Karma KP-31 User manual

Powered Wheelchair Owner 's Manual
Blazer Series
(KP-31/KP-31T)

I
GENERAL WARNING
IMPORTANT
Do not attempt to use the wheelchair before a qualified person has
explained to your satisfaction how to operate it without risk to yourself
or others.
WARNING
●Do not operate this powered wheelchair before first reading and
understanding this owner’s manual. If you are unable to understand the
warnings, cautions, suggestions and technical instructions, please
contact a dealer, healthcare professional or applicable personnel before
attempting to use this power wheelchair -- otherwise, injury or damage
may occur. If any procedures other than those described in this owner’s
manual, it must be performed by a qualified technician.
THE INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS DOCUMENT IS SUBJECT TO
CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE BY KARMA.
WARNING
●As a manufacturer of powered wheelchairs, KARMA endeavors to supply
a wide variety of powered wheelchairs to meet the many needs of the
user. However, the responsibility of final selection of the type of powered
wheelchair to be used by an individual rests solely with the user and
his/her healthcare professional capable of making such a selection.
KARMA strongly recommends consulting a certified rehab technology
supplier or assistive technology professional.
Operating Information
●Performance adjustments should ONLY be made by professionals of the
healthcare field or persons fully conversant with this process and the
driver's capabilities. Incorrect settings could cause injury to the driver or
bystanders and damage to the powered wheelchair and surrounding
property.
●To determine and establish your particular safety limits, practice bending,

II
reaching, mounting and dismounting activities in several combinations in
the presence of a qualified healthcare professional BEFORE attempting
active use of the powered wheelchair.
●For individuals with balance problems, practice mounting and dismounting
activities WITH AN ASSISTANT in the presence of a qualified healthcare
professional.
●If anti-tippers are standard equipped, DO NOT operate the wheelchair
without anti-tippers being installed. Anti-tippers MUST BE attached at all
times.
●DO NOT attempt to reach objects if you have to move forward in the seat or
pick them up from the floor by reaching down between your knees as this
may cause loss of balance.
●DO NOT lean over the back of the chair to reach objects behind you as this
may cause the powered wheelchair to tip over.
●DO NOT shift your weight or sitting position toward the direction you are
reaching as the powered wheelchair may tip over.
●DO NOT use an escalator to move a powered wheelchair between floors.
Serious bodily injury may occur.
●DO NOT operate in car lanes on roads, streets, highways, etc.
●DO NOT attempt to move up or down an incline with water, ice or oil film.
●DO NOT make sharp turns, in forward or reverse, at excessive speeds.
●DO NOT attempt to lift the powered wheelchair by its casings and seat.
●DO NOT attempt to lift the powered wheelchair by any detachable parts.
Lifting by means of any detachable parts of a powered wheelchair may
result in injury to the user or damage to the powered wheelchair. Please
hold onto the frame when lifting your wheelchair.
●DO NOT operate the powered wheelchair until you have checked that the

III
surroundings are clear and that the area is safe for travel.
●Please pay attention to the environment, and to keep away from the hazard
of external flame. When the user is smoking, pay attention to safety and
make sure to extinguish the fire when finished. Be alert to the environment
when someone nearby is smoking or using a cigarette lighter, keep away
from the hazard and use fire-proof cloth.
●DO NOT use parts, accessories or adapters other than those authorized by
Karma. Before attempting to sit in or exit the power wheelchair, turn the
power OFF. This will ensure that the power wheelchair will not drive. Turn
the power OFF while the wheelchair is not in use. Otherwise, injury and/or
damage to the wheelchair and surrounding property may occur
●DO NOT connect any medical device (i.e., a ventilator, life support machine,
et cetera) to the battery. This could cause unexpected failure of the device
and the powered wheelchair. KARMA specifically disclaims responsibility to
all personal injury and property damage that may occur during use which
does not comply with applicable federal, state and local laws and
ordinances.
●DO NOT stand on the footplates of the powered 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 backjoints that could cause the backrest
folding suddenly and may cause injury.
●DO NOT be towed by other vehicles(cars, motorcycles or bicycles, etc.). Only
use freewheel mode on flat surfaces since your electromagnetic brakes are
not engaged in this mode, without these brakes it will roll down a hill
causing injury or damage. Never drive under the influence of alcohol or
medication.

