Karma Soma Agile User manual

User manual
Agile

1. Index
1. Index.......................................................................................................... 0
2. How to contact Karma............................................................................... 1
3. Declaration of conformity .......................................................................... 2
4. Introduction................................................................................................ 3
4.1 Serial number.................................................................................... 3
5. Used symbols for warning, caution and note............................................ 4
6. Warranty.................................................................................................... 5
7. Intended use / intended user..................................................................... 6
8. Intended environment ............................................................................... 6
9. Safety information ..................................................................................... 7
9.1 Pass through doorways..................................................................... 7
9.2 Negotiate slopes and ramps ............................................................. 7
9.3 Negotiate steps and kerbs ................................................................ 7
9.4 Go up and down stairs ...................................................................... 8
9.5 Cross streets..................................................................................... 8
9.6 Drive and steer the wheelchair.......................................................... 8
9.7 Stability and balance when seated.................................................... 9
9.8 Transport........................................................................................... 9
9.9 Use the anti-tippers........................................................................... 9
9.10 Maximum user weight limit................................................................ 9
10. Wheelchair components and functions................................................... 10
10.1 Wheelchair overview....................................................................... 10
10.2 Parking brakes ................................................................................11
10.3 Backrest ..........................................................................................12
10.4 Armrests.......................................................................................... 12
10.5 Footrest ........................................................................................... 13

10.6 Anti-tippers (Optional) .....................................................................14
10.7 Seat Upholstery and Backrest Upholstery ...................................... 14
10.8 Removing and Fitting the rear wheels............................................. 15
10.8.1 Removing the rear wheels ......................................................15
10.8.2 Fitting the rear wheels............................................................. 15
10.9 Options and Accessories ................................................................ 16
10.9.1 Height adjustable armrests .....................................................16
10.9.2 Elevating legrests.................................................................... 17
10.9.3 Attendant brake.......................................................................17
10.9.4 Tension adjustable backrest ................................................... 18
10.9.5 Rear wheel axle extension plate.............................................18
10.9.6 Pelvic belt................................................................................ 19
10.9.7 Cane Holder, IV Pole Holder and Oxygen Tank Holder.......... 20
11. First setup................................................................................................ 20
11.1 Seat adjustments............................................................................. 21
11.1.1 Footrest Length ....................................................................... 21
12. Using the wheelchair............................................................................... 22
12.1 General warnings and advices........................................................22
12.2 Use in combination with other products.......................................... 22
12.3 Hot and cold surfaces .....................................................................23
12.4 Danger of pinching..........................................................................23
12.5 Surroundings................................................................................... 24
12.6 Precautions to prevent dangerous situations.................................. 24
12.7 Folding and unfolding the wheelchair.............................................. 24
12.7.1 Unfolding the wheelchair......................................................... 24
12.7.2 Folding the wheelchair ............................................................ 25
12.8 Storage............................................................................................26
12.9 Transfer in and out the wheelchair.................................................. 26
12.9.1 Transfer in the wheelchair....................................................... 27

12.9.2 Transfer out the wheelchair..................................................... 27
12.10 Driving and steering the wheelchair............................................28
12.10.1 General use for user and attendant ....................................28
12.10.2 Tipping backwards by the user ...........................................29
12.11 Negotiating steps and kerbs........................................................ 30
12.11.1 Going down a step with an attendant..................................30
12.11.2 Going down a step with an attendant..................................31
12.11.3 Going down a step by the user ........................................... 31
12.12 Going up and down stairs ........................................................... 31
12.13 Negotiating ramps and slopes..................................................... 32
12.13.1 Use on slopes: going on downhill slopes ............................ 32
12.14 Use on slopes: driving on uphill slopes....................................... 33
12.15 Stability and balance when seated.............................................. 33
12.15.1 Leaning forward...................................................................33
12.15.2 Leaning backward............................................................... 34
13. Transport of the wheelchair..................................................................... 35
13.1 4-point tie down restraint system ....................................................35
13.1.1 Transportation guideline..........................................................37
13.1.2 Safety belt ...............................................................................38
13.2 Transportation on an airplane ......................................................... 41
13.2.1 The wheelchair’s dimensions and weight................................ 41
14. Maintenance and repairs......................................................................... 42
14.1 Daily check......................................................................................42
14.2 Maintenance schedule ....................................................................43
14.3 Tools................................................................................................45
14.4 Cleaning .......................................................................................... 46
14.4.1 Upholstery, cloth / air mesh..................................................... 46
14.4.2 Metal surfaces.........................................................................46
14.4.3 Plastic covers .......................................................................... 46

