Karma KM-BT10 User manual

Manual Wheelchair Owner's Manual
KM-BT10

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GENERAL WARNING
IMPORTANT
Due to the change of design, some illustrations and pictures in this owner's
manual may not correspond to the wheelchair that you purchased. KARMA
reserves the right to make design modifications without further notice.
WARNING:
Do not operate this wheelchair before first reading and understanding
this owner's manual. If you are unable to understand the warnings,
cautions and healthcare professional or technical instructions, contact a
dealer, personnel if applicable before using this wheelchair—otherwise,
injury or damage may occur. If there's any procedures other than those
described in this owner's manual, it must be carried out by a qualified
technician.
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 of the manual brakes are applied before getting in or out
of the wheelchair.
● DO make sure both of the manual 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.

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● DO tie-up the upholstery or replace it with a new one when it becomes loose.
● DO lubricate the bearings regularly.
● DO equip with anti-tippers to avoid falling backwards.
● DO equip with a seat belt designed for disabled users.
● DO equip with "heel loops" for disabled users.
● 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.
● 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.
● DO NOT hang any heavy stuff on the backrest joint or the back of the
wheelchair. It could let the backrest fold suddenly, become unstable and hurt
the user or the attendant, particularly when negotiating inclines.
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.

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● 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.
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 ....................................................................................................................... 2
2.1 Before Using ................................................................................................... 2
2.2 While Moving ................................................................................................. 2
2.3 Maximum User Weight Limit .................................................................... 4
2.4 Labelling ........................................................................................................... 5
3. INTENDED USE & PARTS .................................................................................... 6
3.1 Intended Use .................................................................................................. 6
4. OPERATION ............................................................................................................. 8
4.1 Preparing For Use ......................................................................................... 8
4.2 Transferring In and Out ............................................................................ 21
4.3 General Use .................................................................................................. 22
5. INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE .............................................................. 26
5.1 General Check ............................................................................................. 26
5.2 Regular Maintenance Record ................................................................ 26
5.3 Adjustment Manual .................................................................................. 29
6. ACCESSORIES ....................................................................................................... 33
7. TROUBLESHOOTING ......................................................................................... 34
8. SPECIFICATIONS ................................................................................................. 35
9. CLEANING & RECYCLING ................................................................................ 36
9.1 Cleaning ........................................................................................................ 36
9.2 Recycling ....................................................................................................... 37
10. WARRANTY ........................................................................................................ 37
10.1 Serial Number ........................................................................................... 37
10.2 Warranty Policy ........................................................................................ 37

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1. PREFACE
1.1 Please read this owner's manual carefully before using the
wheelchair. Any improper use of the wheelchair may result in harm or
injury.
1.2 This owner's manual includes operation, unfolding/ folding
instructions and how to prevent possible accidents for the aspects of
the wheelchair.
1.3 This owner's manual is written for KARMA wheelchair: KM-BT10.
1.4 The symbols used in this manual are explained below. Pay special
attention to the parts marked with them.
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.
1.5 This manual includes an inspection and maintenance chart as well as
the details of the warranty.
1.6 If someone else uses the wheelchair, make sure that you have given
him or her this owner's manual for reference.
1.7 Due to the change of design, some illustrations and pictures in this
manual may not correspond to the wheelchair that you purchased.
KARMA reserves the right to make design modifications without
further notice. This manual will be updated regularly. Please refer to
the KARMA website for the latest version.
1.8 Please note that this "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

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well as that of others
2. SAFETY
2.1 Before Using
The user and the attendant must be familiar with the operation of
the wheelchair before using. Pedestrian traffic rules apply to the
wheelchair. Please be safe.
2.2 While Moving
Please always keep the safety guidelines listed below in mind.
2.2.1 Doorways
2.2.1.1 The safest way to operate the wheelchair is on level floors
that are free of obstacles. If possible, always use a ramp to
enter or exit a facility. Keeping your hands on the push rims
will allow you to maintain the maximum balance.
2.2.1.2 DON'T try to force yourself over an obstacle and use the
sides of a doorway to pull yourself through a passageway.
2.2.2 Leaning and Standing
DON'T lean over the side, stand or play on the wheelchair
because it may let you lose balance and fall down. (See Figures
2.1 and 2.2)
Figure 2.1 Figure 2.2
2.2.3 Negotiating Inclines
2.2.3.1 Always negotiate inclines with an attendant as far as
possible.
2.2.3.2 When an attendant is pushing the wheelchair straight up a

