Where to Buy Used Wheelchairs: A Practical Guide for Buyers

When looking to purchase a used wheelchair, price is certainly one of the main factors behind the decision. A used wheelchair may be much cheaper compared to a brand new one if you are only going to use it sporadically, or if you simply want to save money on your mobility needs. However, locating a used wheelchair is not the end of the matter, as the real challenge comes in trying to figure out where to purchase a safe, comfortable, and affordable used wheelchair.

Used wheelchairs can be sourced from mobility stores, medical supply companies, online marketplaces, community websites, as well as used mobility equipment dealers. Different venues have their unique advantages and potential pitfalls. This guide will show you where to go, how to assess used wheelchairs, and when purchasing an affordable new mobility product is a better choice than buying a used one.

Where to Buy Used Wheelchairs?

There is no single best choice for purchasing a second-hand wheelchair, since the appropriate one will depend on the amount of money available, knowledge about the required kind of wheelchair, and the importance of inspecting the equipment before payment. Below is a list of popular places where one can begin. 

1. Local Mobility Stores

Another good choice if you are looking for a secondhand wheelchair is local stores selling mobility equipment. Here, you will get an opportunity to actually try out the wheelchair and examine its condition by sitting in the wheelchair, looking at the frame and wheels, testing the brakes, etc. The problem is that there will be fewer choices of secondhand wheelchairs than on specialized websites. However, you will be able to ask the seller some questions regarding its usage.

2. Medical Equipment and DME Suppliers

Some suppliers of DME or durable medical equipment may offer mobility equipment that has been used before. This may be a good choice for people who prefer to make their purchase from a company rather than from a private individual. Also, with a different company, one may have more information on how good the wheelchair is and on its history. Yet not all companies sell used wheelchairs.

3. Online Marketplaces

There are online marketplaces where you can get a wider range of second-hand wheelchairs. These include manual wheelchairs, transport chairs, foldable chairs, and power wheelchairs. It becomes easy to compare several sellers' listings before buying any. But the issue here is that you cannot physically examine the chair before you buy it. There might be things in the description that might not be evident from the pictures, and vice versa. Therefore, it should not be your sole criterion when judging the wheelchair.

4. Local Resale and Community Platforms

Another way to buy second-hand wheelchairs is through local resale organizations, community programs, or even by individuals selling items on a person-to-person basis. Such sellers tend to offer very low prices, especially when an item is being sold by a person who no longer requires it. Buying from an individual means there is less protection compared to when a purchase is made from a well-known organization. Additionally, there is less information available regarding the use and maintenance of the wheelchair. It is best suited for those who are experienced in purchasing second-hand products.

5. Refurbished/Used Equipment Dealers

There are dealers who offer mobility equipment that is used. A second-hand wheelchair will not be similar to the wheelchair bought directly from the individual since there are different factors that will determine the condition of the wheelchair after it has been sold.

Sometimes, some brands offer their used products at a lower price, for example, Aotedor. In this case, the products may have been in use before; hence, this is because there might have been customer returns, usage in showrooms, among others. The brand may check the products and resell them at a reduced price.

This may become an option of interest for a buyer who is looking for ways to buy at an affordable price directly from the original manufacturer rather than buying from an individual with less information. It must be noted that this option is only available in small amounts since availability depends on the amount of returns and inventory.

Which Place Is Best for Buying a Used Wheelchair?

The best place depends on what matters most to you.

In the case of your initial purchase, however, the item that is the least expensive will not necessarily be the most economical choice. This is because an inexpensive wheelchair that has to be replaced for its spare parts, batteries, and tires will be more expensive than you had expected. For this reason, it makes sense to consider the total costs involved. When choosing your product, make sure to consider both current and future costs.

What Should You Check Before Buying a Used Wheelchair?

Before purchasing a used wheelchair, spend some time examining the chair beyond the pictures that are provided in the ad.

Check the Frame

Make sure that the frame of the wheelchair has no cracks, dents, or bends. Also, it will be important to test if the folding wheelchair folds and unfolds properly. The wheelchair must be strong enough when you start moving it.

Inspecting the Wheels and Tires

Take a look at the wheels and check whether there is anything abnormal about their condition – any wear, cuts, and other damages. Check also if the wheels turn freely and without wobbling. If it is a manual wheelchair, then the wheels and hand rims should be securely attached.

Testing the Brakes

One of the items that you should never ignore is the brakes. They should function correctly and effectively stop the wheelchair. If the wheelchair continues to move when the brakes are applied, there is a problem that requires urgent attention.

Check Seat Dimensions

Even if a wheelchair is technologically sound, it might not be suitable for the individual if it does not fit him well. The width, depth, size, and even height of the seat need to be considered before purchasing. A cheap wheelchair is of no use if every time the person uses it he feels uncomfortable.

Check Weight Capacity

The wheelchair should have a proper weight capacity for the user. One needs to be very careful not to make any assumptions regarding the weight capacity of the chair based on its appearance.