15. Refurbishment and re-use of the product. ..............................................47
16. Disposal of the product ........................................................................... 47
17. Trouble shooting...................................................................................... 48
18. Technical specifications .......................................................................... 49

1
2. How to contact Karma
Head office Karma
Karma Medical
NO.2363, Sec. 2
University Road
Min-Hsiung Shiang
Chia-Yi 621
Taiwan
www.karma.com.tw
European representative:
Karma Mobility S.L.
C/ Periodista Francisco Carantoña Dubert,
23 Bajo 33209 Gijón - Asturias (Spain)
phone: [phone]
[e-mail]
Produced and published by Karma Medical, Taiwan.
Technical changes and print errors prohibited.

2
3. Declaration of conformity

3
4. Introduction
Congratulation with your new Karma product! This product has been made
with great care and dedication. The Karma product will increase your freedom
of mobility and independence. Karma and its resellers all over the world are
there to support in any way. So if you have questions or suggestions about our
products, do not hesitate to get in contact with us at
[e-mail].
Before you use the Karma product, we strongly recommend you to read this
manual carefully and always keep it with your product. This way you are
always able to find additional information when needed.
Karma runs the policy of continuously product improvement. Therefore,
pictures of products or options as shown in this manual might be different from
what you see in the product. Karma reserves the right to make changes to the
product without prior notice.
4.1 Serial number
The serial number is very important. Your wheelchair will be stored in our data
system under this main number. You can find the number on the right side of
cross braces. Please also carefully read all the labeling on the wheelchair
before driving it and do not remove them.

4
5. Used symbols for warning, caution and note
General warnings are indicated by using a symbol. There are three levels of
warnings:
1. Warning
2. Caution
3. Note
If you see this sign, please use extreme caution where this symbol
appears. Neglecting these warnings can lead to personal or material
damage.
If you see this symbol, use caution to prevent dangerous situations.
If you see this symbol, we provide additional information which might be
good to know. Please take notice of this information.
● Before using the wheelchair, you should read this manual to get
familiar with this product. Improper use of the wheelchair could result in
harm or injury.
● Use within our guidelines and with reasonable care, and your safety will
be increased. Be aware that careless use endangers your own safety as
well as that of others.
● Make sure the local reseller has set up the product in a proper way to
exactly fit your needs and requirements.
● Always be accompanied by an attendant person when you drive the
wheelchair for the first time.

5
6. Warranty
Karma Medical supplies the warranty that frame and cross-braces are
guaranteed for a period of 3 years and gas strut for a period of 1 year after
delivery to the customer. Your local supplier will carry out this warranty.
For warranty claim, you can get in contact with our local authorized Karma
dealers. The wheelchair must be repaired by a Karma Medical designated
Customer Service agent. This warranty is VOID if the original chair serial
number is removed or altered.
The warranty does not apply to damage or faults of the product caused by
wrong or improper use, or neglected maintenance. The evaluation of it is the
privilege of Karma Medical or a representative to be appointed by Karma
Medical.
This guarantee does not apply to components susceptible to wear such as
brakes, bearings, footplates, pads, side guards, upholsteries, wheels etc.
The warranty does not cover consequential costs arising from the rectification
of defects, such as freight and travel expenses, labour costs, fees etc.
Karma Medical reserves the right to alter the specifications at any time. No
responsibility can be accepted for any changes in the specifications.
Change of specification can be originated from e.g. availability of parts,
product improvement based on market experience, changed legislations etc.
The use of non-original parts on this product can lead to personal or
material damage. Karma Medical cannot be held responsible for these
results.
Repairs executed by unauthorized persons can lead to personal or
material damage. Karma Medical cannot be held responsible for these
results.
If you have any doubt about the service provided to your wheelchair,
please contact Karma Medical Taiwan for information.

