KARMAN KARMA S-ERGO 105 KM-1520-3 (01) PDF MANUAL

DO maintain your chair well, in particular check the tire pressure since this affects the efficiency of the brakes. Correct tire pressure, please see the walls of the tires.

DO make sure both brakes are applied before getting in or out of the chair.

DO make sure both brakes are applied when the chair is not being pushed or used.

DO take care when climbing curbs or turning on slopes.

DO avoid steep or uneven surfaces that may cause the chair to tip over.

DO avoid soft surfaces as 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 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 user guide during and after the warranty period.

DO tie-up the upholstery or replace which with a new one when it becomes loose.

DO lubricate bearings regularly.

DO equip with anti-tippers to avoid falling backwards.

DO equip with a seat belt designed for disabled people.

DO equip with “heel loops” for disabled people.

DO clean both hands after oiling the wheelchair.

DO keep far away from flame.

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 use with an unconscious patient.

DO NOT use other transport to pull the wheelchair.

DO NOT do “wheelies”, since you might fall or tip over backwards and suffer a severe injury.

DO NOT sit in the wheelchair within a moving vehicle unless it has been 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.

No tools are required for assembly. Your wheelchair should be assembled by your authorized Karman dealer. Anything wheelchair related that requires tools should be done by your authorized Karman service provider.

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 (ex. Amputee…), it is recommended that you install anti-tippers, safety belt, or other additional safety accessories.

WARNING: Improper use could lead to serious injury or death.

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

SUGGESTION: Follow these instructions to keep the wheelchair in good condition.

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 doorway to pull yourself through a passageway.

No, do not lean over the side of your wheelchair since such an action may cause you to lose balance and fall.

Never turn on a hill due to the danger of tipping.

When assisting, go straight up a slope. If user needs to go down midway, walk backwards until user is on level ground.

Do not drive up to 7 degrees of incline to avoid danger. When navigating inclines, don’t propel up to 3 degrees of incline.

Avoid stopping on an incline, it can potentially cause you to lose control of the chair.

Do not use the brakes to slow down or stop the wheelchair on an incline, this could cause it to seize up, causing you to lose control or fall out of the chair.

Whenever possible, utilize help from an assistant/attendant while navigating inclines.

Always use two or more assistants. Each helper should be capable of carrying at least half of the combined weight of the person and the wheelchair, and should bend at the knees and grip the main frame.

For the front attendant: hands should be just under the front of the seat.

For the back attendant: hands should be holding the frame just under the push handles.

Tilt the wheelchair to its point of equilibrium.

One assistant (at the back) holds the wheelchair up against the first step, gripping the handles firmly to lift.

The second assistant, holding firmly a fixed part of the front frame, lifts the wheelchair above the stairs and holds it while the first attendant places one foot on the following step and repeat the operation.

Never go down steps forwards.

Never use an escalator for transport; use an elevator instead.

All lifting should be done with a straight back. Straighten legs to lift the chair.

Carefully carry it up or down steps; be aware of how you place your feet – do not cross them and trip yourself up.

Never hold on to movable or detachable parts when lifting.

Always use extreme caution when crossing streets. Reflective tape on the chair and/or your clothing will make you more visible to drivers.

Please comply with traffic safety code.

Avoid potholes and rough terrain that might cause the casters to become stuck.

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. Karma wheelchairs are limited to one user.

Use caution to assure your clothing doesn’t get tangled with the wheels.

No, do not get transported on any vehicle while seated in your wheelchair. Don’t tie-down on any vehicles and transport. Please transfer into seating approved by the automotive (or other) industry and wear a safety belt. The S-105 series can be used for transport in vehicles that have been specially adapted for this purpose, but the user should be transferred. See specific instructions for vehicle transport if the chair itself needs to be transported.

When cleaning the upholstery, use warm water and a mild soap.

Upholstery cleaner/foam can also be used, but avoid other cleaning solvents.

Ensure the chair is kept far away from flame, as it might cause injury to the user and damage the chair.

Please strongly consider purchasing anti-tippers and always use them to avoid personal injury. The distance between anti-tipper and wheels should be at least 5cm; the height to floor shouldn’t be over 5cm.

The maximum user weight limit is 253 lbs (approximately 115 kg). Loads exceeding maximum capacity can damage your wheelchair and cause malfunctions yielding a safety hazard.