IV
RAMPS
●DO NOT climb, go up or down ramps or traverse slopes greater than the
safe climbing angle (safe slope is 10 degrees) for your model specified in
Section 10. Specifications.
●When negotiating ramps, if the joystick is released while moving forward,
the powered wheelchair will roll backwards approximately one foot before
the brake engages. If the joystick is released while in reverse, the powered
wheelchair will roll backwards approximately two and a half feet before the
brake engages.
●Be sure to reduce your speed when driving on curved roads or making a
turn; do not drive at full speed. Please drive at a slower speed so you have
complete control of the wheelchair.
ELECTRICAL
●Check to ensure that all electrical connections are secure at all times.
●Grounding Instructions: DO NOT, under any circumstances, cut or remove
the round grounding prong from any plug. Some devices are equipped with
three-prong (grounding) plugs for protection against possible shock
hazards.
●Where a two-prong wall receptacle is encountered, it is the personal
responsibility and obligation of the customer to contact a qualified
electrician and have the two-prong receptacle replaced with a properly
grounded three-prong wall receptacle/outlet in accordance with the
National Electrical Code and local laws.
●Do not use a n extension cord when charging your batteries. A risk of fire
and /or electric shock could be encountered.
BATTERIES
●The warranty and performance specifications contained in this manual are
based on the use of deep cycle sealed lead acid batteries. KARMA strongly
recommends their use as the power source for this unit. (Refer to chapter 6)

V
●Carefully read the battery and charger information prior to installing,
servicing or operating your wheelchair.
RAIN TEST
●KARMA has tested its powered wheelchair in accordance with ISO 7176 Part
9 Rain Test. This test provides the end user or his/her attendant sufficient
time to remove his/her powered wheelchair from a rainstorm and retain
operation. However, the Blazer series is not designed for usage in rain or
storms or under other circumstances where it may be exposed to high levels
of moisture , such as:
•deep pools of water
•pressure washing of the chair
•leaving the chair in moist areas such as bathrooms
●Direct exposure to rain or dampness could cause the powered wheelchair to
malfunction electrically and mechanically and may cause the powered
wheelchair to prematurely rust.
●Salt water can be particularly damaging to the wheelchair components and
electrical circuits, causing rust or damage.
●Do not use the chair if the joystick rubber boot is damaged in any way as
moisture can damage the control system.
●Should your chair should get wet, please dry it as soon as possible to help
avoid any damage.
STAIRWAYS
●DO NOT attempt to move an occupied
powered wheelchair between floors using a
stairway. (See Figure 1)
●Use an elevator to move an occupied
powered wheelchair between floors. When
it's necessary to mov the chair between floors by means of a stairway, the
occupant MUST be moved and transported independently of the powered
wheelchair. Extreme caution is advised when it is necessary to move an
Figure 1

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UNOCCUPIED powered wheelchair up or down stairs.
●Karma recommends disassembling the wheelchair and transporting the
components independently up or down stairs. Make sure to use ONLY
secure, non-detachable parts on each component for hand-hold supports.
●DO NOT attempt to lift a powered wheelchair by any removable (detachable)
parts. Lifting by means of removable (detachable) parts may result in injury
to the user or assistants or damage to the wheelchair.
ESCALATOR
●DO NOT use an escalator to move a powered wheelchair between floors.
Serious bodily injury and damage to the wheelchair may occur.
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 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 manual must be performed by a qualified technician. They
also have the service manual with a complete list of maintenance required

