Karma KP40 and KP45

I am not sure if these chairs are only available in Australia, but I am sure they are well worth mentioning here anyway.

SHORT DESCRIPTION

Two rear wheel drive powered wheelchairs that incorporate a rigid frame and spring suspension for increased comfort over uneven terrain. The KP40 features a slung backrest and a solid seat and the KP45 features a solid padded backrest and seat. Both models have a fibreglass moulded base cover, height adjustable armrests, swing away removable footrests and a programmable control.

PRICE GUIDE

Approx Price: $4,250.00

Price Date: 23/01/2006

From $4250.00

MORE DETAILS

Features

Frame

• Aluminum alloy frame.

• Available in a range of colours.

• Frame can accommodate a range of modular seating systems incorporating backrests and seats.

Upholstery

• Fabric material standard.

• Available in blue, black or red.

Seat

• The KP40 features an upholstered solid timber seat.

• The KP45 features a padded solid seat.

• Available in three seat widths.

Backrest

• The KP40 features a slung backrest.

• The KP45 features a solid padded contoured backrest.

• Backrest removes from frame for transport. Two butterfly bolts at the base of the canes need to be loosened to do so.

• Backrest height can be customised.

Footrests

• Height adjustable, swing away and removable footrests.

• To adjust the length of the foot rest a bolt must be loosened at the base of the leg rest tube.

• Customised footrests available.

Armrests

• Height adjustable and removable.

• Height can be adjusted in 25mm increments.

• To remove the armrests a knob at the base of the armrests needs to be loosened to slide the arm rest up and down to adjust the height.

Motors

• To disengage the motor the centre hubs need to be pulled out and rotated a quarter of a turn.

Batteries

• Two 12 volt 38 amp / hour sealed gel batteries.

• To remove batteries the two connecting plugs from the control unit need to be separated from the unit power lines and the restraining straps need to be loosened.

• The seat must be lifted up to access batteries.

• Batteries require regular recharging. Batteries do not need to be fully drained to recharge and cannot be overcharged. The charging port is located at the rear of the control box.

Controls

• Dynamic DX controller available.

• Chin drive system and attendant control available.

Suspension

• A uni track suspension system comprised of an adjustable coil sprung gas strut dampening system. It is designed to reduce the amount of jarring created by rougher surfaces.

Drive Wheels

• 50mm wide pneumatic tyres.

Castors

• 50mm wide pneumatic castors standard.

• Microcellular castors available.

Anti Tip Wheels

• Removable anti tip wheels.

Brakes

• Electromagnetic brakes that are engaged while the wheelchair is stationary. Brakes are activated within 30 seconds of the control stick being moved.

Dismantling

• Dismantles into six components, seat, batteries, armrests and footrests.

MODELS

Karma KP40

Karma KP45

OPTIONS

• Powered weight shift tilt in space.

• Elevating legrests.

• Padded contoured headrest.

• Calf strap.

• Seatbelts or harnesses.

• Sheepskin covers.

• Cane holders.

• Walking frame holders.

• Oxygen bottle holders.

• Stump support

• Additional rear mounted carry basket.

• Safety flag.

• Wheelchair perspex tray

WARRANTY

Many thanks for this review which has been kindly been provided by A bUtler of Australia

Make / Model of chair

Karma KP40 (series 1)

Plus Points

The Karma Kp40 is a very quick, stable and durable chair. It handles very well outside, coming into its own

when on footpaths, ramps and roads. It's also excellent

on uneven ground, grass, gravel or dirt, and can negotiate many dips and bumps that you may find on a reasonably kept walking trail in a forest.. That being said, the Karma isnt a bush basher but it can handle it on occasion if required..

The Karma Kp40's large rear wheels and suspension are very good and provide you with a very smooth ride. That along with the power of the two huge electric motors, make you feel unstoppable.

The plastic Coverings on the KP40 are very easy to keep clean and are easily taken off, revealing what i think, is a very sexy chair. Everything is accessible. The rear wheels have locking hubs so you can be pushed by a person if needed. The wheels come off easily

both front and back and the chair is easy to maintain!

Is the Karma Kp40 Fast??

Well any chair that can make you blaspheme beca!

 use of its speed, must be quick. Not only is it fast but chatting with the QLD importer, who assembles the Karma

chairs where i live, said, if i want more speed it can be easily juiced up to go even faster. I havent taken him up on that offer yet, as this things speed is already scary!

Negative Points

The Karma is more of an outside chair than an indoor. The Karma does need more space than other chairs when inside. If your home is small with narrow doorways or a narrow hall, the Karma KP40 might not be for you.. I use my Karma inside all the time without problem, but then my house is also very roomy with a wide hall and doorways..

If your a heavier person like me, around 100kg, you may find the Karma KP40 (series 1) might occasionly pop a bolt in the suspension. Now this problem is easly fixed by drilling out the hole and replacing the bolt with a heavier one, like i did.. Also the (series 2) line of the Karma Kp40, this problem has been fixed!

Those big motors do make a deep whining/rumbling noise, its not a quiet chair, but also the sound is not annoying either.. dont expect to sneak up on someone

unless your going extremely slow!

Comments

I must say, i bought my Karma KP40 secondhand, and have owned it now for over a year. Other than the problem with the bolt in the suspension which broke on occasion and which i easily modified and fixed, the chair has never let me down..

Summing up, if you want a speedy,stable,durable chair that loves the outdoors please consider this chair. I cannot praise it enough!

regards

A.Butler

QLD, Australia

Marks out of 10

9