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slope, if the user needs to go down midway on the slope,
walk backwards until the user is on level ground (See Figures
2.3 and 2.4)
Figure 2.3 Figure 2.4
2.2.3.3 DO avoid stopping on an incline, it may let you lose the
control of the wheelchair.
2.2.3.4 DON'T use the manual 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.
2.2.3.5 Operating limits: DON'T attempt to go down inclines without
any assistance, whose angle is greater than 7 degrees.
2.2.4 Streets and Kerbs
2.2.4.1 Always cross streets with great caution. Reflective tape on
the wheelchair and/or your clothing will make you more
visible to drivers.
2.2.4.2 Keep away from potholes and rough
terrain that might cause the casters to
get stuck. (See Figure 2.5)
2.2.4.3 DO avoid huge impacts when
descending a kerb. A huge impact could
probably damage the wheelchair.
Figure 2.5
2.2.4.4 Never try to climb/ descend a kerb that exceeds a normal
height (30-50 mm).

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2.2.4.5 Always be careful and never move up or down a kerb in
reverse without an attendant.
2.2.4.6When the user is opearting the wheelchair using the pushrims,
please push the wheelchair gently. DO NOT apply a sudden
huge force on the pushrims. It could cause the chair to tip over.
Please refer to the figure below for the best grip points for
using the pushrims.
WARNING:
Any improper use of the wheelchair could cause severe injury or
death.
For increasing your safety, please make sure that you have realized
those guidelines as mentioned previously.
2.3 Maximum User Weight Limit
2.3.1 The maximum user weight limit for KM-BT10 is 250 kg. For
detail information, please refer to Section 8. SPECIFICATIONS.
2.3.2 Please note that loading exceeding maximum capacity can
damage your wheelchair and cause malfunctions, which leads
to a safety hazard. The warranty does not cover the damage
caused by improper operation of the wheelchair.

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2.4 Labelling
Please carefully read all the labelling on the wheelchair before
using it. Do not remove them and protect them for future
reference.

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3. INTENDED USE & PARTS
3.1 Intended Use
3.1.1 The KM-BT10 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 The KM-BT10 is suitable for users up to 250 kg in weight.
3.1.3 The KM-BT10 is an adjustable wheelchair. The detachable parts
are easy to operate.
3.1.4 The casters are equipped with PU tyres for greater durability.
3.1.6 Spoke rear wheels are 24 inches in diameter for standard
equipment.
3.1.7 When equipped with anti-tippers, KM-BT10 could help full or
partial amputees (above or below knee, single or double) or
other conditions easily maintain their natural center of gravity,
which could effectively avoid the user from tipping over
backwards.
3.1.8 Flip-back & height adjustable armrest is available as optional for
the KM-BT10:.

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3.2 KM-BT10 Parts Description
1. Push Handle
2. Attendant Brake
3. Side Panel
4. Rear Wheel
5. Anti-Tippers
6. Manual Brake
7. Cross Brace (Cross Bar)
8. Caster
9. Backrest Cushion
10. Armrest
11. Seat Cushion
12. Calf Strap
13. Footplate

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4. OPERATION
4.1 Preparing For Use
4.1.1 Unfolding
While unfolding the KM-BT10, follow these instructions as listed
below:
4.1.1.1 Stand at the side of the wheelchair as you prefer, hold the
armrests and pull outwards. (See Figure 4.1)
4.1.1.2 Put your two hands on the seat pan and press it down until it
is fully lowered, be careful not to get your fingers caught.
(See Figure 4.2)
4.1.1.3 Pull up the rigidifying push-bar (See Figure 4.3)
4.1.1.4 Lift up the rear part of the wheelchair lightly, and use your
stronger foot to tread on the cross bar until it is fixed and
doesn't shake. (See Figure 4.4)
4.1.1.5 Flip the footplates down. (See Figure 4.5)
4.1.1.6 Attach the calf strap. (See Figure 4.6)
4.1.1.7 Place the back and seat cushion on the wheelchair.
4.1.1.8 Ready for action!
Figure 4.1 Figure 4.2 Figure 4.3