VII
to keep your Karma wheelchair in top performance.
●Check the warranty section of this manual to find out what Karma
guarantees and the 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.
CLASSIFICATION & INTENDED USE
●Karma Blazer Series are classified as a class B mobility product for indoor
and outdoor use. It is designed for an individual with mobility disabilities.
●This wheelchair is suitable for one single user up to 140 kg in weight. It also
has an extremely durable aluminum and iron frame with safe accessories
that provides consistant performance even in dramatic extremes of
temperature (neither the user nor the attendant need to touch any metal
parts in normal use).
●Check with your local government as to legislation pertaining to mobility
vehicles to assure your legal requirements to drive on public roads have
been met, i.e. a pelvic belt, lighting, registration or licensing.
CE MARKING
●This powered 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, Karma recommends that you install

VIII
anti-tippers, pelvic belt, or other additional safety accessories.
WARNING
●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 centre 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,
safety 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 Driving.............................................................................................................................................. 2
2.2 Traffic Rules................................................................................................................................................... 2
2.3 Practice Driving........................................................................................................................................... 2
2.4 No Passengers............................................................................................................................................. 3
2.5 No Hauling Heavy Goods........................................................................................................................ 3
2.6 Rain .................................................................................................................................................................. 3
2.7 While Driving ............................................................................................................................................... 3
2.8 General Warning......................................................................................................................................... 3
2.9 Railroad Crossing........................................................................................................................................ 3
2.10 Circumstances to Avoid......................................................................................................................... 3
2.11 Mobile Phones and Other Electric Equipment ............................................................................. 4
2.12 Ramps, Inclines and Drops................................................................................................................... 4
2.13 Maximum User Weight Limit............................................................................................................... 5
2.14 Blazer Series Labeling............................................................................................................................. 6
3. EMI/RFI.................................................................................................................................................................. 8
3.1 Electromagnetic Interference From Radio Wave Sources .......................................................... 8
3.2 The Sources of Radiated EMI Can Be Broadly Classified into Three Types. ......................... 9
3.3 Powered Vehicle Electromagnetic Interference (EMI).................................................................. 9
3.4 Warnings......................................................................................................................................................10
4. PARTS...................................................................................................................................................................11
5. OPERATION .......................................................................................................................................................13
5.1 Controller Cable Tie Location ..............................................................................................................13
5.2 How to Operate Your Wheelchair ......................................................................................................14
5.3 How to Adjust Your Wheelchair..........................................................................................................21
6. BATTERIES AND CHARGER ..........................................................................................................................27
6.1 Charging the Batteries............................................................................................................................27
6.2 Charge the Batteries If Any of the Following Conditions Occurs ..........................................27

6.3 Be Sure to Precisely Follow the Procedures Listed Below.........................................................27
6.4 Charger.........................................................................................................................................................30
6.5 Batteries .......................................................................................................................................................30
6.6 Cleaning the Batteries ............................................................................................................................32
6.7 Replacing the Batteries ..........................................................................................................................32
7. INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE..........................................................................................................37
7.1 Daily Check .................................................................................................................................................37
7.2 Regular Maintenance Record ..............................................................................................................38
7.3 Tires................................................................................................................................................................39
7.4 General Maintenance .............................................................................................................................40
7.5 Suggested Maintenance Procedures................................................................................................40
7.6 Transporting and Storing ......................................................................................................................41
7.7 Instructions for Lubrication ..................................................................................................................42
8. OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES ............................................................................................................................43
9. TROUBLESHOOTING......................................................................................................................................44
9.1 VRII Controller, Battery & Diagnostics Indicator..........................................................................45
10. SPECIFICATIONS............................................................................................................................................47
10.1 Blazer Series Static Stability Test Result.........................................................................................47
11. CLEANING & RECYCLING..........................................................................................................................48
11.1 Cleaning.....................................................................................................................................................48
11.2 Post-Consumer Recycling...................................................................................................................49
12. WARRANTY.....................................................................................................................................................50
12.1 Serial Number .........................................................................................................................................50
12.2 Contents of Warranty ...........................................................................................................................50
12.3 Warranty Duration and Parts Covered by the Warranty.........................................................50
12.4 Items Not Covered ................................................................................................................................51
12.5 Problems Not Covered ........................................................................................................................51
12.6 The Responsibilities of the User.......................................................................................................52
12.7 Warranty Effectiveness.........................................................................................................................52
12.8 Transfer of Warranty Rights ...............................................................................................................52

