When looking for where to buy a wheelchair, you must be facing something unfamiliar. It can be that you need a wheelchair after undergoing some surgical operation or being involved in an accident. It may also happen that you need a wheelchair for a family member like a parent or a spouse. Alternatively, you have just come to a stage when moving about becomes too hard for you.
In any case, any first-time buyer soon comes to the realization that buying a wheelchair is not as simple as picking up the first product found. Some questions start to arise:
- Is it better to buy it via the Internet or in a local store?
- Can I use insurance to buy a wheelchair?
- Which wheelchair do I need?
- How much does an electric wheel chair cost?
- Should I try using a wheelchair before buying it?
Fortunately, buying a wheelchair today is much easier than ever before. The problem is picking up a suitable wheelchair. In the guide below, we will show you everything, starting from how to buy a wheelchair to what types of wheelchairs exist.
Where Should You Actually Buy a Wheelchair?
Wheelchairs today are usually purchased from any of four common places.
Local Mobility Stores
In local mobility stores, you can find wheelchairs, mobility scooters, walkers, and other assistive devices. The best thing about them is the possibility of examining the product personally. In addition, you might be able to try various wheelchairs. It is especially beneficial for beginners who cannot choose a particular type of wheelchair. However, the only downside is the limited range of products and the high price compared to the Internet.
Online Stores
Purchasing wheelchairs online makes it easier for buyers to have access to more choices of manual wheelchairs, lightweight foldable electric wheelchairs and complete-sized powered wheelchairs. Comparing products, their price, specifications, and customer opinions will be easy without the constraint of local inventories. Online stores usually offer better prices, discounts, and promotions, enabling one to buy the wheelchair at a lower cost. In addition to this, the entire process is more convenient, with most wheelchairs delivered right at the doorstep.
However, some buyers feel that they may lose warranties or services in case they purchase from an online store. The reality is that most well-established companies provide warranties, replacement, return policy and customer service even online. This makes the online purchase of wheelchairs for some buyers a viable choice.
Medical Supply Stores (DME)
Medical supply stores, commonly known as DME (Durable Medical Equipment) stores, are another possible option where one can purchase a wheelchair and related mobility devices. The inventory of DME stores usually includes manual wheelchairs, transport chairs, walkers, and other common medical supplies.
One of the benefits of purchasing from a DME provider is the potential availability of cooperation with health care organizations and insurance plans. But the range of products at DME providers tends to be limited to common mobility devices, and more advanced products such as folding electric wheelchairs or high-end power wheelchairs are rarely offered by these providers. Thus, for a consumer searching for basic mobility equipment and/or planning to use an insurance plan for its purchase, DME store can be considered.
Buying a Wheelchair from the Secondhand Market
Another option is to buy a wheelchair on the secondhand market. This is because used wheelchairs can be obtained at reduced costs; hence, they become a popular choice among buyers. The wheelchairs can be bought at secondhand stores or even through the internet from a person who no longer requires their wheelchair. One of the problems associated with such wheelchairs is the fact that they could be somewhat worn out and they are sold without a warranty. It is, therefore, vital to assess the condition of the wheelchair before making your purchase.
Is It Better to Buy a Wheelchair Online or In Person?
Of course, there is no one-size-fits-all answer, as every client has a unique situation. Firstly, purchasing products in-store gives a chance to examine the product thoroughly and find out whether it will suit the customer well. If the consumer has never used a wheelchair in his life, then such an opportunity becomes very useful for him. Very soon, the client will realize that the product he wanted to buy does not fit him.
The second option is purchasing online. Online purchasing means more options, clearer prices, and the ability to compare many models of wheelchairs without leaving your room.
A Practical Way for First-Time Buyers
For most first-time buyers, a practical way of getting a wheelchair may actually be the combination of the two approaches mentioned above. In the event that your insurance does not impose restrictions on where to buy a wheelchair, it would be prudent to visit a local mobility store first.
This will enable you to learn more about the different types of wheelchairs, sizing, and comfort. With this knowledge at hand, one can then search online to compare and choose from a wide variety of wheelchairs at a lower price.
Could Insurance Help Reimburse?
As you consider buying a wheelchair, it’s worth looking into the possibility that insurance could cover at least part of the cost. This will depend on your circumstances, but possibilities include:
- Medicare
- Private insurance
- HSA or FSA accounts
Insurance is usually not as straightforward as providing your receipts. It’s common for insurance companies to request proof that the wheelchair is needed for health reasons. It might also be the case that the insurance policy requires you to buy through certain suppliers.
That’s why, in some cases, buying through local mobility dealers is the preferred method to receive insurance reimbursement. In case insurance is not possible, most people buy directly and concentrate on comfort and functionality. If you want to know do Medicare covers mobility scooters or electric wheelchairs, you can check out our blogs.
Choose the Right Wheelchair Before You Buy
Among the mistakes that first-time buyers often make is choosing first where to purchase from without considering what kind of wheelchair they need. This depends mostly on the frequency at which one uses his/her wheelchair.
If you will only need temporary assistance
In cases of surgeries and injuries and short-term illness, buying may not necessarily be the ideal option. In many cases, renting wheelchairs is cheaper than buying if you require the help for only a few weeks or months.
