Karma KP-25.2 Owner's Manual

■ KP-25.2

ENERAL 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 professional capable of making 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.

Operating Information

Ŗ 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.

Ŗ 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.

Ŗ For individuals with balance problems, practice mounting and dismounting

activities WITH AN ASSISTANT in the presence of a qualified healthcare professional.

Ŗ If so equipped, DO NOT operate the wheelchair without anti-tippers being

installed. Anti-tippers MUST BE attached at all times

Ŗ 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.

Ŗ 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.

Ŗ DO NOT operate in car lanes on roads, streets, highways, etc. Ŗ DO NOT attempt to move up or down an incline with a water, ice or oil film. Ŗ 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.

Ŗ DO NOT make sharp turns, in forward or reverse, at excessive speeds. Ŗ DO NOT attempt to lift the powered wheelchair by its casings and seat. Ŗ 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.

Ŗ DO NOT operate the powered wheelchair until you have checked that the

surroundings are clear and that the area is safe for travel.

Ŗ 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.

Ŗ 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

Ŗ 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.

Ŗ!DO NOT stand on the footplates of the powered wheelchair. Ŗ!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.

Ŗ DO NOT hang anything on the backjoints that could cause the backrest

folding suddenly and may cause injury.

Ŗ!DO NOT be towed by other vehicles(cars, motorcycles or bicycles, etc.).

iii

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.

Ŗ!DO NOT sit in the powered wheelchair within a moving vehicle unless it has

been affixed the labels of hook mark.

RAMPS

Ŗ DO NOT climb, go up or down ramps or traverse slopes greater than the safe

climbing angle for your model specified in section 10.

Ŗ 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.

Ŗ 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

Ŗ Check to ensure that all electrical connections are secure at all times. Ŗ 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.

Ŗ 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.

Ŗ Do not use a n extension cord when charging your batteries. A risk of fire and

/or electric shock could be encountered.

BATTERIES

Ŗ The warranty and performance specifications contained in this manual are

based on the use of deep cycle sealed lead acid batteries.

Ŗ KARMA strongly recommends their use as the power source for this unit.

(Refer to chapter 6)

Ŗ Carefully read the battery and charger information prior to installing, servicing

or operating your wheelchair.

RAIN TEST

Ŗ 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.

Ŗ DO NOT leave your powered wheelchair in a rain storm of any kind. Ŗ DO NOT use your powered wheelchair in a shower or leave it in a damp

bathroom while taking a shower.

Ŗ 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.

STAIRWAYS

Ŗ DO NOT attempt to move an

occupied powered wheelchair between floors using a stairway. (See Figure 1)

Ŗ 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.

Ŗ 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.

Ŗ 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

Ŗ 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.

Ŗ 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.

Ŗ 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.

Ŗ 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.

(Figure 1)

Ŗ Customers should go to their dealership for all service needs to guarantee

their warranty is not nullified. Always go to an authorized service provider. ŖUnauthorized 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.

Ŗ Check the warranty section of this manual to find out what Karma guarantees

and what maintenance and parts you will have to pay for.

Ŗ 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

Ŗ Karma's KP-25.2 are classified as a class B mobility product for indoor and

outdoor use. This wheelchair is suitable for users up to 115kg 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).

Ŗ 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

Ŗ!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-tippers, safety belt, or other additional safety accessories.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. PREFACE.................................................................................................................1

2. SAFETY ................................................................................................................... 2

2.1 BEFORE DRIVING.................................................................................................. 2

2.2 WHILE DRIVING ...................................................................................................2

3. EMI/RFI...................................................................................................................6

4. PARTS ...................................................................................................................... 8

