Karma KP-45.3 User manual

Powered Wheelchair Owner’s Manual
■ KP-45.3

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 EQUIPMENT WITHOUT FIRST READING AND
UNDERSTANDING THIS MANUAL. IF YOU ARE UNABLE TO
UNDERSTAND THE WARNINGS, CAUTIONS AND INSTRUCTIONS,
CONTACT A DEALER, HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONAL OR TECHNICAL
PERSONNEL IF APPLICABLE BEFORE ATTEMPTING TO USE THIS
EQUIPMENT--OTHERWISE, INJURY OR DAMAGE MAY RESULT.
PROCEDURES OTHER THAN THOSE DESCRIBED IN THIS MANUAL MUST
BE PERFORMED BY A QUALIFIED TECHNICIAN.
THE INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS DOCUMENT IS SUBJECT TO
CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE
.
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
p
rofessional ca
p
able of makin
g
such a selection.
KARMA recommends that powered wheelchair users NOT be transported in vehicles
of any kind while in a powered wheelchair. As of this date, the Department of
Transportation (U.S.) has not approved any tie-down systems for transportation of a
user while on a powered wheelchair in a moving vehicle of any type. It is the
position of Karma that users of powered wheelchairs should be transferred into
appropriate seating in vehicles for transportation and make use of the restraints
made available by the auto industry. Karma cannot and does not recommend any
powered wheelchair transportation systems.
It is the responsibility of the Durable Medical Equipment (DME) Dealer, therapists
and other healthcare professionals to determine if a seat positioning strap is
required to ensure the safe operation of this equipment by the user. Serious injury
can occur in the event of a fall from a powered wheelchair.

II
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, 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 so 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 a water, ice or oil film.
● DO NOT attempt to ride over curbs or obstacles. Doing so may cause your
powered wheelchair to turn over and cause bodily harm and/or damage to the
powered wheelchair.
● 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
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

III
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.
● DO NOT sit in the powered wheelchair within a moving vehicle unless it has been
affixed the labels of hook mark. The labels of hook mark means that the powered
wheelchair fulfils the performance requirements for a “Crash Test” of ISO
7176-19 and is suitable to use as a seat in vehicles that have been adapted for this
purpose.
WARNING
● AS of this date, the KP-45.3 series have NOT been tested for safety in
collisions according to ISO 7176-19. Therefore, the KP-45.3 series cannot
be used as seats in any vehicles. That is, KARMA recommends that users
are NOT transported in any vehicle while seated in the wheelchair. In the
case of accident or a sudden stop, the user could be thrown from the
wheelchair and get injured. The suggested solution is to transfer the user
from the wheelchair into a normal seat of the vehicle and to securely
stow the wheelchair in a se
p
arate com
p
artment.
● Store your chair in a clean, dry area. If you fail to do so, parts may rust or corrode.
● The product meets all the requirements of ISO 7176-14.
● The force necessary to operate the freewheel lever is less than 60N.
● We estimate a life expectancy of five years for the product, provide it is used strict
accordance with the intended use as set out in this document and all maintenance
and service requirements are met. The estimated life expectancy can be exceeded
if the products is carefully used and properly maintained. The life expectancy can
be reduced by extreme or incorrect usage.

IV
RAMPS
● DO NOT climb, go up or down ramps or traverse slopes greater than the safe
climbing angle for your model specified in section 10.
● 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)
● 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.
● DO NOT leave your powered wheelchair in a rain storm of any kind.
● DO NOT use your powered wheelchair in a shower or leave it in a damp bathroom
while taking a shower.
● DO NOT leave your powered wheelchair in a damp area for any length of time.
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.

