Refer to "Max. Capacity" in section 8. SPECIFICATIONS. Loading 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 any child to 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-9000 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 This series of wheelchairs are suitable for a single user up to 125kg in weight.
Hand brakes are provided for both rear wheels.
3.1.3 It is equipped with pneumatic tires for traction and comfort. It also has an
extremely durable aluminum alloy frame with tough accessories and does not
deteriorate when exposed to extreme temperature (neither the user nor the
attendant need to touch any metal part in normal use.)
3.1.4 This wheelchair is designed for both indoor and outdoor use.
3.1.5 The casters have PU tires for greater durability; pneumatic casters are available
on request.
3.1.6 The rear wheels are 24 inches in diameter and solid PU tires are available on
request.
3.1.7 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, we suggest contacting your therapist or dealer as
well as attaching anti-tippers.
3.1.8 KM-9000 system provides pressure relief, stabilization and reduced sliding.

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3.2 KM-9000 with 24〞Rear Wheel Parts Description
1. Push Handle
2. Backrest Upholstery
3. Handrim
4. Quick-Release Axle
5. Brake
6. Fork
7. Caster
8. Side Panel
9. Seat Sling
10. Rear Wheel
11. Cross Brace
12. Footrest
13. Footplate

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4. OPERATION
Preparing For Use
4.1 Unfolding
4.1.1 Holding the armrests, push outwards. (See Figure 4.1)
4.1.2 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)
4.1.3 Flip the footplates down. (See Figure 4.3)
4.1.4 Ready to use!
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
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.)
4.2 Folding
4.2.1 Flip up the footplates. (See Figure 4.4)
4.2.2 Pull up by holding the center of the seat. (See Figure 4.5)
4.2.3 Folding is now completed. (See Figure 4.6)
Figure 4.4
Figure 4.5
Figure 4.6

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CAUTION:
●Be careful not to get your fingers caught when folding the wheelchair.
4.3 Getting Into Your Wheelchair (See Figure 4.7)
4.3.1 Push the wheelchair against a wall or a solid piece of furniture.
4.3.2 Apply the brakes
4.3.3 Flip the footplates up
4.3.4 The user lowers the body and sits on the wheelchair gently.
4.3.5 Fold down the footplates and position your feet in front of the heel loops.
4.3.6 Release the brakes.
4.4 Getting Out of Your Wheelchair (See Figure 4.8)
4.4.1 Apply the brakes.
4.4.2 Up move the feet away from the footplates and fold up the footplates.
4.4.3 With one hand on the armrest, the person should bend slightly forward, to
bring the body weight to the front of the seat, and then with both feet
firmly on the ground and one foot behind the other, push up into the
upright position.
Figure 4-7
Figure 4-8
4.5 Rear Wheel Disassembly
4.5.1 Support the weight of the chair with one hand by holding the push handle.
4.5.2 Dress the hub cover and pull out the rear wheel.
4.5.3 Remove the rear wheel. (See Figure 4.9)

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4.6 Rear Wheel Assembly
4.6.1 First ensure that the brake is in the OFF position.
4.6.2 Take up the wheel with axle and press the hub cover in the centre of the
axle, as above.
4.6.3 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.
4.6.4 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 4.10).
Figure 4.9
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.

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4.7 Wheel Locks
Your wheelchair is equipped with two wheel locks
4.7.1 They are applied directly against the tires. Push the handle of wheel-lock
forward to engage and pull the handle of wheel-lock to release.
4.7.2 Braking could be less efficient due to:
4.7.2.1 Worn tire tread
4.7.2.2 Low tire pressure
4.7.2.3 Wet tires
4.7.2.4 Improper wheel locks adjustment.
4.7.3 The wheel locks are not designed to be used for a moving wheelchair.
4.7.4 Always use the handrims for braking. Make sure that the interval between
the tires and wheel locks complies with the given specifications.
(See Figure 4.11)
4.7.5 To re-adjust, loosen the screw and set the appropriate gap. Then re-tighten
the screw. (See Figure 4.12)
Figure 4.11
Figure 4.12
CAUTION:
●After each adjustment of the rear wheels, check the wheel-lock gap and
re-adjust if necessary.
4.8 Footrest Height Adjustment
4.8.1 Loosen the screw on footplate. (See Figure 4.13)
4.8.2 Adjust footrest height to make the user's thighs be parallel to the ground
or feel comfortable.
4.8.3Adjust footplate angle until it is parallel to ground or comfortable.
(See Figure 4.14)
4.8.4 To adjust footplate height, use the Karma tool provided to loosen the bolt at

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the end of the footrest arm. (See Figure 4.15)
4.8.4 Adjust it to the desired angle and re-tighten. (See Figure 4.13)
Figure 4.13
Figure 4.14
Figure 4.15
CAUTION:
●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 5cm.
●If difficulty arises in adjusting footrest height, further loosen the fastening
screw.
Figure 4-16
Figure 4-17
4.9 Longitudinal (Forward /Backward) Position of Footplates
To accommodate the user's leg position and flexibility, follow the instruction
as listed below:
4.9.1 Remove the footplate fastener bolts on each plate.
4.9.2 Adjust the footplate to the desired position.
4.9.3 Re-tighten the footplate fastener bolts. (See Figure 4.18)

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4.10 Lateral (Sideways) Position
To open or close the gap between the footplates, follow these instructions as
listed below:
4.10.1 Loosen the footplate fastener bolts on each plate.
4.10.2 Adjust the footplate to the desired position.
4.10.3 Re-tighten the footplate fastener bolts. (See Figure 4.19)
Figure 4-18
Figure 4-19
4.11 Adjusting the Center of Gravity
There are three positions of center of gravity including: front, middle, and rear
4.11.1 Release the rear wheel. (See Figure 4.20)
4.11.2 Use the tool to loosen the bolt on the plate (See Figure 4.21)
4.11.3 Select the position that suits your needs. (See Figure 4.22)
4.11.4 Insert the rear wheel axle housing into the selected position and tighten it.
Make sure the nut is fully tightened. (See Figure 4.23)
Figure 4-20
Figure 4-21
Figure 4-22
Figure 4-23
CAUTION:
●For your safety, when you use the wheelchair for the first few times, Karma
strongly recommends you to use the rear position which provides the
maximum axle distance. The setting will help you to avoid potential dangers
until you are fully comfortable with your wheelchair. Once you are
comfortable with the setting, you can shorten the distance between the
front and rear wheels according to your demand.