For Power Wheelchairs, Check the Battery

If you are buying a used electric or power wheelchair, the battery deserves extra attention.

Ask:

• How old is the battery?
• How long does it normally last on a charge?
• Has it been replaced?
• Is the original charger included?
• Does the wheelchair charge normally?
• Are replacement batteries still available?

A used power wheelchair with a weak battery may look like a bargain until you discover the cost of replacing it.

Ask the Seller These Questions

If you are buying online or from an individual, don't be afraid to ask for more information.

Useful questions include:

• How long have you owned it?
• How often was it used?
• Why are you selling it?
• Has it ever been repaired?
• Could you record a video of it in use?
• How old are the tires or batteries?
• Is the original charger included?
• What is the exact model?
• Can you provide the original specifications?
• Does the selling price include shipping costs?

If the vendor does not want to answer reasonable questions or provide basic information on the equipment, take this into account.

How Much Should You Pay for a Used Wheelchair?

There is no certain price range for used wheelchairs; however, there are certain factors that will assist you in calculating the price of a used wheelchair. First, you need to determine the price of similar new equipment. After this, pay attention to:

• Use Age: A used wheelchair that is less than one year old will cost approximately 70-85% of a similar new one, but older models usually require a greater discount.
• Condition: If the item is in good condition, the price can be higher, but damaged tires, upholstery, rusting, or other signs of wear and tear should make the price lower.
• Battery: Battery age and condition play an important role in the case of power wheelchairs; therefore, if the battery may break down soon, its cost should be estimated too.
• Repairs and parts: Calculate repair costs and deduct it from the price.

For instance, when a new equivalent wheelchair goes for $1,000, then a three-year-old one that is in good condition could possibly cost about 40% to 55% less than the new one, based on the actual state of the product. In case the wheelchair requires a battery replacement that costs $200, then this should factor into the total price.

More importantly, consider the overall cost, and not just the initial cost of purchasing the product. When a used wheelchair is almost as costly as a new equivalent one, consider the pros and cons of buying each. The additional cost of the new one could be justified by the other advantages associated with it.

Manual Wheelchair vs. Electric Wheelchair: Which Makes More Sense?

In case you are seeking a wheelchair, there is yet one more question which you should consider, that is the issue of choosing between manual and electrical wheelchairs. The distinction lies not only in the cost, but mostly in the mobility, amount of assistance and independence needed for moving around.

Consider a Manual Wheelchair If:

• You have enough upper-body strength to propel the wheelchair.
• Someone is available to assist you when needed.
• You mainly need mobility for shorter trips or occasional use.
• You prefer a simple design with fewer powered components.
• You want something that is easy to use without charging a battery.

Consider an Electric Wheelchair If:

• You have difficulty pushing a manual wheelchair.
• You want to move around more independently.
• You expect to use your wheelchair regularly.
• You need powered assistance for longer distances or outdoor activities.
• You prefer using a joystick or other powered controls rather than manually pushing the chair.

But an electric wheelchair does not have to imply higher costs. For instance, Aotedor sells low-cost or second-hand electric wheelchairs at substantially reduced rates, with some of them being available for as little as $399. At such price levels, an electric wheelchair is going to cost no more than, if not even cheaper than, a regular wheelchair. An electric wheelchair may thus turn out to be an option worth considering if one is affordable enough for you.

Is Aotedor trustworthy?

Aotedor In addition to offering discounted, open-box, and second-hand electric wheelchairs at lower prices, offers products are either from returned items, open-box, less used, or just for adjustment in the warehouse, and not necessarily through long-term use. Before being put back into sale, the units have been inspected to ensure that their important functions, such as the motor, brakes, battery, controllers, and frame condition, are okay. This way, there is another choice for consumers to purchase new or second-hand products other than the full-priced brand-new one. It should be noted that the units are clearly labeled according to their condition, with warranty and after-sales service included.

In the case of discounted and second-hand units, Aotedor gives 3 months warranty on important components like the motor, battery, and controller. If obtaining an electric wheelchair at a reasonable price is your main objective, then it is only right that you will have to consider all the above factors.

Final Thoughts: Where to Buy Used Wheelchairs?

Secondhand wheelchairs can be bought at mobility shops, medical equipment suppliers, online stores, community recycling sites, and secondhand equipment sellers. It will depend on one’s budget, whether the wheelchair can be seen by him or her, and confidence in assessing secondhand equipment as to which will be the best choice.

While buying a wheelchair for the first time, do not base all your decisions on the price alone. Inspect the wheelchair in terms of its condition, size, weight capacity, brake system, wheels, as well as the battery and charger if it is an electric wheelchair. You could also ask the seller some questions and about future repair costs. In addition, when you choose a wheelchair on the basis of being used mainly due to affordability, pause to consider also the prices of inexpensive new wheelchairs as well.