We have put together a list of the dos and don’ts for maintaining wheelchair batteries:

1. DO charge the battery every night! 

It doesn’t matter how much or little you have used the battery that day, it should be fully recharged every night. The general rule of thumb when it comes to lead-acid batteries is that, if you have used them, you should recharge them. Do not let the battery become completely flat before charging it. If you wait until the battery is almost depleted before charging it, it will drastically reduce the life of the battery.

2. DO NOT interrupt the charging cycle or charge too quickly

Wait until the battery is fully charged before stopping charging. Continuously undercharging the battery can cause permanent damage to the battery thereby reducing the battery life. Make sure to use the original charger provided by the manufacturer as it has been designed specifically for that chair for your own safety. 

3. DO charge the battery beforehand if you are not going to use it for a long time

If your battery is fully charged and showing the green light, you should disconnect the charger.  Do not leave the battery charging for a long time.

4. DO disconnect the batteries if you are not going to use the wheelchair for more than 2 weeks

Disconnect the cable that connects both the batteries if you don’t plan to use the chair for longer than 2 weeks. Make sure to fully charge the batteries at least once per week instead of leaving it continuously charging as this can cause permanent damage to the battery.

5. DO store the batteries at the correct temperature

You can check your user manual for the ideal long-term and short-term storage temperatures. The ideal temperature to store your battery is around 25 °C. Make sure not to store your batteries under extreme temperatures. If stored at the wrong temperature, when it comes time to use the battery again, it may not fully charge.

6. DO disconnect the charger via the connector, not the cable, and regularly check the charging terminals 

Make sure that there is plenty of space around the chair so no one can trip over the charging cable as this could cause damage to the charging terminal and cable. Regularly checking for signs of corrosion of the connector will extend the life of your battery. If there are signs of corrosion, contact your Karma dealer to safely clean the terminal. 

7. DO NOT use extension cables

Do not use extension cables to charge the wheelchair. Extension cables can cause fires or electric shocks. Charge your wheelchair by plugging it directly into a wall socket. 

Following these dos and don’ts will help to extend the life of your battery alongside regular maintenance and check ups from your local dealer.  If you still encounter problems with the battery after following these maintenance suggestions, you can contact Karma customer service!

• How to correctly charge the battery
• What to do when driving uphill
• How to manage the wheelchair load
• How to maintain the motor
• What is the correct driving method

1. How to correctly charge the battery

The general rule of thumb when it comes to lead-acid batteries is that, if you have used them, you should recharge them. No matter how much or little the battery has depleted. Do not let the battery become completely flat before charging it. If you wait until the battery is almost depleted before charging it, it will drastically reduce the life of the battery. 

2. What to do when driving uphill

Driving uphill will consume more battery compared to driving on flat ground. Of course, if you cannot avoid driving uphill then just make sure to keep an eye on the battery level so that it doesn’t get too low and charge it as soon as you can! Don’t use the maximum battery energy or speed when driving uphill and avoid long periods of driving uphill.

3. How to manage the wheelchair load

The heavier the load on the electric wheel, the higher the power consumption. For example, if you load the wheelchair with heavy items or someone rides on the back of the wheelchair (as pictured) the wheelchair will require more power to power it. If it can be avoided, try not to overload the wheelchair or exceed the maximum weight capacity.

4. How to maintain the motor

If there is a problem with the life of the battery, it doesn’t necessarily mean that it is broken. Sometimes the motor will consume more power than normal because heavier loads of it have come to the end of its service life. Check your battery performance every 6 months, paying special attention to any abnormal sounds in the rear of the chair.

5. What is the correct driving method

Similar to a car, abruptly stopping and starting whilst driving will consume more battery power compared to a consistent and smooth drive. Sharp turns around corners will also consume more power compared to gradual turning. When moving around in confined spaces, opt to use a slower speed to avoid constant stopping.  Low tire pressure will also increase power consumption so ensure that the tire pressure is sufficient for a smooth drive.

Regular battery maintenance = longer battery life

The most important thing to remember is to not let the battery become completely flat before charging it. This is the most important thing to remember when it comes to lead-acid batteries. 

If you let the battery run flat before charging it, it will seriously decrease the life of the battery! If you still encounter problems with the battery after following these maintenance suggestions, you can contact Karma customer service!