If you will only occasionally need a wheelchair
In some cases, an individual will need the wheelchair just for making visits to the doctor or family members or for errands. Such people do not necessarily require anything beyond the basic types of wheelchairs. They are cheap, easy to use, and easy to store.
If you will regularly need a wheelchair
When it comes to regular use, comfort becomes a major factor. Sitting in a wheelchair for hours in a day calls for much more from the wheelchair.
If You Will Regularly Need a Wheelchair
If one requires a wheelchair often and regularly, one must pay heed to certain important aspects. If something is comfortable for a shorter journey, it is sure to become uncomfortable when used for a long period of time. It is important to see that the seat and the cushions are comfortable for you in addition to the space for legs and a proper fit according to the size of your body. There are certain other aspects that frequent users should take into consideration, such as the weight of the wheelchair and its portability and so on.
If You Desire Maximum Independence
For those individuals who find it hard to move over larger distances and tend to get tired very quickly, an electric wheelchair may turn out to be the optimal means of achieving independence. Using an electric wheelchair minimizes effort, increases mobility range, and makes it possible to complete different activities without any help from others.
Why People Prefer to Buy an Electric Wheelchair
The one major thing that people appreciate most about an electric wheelchair is the fact that you will not need to rely on yourself and others for transportation purposes. Using a manual wheelchair, covering a longer distance, going up the ramp, crossing rough areas, and staying outside for longer periods of time can require a lot of effort. An electric wheelchair will enable you to move around without requiring much effort. An electric wheelchair can help you with:
- Go further while expending less effort: Traverse a shopping mall, park, residential area, or any other large space without tiring yourself out.
- Travel independently: You will be able to control your own movements rather than being dependent on another person pushing you.
- Navigate daily challenges with ease: Most motorized wheelchairs are built in a way that allows for easy navigation over ramps and small slopes as well as challenging outdoor terrain that would not be easy to travel over manually.
- Use less energy: You will not have to use your energy on moving your body and therefore will have more energy for activities such as shopping, meeting friends, working, or simply spending time outdoors.
For those people who are constantly using wheelchairs, the above-mentioned benefits may go beyond convenience. The fact that less effort needs to be put into maneuvering the chair and that you are able to travel further makes it possible to perform various activities more easily. This is why people are willing to spend additional money on an electric wheelchair.
How Much Is Electric Wheel chair?
The costs of electric wheelchairs vary from $800 to $4,000, and depend on factors such as the number of features of an electric wheelchair, the quality of materials, its battery capacity, performance level and others. It is not obligatory to buy the most expensive product, as the appropriate price depends on the way how a person plans to use a wheelchair.
- Electric wheelchairs that cost from $800 to $1,500 are considered to be basic electric wheelchairs which have all necessary features. There are rechargeable batteries, simple controls and a comfortable chair in basic wheelchairs, so they can be a good purchase for people who prefer to have powered mobility, but do not want to pay much money.
- Electric wheelchairs in price range $1,500-$2,500 usually have improved portability, better battery life, higher weight capacities and other features. The electric wheelchairs are usually lighter and folding in this price range and they can be bought by those people who travel with their wheelchairs and keep them in cars.
- Electric wheelchairs that cost $2,500-$4,000 usually have advanced features, high-quality materials, strong motors, and other features. They usually provide long driving ranges, so they can be bought by people who need high performance.
In conclusion, an expensive electric wheelchair might not always be the best option. It will depend on factors like the need for use, portability, driving distance, weight capacity, comfort, and any other features you would require.
What to Expect When You Buy From Aotedor
As wheelchairs are something that you will depend on every day in your life, the product is not everything here. Sometimes you might need some reliable shipping, warranty coverage, replacement parts access, or just some customer support.
At Aotedor, we want to simplify the process of purchasing electric wheelchairs and their use. To do that, we give you detailed information about our products as well as our support services after purchase.
When you decide to buy wheelchairs from Aotedor, you can expect:
- ✓ Fast U.S. Shipping – We deliver our orders from our U.S. fulfillment center fast and efficiently.
- ✓ Warranty Coverage – Our products have warranty coverage.
- ✓ Replacement Parts Access – We provide replacement parts for our wheelchairs when you need them.
- ✓ Customer Service – You can contact our support team with any questions regarding your product.
- ✓ Detailed Information – We provide you with detailed product specifications to make a proper choice.
Everyone knows that purchasing a wheelchair is not an area that people would want to mess up. That's why we concentrate not only on our wheelchairs, but also on the advice and after-sales services you require.
Final Thoughts
Where to buy a wheelchair? Your decision will depend on several important factors such as your budget, intended use, and post-purchase assistance you want to get. Local sellers will be handy if you need to test the product, while online sellers will provide a wider choice and lower prices for their products. If saving money is one of your priorities, you can find second-hand wheelchairs on the Internet. However, in whatever way you decide to purchase a wheelchair, do not choose it only according to its cost. Think about the wheelchair's weight, dimensions, level of comfort, maximum load, distance, portability, and assistance you can receive after the purchase. Taking into consideration all these factors, you will be able to select a product that will suit your daily needs.
When purchasing an electric wheelchair online, there is a company named Aotedor that provides a wide range of lightweight folding and full-size electric wheelchairs. The company provides customers with all necessary product information, guarantees shipment within the USA, offers warranties, replacement parts assistance, and customer service.
