Is it wise to buy a used wheelchair? It depends on the condition of it! I have a very nice look-like-new high-end brand wheelchair that would have sold for about $500 new that my daughter bought for me at an estate sale for only $50. They were trying to sell it for $100 but she got there near the end of the sale so was able to talk them down as they didn’t want to have to haul that wheelchair back and forth another day.
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Tips to Find Used Wheelchairs for Sale
The thing about buying from an estate, garage/rummage sales, or even some thrift stores is that you need to know how to negotiate the price down. That’s why you shouldn’t go to auctions because the prices are unpredictable and may go up too much, plus you don’t get a chance to really examine items at most types of auction.
Thrift stores are good places to look even though you may need to go to several of them to find a used wheelchair for sale so don’t expect to find a good one by just going to one or two stores even though that has happened to some fortunate people. The key is to take your time and not to be in a great pursuit of a wheelchair because it seems like when I’m looking for a particular item, I will not find it but if I just go browsing, I will find a particular item just because I’m not looking for it. Sounds crazy but it is one of Murphy’s laws that happens quite often.
Another good place to look for used wheelchairs for sale is at medical equipment liquidation sales. You can find them online or in the classified section of newspapers. There may be local medical equipment providers, hospitals, veterans groups, or healthcare providers who are moving and not taking some of their equipment; however, wheelchairs are not always items they have to sell. Call them to ask if they are selling any wheelchairs and if so, find out what price range and what the process would be to look at them.
You can also do a local Internet search for “best places to find used wheelchairs” and then take note of the ads you find to check out and if there are any of interest, contact the seller to see when you can come to see the wheelchair(s). Don’t rely on photos of the wheelchairs as they may not be the ones that are actually for sale.
Examples of a Used Wheelchairs for Sale
The below wheelchairs are categorized as used even though they may be new with minor damage or packaging damage. Amazon gives you a choice of the new one or to “Buy Open Box,” which means its condition description details are Like New or Very Good, etc. They will also give you the choice of buying from another seller where the price may be less. These are ways to get a great price on a wheelchair for sale and save significantly as is shown below in the two examples.
Drive Medical C418ADFASV-SF Cirrus IV Lightweight Dual Axle Wheelchair
The Cirrus IV wheelchair is about $100 less than the brand new price because it is marked as “Buy Open Box” item meaning that it was either damaged in shipment or returned and has some minor cosmetic damage. The Cirrus IV from Drive Medical has the perfect combination of quality, economy, lightweight, and ease of use plus much more. It is only 32 pounds without the front rigging but still extremely strong due to its attractive aluminum and carbon steel frame. It has Mag-style rear composite wheels that can be easily moved between two separate axles to adjust the seat to an angle and height to fit the user. The seat is flame-retardant and easy to clean. The flip-back armrest and seat back height are adjustable. The weight capacity is 300 pounds and the seat width is 18 inches and seat depth is 16 inches. The seat to floor height is 17.5 inches to 19.5 inches and the back of chair height is from 16 inches to 18 inches. The overall dimensions are 42 inches by 26 inches by 36 inches.
Drive Medical Poly Fly Lightweight Transport Chair Wheelchair with Swing-away Footrest, Silver, 18”
This silver Poly Fly Lightweight Transport Chair Combo wheelchair is about $160 less than the brand new price because it is marked as “Buy Open Box” item meaning that it was either damaged in shipment or returned and has some packaging damage. This all-in-one 18-inch wide wheelchair is like having two different kinds of a wheelchair as it comes with two sets of wheel locks; one for use with the wheelchair, and one to use with the transport chair. The 24-inch wheels can be quickly removed to go from a self-propelled to be a transport chair. The back folds down and it is easy to fold completely down for convenient transporting in the trunk of your vehicle or storage. The weight capacity is 250 pounds. The upholstery is made of easy-to-clean nylon. It has swing-away footrests, composite crack-proof footplates, heel loops and 8-inch anti-tipping caster wheels for a smooth safe ride over most terrains. Overall dimensions are 31.5 inches by 25.5 inches by 12.5 inches.
- Transport Chair-Wheelchair Combo: Standard manual wheelchair transforms into a transport chair when you remove the quick-release 24-inch wheels; use for either self-propelled or assisted mobility
- Lightweight Folding Wheelchair-Transport Chair: Just 34 pounds with large wheels on and 21 pounds without them, the ultra-lightweight wheelchair for adults is easy to carry and push
- Easy to Transport: Made of lightweight aluminum, our portable transport chairs for seniors and adults have a foldable back that allows for easy storage and travel; load into car separate from large wheels to make it even easier
- Durable Design: This portable wheelchair features 8-inch casters and anti-tippers to prevent tipping backwards; comes with 2 sets of wheel locks: one for use with wheelchair, one for use with transport chair
- Specifications: 42 inches in length x 26.5 inches in width x 37 inches in height; width: 12 inches (closed); seat: 16 inches in depth x 18 inches in width x 19.5 inches in height; weight capacity: 250 lbs
Conclusion
Since it’s getting harder to pass Medicare approval for a simple wheelchair, some elderly people who desperately need mobility assistance have a hard time finding a wheelchair they can afford. It’s time for everyone to share with others any wheelchairs or other medical equipment not being used by donating the equipment. Or if you feel you need to receive something for a particular item that you paid a lot for, put an ad in the local paper or online under used wheelchairs for sale but make the price is low enough so that someone in need can buy it. This will be a great way to contribute to your community.