1. How often should you clean the wheelchair frame? DAILY

The frame and upholstery can be simply wiped with a damp cloth. If you have been out to visit the hospital or supermarket, you can use a disinfectant wipe to aid in the killing of unwanted germs. Do not use strong solvents such as bleach or kitchen cleaners.

2. How often should you clean the wheelchair seat and back upholstery? MONTHLY

KARMA wheelchair upholsteries are treated with anti-bacterial and antimicrobial which effectively prevent infections. If the wheelchair fabric is untreated, we recommend that you clean it more frequently, especially if you live in a humid climate. Use a gentle detergent when cleaning, not a washing machine, and dry outdoors in the shade. Avoid direct sunlight that could damage the fabric and ventilation that prevents odours.

3. How often should you check the armrest pads? EVERY SIX MONTHS

The arm pads on the wheelchair are a high contact area. If they are damaged, they can hide dirt and bacteria can breed. If it is damaged, it should be repaired as soon as possible!

4. Dry the wheelchair if it gets wet: IMMEDIATELY 

If you get caught in the rain, we recommend that you wipe the wheelchair dry as soon as possible. This will maintain any treatment the frame has had and keep the chair looking good for a long time. Most KARMA wheelchairs are made with lightweight aluminium so you don’t have to worry about it rusting.

5. Clean the front and rear wheel axles: MONTHLY

Hair can often get caught in the wheel axles so it is important to clean them regularly to avoid damage. Whilst you are there, you can check how worn the tire treads are and if the pressure is sufficient. 

Regular maintenance is just as important as cleanliness

You can use your phone to set alerts for yourself to remind you when to check, for example, the wheel axles. Carrying out these regular checks will extend the life of your chair and notify you if your chair needs to be sent off for repairs under the manufacturer warranty.

You can check out the full range of KARMA wheelchairs and find out more about our unique power functions on the KARMA website.

Have you ever experienced a sudden shock when you touch a metal doorknob? This jolt is the electrostatic discharge between objects. There are many reasons for static electricity, such as dry and cold weather, air humidity, clothing materials, or people’s physique and dry skin, all of which can easily generate static electricity.

The main body of most wheelchairs is made of aluminum metal material. As a result of environmental conditions, the user or caregiver will inevitably build up static electricity when using it. The following are a few tips to prevent static electricity building up between the wheelchair and the user or caregiver:

How to install the anti-static strap:

A final reminder; these small methods cannot 100% guarantee the removal of static electricity every time. The human body is always discharging electricity when touching objects, but it depends on the amount of electricity as to whether the human body can feel the electric shock.

We hope that these methods can help reduce the chance of feeling electric shocks and use wheelchairs more comfortably and confidently.

To better understand the principle of static electricity, you can refer to this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yc2-363MIQs

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Following on from the previous “Tips for Upholstery Cleaning“, this Coronavirus special is about sponge cushion cleaning. In the current spread of the Coronavirus, we need to be more concerned about wheelchair users whose immunity systems are usually less resistant, such as elderly people and disabled people. We don’t want to expose wheelchair users to unnecessary risks. 

There are two types of back pads for wheelchairs, which one do you have?

Separate Foam Pad and Jacket

1. Remove the foam from the jacket first. The jacket fabric should be hand washed with gentle detergent. Do not put the jacket in the washing machine. After washing, you can put the jacket in a laundry bag and dry it in the dryer. 

2. To clean the foam pad, you can use a vacuum cleaner to get rid of the dust, or pat it with your hand to get the dust out.

3. If the foam is particularly dirty, wipe it with a damp cloth and gentle detergent, then use a clean damp cloth to remove the soap. After removing, use a dry cloth to absorb the moisture and dry it in a well ventilated place. Avoid putting the foam under direct sunlight to prevent deterioration.

4. We recommend using a vacuum cleaner to remove any dust or bits of dirt every week, and deep clean the foam pad and jacket once a month

Non-detachable Foam Pad and Jacket

1. Use a vacuum cleaner or pat lightly with your hands to get any dust out.

2. Especially dirty places can be cleaned with a gentle detergent. It needs to be washed by hand and avoid vigorously rubbing the foam pads. Do not use a washing machine to avoid destroying the material of the foam. Avoid putting the foam under direct sunlight to prevent deterioration.

During the epidemic prevention period, wheelchairs should be cleaned regularly, especially for users who often enter and leave the hospital. We must take care of our health to protect our families and friends!

Want to read more about how to protect yourself from COVID-19? Download your free ebook here: 

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How to Protect Yourself from Coronavirus (COVID-19)

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Although the Coronavirus epidemic has started to calm down, we still need to take measures to look after ourselves as well as our friends and family. Under the spread of the epidemic, we need to care extra for wheelchair users whose immunity systems are usually less resistant, such as elderly and some disabled people. Today, we will learn about how to clean the wheelchair’s upholstery, which is the part of the wheelchair that has the most contact with the human body.

You can read our other blog posts about “How to Clean your Power Wheelchair Joystick” and “How to Clean your Armrests and Push Handles” too. 

There are many types of upholstery for wheelchairs, you have to figure out first, which one is yours:

Through Tube Upholstery

1. This upholstery is the easiest to remove, as long as the screws on both sides of the front of the upholstery tube are removed.

2. The upholstery and the white plastic tube can be taken out, and wiped clean with clean water.

3. To wash the fabric, use a gentle detergent. The fabric must be hand washed, do not use the washing machine to avoid damaging the material of the seat cushion that maintains ventilation to avoid the generation of odor. You can put the seat cushion into a laundry bag to dry in a well ventilated area, and avoid direct sunlight.

4. Before replacing the upholstery, first clean the dust from the grooves of the upholstery tube with a brush or a vacuum cleaner.

5. It is recommended to use a vacuum cleaner to clean the dust and any small cotton balls every week. The upholstery should be deep cleaned once a month.

Beaded Upholstery

1. Use a large Phillips screwdriver to loosen the screws on top of the upholstery tubes on both sides and remove the seat cushion.

2. Remove the pressure bars and screws on both sides, wipe them with water, and dry them. If the screws are rusty, take the appropriate steps to remove any rust or replace with new screws to avoid severe rusting.

3. Wash the fabric using a gentle detergent, and wash by hand. Do not use the washing machine to avoid damaging the material of the seat cushion. You can put the seat cushion into a laundry bag to dry in a well ventilated area, and avoid direct sunlight.

Adjustable Velcro Upholstery

1. The adjustable upholstery has a velcro fastener. Before washing, remove as much hair or other debris that has stuck to the velcro as you can.

2. Remove the pressure bars and screws on both sides, wipe them with water, and dry them. If the screws are rusty, replace them with new ones to avoid serious rust, which makes it impossible to install and remove them later.

3. When washing, fasten the velcro back together when washing them under water to avoid getting tangled and affecting the grip. It can be hand washed with a gentle detergent. Do not use the washing machine to avoid damage to the overall material. If you need to dry the seat cushion, put it in a laundry bag and place it in a dry and well ventilated area.

4. Sticky tape can be used to clean the soft velcro side and a steel brush used to clean the rough velcro to remove dirt and dust. If the velcro is deteriorating you can sew a new piece on to replace it. 

5. We recommend cleaning the upholstery once a month.

Leather Upholstery

1. Wipe regularly with clean water: prepare two cotton cloths, one of which is wet with clean water to wipe on the seat, and another clean cloth to dry the seat. Because the seat cushion is leather, to prevent getting water stains, wipe the seat dry and wait 30 minutes, confirm that the fabric is dry before sitting.

2. The gap on the sides of the seat cushion sometimes catches dust or small items that are not easy to clean. You can take an old toothbrush along the gap to clean out the dirt.

3. Especially dirty areas: wipe with leather wax or leather detergent. Of course, if you want to spend a little more money, there are special cleaners and maintenance liquids on the market that can be used to clean synthetic leather. A final reminder; after using the cleaner, the leather surface will be slippery, and users with poor balance should pay close attention when moving or riding around.

Want to read more about how to protect yourself from COVID-19? Download your free ebook here: 

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How to Protect Yourself from Coronavirus (COVID-19)

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Following on from the previous “How to Clean your Power Wheelchair Joystick”, this Coronavirus prevention special will talk about the importance of cleaning the armrests and push handles. Whilst the Coronavirus epidemic is spreading, remember to wash your hands frequently and not to touch your face. If you’re always using your hands to touch different areas of the wheelchair then you’re more likely to be exposed to viruses.