Use the wheelchair within the provided guidelines and with reasonable care. Sensible and careful use will ensure years of safe operation. 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 manual. Do not let children stand or play on the wheelchair.

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

The S-Ergo 100 series with 24” rear wheels is a self-propelled chair, usable by the user or pushed by an attendant.

The S-Ergo 100 series with 14″ rear wheels is a transit version, to be pushed by an attendant only.

These wheelchairs are suitable for users up to 115kg (253 lbs) in weight. Hand brakes are provided for both rear wheels.

They feature pneumatic tires for traction and comfort (PU casters standard, pneumatic casters optional; solid PU rear tires optional for 24-inch wheels).

The chair is designed for both indoor and outdoor use.

For users like full or partial amputees or those with conditions affecting natural center of gravity, consulting a therapist or dealer and attaching anti-tippers is suggested.

The S-Ergo system provides pressure relief, stabilization, and reduced sliding.

1. Hold the grip and fold up the back joint; you will hear a sound.

2. Hold the armrests and pull outwards.

3. Point your fingers inward with the palm of your hand on the frame; push it down until the seat is fully lowered. Make sure the frame is firmly seated in its holder. (Caution: Never put your fingers around the sides or under the chair during this step as they can be trapped).

4. For S-106 models: Push down the joint of the rigidifying push-bar; you can hear a sound.

5. Flip the footplates down.

The wheelchair is now ready to use.

Alternatively for step 1: you can stand at the side of the chair and complete by pulling the nearest armrest towards yourself and pushing the other one away.

1. Flip up the footplates.

2. For S-106 models: Pull down the release pin and pull up the rigidifying push-bar.

3. Pull up the seat upholstery by holding its central portion of the front and rear ends.

4. Fold down the backrest by pressing the back joints.

Folding is now completed. Be careful not to get your fingers caught when folding the wheelchair.

Holding the swing-away footrest, lower it into its coupling at a 45° angle from the side. Swing the footrest towards the middle until you hear it click into place.

Do: keep axles clean and lubricate with light oil or maintenance spray.

Do: maintain correct tire pressure if pneumatic tires are used.

Do not try to detach the wheels while the wheelchair is occupied, even if it is installed with anti-tippers.

1. Use the Karma tool provided to loosen the bolt at the side of the footrest arm.

2. Adjust it to the desired height.

3. Re-tighten the screw and make sure the footplate is firm. Then tighten the nut as a locknut from outside.

Suggestion: Make sure that the footplate height is adjusted properly according to the user’s calf length to reduce pressure on the body. The footplate height must be at least 5cm from the ground.

The backrest can be adjusted to 95°, 100°, or 105° without any tools.

1. Pull out the release lever on both sides, turn it down by 90°, release it, and make the release pin out of its position holes.

2. Pull up the armrest on both sides, and then move it forward or backward to the desired position.

3. Push it down, and make the screw go into the desired slot.

4. Turn the release lever to its original position, and make the release pin go into the desired holes.

1. Engage both hand brakes.

2. Turn the footplates up and swing them to the side.

3. The user lowers his or her body into the seat using the armrests for support.

4. Turn the footplates back down, so that the user can place his feet on them.

5. Release both hand brakes.

Caution: Always ensure that the front casters are in line with the rear wheels and pointing forwards and that the back of the chair is secure either against a wall or firmly held by an attendant.

1. Make sure that the chair is near your final destination.

2. Back the chair sufficiently to ensure that the casters are pointing forward (in line with the rear wheels, caster forks pointing forward). Ensure that, where possible, the rear of the chair is against a wall or, if not, it must be firmly held by an attendant.

3. Engage both hand brakes.

4. Turn the footplates up and swing them to the side.

5. Slide forwards on the seat.

6. Place one foot firmly on the ground with the knee at a right angle and the other foot slightly apart and further back.

7. Place your hands on the front of the armrests and moving your weight forward, bring your head and shoulders up over your knees as you push yourself up.

Cautions:

Never stand on the footplates when getting into (or out of) the chair.

When getting in and out of the wheelchair please use the hand brakes. The hand brake is the lever at the side of the wheelchair.

Please ensure that neither the tread on your tires nor the brake block becomes too worn. If pneumatic tires are fitted, please maintain at the recommended tire pressure for the same reason.

Please ensure that occupant’s fingers do not get caught in the brake.

Ensure brakes are applied to prevent sliding and footplates are flipped up for ease of entering/exiting.

Do ensure that the brakes are always locked when the chair is not being pushed.

