Buying a Used Wheelchair – Factors To Consider

Buying a used wheelchair is similar to purchasing a second-hand car. The wheelchair will be a great deal, saving the individual hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars; or, the wheelchair is a lemon purchased “as is”, and a person ends up loosing money in upkeep and repair. Therefore, before investing in a used wheelchair, here are some qualities to look for and some sage advice.

Primarily, the wheelchair must proper fit the user. Imagine sitting all day, every day, in a chair too short or tall. Either the disabled individual will feel cramped and uncomfortable, or he/she will not have adequate support. In the case of a manual wheelchair, rotating the wheelchair will be difficult, if not painful. As with Goldilocks, in Goldilocks and the Three Bears, she tried out all three chairs to find the one chair fitting her “just right”. Do NOT purchase a chair unless the fit is just right.

Secondly, never purchase a chair sight unseen. With increasing Internet capabilities, handicapped individuals can often find wheelchair for sale from an auction site or a private user. Unfortunately, false advertising can be problem. For example, the seller may suggest the used wheelchair is as good as new. After all, Grandma only needed the chair once a week, to go to the doctor. Probably not! The buyer needs to see the condition of the chair to believe the advertising.

Consider a comparable situation. Most an individual does not purchase a car sight unseen. Instead, he/she takes the car for a drive and makes sure the car is adequate and fairly priced. In addition, a savvy buyer will take the vehicle to a mechanic to make sure the seller is not withholding negative information regarding the overall condition of the car. Likewise, have the used wheelchair checked by a professional. Especially if the wheelchair is electric, the purchaser is potentially spending a great deal of money. Without recourse, if the chair falls apart after the sale is completed, an individual will end up spending more money on necessary repairs.

In truth, buying a used wheelchair can be a risky decision. Unless the purchaser is qualified to spot potential problems, as well as the positive attributes, he/she could end up with the veritable lemon. When in doubt, purchase from a dealer and obtain a limited warranty; when purchasing from a private individual, have the chair thoroughly exampled by a professional before writing the check. If the seller baulks at the idea, chances are, walking away is an excellent idea.

So, become a savvy shopper when buying a used wheelchair. Do not hand over hard-earned money without making sure you are getting exactly what you are paying for. Take the wheelchair for a test drive; measure for proper fit and comfort; have a professional verify the wheelchairs structural integrity. If the seller is unwilling to allow a thorough examination, walk away. Do not purchase someone else’s problem. Buy a bargain, not a lemon.