1
1. PREFACE
Please carefully read this owner's manual before using the wheelchair.
Improper use of the wheelchair could result in harm, injury or traffic accidents.
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, assembly instructions, and instructions on how to deal with
possible accidents. This owner's manual is written for Karma powered
wheelchair(s): Blazer series (KP-31 and KP-31T)
1.2 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.
1.3 This manual includes the repair and maintenance chart as well as the
Warranty. Please keep it in a safe place or with the wheelchair.
1.4 If someone else uses the wheelchair, make sure that you give him or her
this owner's manual for his or her reference.
1.5 As designs change, some illustrations and pictures in this manual may not
correspond to the vehicle that you purchased. We reserve the right to
make design modifications without further notice.
.

2
2. SAFETY
2.1 Before Driving
2.1.1 The user must be familiar with the use and operation of this wheelchair
before driving.
2.1.2 Therefore, please always keep these safety guidelines in mind.
2.2 Traffic Rules
2.2.1 Pedestrian traffic rules apply to this wheelchair, therefore please follow
the rules.
2.2.2 Drive only on pedestrian areas such as the sidewalk. Never drive the
wheelchair on the highway.
2.2.3 Be aware of other vehicles when crossing all roads.
2.2.4 Be extremely cautious when driving your wheelchair in heavy traffic or
the shopping mall.
2.2.5 DO NOT drive your wheelchair when you feel tired or consume alcohol.
2.2.6 Please do not drive your wheelchair at night.
2.2.7 Please follow pedestrian traffic lights, and comply with the traffic
regulation.
2.3 Practice Driving
2.3.1 Before you are familiar with the operation of your wheelchair please
practice in a wide and open area, like a park. When you drive the
wheelchair for the first time, do not set out alone and make sure that
you have assistance close by if you need help.
2.3.2 To avoid falling off your wheelchair please practice all kinds of driving
motions, such as accelerating, stopping, turning, reversing and going
up and down ramps.
2.3.3 Please set the speed to medium when you first start practicing.
2.3.4 Be sure you are able to control and operate your wheelchair easily and
confidently before you set the speed higher.

3
2.4 No Passengers
KARMA wheelchair is limited to only one single driver. Do not carry
passengers (including children) on your wheelchair.
2.5 No Hauling Heavy Goods
Do not use this wheelchair to carry or haul heavy goods. The maximum
weight that can be carried, including goods, is stated beside "Max. User
Weight" in Section 10. SPECIFICATIONS.
2.6 Rain
This product is not guaranteed to be water resistant. Please do not drive in
the rain, through puddles or spray water to clean this product. (Figure 2.1)
2.7 While Driving
Please carry out daily inspections. Refer to Section 7.1 DAILY CHECK
2.8 General Warning
Do not lean over the side of the wheelchair as such an action may cause you
to lose balance and fall.
Be careful not to have your clothing get tangled with the wheels.
2.9 Railroad Crossing
Before crossing the tracks, please stop completely and look both ways.
Cross the tracks perpendicular to avoid your wheels getting stuck.
Do not drive at full speed over railroad tracks.
2.10 Circumstances to Avoid
2.10.1 Avoid roads with heavy traffic, mud, excessive gravel or bumps, snow
and ice. These conditions may damage your wheelchair.
2.10.2 Avoid roads that are too narrow or by a canal/waterway without any
fence/hedge.
2.10.3 Also avoid places where your wheels might get stuck, slip or not have
traction.
2.10.4 Do not drive in a gale, at night or in rainy/snowy/foggy/misty weather.

