An Easy Guide to Karma Wheelchairs

Start at the rear wheels. On a Karma chair, wheel size says more about use than colour or model name. Small rear wheels usually mean a carer will push. Large wheels and handrims give the user a chance to move alone.

Then check the seat, brakes, weight and folding parts. Karma makes light travel chairs, recliners and powerchairs, so the brand name says little. We first ask who uses the chair, who moves it and what part of the day is worst in real life.

Pick the wheelchair type first

A transit chair has small rear wheels and needs a carer. It can suit days out when help is always there.

A self-propelled chair has large rear wheels and handrims. The user needs enough reach, grip, strength and stamina. A carer can still push most models.

A recliner changes the back angle and adds support. It weighs more and needs more room. High needs call for a seat check.

A powerchair has a joystick or other control. It may help when hand pushing is too hard. Safe driving is still key.

Start with who provides the moving force.

Lightweight Karma chairs

Low weight helps with car loading and storage. It does not tell us who can move the chair.

The Ergo Lite 2 Transit is 9.2kg or 9.4kg, with a carry weight of 7.9kg or 8.1kg. It has 16-inch and 18-inch seats, 14-inch rear wheels and a 100kg user limit.

The Sparrow 2 Transit weighs 10.9kg. It has an 18-inch seat, carer brakes, folding back and swing-out footrests.

Small rear wheels mean the user cannot self-propel. Forum users praise easy lifting, yet warn that freedom once there still needs large wheels or power.

On self-propelled chairs, quick-release wheels cut the lift. Each loose part must still be stored and locked back on.

What is S-Ergo seating ?

Karma uses S-Ergo on several chairs. Its curved seat aims to support the user and reduce forward sliding.

Some people feel settled on it. Others need another cushion, depth or body support. The name does not prove comfort.

S-Ergo cannot promise freedom from pressure sores. Risk still depends on fit, movement, skin feeling, moisture and sitting time. A pressure cushion and care plan may be needed.

Test the real cushion and clothing. Check the feel after an hour, not just one minute.

Get the seat size right

Measure the widest hips or thighs while seated. Leave room for clothes without a large gap. A tight seat rubs. A wide one gives less side support.

Seat depth should support the thighs and clear the knees. Footplates must hold the feet. Check back and arm height.

A cushion shifts footrests, arm support, table space and handrim reach.

A self-propeller must reach the rims without leaning back. Total chair width must fit doors and turns.

Skin damage, weak trunk control or full-time use needs an OT or wheelchair team check.

Think about the person pushing

Karma transit chairs often have carer brakes. These slow a moving chair, while parking locks hold it still. Check the chair guide.

Test handle height and grip. Low handles make a tall carer stoop. Stiff levers trouble sore hands.

Small wheels turn well indoors but catch in cracks and gravel. User weight, hills and carpet add work. A high user limit does not prove one carer has safe control.

Stepper tubes help lift front castors over a small kerb. They do not make all steps safe.

The real pusher should fold, brake, turn and lift the trial chair.

Folding, lifting and the car boot

Product weight may count all parts. Carry weight may mean a stripped frame. Ask what you must lift.

Check the boot opening, lip and shelf. The chair may fit the floor but fail at the opening.

Try the routine:

• fold the back and frame.
• remove only approved parts.
• lift without twisting.
• store loose parts.
• rebuild and check each lock.

If lifting hurts, try another chair, ramp or car hoist.

Never lift by an arm, headrest or footrest unless its guide names that point.

Match the wheels to the ground

The Ergo Lite 2 Transit has 6-inch castors and 14-inch rear wheels. Its small wheels suit smooth routes better than deep gravel or mud.

Large rear wheels help users push on poor paving. Front castors still hit each crack first.

Solid tyres avoid punctures but feel firm on broken paths. Air tyres may soften the ride. Use the pressure on the tyre or in the guide.

Do not call a standard chair all-terrain. Test slopes, kerbs, grass and camber.

Reclining Karma wheelchairs

The MVP-502 comes in transit and self-propelled forms. It has a V-shaped seat, moving armrests, headrest, calf pads and raised legrests.

The UK Wheelchairs listing gives a 115kg limit. Weight varies by version, and seat widths reach 20 inches.

Recline opens the seat-to-back angle. Poor fit can cause sliding and shear. Tilt-in-space moves the seat and back as one, so it differs.

Choose a recliner for a clear care or posture need. Complex use needs a seat check.

Karma powerchairs

Karma makes power chairs for home, outdoor and travel use. Seats, range and turning space vary.

The folding Karma I Plus weighs 23kg and is 65cm wide. It has 16-inch, 18-inch and 20-inch seats, a stated nine-mile range and a 120kg limit.

Test the lift over the real boot lip. Folding does not make 23kg easy for everyone.

For home, check width, length, turns, joystick reach and charging. Outside, check ground clearance, wheels, slopes and the route guide.

Hills, cold, user weight, tyres, battery age and ground all change range. Keep a reserve.

Crash testing needs an exact model check

Some Karma chairs are crash tested. This does not cover each model, option or setup.

Where safe, use the vehicle seat and secure the empty chair as luggage.

If the user stays seated, the exact model must be approved and crash tested to ISO 7176-19. Use a suitable wheelchair tie-down and separate approved occupant restraint.

A positioning lap belt is not a vehicle seat belt. Follow all three guides. Travel may require a near-upright chair.

Parts, service and warranty

Karma guides send owners to approved dealers for parts, repairs and tool work. Other changes may affect safety or cover.

Warranty terms vary by model and seller. A US warranty may not cover a UK chair. Read the UK seller’s terms and guide.

Keep the model, serial number, receipt and service record. Check tyres, brakes, castors, fabric, footrests and axles. Stop for failed locks, wobble or frame damage.

Use the right parts. A headrest, power pack, cushion or bag changes fit, folding, weight and balance.

Questions we are asked

Are Karma wheelchairs well made ?

Karma is a known maker with a broad range. Results still depend on the right model, fit and dealer support.

Which Karma wheelchair is the lightest ?

The Ergo Lite 2 Transit starts at 9.2kg. Check seat size, carry weight and current details too.

Are all Karma wheelchairs crash tested ?

No. Approval is model and setup specific. Check its guide for ISO 7176-19 and use the right vehicle restraints.

Can a Karma self-propelled chair be pushed ?

Most have rear push handles. Check handle height and whether carer brakes are fitted if someone will push often.

Can I get a Karma wheelchair from the NHS ?

Maybe, if a local team offers one and it meets assessed needs. The NHS does not promise the brand.

Our final advice

Choose the Karma model by the job, not the badge. Check who moves it, fit, weight, wheels, brakes, ground, storage and support.

Tell us about the user’s worst daily route. We can match the right Karma chairs and explain the trade-offs. Free delivery covers most mainland UK addresses. VAT relief applies if eligible.