Purchasing Used Wheelchairs
There are many factors involved when buying a wheelchair, especially if it is used. One of the main factors is how will the wheelchair be used. Will the user be in the wheelchair all the time, for an extended period of time or only temporarily?
If a wheelchair is to be used only temporarily, the wheelchair may not need any customizing. This means that any basic wheelchair will suffice, provided that it meets the user's size and weight requirements. Standard wheelchairs like this only cost a few hundred dollars, so a used one should have a comparatively lower cost.
If the user needs a more permanent wheelchair, they will most likely need a more customized wheelchair, which might not always make a used wheelchair a feasible option.
The more restricted the person's mobility, the more customized a wheelchair the user will need to prevent pressure sores and joint pain due to not being able to reposition their body occasionally. People with more severe disabilities will most likely require customized accessories or wheelchair modifications from a medical supplier. In this case, the money saved by purchasing a used wheelchair is undermined by the additional costs incurred to make it fit the user.
It is a good idea for the buyer to create a checklist of items to inspect before buying a used wheelchair.
Preliminary Factors
There are a few preliminary, time-saving factors to consider before moving forward with the process of buying a used wheelchair.
When first looking at a used wheelchair or reading its description, note its size. It shouldn't be too large or too small for the size of the user and his or her home and vehicles. Consider the wheelchair's weight capacity. Find this information before proceeding.
What to Look For
There are several items to inspect on a used wheelchair to make sure it functions properly and meets the user's needs. Some of these include:
Manual wheelchair: Frame, Wheels, Brakes, Leg rests, Footplates, Armrests, Headrest, Upholstery, Seat cushion
Motorized wheelchair: Controller, Motors, Motorized tilting mechanism, Batteries
If anything is loose, it might just need some tightening.
If customized features are required, inspect the accessories. Know that the accessories probably won't meet every user's needs. Custom parts can be ordered from a medical supplier, or the user may have parts from previous wheelchairs that fit on the used wheelchair.
Where to Buy
There are many sources where you can locate used wheelchairs. Some sources include local newspaper classified ads, local medical suppliers and local centers for independent living. Users can look online at auction sites, like eBay.com and craigslist.org, and the countless suppliers found through search engines.
It is recommended that buyers search for used wheelchairs locally, so they can inspect the equipment before buying. Buying from distant sellers means that the buyer needs to rely on the seller's own description and photos, which might not be completely accurate. This option also runs the risk of damage during shipping.
In summary, there are many pros and cons of buying used wheelchairs, including those listed below.
Pros
-Lower cost (usually)
-Can haggle for lower price
-No need to wait for insurance company
-Immediate ownership
Cons
-No customizing
-No thorough inspection
-No try before you buy (if bought online)
-Shipping fees
-Scams
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