4
These conditions may cause your wheelchair to rust. (Figure 2.2)
2.10.5 Do not drive in a S curve, do doughnuts or make sudden turns.
2.10.6 Do not take an escalator.
2.11 Mobile Phones and Other Electric Equipment
2.11.1 Do not use a mobile phone or other wireless communication devices
while driving. (See Section 3. EMI/RFI)
2.11.2 Do not charge the mobile phone or other electric devices from your
wheelchair's batteries.
2.12 Ramps, Inclines and Drops
2.12.1 Do not drive onto a steep ramp. Refer to "Safe Slope" in Section 10.
SPECIFICATIONS for your wheelchair's maximum climbing angle
2.12.2 When climbing up to an inclined road, please set the speed higher
than the medium speed and drive carefully. (Figure 2.3)
2.12.3 When going down an inclined road, set the speed to "1" and never use
reverse.
2.12.4 Do not drive on a road with many bumps and holes close to each other,
such as potholes or washboard roads. (Figure 2.4)
2.12.5 Do not make sudden turns when driving on gravel roads or ramps.
2.12.6 The maximum obstacle climbing ability is 6 cm for the Blazer series.
Exceeding this obstacle height will damage your wheelchair and void
your warranty. (Figure 2.5)
2.12.7 When negotiating an obstacle, please slow down. Put your seat into
the full upright position and approach it head on (perpendicular).
2.12.8 Just before the obstacle, speed up until the entire wheelchair has
conquered the obstacle. Negotiating an obstacle at an angle may
cause your wheelchair to tip over. Don't do it!
2.12.9 When climbing down a curb, slow down just before you get to it and
only speed up after the entire wheelchair has lowered to the road.
2.12.10 Again, descending obstacles should be done perpendicularly. (Figure
2.6)

5
2.12.11 Karma does not design wheelchairs to take jumps over or off
obstacles. Doing so will void your warranty.
WARNING
●Do not set the wheelchair in freewheel mode when on an incline or
decline.
●If you breakdown on railroad tracks, first, check for an oncoming train.
If a train is coming, get out of its way immediately! If no train is
coming, set to freewheel mode and push the wheelchair off the tracks.
2.13 Maximum User Weight Limit
2.13.1 Refer to "Max. User Weight" in Section 10. SPECIFICATIONS.
2.13.2 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.
Figure 2-1
Figure 2-2
Figure 2-3
Figure 2-4
Figure 2-5
Figure 2-6

6
2.14 Blazer Series Labeling
Please carefully read all the labeling on the wheelchair before driving it. Do
not remove them. Protect them for future reference.
[CE/ Weight Limit / Serial
Number]
[Finger-Pinch]
Avoid it when flip back the armrest.
[Recycle]

7
[Circuit Breaker]
It this circuit breaker operates,
reset it by pushing the button.
[Wiring Diagram]
Do not change the wiring.
[Freewheel Lever]
Follow the label to engage or
release it.

8
3. EMI/RFI
This section provides the user with basic information about the
problems with EMI, known sources of EMI and protective measures
either to reduce the possibility of exposure or to minimize the degree of
exposure. This section also shows some conditions in which unexpected
or erratic wheelchair movements may occur.
CAUTION
●It is very important that you read this information regarding the
possible effects of electromagnetic interference on your powered
KARMA wheelchair.
3.1 Electromagnetic Interference From Radio Wave Sources
3.1.1 Powered vehicles may be susceptible to electromagnetic interference
(EMI), which is interfering electromagnetic energy (EM) emitted from
sources such as radio stations (Radio Frequency Interference), TV
stations, amateur radio (HAM) transmitters, two-way radios, and cellular
phones. The interference (from radio wave sources) can cause the
powered vehicle to release its brakes, move by itself, or move in
unintended directions. It can also permanently damage the powered
vehicle's control system. The intensity of the interfering EM energy can
be measured in volts per meter (V/m). Each powered vehicle can resist
EMI up to a certain intensity. This amount of resistance is called its
immunity level. The higher the immunity level, the greater the
protection. At this time, current technology is capable of achieving at
least a 20 V/m immunity level, which would provide useful protection
from the more common sources of radiated EMI. This powered vehicle
model, with no further modification, has an immunity level of 20 V/m
without any accessories.
3.1.2 There are a number of sources of relatively intense electromagnetic
fields in our everyday environment. Some of these sources are obvious
and easy to avoid. Others are not apparent and exposure could be