Used Wheelchairs
Whether you are to be confined to a wheelchair due to handicap, illness or injury, you might be concerned about the cost of the chair itself. It is possible to save some money for yourself by buying a used wheelchair, though there are a few things to consider before doing so.
Most often, those who will be using a wheelchair permanently will not consider a used chair, as they are either "off the shelf" or entirely customized for someone else's specific needs, neither of which is the ideal situation for extended use. Height, weight and physical limitations are all taken into consideration when a custom wheelchair is designed, and if your statistics and situation do not match those for which the chair was originally designed, you will be sacrificing comfort and support for a lower cost.
If your condition allows for it and you will not likely be using the chair permanently, it might be worth the savings to sacrifice a bit of comfort in order to save money by buying a used wheelchair.
Warranties
It is important to note beforehand that because they are not designed to be resold and are intended for use only by the original purchaser, wheelchair manufacturers do not allow their warranties to be transferred. For that reason, it is not recommended that you purchase a used electric wheelchair without careful research and consideration, as if something were to go wrong with the components you would have to pay full price to have it repaired or replaced.
Used Manual Wheelchairs
It is less risky and much more common to buy used manual wheelchairs, as they are less prone to breaking down and needing repair. Even when a component does need to be repaired or replaced, the cost is usually minimal.
Inspection
Before you buy, you should take a used wheelchair for a test drive. Sit in the chair and make sure it is a good fit for you. The seat should be sturdy and stable, with no weak or loose points, especially if weight is a concern. The leg and foot rests should be in good shape and adjustable to accommodate your size. The wheels and hardware should all be in good working order with no signs of wear or deterioration. Test the wheels by maneuvering yourself around for a bit to ensure that they work comfortably.
Where to Find
Used wheelchairs are not difficult to find whatsoever. The classified ads in your local newspaper are a great place to start. You might also search the Internet; there are websites now that specialize in selling used wheelchairs. Do your homework first though, as you will need to know a good deal when you see one. Look for prices on comparable chairs that are both new and used so that you can make an informed purchase.
Again, it is important that you take extra precautions when looking for electric wheelchairs, power chairs or sports wheelchairs, as buying them used will nullify any manufacturer's warranty and could lead to a great deal of extra expense. Don't forget to check with your insurance provider as many companies do cover doctor prescribed wheelchairs.
