Karma VIP 505, VIP 515 Owner's Manual
Manual Wheelchair Owner's Manual
VIP 500 Series
(VIP 505 (KM-1510.3T) / VIP 515 (KM-1520.3T))
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GENERAL WARNING
● 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 equipment, DO NOT operate the wheelchair
without anti-tippers being installed. Anti-tippers MUST BE attached at all
times.
● DO maintain your chair well, in particular check the tire pressure since this
affects the efficiency of the brakes.
● DO make sure that both brakes are applied before getting in or out of the
chair.
● DO make sure that both brakes are applied when the chair is not being
pushed or used.
● DO take care when climbing kerbs or turning on slopes.
● DO avoid steep or uneven surfaces that may cause the chair to tip over.
● DO avoid soft surfaces because the casters may become bogged down.
● DO travel smoothly in all conditions.
● DO look well ahead to anticipate hazards such as furniture, doors, potholes,
etc.
● DO make sure that both of the user's feet are safely on the footrests and
that clothing is safely tucked out of the way so that it cannot get caught in
the wheels.
● DO take care when traveling up or down or across inclines.
● DO keep both hands on the push handles to control the chair, if you are the
attendant.
● DO pay attention to keep the chair balanced.
● DO check the frame and components regularly and refer to this owner's
guide during and after the warranty period.
● DO tie-up the upholstery or replace it which with a new one when it
becomes loose.
● DO lubricate the bearings regularly.
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● DO equip with anti-tippers to avoid tipping backwards.
● DO equip with a seat belt designed for disabled people.
● DO equip with "ankle supports" for disabled people.
● DO clean both hands after oiling the wheelchair.
● DO tighten the screws of headrest tubes.
● DO NOT overload the chair in any circumstance.
● DO NOT hang anything heavy on the back of the chair that could cause the
chair to become unstable, particularly when negotiating inclines.
● DO NOT allow more than one user at a time.
● DO NOT have any unconscious patient use the wheelchair.
● DO NOT use other transport to pull the wheelchair.
● DO NOT do "wheelies", as you my fall or tip over backwards and suffer a
severe injury.
● DO NOT sit in a wheelchair within a moving vehicle unless it has affixed the
labels of hook mark.
● DO NOT go too fast or turn too quickly.
● DO NOT stand on the footplates when getting in or out of the chair.
● DO NOT go down steps forward, whether solo or with an attendant.
● DO NOT attempt to lift the wheelchair by any removable (detachable) parts.
Lifting by means of any removable (detachable) parts of the wheelchair may
result in injury to the user and/or assistant or damage to the wheelchair.
● DO NOT use the wheelchair when the back is folded. This alters the 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 back joint that could cause the backrest
folding suddenly and may cause injury.
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
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warranty. Anything wheelchair related that requires tools should be done by
your authorized Karma service provider. Your Karma service provider has
the necessary service/maintenance owner's 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 owner's manual must be performed by a qualified
technician. They also have the service owner's manual with a complete list
of maintenance required to keep your Karma wheelchair in top performance.
Check the warranty section of this owner's manual to find out what Karma
guarantees and 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.
