Karma Medical

Karma Medical Products, headquartered in Chiayi County, Taiwan, has manufactured aluminum-frame wheelchairs and mobility aids since 1987. The company operates 13 global facilities with over 900 employees, distributing products through 800+ sales and service centers across 40+ countries.

Company Overview

Kenny Chen founded Karma Medical after witnessing a woman struggling with her father’s heavy iron wheelchair during a rainy day in 1987. This observation led him to develop Taiwan’s first domestically-produced aluminum alloy wheelchair in 1990, reducing weight by more than half compared to traditional iron frames.

The company’s brand philosophy centers on “Fit” – designing products that adapt to users’ body dimensions, medical conditions, lifestyle requirements, and budget constraints. Karma maintains four production facilities and eight branch offices globally, with manufacturing operations in Taiwan and Thailand serving markets across Europe, Asia-Pacific, North America, and Oceania.

Core Products

Manual Wheelchairs

The S-Ergo series represents Karma’s ergonomic manual wheelchair line, featuring contoured seating designed to reduce pressure ulcer risk. Models include the S-Ergo 105, 106, 115, and 125, with configurations for different body sizes and mobility needs. The Agile model has passed ISO 7176-19 crash testing for vehicle transport safety.

Power Wheelchairs

Karma produces multiple power wheelchair lines targeting different user segments:

• Leon Series: Rear-wheel drive wheelchairs measuring 106cm × 62cm, designed for active outdoor users with optional 45km driving range
• KP-45 Series: Features the ISR (Independent Suspension Ride) four-wheel independent suspension system for improved comfort
• EvO Altus: Standing power wheelchair with four standing modes, 45° tilt-in-space, and 180° recline capability

Mobility Scooters and Accessories

The product portfolio extends to electric scooters, walkers, shower commode chairs, and wheelchair accessories for both manual and powered models.

Technology and Innovation

Karma holds over 100 international patents covering wheelchair design, frame construction, and seating systems. The company maintains CE testing facilities meeting European medical device standards, including stability tests, impact tests, drop tests, and salt spray corrosion tests.

Design centers in Taiwan, France, the Netherlands, and Australia collaborate with therapists and rehabilitation professionals to develop products meeting regional requirements. The company’s internal “S-curve road test” and “Rigorous road test” standards supplement international certification requirements.

Certifications and Awards

Karma maintains ISO 9001 certification audited annually by German TÜV. Products carry CE marking for European markets, with specific models certified under ISO 7176-19 for crash safety.

Design recognition includes:

• iF Design Award (2015)
• Red Dot Design Award (2018, EvO Altus)
• Multiple Taiwan Excellence Awards
• Australian Better Technology Awards (2008, Atigra)
• Australian PACE Zenith Awards (2010)

Market Position

Historical market share data indicates strong positions in several regions: Taiwan (80%), Thailand (80%), Singapore (60%), Spain (50%), and India (50%+ as of 2019). Karma claims status as the first foreign aluminum wheelchair brand imported into Japan.

In mainland China, Shanghai Jiekaiyang Medical Equipment Co., Ltd. serves as the regional subsidiary, operating 300+ dealer locations across the country.

Strategic Partnership

In October 2021, Karma Medical signed a memorandum of understanding with Permobil, the Swedish mobility solutions company. The partnership focuses on distributing complementary products in Asia-Pacific markets, combining Karma’s regional presence with Permobil’s power wheelchair and seating technologies.

Key Milestones

• 1987: Kenny Chen founded Karma Medical in Taiwan
• 1990: Developed Taiwan’s first aluminum alloy wheelchair
• 1995: Became first foreign aluminum wheelchair imported to Japan
• 2006: Established Shanghai subsidiary for China market
• 2007: Entered India market, later achieving 50%+ market share
• 2008: Selected as official wheelchair supplier for 2008 Beijing Paralympics Chinese team
• 2015: Received iF Design Award
• 2018: EvO Altus awarded Red Dot Design Award
• 2021: Strategic partnership signed with Permobil

Frequently Asked Questions

What types of wheelchairs does Karma Medical manufacture?

Karma produces manual wheelchairs (S-Ergo, Agile, SOMA series), power wheelchairs (Leon, KP-45, EvO Altus), mobility scooters, and related accessories. Products range from lightweight travel chairs to standing power wheelchairs with advanced positioning features.

Where are Karma wheelchairs manufactured?

Karma operates four production facilities, with primary manufacturing in Taiwan and Thailand. The company maintains branch offices in the UK, Spain, China, Taiwan, Thailand, and India.

Is Karma Medical publicly traded?

No, Karma Medical remains a privately held company. It operates as part of the KARMA GROUP international organization with headquarters in Taiwan.

How does Karma differ from other wheelchair brands?

Karma emphasizes its “Fit” philosophy – matching wheelchair specifications to individual user needs rather than offering standardized configurations. The company’s aluminum frame expertise, dating to 1990, positions it as a specialist in lightweight wheelchair construction.