This manual includes operation instructions for many aspects of the wheelchair, unfolding/folding instructions and instructions on how to deal with possible accidents. This manual is written for KARMA wheelchair: Ergo 2/Ergo 3 series. The symbols used in this manual are explained below. Pay special attention to the parts marked with these symbols.
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DO keep both hands on the push handles to control the wheelchair, if you are the attendant. DO pay attention to keep the wheelchair balanced. DO check the frame and components regularly and refer to this manual during and after the warranty period.
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.
1.3 CE marking This wheelchair complies with the requirements of the Medical Devices Regulation (EU) 2017/745. CAUTION When prescribing wheelchairs for use by full or partial amputees (above or below knees, single or double) or other conditions that affect the user’s natural center of gravity and might cause the wheelchair to tip or the person on the wheelchair to fall off, we suggest contacting your therapist or dealer as well as attaching anti-tippers, a pelvic belt, or other additional safety accessories.
2. Safety 2.1 Doorways The safest way to operate the wheelchair 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 an obstruction by propulsion and never use the sides of a doorway to pull yourself through a passageway.
To avoid danger, do not drive over 7 degrees of incline. When negotiating inclines, don’t propel over 3 degrees of incline diagonally. Avoid stopping on an incline, it can potentially cause you to lose control of the wheelchair. ...
Never stand on the footplates when getting into or out of the wheelchair. 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.
Anti-tippers that are incorrectly set or damaged can lead to tipping over. Please turn to a KARMA authorized dealer when anti-tippers need to be installed or re-adjusted. The activated anti-tippers may bump into the ground when negotiating steps or ...
To turn the anti-tippers into the inactive position, rotate the anti-tippers by pressing the release buttons (A) and turning them up. Ensure the release buttons pop out again into place (B). Active position Inactive position 2.10 Maximum user weight limit Refer to “Maximum User Weight”...
3. Intended use and parts 3.1 Intended use The Ergo 2/Ergo 3 series with 20″/24″ rear wheels is a self-propelled wheelchair, which can either be pushed by an attendant or by the user. The Ergo 2/Ergo 3 series with 14″ rear wheels is a transit wheelchair, which can be pushed by an attendant only.
3.4 Push & Pull attendant brakes The Push & Pull attendant brakes allow the caregiver to brake the wheelchair when needed. They can also be used to lock the rear wheels to the wheelchair from moving. To brake the wheelchair while moving, squeeze both brake handles upwards ...
Ergo Back Inserts NOTE You may purchase and install an additional set of Ergo Back Inserts if needed. For more information, watch the video on KARMA Academy. Why Do You Need the Ergo Seating System?
4. Operation 4.1 Preparing for use 4.1.1 Unfolding To unfold your wheelchair, follow the steps below: Hold the push handles and fold up the back joints until you hear them click into place. (See Figure 4.1.) Hold the armrests and pull outwards. (See Figure 4.2.) Point your fingers inwards with the palm of your hand on the frame, and push it down until the seat is fully lowered.
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4.1.2 Folding To fold your wheelchair, follow the steps below: Flip up the footplates. (See Figure 4.7.) Pull up the seat upholstery by holding its central portion of the front and rear ends. (See Figure 4.8.) Fold down the backrest by pressing the backrest levers on both sides. (See Figure 4.9–4.10.) Folding is now completed.
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4.1.4 Installing the swing-away footrests (for the Ergo 2/Ergo 3 series) The swing-away footrests are used to support the lower limbs of wheelchair users. The footrests could be also swinged outside and detachable for easy transferring in tight spaces. Turn the swing-away footrest to the side, and install the swing-away footrest onto the wheelchair frame.
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4.1.6 Articulating elevating legrests (optional) The articulating elevating legrests are for those who need to elevate their legs or keep them at a certain angle for more comfort and support. The legrest can be adjusted in length, and the ergonomic design ensures that the occupant will have enough space for feet, knee and thigh movement.
4.1.8 Adjusting the footplate height To adjust the footplate height, use the KARMA tool provided to loosen and remove the bolt and nut at the side of the footrest arm. Adjust the footplate to the desired height, re-insert the bolt and make sure the footplate is firm.
4.2 Transferring in and out 4.2.1 Transferring in Engage both wheel locks. Flip up the footplates. The user lowers his or her body into the seat using the armrests for support. Flip the footplates back down, so that the user can place his or her feet on them. Release both wheel locks.
CAUTION When transferring into and out of the wheelchair, make sure that the wheel locks are applied to prevent the wheelchair from sliding away. Also, ensure that the footplates are flipped up for ease of entering or exiting. (See Figure 4.24.) ...
Always avoid steep or uneven surfaces because the wheelchair may tip over. (See Figure 4.29.) Always avoid soft surfaces because the front casters may get bogged down. (See Figure 4.30.) Figure 4.29 Figure 4.30 Always be careful not to go too fast or turn too quickly and try to achieve a ...
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CAUTION When a wheelchair 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 wheelchair will feel unsafe. ...