5. OPERATION.........................................................................................................10

5.1 VRǶ JOYSTICK CONTROLLER........................................................................... 10

5.2 HOW TO OPERATE YOUR WHEELCHAIR............................................................... 10

5.2.1 POWER ON/OFF.............................................................................................. 10

5.3 SHARK CONTROLLER (OPTIONAL)......................................................................12

5.4 HOW TO OPERATE YOUR WHEELCHAIR............................................................... 12

5.5 PREPARING FOR USE: ......................................................................................... 14

5.6 FREEWHEEL LEVERS...........................................................................................15

5.7 GETTING IN AND OUT :.......................................................................................15

5.8 DRIVE UNIT / FRAME.......................................................................................... 16

5.9 TRANSPORTATION...............................................................................................17

5.10 ADJUSTING LENGTH OF SEAT BELT ....................................................................18

6. BATTERIES AND CHARGER............................................................................19

6.1 CHARGING THE BATTERIES................................................................................. 19

6.2 CHARGER ...........................................................................................................22

6.3 BATTERIES..........................................................................................................22

7. INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE...............................................................24

7.1 DAILY CHECK..................................................................................................... 24

7.2 REGULAR MAINTENANCE RECORD..................................................................... 25

7.3 TIRES.................................................................................................................. 26

7.4 GENERAL MAINTENANCE................................................................................... 26

7.5 TRANSPORTING AND STORING ............................................................................27

8. OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES...............................................................................28

9. TROUBLESHOOTING........................................................................................29

10. SPECIFICATIONS .............................................................................................33

11. CLEANING & RECYCLING............................................................................35

12. WARRANTY........................................................................................................36

12.1 SERIAL NUMBER...............................................................................................36

12.2 WARRANTY POLICY.......................................................................................... 36

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.

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):

KP-25.2.

The symbols used in this manual are explained below. Pay special attention to the parts marked with these symbols.

WARNING:

Improper use could lead to serious injury or death.

CAUTION:

Improper use could lead to injury and/or damage to your wheelchair.

SUGGESTION:

Follow these instructions to keep the wheelchair in good condition.

This manual includes the repair and maintenance chart as well as the Warranty. Please keep it in a safe place or with the wheelchair. If someone else uses the wheelchair, make sure that you give him or her this owner's manual for his or her reference.

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. SAFETY

2.1 Before Driving

The user must be familiar with the use and operation of this wheelchair before driving. Therefore, please always keep these safety guidelines in mind.

Traffic Rules

Ŗ Pedestrian traffic rules apply to this wheelchair. Please be safe. Ŗ Drive only on pedestrian areas such as the sidewalk. Never drive the

wheelchair on the highway.

Ŗ Be aware of other vehicles when crossing all roads. Ŗ Be extremely cautious when driving your wheelchair in heavy traffic or the

shopping mall.

Ŗ DO NOT drive your wheelchair when you feel tired or consume alcohol.

Ŗ Please do not drive your wheelchair at night. Ŗ Please follow pedestrian traffic lights.

Practice Driving

Ŗ Before you are familiar with the operation of your wheelchair please practice

in a wide and open area, like a park.

Ŗ 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.

Ŗ Please set the speed to medium when you first start practicing. Ŗ Be safe. Make sure someone accompanies you incase you need assistance. Ŗ Be sure you are able to control and operate your wheelchair easily and

confidently before you move the speed higher.

No Passengers

KARMA wheelchair is limited to one driver. Do not carry passengers (including children) on your wheelchair.

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.

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. (See Figure 2.1)

2.2 While Driving

Please carry out daily inspections. Refer to section 7.1 DAILY CHECK.

General Warning

Do not lean over the side of the wheelchair as such an action may cause you to lose balance and fall. Use caution to assure your clothing doesn't get tangled with the wheels.

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.

Circumstances to Avoid

Avoid roads with heavy traffic, mud, excessive gravel or bumps, snow and ice. These conditions may damage your wheelchair. Avoid roads that are too narrow or by a canal/waterway without any fence/hedge. Also avoid places where your wheels might get stuck, slip or not have traction. Do not drive in a gale, at night or in rainy/snowy/foggy/misty weather. These conditions may cause your wheelchair to rust. (See Figure 2.2) Do not drive in a S curve, do doughnuts or make sudden turns. Do not take an escalator.

Mobile Phones and Other Electric Equipment

Do not use a mobile phone or other wireless communication devices while driving. (See Section 3. EMI/RFI) Do not charge the mobile phone or other electric devices from your wheelchair's batteries.

