Karman Ultra Lightweight Wheelchair Review

By kbeveridge

Karman Healthcare is a lesser-known mobility aid company that has more than 100 different kinds of wheelchairs. If you’re in the market for a new chair, you may have come across their product range. So, what makes their LT-980 different from the rest?

The Karman Ultra Lightweight Wheelchair LT-980 is a compact and portable mobility aid. It has various adjustable features, a comfortable design, and is optimized for indoor use. However, the wheelchair can be a little stiff and does not have the best performance outside. It may also be uncomfortable for very tall people.

In this Karman Ultra Lightweight Wheelchair review guide, we take an in-depth look at this mobility aid. We examine the key features, pros, and cons of this manual wheelchair. We also compare it to a competing model and help you decide if it suits your lifestyle and needs.

Review of: Karman Ultra Lightweight Wheelchair

Please click image for more info

What We Like:

Lightweight & Foldable
Adjustable seat height & angle
Hig-quality footrests
Soft touch brake
Reasonably priced

What We Don’t Like:

No companion brakes
Not for outdoor performance

Our Conclusion: The Karman ultra lightweight wheelchair could be the best option if your top priority is portability. It is significantly lighter than other models and also includes many comfortable features.

Specifications of the Karman Ultra Lightweight Wheelchair

karman ultra lightweight wheelchair
Color	Black, Merlot, or Silver
Weight (not including accessories)	24lb (10.9kg)
Weight capacity	250lb (113.4kg)
Seat size	18-19 inches (45.7-48.3cm)
Wheel size	22 inches (55.9cm)
Braking system	Wheel handbrakes
Armrest type	Fixed
Legrest type	Removable or swing-away
Dimensions	32 x 13 x 31 inches (81.3 x 33 x 78.7cm)

Pros and Cons of the Karman Ultra Lightweight Wheelchair

There are advantages and disadvantages to the Karman LT-980.

PROS

The wheelchair is lightweight and foldable, making it easy to transport or store.
It has handles at the back, so you can use it as a transport chair or manual wheelchair.
The seat’s height and angle are adjustable to your dimensions and comfort level.
It includes high-quality footrests that are removable and adjustable.
The footrests have heel loops to stabilize your legs and feet.
The wheelchair has soft-touch brake tips for comfort and safety.
It is reasonably priced.
The wheels do not stain or damage carpets.
It has decent maneuverability on smooth surfaces.
It has ample padding on the seat and armrests.
There is a storage pouch on the back of the seat.

CONS

There are no companion brakes if you want to use it as a transport chair.
It does not have the best outdoor performance.
The wheels can be a little stiff.
It may be unsuitable for tall people.

Features of the Karman Ultra Lightweight Wheelchair

Comfort

The Karman ultra lightweight wheelchair is a comfortable option for average-sized people. It has a padded surface on the seat and extra-wide armrests to minimize any pressure and discomfort.

The armrests are low enough that you can sit at a table or a desk. Their flat and padded design keeps your elbows at right angles and helps improve your posture.

You can use the footrests to elevate your feet from the ground. They also include heel straps if you need extra stability in your legs. However, the height of the footrests is not suitable if you are very tall. It may force your knees to bend high, which is not the most comfortable position.

Safety Features

If you use it as a manual wheelchair, there are soft-touch brakes next to the wheels. They allow you to slow and stop the chair with minimal strain on your wrists and fingers. This design is unique to Karman Healthcare and focuses on safety and comfort.

However, there are no companion brakes if you want to use it as a transport chair. This means that your carer will have to use their weight and strength to slow and stop the chair. This could potentially be dangerous when going down hills or other inclines.

Adjustability

You can change the chair’s height between 18 and 19 inches (45.7 and 48.3cm). You can also adjust the recline level to find the most comfortable position for your body. However, these adjustments are a bit limited and may not suit tall or very short people.

You can also remove or move the footrests to fit your ideal leg position. However, like the other adjustments, you will not be able to lower them enough for tall legs.

Durability

The Karman ultra lightweight wheelchair has average durability. It can support up to 250lb (113.4kg), which is the minimum for standard wheelchairs. Therefore, it may not be suitable if you need a bariatric chair.