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Ensure that both rear wheels touch the ground at the same time to avoid tipping the wheelchair. 3. Gently lower the front casters. AVOID JARRING THE USER. 4.3.4.2 Going down kerbs (curbs) backwards with an attendant CAUTION This is the easier and smoother method, BUT it requires the attendant to step backwards into the road.
Make sure the wheelchair is folded when stored. NOTE Please store the wheelchair in a location where it is out of direct sunlight, rain and dew. For more details, consult your KARMA dealer. WARNING Don’t put anything on the wheelchair while it is in storage.
For further information on the use of wheelchair restraints, please refer to the manufacturer’s user guide. KARMA always recommends that the user transfers to the vehicle seating, because using a wheelchair as a seat in a vehicle does not provide the equivalent level of safety of a vehicle seating system.
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4.5.2 Method of restraint The Ergo 2/Ergo 3 series was tested with four-point webbing systems. Please refer to the restraint manufacturer’s user guide for further details of its operation. 4.5.3 Fitting the front restraints Connect the straps around the wheelchair frame and front caster bracket as pictured below.
4.5.5 Fitting seat belt Fasten the three-point safety belt around the user. The occupied wheelchair should be located in a forward-facing configuration, with the wheel locks applied. Pelvic restraints should make full contact across the front of the body near the junction of the thigh and pelvis as pictured below (correct seat belt position).
4.6.2 Adjusting the length of a pelvic belt Identify the required length of the pelvic belt. (See Figure 4.33.) Push the two part of belt through buckle to make the belt longer or shorter. (See Figure 4.34.) Pull the two part of belt tight. (See Figure 4.35.) Push buckle up to the plastic clip so that the belt cannot slip out of position.
5.2 Regular maintenance record In order to ensure that your wheelchair is in good condition, please contact KARMA authorized dealers regularly and make further wheelchair inspection and maintenance records. We recommend that you inspect and maintain your wheelchair every 6 months.
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Item Weekly Monthly GENERAL Wheelchair rolls straight (no excessive drag or pull to one Ⅴ side) FRAME AND CROSSBARS Inspect frame structure for small cracks/fissures Ⅴ Inspect for bent frame or crossbars Ⅴ WHEEL LOCKS/ATTENDANT BRAKES Do not interfere with tyres (tires) when rolling Ⅴ...
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CAUTION If you find anything abnormal, stop using the wheelchair immediately and visit a KARMA wheelchair dealer for inspection and maintenance. As with any wheelchair, the wheels and tyres (tires) should be checked periodically for cracks and wear, and should be replaced. Failure to keep tyres (tires) at the correct pressure will reduce the braking efficiency.
6. Options and accessories Oxygen Tank Holder IV Pole Holder - Standard size attaches to the back of - Height adjusts from 130 cm (51″) to wheelchairs. 200 cm (78″). Anti-Tippers Cane Holder CAUTION Attaching accessories may alter the overall stability and center-of-gravity of the chair. Thus, this should be performed by your approved repairer and therapist.
Check the front caster bracket angle 4. Squeaks and Rattles Check for loose nuts and bolts 5. Looseness in Wheelchair Check for loose nuts and bolts If you cannot solve the problem by yourself, contact your KARMA wheelchair dealer for help.
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4. F = Fixed axles 5. The Ergo 2 series is suitable for users up to 125 kg in weight. However, if the wheelchair is equipped with Push & Pull attendant brake, it is only suitable for users up to 115 kg in weight.
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- The actual product specifications differ from the data in the table by ±10 mm ±0.5 kg. - The actual product specifications may vary according to different configurations. - KARMA reserves the right to modify information herein without further notice. - Please scan the QR code to watch more instructions of the measurement methods on the...
9. Cleaning and recycling 9.1 Cleaning In order to lengthen the life of your wheelchair, it is suggested that you clean the wheelchair periodically (if not daily), especially after it is used in the rain or snow. We suggest that you don’t use your wheelchair in the rain or snow. If you are traveling and get caught in the rain, we suggest you try to find shelter while waiting it out.
Reasons The product or part has been damaged by accident, improper use, incorrect assembly or poor maintenance. The evaluation of it is the privilege of KARMA. Damage resulting from normal wear and tear. Any overloading of the product, please check the label for maximum user weight.
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Product inspection, adjustment, lubrication, cleaning, etc. The costs of regular inspection and maintenance of product. The product is not repaired by the authorized dealer designated by KARMA. 10.2.4 Responsibilities The Responsibilities of the User Fully adhere to operation guidelines set forth in this manual.
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10.2.5 Transfer of Warranty Rights If you purchase a second-hand KARMA wheelchair while it is still within the warranty period, bring this manual and the wheelchair to the authorized dealer and perform necessary product inspection, maintenance and warranty inheritance procedure.
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KARMA MOBILITY S.L European Support Center www.karmamobility.es +34 984 390 907 karma@karmamobility.es KARMA MOBILITY LTD. UK representative www.karmamobility.co.uk +44 845 630 3436 info@karmamobility.co.uk KARMA MEDICAL PRODUCTS CO., LTD. www.KarmaMedical.com +886 5 206 6688 globalsales@karma.com.tw (110400001360) Release Date: Aug. 2024 V.02...
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