Ramps, Inclines and Drops

Do not drive onto a steep ramp. Refer to "Max. Climbing Ability" in section 10. SPECIFICATIONS for your wheelchair's maximum climbing angle When climbing up to an inclined road, please set the speed higher than the medium speed and drive carefully. (See Figure 2.3) When going down an inclined road, set the speed to "1" and never use reverse. Do not drive on a road with many bumps and holes close to each other, such as potholes or washboard roads. (See Figure 2.4) Do not make sudden turns when driving on gravel roads or ramps. The maximum surmountable obstacle height is 5.5cm for your wheelchair(with optional curb climber is up to 8cm). Exceeding this obstacle height will damage your wheelchair and negate your warranty. (See Figure 2.5) When negotiating an obstacle slow down, put your seat into the full upright position and approach it head on (perpendicular). 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! 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. Again, descending obstacles should be done perpendicularly. (See Figure 2.6) Karma does not design wheelchairs to take jumps over or off obstacles. Doing so will negate 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.

Maximum User Weight Limit

Refer to "Max. User Weight" in section 10. 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 operation of the wheelchair.

(Figure 2.1) (Figure 2.2) (Figure 2.3)

(Figure 2.4) (Figure 2.5) (Figure 2.6)

2.3.1 KP-25.2 Labeling

Please carefully read all the labeling on the wheelchair before driving it. Do not remove them. Protect them for future reference.

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 electric KARMA wheelchair.

Electromagnetic Interference From Radio Wave Sources

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. 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 unavoidable. However, we believe that by following the warnings listed below, your risk to EMI can be greatly minimized.

The sources of radiated EMI can be broadly classified into three types:

1. Hand-held portable transceivers (transmitter-receivers) with the antenna mounted directly on the transmitting unit, such as citizens band (CB) radios, walkie-talkies, security and fire or police transceivers, cellular telephones and other personal communication devices;

NOTE:

Some cellular telephones or similar devices transmit signals while they are ON, even though they are not in use.

2. Medium-range mobile transceivers used in police cars, fire trucks, ambulances and taxis usually having the antenna mounted on the outside of the vehicle; and

3. Long-range transmitters and transceivers, such as commercial broadcast transmitters (radio and TV broadcast antenna towers) and amateur (HAM) radios.

NOTE:

Other types of hand-held devices (cordless phones, laptop computers, AM/FM radios, TV sets, CD players, cassette players, and small appliances such as electric shavers and hair dryers, et cetera) so far as we know, are not likely to cause EMI problems.

Powered Vehicle Electromagnetic Interference (EMI)

Because EM energy rapidly becomes more intense as one moves closer to the transmitting antenna (source), the EM fields from hand-held radio wave sources (transceivers) are of special concern. It is possible to unintentionally bring high levels of EM energy too close to the powered vehicle's control system while using these devices. This can affect your powered vehicle's movement and braking. Therefore, the warnings listed below are recommended to prevent possible interference with the control system of the powered vehicle.

Warnings

Electromagnetic interference (EMI) from sources such as radio and TV stations, amateur radio (HAM) transmitters, two-way radios and cellular phones can affect powered vehicles and motorized wheelchairs. Following the warnings listed below should reduce the chance of unintended brake release or powered vehicle movement which could result in serious injury.

1. Do not operate hand-held transceivers-receivers such as citizens band (CB) radios or turn ON personal communication devices such as cellular phones, while the powered vehicle is turned ON.

2. Be aware of nearby transmitters, such as radio or TV stations, and try to stay away from them.

3. If unintended movement or brake release occurs, turn the powered vehicle OFF as soon as it is safe.

CAUTION:

Some stores may have automatic (sensor) doors and alarm systems set at certain frequencies that might affect your powered wheelchair.

4. Be aware that adding accessories/components or modifying the powered vehicle may make it more susceptible to EMI. There is no easy way to evaluate their effect on the overall immunity of the powered vehicle.

5. Report all incidents of unintended movement or brake release to your powered vehicle dealer or KARMA, and note whether there was a source of EMI nearby.

+ 33 hidden pages

Karma KP-25.2 Owner's Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual