Wheelchair Review
Karma Wheelchair Ergolite 2501
- the LIGHTEST complete wheelchair in Singapore since 2011
Wheelchair Specifications:
Frame: Ultra Lightweight Aluminum Alloy
Weight: 7.8kg
Seat Width: 18"
Max User Weight: 100kg
Upholstery: AEGIS Anti Bacterial Cushion
Wheels: Attendant Propel (14")
Tyres: Puncture Proof Tyres
Karma Ergolite 2501 is one of the lightest complete wheelchair in the world. It weights around 7.8kg only (a normal lightweight wheelchair is around 12kg).
Karma Ergolite 2501 is also part of the Karma S-Ergo Wheelchair family, which means it is also equipped with the patented S-shaped seating systems that effectively reduce the pressure on the user and prevent any sliding issue. It come with many other extra features such as the anti-bacteria cushion, which we will discuss about them below.
Karma Ergolite 2501 is also part of the Karma S-Ergo Wheelchair family, which means it is also equipped with the patented S-shaped seating systems that effectively reduce the pressure on the user and prevent any sliding issue. It come with many other extra features such as the anti-bacteria cushion, which we will discuss about them below.
Overall View & Appearance
Karma Ergolite 2501 is a very well designed, stylish wheelchair. The frame of the wheelchair is in matt silver color while the upholstery is in black and grey color.
Frame, Size & Capacity
This Karma wheelchair is made of air-craft grade aluminum alloy. It is extremely lightweight, at around 7.8kg. The wheelchair has a new stylish oval-shaped tubes, which creates more streamlined appearance and also enhances the strength of the structure. It also come with a double cross bar below, which ensure the wheelchair are always stable and able to support the user weight perfectly.
The seat width of this Karma wheelchair is 18". Only the 18" is currently available in Singapore and Malaysia. Basically, 18" seat width can fit most of the Asian people here.
This wheelchair come with the foldable backrest feature, which means the backrest can be folded into half of the original size. This feature helps you save space and make it more convenient for you to carry around the wheelchair, especially when you need to put the wheelchair inside the car boot.
Karma Ergolite 2501 has a maximum user capacity of 100kg. This is actually quite impressive considering that the wheelchair weight is only around 7.8kg. Other similar ultra lightweight wheelchair can only support up to 80kg.
The seat width of this Karma wheelchair is 18". Only the 18" is currently available in Singapore and Malaysia. Basically, 18" seat width can fit most of the Asian people here.
This wheelchair come with the foldable backrest feature, which means the backrest can be folded into half of the original size. This feature helps you save space and make it more convenient for you to carry around the wheelchair, especially when you need to put the wheelchair inside the car boot.
Karma Ergolite 2501 has a maximum user capacity of 100kg. This is actually quite impressive considering that the wheelchair weight is only around 7.8kg. Other similar ultra lightweight wheelchair can only support up to 80kg.
Wheels, Castors & Tyres
Karma Ergolite 2501 only comes with the 14" rear wheel, which means this wheelchair is not a self propel one. You will need a caregiver to push the wheelchair from behind. It is most suitable for elderly seniors who have a caregiver beside (can be a maid or any family member). The small size of 14" rear wheels wheelchair however, is lighter, save space, convenient to carry, fits into the car boot easily etc. It is easier to cruise through narrow area as well.
The front castors are slightly better than what you can found in other wheelchairs, but there is not a big difference.
The tyres currently available are the puncture proof solid tyres. You do not need to refill the air in the tyres. There is no risk of puncture too. However, it will not be as comfort as the ones that using pneumatic tyres. The tyres used are better in quality and has much better grips if compared to some china wheelchairs.
The front castors are slightly better than what you can found in other wheelchairs, but there is not a big difference.
The tyres currently available are the puncture proof solid tyres. You do not need to refill the air in the tyres. There is no risk of puncture too. However, it will not be as comfort as the ones that using pneumatic tyres. The tyres used are better in quality and has much better grips if compared to some china wheelchairs.
Wheel Brake & Assisted Hand Brake
No safety issues noted on the wheel brake. The wheelchair is securely in place when both wheels are on brake. The material used are good quality (refer to the picture below).
Karma Ergolite 2501 comes with a set of assisted hand brake. It function perfectly and fit the purpose well. With these assisted hand brake, the caregivers are able to stop the wheelchair easily. It is also important to hold the hand brake when the users is sitting on or standing up from the wheelchair. This is to prevent the wheelchair from moving or sliding away.
Karma Ergolite 2501 comes with a set of assisted hand brake. It function perfectly and fit the purpose well. With these assisted hand brake, the caregivers are able to stop the wheelchair easily. It is also important to hold the hand brake when the users is sitting on or standing up from the wheelchair. This is to prevent the wheelchair from moving or sliding away.
Footplate, Armpad & Upholstery
Karma Ergolite 2501 comes with a set of flip-up footrest. The footrest is made of durable plastic in black color. There are some grips on top of the footrest to prevent the users' legs from slipping off. So far so good for the footrest.
The armpads, as compared with other brand of wheelchairs, are made of more comfortable material. Other than that, not much extra features here.
As for the upholstery, this wheelchair comes with the AEGIS anti-bacterial cushions. The cushion not only provide extra comfort to the users, but at the same time protects the wheelchair from odour, staining and deterioration from bacteria, fungus and other microorganism. The cushion is non-removable.
The armpads, as compared with other brand of wheelchairs, are made of more comfortable material. Other than that, not much extra features here.
As for the upholstery, this wheelchair comes with the AEGIS anti-bacterial cushions. The cushion not only provide extra comfort to the users, but at the same time protects the wheelchair from odour, staining and deterioration from bacteria, fungus and other microorganism. The cushion is non-removable.
Extra: S-Shape Seating Systems (Patented)
The revolutionary S-Ergo system is the world's first S-shaped ergonomic seating developed based on the ergonomic perspective: it is designed according to the body curve, and has already obtained patents in the US., European Union, and many other countries. The unique design of S-Ergo system is capable of relieving pressure, adjusting and stabilizing seating pose, and reducing downward sliding, all simultaneously. Together, these advantages greatly reduce the risk of decubitus ulcers, which makes S-Ergo system a revolutionary invention in the field of ergonomics.
Price & Product Warranty
The retail selling price of this wheelchair in Singapore is S$780. It is not cheap considering the China wheelchairs in Guardian Pharmacy and Watsons Store are only selling at below S$400. However, the wheelchair is worth every penny by just looking at the higher quality, nicer design, more caring features (to both user and caregiver) and many more new features. Karma wheelchair is very well known in the world and many consider Karma as the no.1 Asia brand.
This wheelchair is most suitable for people who is looking for the best of both convenience and functionality.
It comes with 5 years limited local warranty while other wheelchairs in the market are only manage to give out 1 to 2 years warranty.
For more information about Karma Wheelchair, you may wish to visit www.homecareshop.com.sg.
Alternatively, you may write an email to [email protected].
This wheelchair is most suitable for people who is looking for the best of both convenience and functionality.
It comes with 5 years limited local warranty while other wheelchairs in the market are only manage to give out 1 to 2 years warranty.
For more information about Karma Wheelchair, you may wish to visit www.homecareshop.com.sg.
Alternatively, you may write an email to [email protected].