Wheelchairs, power chairs, lifts, and scooters can be a difficult expense, especially for people who do not qualify for Medicare benefits. But there's hope for those who still want to be mobile. Try the pre-owned marketplace instead.
There are stores that specialize in reconditioned, pre-owned manual and electric wheelchairs, and many other types of wheelchairs, mobility vehicles and accessories. But shop wisely. Ask the dealerships you engage how they recondition their products. Find out if they are merely applying a new paint job to the equipment. Ask how old and how many owners the product has had. Find out if the product has been discontinued on the retail market and how readily available replacement parts will be for the product you intend to buy. Does the re-conditioned dealer provide a warranty? If there are problems with the product in the future, how does the dealership plan to service your needs?
The pre-owned mobility marketplace is a solid alternative to full retail. You can find reputable brand-name equipment for roughly half the price of new retail prices. To help you get started with your pre-owned shopping experience, the product categories below will send you to a pre-owned mobility dealership that has been in business since 1995, is accredited by the Better Business Bureau, provides a warranty, has an online ordering experience, and will ship to just about any address that a major freight carrier will ship to.The dealership is called Marc's Mobility of Lakeland, Florida. I encourage you to engage the pre-owned dealerships with questions. Ask them about their "re-conditioning" process. Marc's, for example, sells only "like-new" vehicles, most with less than 5 hours of use on them.
1. Used Power Wheelchairs
Some available categories in the used power wheelchair segment include:
- Pediatric and Medium Sized Power Chairs
- Large Power Chairs
- Extra Large Power Chairs
- Power wheelchairs with Lift, Tilt, Recline, and High-Speed features
2. Used Scooter and Power Chair Lifts
To further your mobility range beyond your home, you'll want a solution for taking your scooter or wheelchair on the road with you. Many people find that a lift is an essential accessory to get their power chair or scooter into their van in order to accomplish their errands, or to visit friends and family, or to get to work. Powered mobility products can weight hundreds of pounds, so a lift system can make this effort a breeze.More »
3. Used Wheelchair Carrier with Manual Ramp
A less expensive alternative to the powered lift systems, the manual wheelchair carrier and ramp connects to the rear hitch of your vehicle, folds up when not in use, and folds down to allow the user to drive their chair or scooter up the ramp for transport.More »
4. Used Electric Scooters
New electric scooters generally cost between $3,000 and $5,000 dollars. Pre-owned and reconditioned scooters with established brands such as Pride and Rascal can cost around half that price.More »
5. Used Wheelchair Batteries, Chair and Scooter Covers
Even the lesser expensive accessories, such as covers for your chair or scooter, and batteries, can be purchased used. The savings is not as dramatic, but still a savings nonetheless. And if you're already buying other items from your used dealership, the convenience of buying the accessory at the same time to be included in the same shipment makes sense.More »
6. Used Portable Wheelchair and Scooter Ramps
Portable ramps require no installation and they are easy to take virtually anywhere. Made of light-weight aircraft-grade aluminum, portable ramps fold and carry like a suitcase. They are a low-maintenance solution to navigating steps, curbs, vans and SUVs.More »
7. Used Wheelchair, Scooter, and Lift Parts and Accessories
If you already own a wheelchair, scooter, or lift, you may need a replacement part. It's often the little things that wear-out or break-down. Here are some accessories you can find at a discount:
- Chargers for powered wheelchairs and scooters
- Replacement seats for power chairs and scooters
- Oxygen tank holders
- Joystick controllers for powered wheelchairs
- Leg rest components for wheelchairs
- Covers and batteries
- Wiring harnesses for wheelchair lifts