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Figure 4.4 Figure 4.5 Figure 4.6
WARNING:
The primary function of the rigidifying push-bar is to maintain and
avoid deforming of the backrest, which could cause the user to be
discomfort.
Never use the rigidifying push-bar to push or pull the wheelchair, or
it may lead to fracture and cause severe injury to the user.
4.1.2 Folding
While folding the KM-BT10, follow these instructions as listed
below:
4.1.2.1 Remove the back and seat cushions from the wheelchair.
(See Figure 4.7)
4.1.2.2 Detach the calf strap. (See Figure 4.8)
4.1.2.3 Flip up the footplates. (See Figure 4.9)
4.1.2.4 Release the knob bolt at the middle, then push down the
rigidifying push-bar. (See Figure 4.10)
4.1.2.5 Lift up the front part of the wheelchair lightly, grasp the
middle lever of the seat pan, apply an upward force and
simultaneously use your stronger foot to tread on the cross
bar until the wheelchair is fully closed. (See Figure 4.11)
4.1.2.6 Folding is now completed. (See Figure 4.12)

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Figure 4.7 Figure 4.8 Figure 4.9
Figure 4.10 Figure 4.11 Figure 4.12
CAUTION:
Be careful not to get your fingers caught when folding the
wheelchair.

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4.1.3 Adjustments
4.1.3.1 Armrest
4.1.3.1.1 Standard: Flip-Back and Detachable Armrest
Flip back the armrest by releasing the knob bolt located
at the front base of the armrest. After completing the
step, you can lift the armrest backwards. (See Figures
4.13 and 4.14)
Figure 4.13 Figure 4.14
4.1.3.1.2 Optional: Flip-Back, Detachable and Height Adjustable
Armrest
●Loosen the knob bolt.
●Adjust the armrest to the desired height.
●Tighten the knob bolt. (See Figure 4.15 and 4.16)
Figure 4.15 Figure 4.16

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4.1.3.2 Backrest
4.1.3.2.1 Backrest Height
To adjust the backrest height, follow the instructions
listed below:
● Detach the armrest and backrest upholstery first.
● Use the KARMA tool provided to loosen the screws at both
of the bottom sides of the backrest frame.
● Adjust the backrest to the desired height.
● Tighten the screws, attach the armrest and backrest
upholstery to the original condition.
● Backrest height adjustment is now completed. (See Figure
4.17 and 4.18)
Figure 4.17 Figure 4.18
4.1.3.2.2 Backrest Angle Adjustment
To adjust the backrest angle, follow the instructions
listed below:
● Detach the armrest and remove the backrest upholstery
first.
● Use the KARMA tool provided to loosen the screws at both
of the bottom sides of the backrest frame.
● Remove the screw and the backrest adjustable plate.
● Adjust the backrest forward or backward to the position as
desired.
● Re-tighten the screw and backrest adjustable plate.

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● Place the armrest and backrest cushion back to the seat.
● Backrest angle adjustment is now completed. (See Figure
4.19 and 4.20)
Figure 4.19 Figure 4.20
4.1.3.3 Seat
4.1.3.3.1 Seat Depth
To adjust the seat depth, follow the instructions listed
below:
● Remove the two rear wheels, and put the frame down
gently.
● Remove the two rear wheel bases, and then use the KARMA
tool provided to loosen the screws at the bottom of the
seat bracket.
● Use the KARMA tool provided to loosen the screws at the
bottom of the armrest base.
● Adjust the seat bracket and the armrest base forwards/
backwards to the desired position.
● Tighten the screws, attach the armrest and backrest
upholstery to the original condition.
● Seat depth adjustment is now completed. (See Figure 4.21
and 4.22)

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Figure 4.21 Figure 4.22
4.1.3.4 Rear Wheel
Quick-release wheels are available as optional. Please
follow the instructions listed below.
4.1.3.4.1 Rear Wheel Disassembly
● Ensure that the manual brake is in the unlocked position
first.
● Support the weight of the chair with one hand by holding
the push handle.
● Depress the hub cover and hold down the quick-release
mechanism.
● Remove the wheel. (See Figure 4.23)
4.1.3.4.2 Rear Wheel Assembly
● Ensure that the manual brake is in the OFF (unlocked)
position first.
● Take up the assembled wheel and axle and depress the
button in the centre of the axle as mentioned above.
● 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.
● 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 4.24 at the next page)