6
7. Intended use / intended user
The Agile manual wheelchair is meant to provide mobility to persons who are
not able to walk, stand or use a walking device, but who are able to control
and use the manual wheelchair. It could be used for independent or assisted
transport of a person with mobility difficulty. The wheelchair is designed for a
maximum user weight of 125 kg.
It is strongly suggested to have the use of the wheelchair evaluated by a
trained doctor, therapist or other qualified and trained staff.
When it is used without an assistant, it should only be used by persons who
are physically and mentally able to use the wheelchair safely.
The expected service life of the product is five years, presuming that the
product is used daily in accordance with the safety operation instructions,
inspection and maintenance instructions, and intended use, which described
in this manual.
8. Intended environment
The wheelchair is not restricted to only indoor or only outdoor use, but it
should only be used on level ground and accessible terrain outdoors.
It is allowed to use the wheelchair in different weather conditions. It must be
noticed that metal or plastic surfaces of the wheelchair can become very hot
when exposed to direct sun for longer time.
Because of the harmful combination of salt water and sand, it is advised not to
use the wheelchair on beaches. We advise to clean the wheelchair after
having been in contact with sand and/or salt water as described in the
paragraph “Cleaning”.

7
9. Safety information
9.1 Pass through doorways
The safest way to operate the chair 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 handrims will allow you to maintain maximum balance. Do not try to
force yourself over obstacles by propulsion and never use the sides of a
doorway to pass through.
9.2 Negotiate slopes and ramps
Never make a turn on a slope due to the danger of tipping.
When assisted transport of a person, go straight up a slope. If the user
needs to go down the slopes, go backwards until the user is on level
ground.
Avoid stopping on a slope because it may potentially cause you to lose
control of the chair.
Do not use the parking brakes to slow down or stop the wheelchair
because it may cause it to seize up, lose control or fall out of the chair.
If possible, ask for help from an assistant/attendant while negotiating
slopes.
9.3 Negotiate steps and kerbs
If possible, ask for help from an assistant/attendant while negotiating
steps and kerbs.
Avoid strong impacts when going down kerbs. A strong impact could
lead the damage of wheelchairs.
Do not go up or down steps or kerbs that are higher than 30 mm.
Always be careful when going up or down kerbs and never negotiate
kerbs in reverse direction without an assistant.
An activated anti-tippers prevent the wheelchair from tipping backwards.

8
9.4 Go up and down stairs
Always use two or more assistants for assistance. The first assistant
should stand behind the wheelchair and the second assistant should
hold the front frame to steady the wheelchair in the front.
If you brake for a long time when going down slopes, a lot of frictional
heat is produced at the handrims.
Remember to use an elevator for transport instead of using an escalator.
9.5 Cross streets
Always use extreme caution when crossing streets. Reflectors on the
chair and/or your clothing will make you more visible to drivers.
Avoid passing through potholes and rough terrain that might cause the
casters stuck.
9.6 Drive and steer the wheelchair
Always make sure BOTH brakes are applied before getting in or out of
the chair.
Never stand on the footplates when getting in or out of the chair.
Never carry more than one passenger on the chair. Karma wheelchairs
are limited to only one user.
Pay attention to assure your clothing doesn't get tangled with the wheels.
When operating the wheelchair via using the handrims, please push the
wheelchair gently. DO NOT apply a sudden huge force on the handrims.
It could cause the chair to tip backwards. Please refer to the photo below
for the best grip points for using the handrims.

9
9.7 Stability and balance when seated
If you lean too far sideways, you could tip your wheelchair over or fall out
of it.
If you lean forwards out of the wheelchair, you could fall out of it. Do not
bend forwards between your knees to pick up something off the floor.
If you lean too far backwards, you could tip your wheelchair over. Do not
lean out over the backrest or use anti-tippers if possible.
9.8 Transport
Do not use other transportation to pull the wheelchair.
Risk of injury might happen if the wheelchair is not properly secured.
Do not get transported on any vehicles while seated in your wheelchair if
it has not been successfully tested according to the requirements of ISO
7176–19.
9.9 Use the anti-tippers
Karma strongly recommend the use of anti-tippers when using your back
tubes with additional load, the backrest is in reclined position or the
backrest is in larger back angle.
Anti-tippers that are incorrectly set or no longer working can lead to
personal injury.
Always advise the user if you deactivate the anti-tippers.
Prevent tipping, please install an anti-tipper device.
9.10 Maximum user weight limit
Refer to "Maximum User Weight" in the Section Technical specifications.
Loads exceeding maximum capacity can damage your wheelchair and
cause malfunctions yielding a safety hazard. The warranty does not
cover damage caused by improper overloading of the wheelchair.