Versatility

It works reasonably well inside. The polyurethane tires are non-marking and shouldn’t leave any stains on your carpet or flooring. They have decent traction, but they can be a little stiff. Therefore, you may struggle to maneuver in very tight spaces.

It is not the best option for outside. While it can handle well on concrete or other smooth surfaces, there is limited suspension to protect you from bumpy terrains. Therefore, it could be uncomfortable on dirt or grass.

Portability

Extra Fefatures

The wheelchair has a storage pouch on the back to hold valuables and other items. It is also available in three different colors: black, merlot, or silver.

Video Overview of Karman Ultra Lightweight Wheelchair

Who Should Buy the Karman Ultra Lightweight Wheelchair?

People Who Can Power a Manual Wheelchair

Although you can use the Karman wheelchair as a transport chair, it does not have companion brakes. Therefore, it is better suited as a manual wheelchair that you power from the seat. If you have the strength and skill to maneuver this device without assistance, it could be viable.

People Who Travel a Lot

Because the wheelchair is so compact and lightweight, it is an excellent portable choice. You can fold it down and transport it relatively quickly with limited assistance. Therefore, you can take it with you wherever you go.

However, you should bear in mind that the wheelchair does not perform that well outside. This may impact whether it is a suitable mobility device for your lifestyle.

People Who Are Not Very Tall or Heavy

The Karman ultra lightweight wheelchair is not the most adjustable or heavy-duty wheelchair. If you weigh less than 250lb (113.4kg) and you are of average height, you probably won’t have too many problems. However, tall and heavy people may feel uncomfortable after extended periods of use.

Karman Ultra Lightweight Wheelchair Resources

Product Manual: Karman Wheelchair User’s Guide
Replacement Parts Site: Karman Healthcare Wheelchair Replacement Parts
Troubleshooting: Karman Healthcare Support

Karman Ultra Lightweight Wheelchair Vs. Drive Medical Silver Sport Reclining Wheelchair

The Drive Medical Silver Sport Reclining Wheelchair is at a similar price point to the Karman wheelchair. Let’s compare all of their features and see which one is the winner.

Comfort: The Drive Medical wheelchair is a more luxurious and comfortable option, with a padded headrest that keeps your head from moving. It also has padding in the seat and armrests.
Safety features: The Silver Sport has anti-tippers on the back to stabilize the chair. It also has companion brakes on the back, making it an overall safer choice than the Karman wheelchair.
Adjustability: The Drive Medical chair allows you to adjust the recline to any degree within 180 degrees. You can also extend the armrests for extra comfort while the chair is reclined. Overall, it allows you more control over the features than the Karman ultra lightweight wheelchair.
Durability: The Drive Medical Silver Sport has a higher weight capacity of 300lb (136.1kg). Therefore, it is suitable for people who are too heavy for the Karman wheelchair.
Versatility: Both wheelchairs perform better inside than outside. However, the Drive Medical chair has larger caster wheels at the front, giving it slightly better handling on uneven terrains.
Versatility: Both wheelchairs perform better inside than outside. However, the Drive Medical chair has larger caster wheels at the front, giving it slightly better handling on uneven terrains.
Extra features: The Drive Medical Silver Sport is only available in silver color, so there is less variety.

The Verdict

The Karman ultra lightweight wheelchair is a better option if your main priority is portability. However, the Drive Medical Silver Sport is superior when it comes to comfort, adjustability, and outdoor use.

Rog and Bec’s Karman Ultra Lightweight Wheelchair Review

Karman Ultra Lightweight Wheelchair Review Conclusion

In conclusion, the Karman Ultra Lightweight Wheelchair LT-980 is a compact and comfortable option for people of average height and weight. It is reasonably affordable and a reliable option. However, it may be uncomfortable for tall people or using it on rough terrains. This lightweight wheelchair may be a suitable choice for you if you are looking for portability, stability, and primarily indoor use. If you are of average height and weigh less than 250lb (113.4kg), it should be comfortable.

Karman Ultra Lightweight Wheelchair (Click image for more info)

Compared to the Drive Medical Silver Sport Reclining Wheelchair, the Karman wheelchair is a better portable option. However, it cannot compete with the level of comfort, safety, and adjustability of the rival chair.

Sources:

Karman LT-980 Ultra Lightweight Wheelchair