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CE MARKING
● This 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, pelvic belt, safety belt, or other additional safety
accessories
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. PREFACE .................................................................................................................... 1
2. SAFETY ....................................................................................................................... 1
2.1 Doorways ........................................................................................................... 1
2.2 Leaning ............................................................................................................... 2
2.3 Negotiating Inclines ....................................................................................... 2
2.4 Kerbs .................................................................................................................... 2
2.5 Stairs .................................................................................................................... 2
2.6 Streets .................................................................................................................. 3
2.7 General ................................................................................................................ 3
2.8 Upholstery ......................................................................................................... 3
2.9 Anti-tippers ....................................................................................................... 3
2.10 Maximum User Weight Limit ................................................................... 4
2.11 Avoid General Misuse ................................................................................. 4
2.12 Labeling ............................................................................................................ 6
3. INTENDED USE & PARTS .................................................................................... 6
3.1 Intended Use .................................................................................................... 6
3.2 VIP505 Parts Description .............................................................................. 8
4. OPERATION .......................................................................................................... 10
4.1 Preparing For Use ........................................................................................ 10
4.2 Folding ............................................................................................................. 11
4.3 Adjustments ................................................................................................... 12
4.4 Headrest .......................................................................................................... 13
4.5 Back Upholstery ........................................................................................... 13
4.6 Tilting Your Wheelchair 0-35° ................................................................. 14
4.7 Flip-back armrest (for VIP 515) ............................................................... 14
4.8 Armrest Height adjustment ..................................................................... 14
4.9 Transporting and Storing .......................................................................... 15
4.10 Transferring In and Out ........................................................................... 15
4.11 General Use ................................................................................................. 17
4.12 Tilting by the Attendant .......................................................................... 18
4.13 Tilting by the User ..................................................................................... 19
4.14 Going Down Kerbs .................................................................................... 19
4.15 Going Up Kerb ............................................................................................ 20
4.16 Up and Down Steps/Stairs ..................................................................... 21
4.17 Transportation ............................................................................................ 21
4.18 Before use ..................................................................................................... 22
4.19 Method of restraint ................................................................................... 22
4.20 Fitting seat BeLt .......................................................................................... 23
4.21 Safety Belt ..................................................................................................... 24
4.22 How to operate it:...................................................................................... 25
5. INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE.............................................................. 25
5.1 Daily Check ..................................................................................................... 25
5.2 Regular Maintenance Record .................................................................. 26
6. OPTIONS AND ACCESSARIES ........................................................................ 29
7. TROUBLESHOOTING ......................................................................................... 30
8. SPECIFICATIONS ................................................................................................. 31
9. CLEANING & RECYCLING ................................................................................ 34
9.1 CLEANING ....................................................................................................... 34
9.2 Frame ................................................................................................................ 34
9.3 Upholstery ...................................................................................................... 34
9.4 POST-CONSUMER RECYCLING .............................................................. 34
10. WARRANTY ........................................................................................................ 35
10.1 Serial Number ............................................................................................. 35
10.2 Warranty Policy........................................................................................... 35
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1. PREFACE
Please carefully read this owner's manual before using the wheelchair.
Improper use of the wheelchair could result in harm or injury. 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, unfolding/folding instructions, and instructions on how to
deal with possible accidents.
1.2 This owner's manual is written for Karma wheelchair: VIP 500 Series.
1.3 The symbols used in this owner's 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.
1.4 This owner's manual includes the repair and maintenance chart as well as
the warranty.
1.5 If someone else uses the wheelchair, make sure that you give him or her
this owner's manual for his or her reference.
1.6 As designs change, some illustrations and pictures in this owner's manual
may not correspond to the wheelchair that you purchased. We reserve
the right to make design modifications without further notice.
2. SAFETY
2.1 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 push rims will allow you to maintain maximum balance. Do not try to
force yourself over an obstruction by propulsion and never use the sides of a
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doorway to pull yourself through a passageway.
2.2 Leaning
Do not lean over the side of your wheelchair since such an action may cause
you to lose balance and fall. (See Figure 2.1)
2.3 Negotiating Inclines
2.3.1 Never turn on a hill due to the danger of tipping.
2.3.2 When an attendant is pushing the wheelchair straight up a slope, if the
user needs to go down midway, walk backwards until the user is on
level ground. (See Figures 2.2 and 2.3)
2.3.3 Avoid stopping on an incline; it can potentially cause you to lose control
of the chair.
2.3.4 Do not use the brakes to slow down or stop the wheelchair, this could
cause it to seize up and make the user to lose control or fall out of the
wheelchair.
2.3.5 Whenever possible, utilize help from an assistant/attendant while
negotiating inclines.
2.4 Kerbs
2.4.1 Whenever possible get help from an assistant/attendant (if you have
assistance make sure that your chair is equipped with push handles).
2.4.2 Avoid hard impacts when descending a kerb. A hard impact could
adversely affect the chair.
2.4.3 Never try to scale or descend kerbs that exceed a normal height.
(30-50cm)
2.4.4 Always be careful when climbing kerbs and never move up or down a
kerb in reverse without an assistant.