10
10.Wheelchair components and functions
10.1 Wheelchair overview
1. Armrest
2. Side Panel
3. Seat Upholstery
4. Footrest
5. Calf Strap
6. Footplate
7. Push Handle
8. Backrest Upholstery
9. Backrest Joint
10. Rear Wheel
11. Parking Brake
12. Cross Braces
13. Caster

11
10.2 Parking brakes
The parking brakes are used to secure the wheelchair when it is stationary to
prevent it from moving.
To apply the brake, pull the brake lever backwards as far as possible. To
release the brake, push the brake lever forwards with the palm.
Apply the brake to lock Release the brake to unlock
Never apply the parking brakes while you are moving. If you do so, the
wheelchair may become uncontrollable and stop suddenly, which can lead
to a collision or falling out of wheelchair.
Do not apply the parking brakes to slow down the wheelchair. And do not
lean on the parking brakes for support. All these actions may lead to the
uncontrollable conditions of wheelchair.
The distance between the brake shoe and the tire can be adjusted. To
keep the braking efficacy, the adjustment must be carried out by an
authorized dealer.

12
10.3 Backrest
There are two types of backrests (Fixed and Folding) available.
For fixed backrest, it doesn’t require adjustments.
For folding backrest, to save the transporting space of wheelchair, the
backrest can be folded back. Please operate the lever by pulling it and fold the
top of the backrest. If you want to unfold it, please repeat the reverse
procedure and it locks automatically.
10.4 Armrests
The flip-back armrests are used to support the upper limbs of wheelchair
users. It could be also flipped-back for easy side transfer.
To flip back the armrest, press and hold the release lever located at the front
socket of the armrest. Then remove the armrest by pulling straight up and flip
it back.
If you want to put the armrest back, push the armrest down until the front
release lever snaps into its armrest socket hole.

13
10.5 Footrest
The swing-away footrests are used to support the lower limbs of wheelchair
users. The footrest could be also swing outside and detachable for easy
transfer in tight spaces.
To swing-away the footrest, activate the release lever and swing it outside. To
detach the footrest, just pull the footrest upwards after activating the release
lever. If you want to put the footrest back, swing it to the reverse direction until
it engages.
Never hold the armrest in order to lift the wheelchair since the armrests do
not engage into the wheelchair.
Please keep your fingers away from movable parts during removing,
returning or adjusting the armrest. Be careful of the risk of pinching.
Please keep your fingers away from movable parts or swing mechanisms
during removing, returning or adjusting the footrest. Be careful of the risk of
pinching.
Never hold the footrest or legrest in order to lift the wheelchair since there
is a risk of injury.

14
10.6 Anti-tippers (Optional)
Anti-tippers prevent the wheelchair from tipping backwards.
To equip with anti-tippers, press the spring button before inserting them into
the back of side frame. Ensure the spring button is secure in the fixing hole.
If the anti-tipper is adjustable, the minimum distance between the rear wheel
and the anti-tipper should be more than 5cm and the maximum distance
between the ground and the anti-tipper should be less than 5 cm.
10.7 Seat Upholstery and Backrest Upholstery
Anti-tippers which are incorrectly set or damage can lead to tipping. Please
always check that the anti-tippers are working before using the wheelchair.
Please ask for an authorized dealer when anti-tippers need to be installed
or readjusted.
If the position of the rear wheel axle has been adjusted, please re-evaluate
the wheelchair to check if installing the anti-tippers is necessary.
An activated anti-tipper may bump into the ground when negotiating steps
or kerbs. Therefore, deactivate the anti-tippers if needed.
The distance between the brake shoe and the tire can be adjusted. To
keep the braking efficacy, the adjustment must be carried out by an
authorized dealer.

15
Seat upholstery or backrest upholstery can be one layer or two layers. It
depends on the specifications of the wheelchair. If the wheelchair is equipped
with the option of two layers of upholstery, the top one can be detached from
the bottom one, which makes it possible to clean the upholsteries.
10.8 Removing and Fitting the rear wheels
10.8.1 Removing the rear wheels
①Release the brakes.
②With one hand, hold the wheelchair upright.
③With the other, hold the wheel through the external spoke rim around the
wheel hub.
④Using your thumb, press the removable axle button in the middle. Keep it
pressed and pull the wheel out
10.8.2 Fitting the rear wheels
①With one hand, hold the wheelchair upright.
②With the other hand, hold the wheel through the external spoke rim around
the wheel hub.
③Using your thumb, press the removable axle button and hold it down.
Then push the axle into the adapter.
④Release the removable axle button and make sure that the wheel is
secure.