V
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. If moving a
powered wheelchair between floors by means of a stairway, the occupant MUST
be removed and transported independently of the powered wheelchair. Extreme
caution is advised when it is necessary to move an 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.
ESCALATORS? SORRY!
● 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 negate 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 negate 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 nullified. Always go to an authorized service provider.
Unauthorized repairs will nullify 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
(Figure 1)

VI
what maintenance and parts you will have to pay for.
● 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's KP-45.3 are classified as a class B mobility product for indoor and outdoor
use. This wheelchair is suitable for users up to 135kg in weight . It also has an
extremely durable aluminum alloy frame with tough accessory and does not suffer
in dramatic extremes of temperature (neither user nor attendant need touch 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
safety 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
anti-ti
pp
ers, safet
y
belt, or other additional safet
y
accessories.

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 ................................................................................................. 2
2.5 NO HAULING HEAVY GOODS ............................................................................ 2
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 .................................... 3
2.12 RAMPS, INCLINES AND DROPS ........................................................................ 4
2.13 MAXIMUM USER WEIGHT LIMIT ..................................................................... 5
2.14 KP-45.3 LABELING .......................................................................................... 6
3. EMI/RFI .................................................................................................................... 7
3.1 ELECTROMAGNETIC INTERFERENCE FROM RADIO WAVE SOURCES ................ 7
3.2 THE SOURCES OF RADIATED EMI CAN BE BROADLY CLASSIFIED INTO THREE
TYPES .................................................................................................................. 8
3.3 POWERED VEHICLE ELECTROMAGNETIC INTERFERENCE (EMI) ....................... 8
3.4 WARNINGS .......................................................................................................... 8
4. PARTS ..................................................................................................................... 10
5. OPERATION ......................................................................................................... 13
5.1 HOW TO OPERATE YOUR WHEELCHAIR ........................................................... 13
5.2 HOW TO ADJUST YOUR WHEELCHAIR .............................................................. 19
6. BATTERIES AND CHARGER ............................................................................ 25
6.1 CHARGING THE BATTERIES ................................................................................ 25
6.2CHARGE YOUR BATTERIES IF ANY OF THE FOLLOWING CONDITIONS OCCUR .. 25
6.3 BE SURE TO PRECISELY FOLLOW THE PROCEDURES LISTED BELOW. ................. 25

6.4 CHARGER ........................................................................................................... 27
6.5 BATTERIES .......................................................................................................... 27
6.6 CLEANING THE BATTERIES ................................................................................. 29
7. INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE ............................................................ 32
7.1 DAILY CHECK ..................................................................................................... 32
7.2 REGULAR MAINTENANCE RECORD .................................................................. 33
7.3 TIRES .................................................................................................................. 34
7.4 GENERAL MAINTENANCE ................................................................................. 34
7.5 SUGGESTED MAINTENANCE PROCEDURES ..................................................... 35
7.6 TRANSPORTING AND STORING ........................................................................ 35
7.7 KP45.3T(R) INSTRUCTIONS FOR LUBRICATION ............................................. 36
8. OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES ............................................................................... 37
8.1CUSHION ............................................................................................................ 37
8.2 75AH BATTERIES ............................................................................................... 37
9. TROUBLESHOOTING ........................................................................................ 37
9.1 VRII CONTROLLER, BATTERY & DIAGNOSTICS INDICATOR ........................... 38
10. SPECIFICATIONS .............................................................................................. 40
11. CLEANING & RECYCLING ............................................................................ 41
11.1CLEANING .................................................................................................... 41
11.2 POST-CONSUMER RECYCLING ........................................................... 42
12. WARRANTY ....................................................................................................... 42
12.1 SERIAL NUMBER .............................................................................................. 42
12.2CONTENTS OF WARRANTY ............................................................................. 43
12.3WARRANTY DURATION AND PARTS COVERED BY THE WARRANTY ............. 43
12.4ITEMS NOT COVERED ...................................................................................... 43
12.5PROBLEMS NOT COVERED .............................................................................. 44
12.6 THE RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE USER .............................................................. 44
12.7 WARRANTY EFFECTIVENESS ........................................................................... 44
12.8 TRANSFER OF WARRANTY RIGHTS ................................................................ 45