Always make sure that both feet are safely on the footplates and that clothing is safely tucked out of the way and so cannot get caught in the wheels.

If an attendant is pushing, always use both hands on the push handles to control the chair.

Always avoid steep or uneven surfaces because the chair may tip over.

Always avoid soft surfaces because the casters may get bogged down.

Always be careful not to go too fast or turn too quickly and try to achieve a smooth steady ride.

Before crossing railroad tracks, please stop completely and look both ways.

Cross the tracks perpendicular to avoid your wheels getting stuck.

Do not move at full speed over the railroad tracks.

Be careful going through a doorway that your hands and arms do not get injured.

Please keep in contact with the person in the chair. If you stop to look in shop windows or talk to people, remember to turn the chair so that the person in the chair does not have to turn.

Warning: NEVER lock the brakes too suddenly as this may tip the user out of the chair.

1. Make sure both the user’s feet are on the footplates and will not slip off.

2. Make sure the handgrips are secure and cannot slip off.

3. Release both brakes.

4. Grasp both push handles firmly.

5. Put your stronger foot on the relevant tipping lever at the back of the chair.

6. Tell the person in the chair that you are about to tilt the chair backwards.

7. Pull back with both hands and push down and forwards with the foot. This will bring the chair onto the back wheels.

Caution: When a chair is tilted to about 25 degrees it will balance on its rear wheels and be easy to hold. If it is tilted further back it will be difficult to hold and the person in the chair will feel unsafe. Lower the chair with your back straight, keep your foot on the anti-tipper and lower the chair slowly forwards softly to the ground.

1. Make sure your feet are on the footplates and will not slip off.

2. Release both brakes.

3. Grasp both push rims and give a firm, sudden forward push immediately before the obstacle, continue the momentum (be ready to keep pushing) until the obstacle is mounted.

Caution: This method should only be attempted by people experienced in wheelchair use. Strong arms are also necessary. It is always better to have the help of an attendant.

Note: Leaning backwards causes the caster to rise higher BUT it is much safer to lean forwards and stay balanced.

Note: It is always better to avoid curbs where possible by using ramped curbs or slopes. This operation is best attempted with an attendant.

Cautions for going down curbs forwards:

This is the more difficult method and can jar the user but allows a better view of traffic.

Be careful that the anti-tipper does not get caught on the curb causing the user to fall.

NEVER ALLOW THE CHAIR TO TIP FORWARDS WHEN GOING DOWN A CURB.

Steps:

1. Position the chair so that the front casters are near the edge of the curb and make sure that the road is clear.

2. Move the chair slowly and carefully forwards while tilting it back slightly. Be ready to take the weight when the rear wheels cross the curb edge. Ensure that both rear wheels touch the ground at the same time to avoid tipping the chair.

3. Gently lower the front casters. AVOID JARRING THE USER.

Note: It is always better to avoid curbs where possible by using ramped curbs or slopes. This operation is best attempted with an attendant.

Caution for going down curbs backwards: This is the easier and smoother method BUT it requires the attendant to step backwards into the road.

Steps:

1. Back the chair to the curb edge and be careful that the back wheels are equally near the edge.

2. Grasping the push handles, gently lower the rear wheels onto the road. Be prepared to control the weight as it descends and ensure that the back wheels touch ground at the same time.

3. Tilt the chair back slightly and pull the tilted chair far enough into the road so that the casters and footrests can be lowered clear of the curb.

Note: This operation is best attempted with the aid of an attendant and the best method is to go up curbs forwards as this maintains the direction of travel and is physically less demanding for the attendant.

Steps:

1. As the footrests nearly touch the curb tilt the chair. The chair should be tilted just high enough to allow the front casters to roll smoothly onto the pavement.

2. Push the chair forward until the rear wheels are touching the curb. Then, continuing the movement, lift at the push handles while moving the chair forwards.

No, for safety’s sake this method is not recommended.

Make sure the wheelchair is folded when stored.

Store the wheelchair in a location where it is out of direct sunlight, rain and dew.

Warning: Don’t put anything on the wheelchair while it is in storage. Storing goods on a folded or unfolded wheelchair will cause damage.

Do not use other transportation to pull the wheelchair.

The S-105 series can be used for transport in vehicles that have been specially adapted for this purpose. The wheelchair must be securely fastened in the vehicle.

It is always recommended that the user be transferred into a car seat with a safety belt or harness while in transport. The best solution is always to move the user from the wheelchair into a normal car seat.