Clip from Karma Medical YouTube 

Regardless of whether you are caring for the elderly, or a disabled person in rehabilitation, as long as there is a caregiver pushing the wheelchair, they will be touching the push handles (hand grips) and the armrests. These frequently touched places must be kept clean to protect the caregivers and users from the threat of any viruses. 

Clip from Karma Medical YouTube 

During the outbreak, we recommend that you perform the following three steps daily to ensure everyone’s safety:

1. Wheelchairs are equipped with hand grips and brake grips, which can be wiped down with a 75% alcohol solution every day. Any dust on the grip cover can be cleaned with an old toothbrush to avoid dirt and germs.

Clip from Karma Medical YouTube 

2. The armrest pad is made of leather and foam and usually only needs to be wiped with clean water and dried with a clean, dry cloth.

3. During the epidemic prevention period, you can use alcohol to wipe the armrests more frequently, especially at the front edges where the user often holds on to the armrests.

Clip from Karma Medical YouTube 

Last reminder: if there is any damage to the armrests, push handles (hand grips), or brake grips, it should be fixed as soon as possible to avoid germs and dirt getting stuck in the damaged area and breeding bacteria.

Want to read more about how to protect yourself from COVID-19? Download your free ebook here: 

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How to Protect Yourself from Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Download: How to Protect Yourself from Coronavirus

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In this Coronavirus prevention special we are going to talk about the most important feature for power wheelchair users; the joystick. Whilst the Coronavirus epidemic is growing, remember to wash your hands frequently and not to touch your face. However, if you’re always using your hands to use the joystick then you’re more likely to be exposed to viruses. 

Regardless of whether it is a middle-aged elderly person or a disabled person using the wheelchair, whilst using the power wheelchair that is controlled by the joystick, how can you clean it without damaging the controls? What about cleaning the wheelchair itself?

During the outbreak, we recommend that you carry out the following five steps everyday to ensure your safety as well as others:

Clip from Karma Medical YouTube 

1. Wipe the surface of the joystick knob and boot protector with alcohol and remember to be gentle to avoid wear and tear from frequently removing the protector.

2. Wipe the boot protector with alcohol . The shape of the boot protector is a little bit awkward to clean as dirt can get stuck in between the tiers. Each groove must be wiped regularly with clean water and allowed to dry. Here is a special reminder, if you see water droplets inside the dust cover (usually after rain), you must dry the dust cover layer by layer to allow the electronic parts in the controller to ventilate to ensure dryness, otherwise the controller will be easily damaged.

Clip from Karma Medical YouTube 

3. Use a brush to remove the dust or small objects on the joystick panel. Don’t let the small objects like food get caught inside or under the buttons of the control pad. We want to remind you to use a light hand when cleaning the panel to avoid disrupting the panel function. 

4. Regularly clean the dirty areas with clean water, because the controller is an electronic part, do not remove the entire controller and soak it in water. When cleaning, wipe the surface of the joystick with a cotton cloth dipped in clean water and then wipe the wet area immediately with a dry cloth.

5. When going out every day, use a 75% alcohol solution. After spraying the surface, wipe the joystick panel dry. (Reminder: do not wipe the joystick panel too roughly).

Clip from Karma Medical YouTube 

Correct and regular cleaning is an excellent measure to take during the spread of an epidemic and the best way to extend the service life of a product. We want to remind you again that during epidemic prevention, wheelchairs should be cleaned, especially by users who often need to enter and leave the hospital. You must take care of your health especially carefully to protect your family and friends!

Want to read more about how to protect yourself from COVID-19? Download your free ebook here: 

FREE GUIDE DOWNLOAD
How to Protect Yourself from Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Download: How to Protect Yourself from Coronavirus

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How would you describe yourself? * Please Select Wheelchair UserTherapistCaregiverDealerOther How would you describe yourself?

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Keep Reading

Can Wheelchair User’s Drive?

How To Check if Your Journey Is Wheelchair Accessible

KARMA Standing Wheelchairs

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KARMA Top-Line Mid-Wheel Drive Power Wheelchairs