2.5 Stairs
2.5.1 Always use two or more assistants.
2.5.2 Never go down steps forwards.
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2.5.3 Never use an escalator for transport, use an elevator.
2.6 Streets
2.6.1 Always use extreme caution when crossing streets. Reflective tape on
the chair and/or your clothing will make you more visible to drivers.
2.6.2 Avoid potholes and rough terrain that might cause the casters to
become stuck. (See Figure 2.4)
2.7 General
2.7.1 Always make sure BOTH brakes are applied before getting in or out of
the chair.
2.7.2 Never stand on the footplates when getting in or out of the chair.
2.7.3 Never carry more than one passenger. Karma wheelchairs are limited to
one user.
2.7.4 Use caution to assure your clothing doesn't get tangled with the wheels.
2.7.5 When the user is opearting the wheelchair using the pushrim, please push the
wheelchair gently. DO NOT apply a sudden huge force on the pushrim. It
could cause the chair to tip over. Please refer to the figure below for the best
grip points for using the pushrim.
2.8 Upholstery
2.8.1 When cleaning the upholstery, use warm water and a mild soap.
2.8.2 Upholstery cleaner/foam can also be used, but avoid other cleaning
solvents.
2.9 Anti-Tippers
2.9.1 Please purchase anti-tippers and always use them to avoid personal
injury.
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CAUTION:
● When tilting your wheelchair, please change to position No.3 to avoid
tipping and causing injury to the user. (See the bellow figures)
2.10 Maximum User Weight Limit
2.10.1 Refer to "Max. User Weight" in Section 8. SPECIFICATIONS.
2.10.2 Loading exceeding maximum capacity can damage your wheelchair
and cause malfunctions yielding a safety hazard.
2.10.3 The warranty does not cover damage caused by improper operation of
the wheelchair.
2.11 Avoid General Misuse
2.11.1 Please note that our "Owner's Manual" contains a number of cautions
-- any vehicle can cause injury if misused -- use within our guidelines
and with reasonable care and your safety will be increased.
2.11.2 Your wheelchair will give years of safe use if used sensibly and
carefully.
2.11.3 Be aware that careless use endangers your own safety as well as that of
others. ALWAYS follow the Highway Code when outdoors and the
guidelines written in this owner's manual.
2.11.4 Do not let children stand or play on the wheelchair. (See Figure 2.5)
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Figure 2.1 Figure 2.2 Figure 2.3
Figure 2.4 Figure 2.5
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2.12 Labeling
Please carefully read all the labeling on the wheelchair before driving it. Do
not remove them. Protect them for future reference.
3. INTENDED USE & PARTS
3.1 Intended Use
3.1.1 The VIP 500 series is a self-propelled or transit wheelchair. That is, it can
either be propelled by an attendant (transit) or by the
user(self-propelled).
3.1.2 These wheelchairs are suitable for users up to 115kg in weight. Hand
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brakes are provided for both rear wheels and are connected to a duel
attendant brake located on the left push handle.
3.1.3 It has an extremely durable aluminum alloy frame with tough
accessories and does not suffer in dramatic extremes of temperature
(neither user nor attendant need touch metal parts in normal use).
3.1.4 This chair is designed for both indoor and outdoor use.
3.1.5 The casters have solid tires for greater durability; pneumatic casters are
available on request.
3.1.6 Rear wheels are 20 inches in diameter and solid PU tires are available on
request.
3.1.7 When prescribing wheelchairs for use by full or partial amputees (above
or below knee, single or double) or other conditions that affects the
user's natural center of gravity, we suggest contacting your therapist or
dealer as well as attaching anti-tippers.
3.1.8 Intelligent 0 º -35º center-of-gravity weight-shifting tilt-in-space seat
shifts pressure to reduce bedsores, while providing wheelchair users a
wide choice of tilt-in-space angels with increased balance and stability.
3.1.9 Lightweight foldable design allows easy transport.
3.1.10 The gas cylinders make attendant to tilt user more easily.
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