Before use (if transporting the chair occupied, following specific guidelines):

If the back angle of the wheelchair is adjustable, ensure the wheelchair backrest is positioned as close as possible to 90 degrees.

Detach all easily removable accessories from the wheelchair and store them in a safe place where they cannot move around and become a safety hazard.

A four-point tie-down system should tightly fasten the lower wheelchair frame (hook mark) to the transport vehicle.

An occupant restraint system using both a pelvis and harness must also be fastened to the transport vehicle to ensure user safety. Refer to the restraint system’s instructions.

The attendant/transporter must double-check all fastening points for proper connection and tightness to assure the wheelchair user’s safety and be fully aware of the fastening system’s usage and its weight limitations.

When transporting or lifting the wheelchair, never hold on to attachments or accessories (front/rear wheels, hand rims, caster, footrests, armrests, anti-tippers etc.). All lifting should be done with a straight back and straight legs. Carefully carry it up or down steps, being aware of foot placement to avoid tripping.

1. Loosen the fourth and fifth screws on both sides of the seat upholstery.

2. Insert the Safety Belt in between the fourth and fifth screw holes.

3. Keep the Safety Belt at a 45-degree angle for comfortable usage.

4. Put the seat upholstery back and tighten screws.

To disassemble, reverse the process.

1. Identify the required length of the belt.

2. Push the two parts of the belt through the buckle to make the belt longer or shorter.

3. Pull the two parts of the belt tight.

4. Push the buckle up to the plastic clip so that the belt cannot slip out of position. Please check that there is no gap between the clip and buckle.

Suggestion: The belt should be fitted quite tightly around the pelvis. Tighten until you can just get your fingers between the user and seat belt. Ensure the belt is fastened correctly as recommended.

When you sit on the wheelchair, fasten the safety belt.

Adjust the belt and make it fit your body for comfort and security.

When you don’t use it, please fasten the belt to avoid the belt dropping into rear wheels during motion.

The Safety Belt is made from 100% polyester fiber and the clasp is made from plastic. It does not require any maintenance but should be inspected every month to ensure that the edges are not frayed and weekly to make sure that it correctly fits the user. If there are any signs of deterioration, please replace it immediately.

Check the following items before traveling. If you find anything abnormal, seek professional inspection before using it.

Examine brakes, checking for wear, damage and misalignment. Replacing or adjusting the brakes should be carried out by a qualified professional.

Check that the hand grips are not damaged and are securely bonded to the push handles.

Check anti-tippers are not damaged and are securely attached.

Check that the anti-tippers’ wheels and frame are not damaged and are securely mounted.

Before using the wheelchair, make sure all nuts and bolts are tight. Check all parts for damage or wear and have a qualified professional replace parts if necessary. Check all parts for proper adjustment. Inspect brakes for proper operation.

The wheels and tires should be checked periodically for cracks and wear, and should be replaced by a qualified professional if needed.

Even if you don’t use the vehicle for a long time, the wheelchair should still be maintained regularly. You should clean your wheelchair regularly.

As with any wheelchair, the wheels and tires should be checked periodically for cracks and wear, and should be replaced if necessary. Failure to keep tires at the correct pressure will reduce the braking efficiency.

Never disassemble or modify the wheelchair frame structure. Otherwise, injury or damage may occur.

Attaching accessories may alter the overall stability and center-of-gravity of the chair. Thus, this should be performed by an approved repairer and therapist, or a similarly qualified professional.

You can inspect the following before seeking professional help. If you cannot solve the problem by yourself, contact a qualified service provider.

The weight capacity for the S-Ergo 100 series wheelchairs (models S-Ergo 115, S-Ergo 105, S-Ergo 106) is 253 lbs (approximately 115 kg).

To lengthen the life of your wheelchair, clean it periodically (if not daily), especially after it is used in the rain or snow.

It is suggested that you don’t use your wheelchair in the rain or snow. If you are traveling and get caught in the rain, try to find shelter while waiting it out. If you can’t find shelter, proceed to your destination and clean the wheelchair afterwards.

Wipe the frame with a damp cloth.

A post-consumer recycling plan should follow local environmental regulations. The items listed below are for reference:

There are many organizations in many countries that may accept used goods for charity. You can search for these to help less fortunate individuals and protect our planet.

Check with your local recycling center on where and how to recycle your wheelchair, as this information varies from region to region.