How to Find Used Wheelchairs Locally

To purchase a new wheelchair, costs usually begin at about $100 for a manual wheelchair, while electric wheelchairs begin at roughly $1,000. In some cases, Medicare Part B, Medicaid or private insurance may be available to help offset the cost for a patient in need of a wheelchair. Since not every person has the benefit of health care coverage, many people seek out ways to purchase used wheelchairs in their areas.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Computer with Internet access
• Several sheets of paper
• Pen
• Scissors
• Pushpins or tacks

1. Use the Internet as your first search tool by checking Craigslist, eBay, and the classifieds section of online newspapers to locate listings for used wheelchairs. If this search is unsuccessful, proceed to the following steps.

2. Post classified ads on Craigslist and to any local online publications that allow this. Also, consider posting a classified ad in paper versions of local newspapers.

3. When shopping for a used wheelchair, be sure to look only for ones specifically recommended by a medical professional and that are the proper weight and size capacity. Wheelchairs are usually selected by the patient's team of medical professionals and are typically not designed as "one size fits all."

4. Understand that wheelchair warranties are non-transferable, even if the wheelchair is purchased while the warranty is still valid. The FDA mandates that this be a provision in wheelchair warranties to ensure that wheelchairs are not easily resold in order to prevent difficulties that can arise from patients purchasing improper chairs for their size or condition.

5. Create a flyer that includes the specifications for the desired wheelchair with the words WANTED TO PURCHASE.

6. At the bottom of the flyer, write sideways the contact phone number in several vertical columns. Use scissors to cut fringe at the bottom; cut on both sides of each phone number so that it can be torn off by people viewing the flyer.

7. Visit places in the community that offer public bulletin boards, such as banks, libraries, government buildings, car washes, and coffee shops. Read the materials posted on the bulletin board, and if there are no notices for the type of used wheelchair specified in your flyer, leave one behind.

8. Contact local disability groups, state rehabilitation departments and assisted living centers for referrals or to locate used wheelchairs.

Tips & Warnings

• Never settle for a wheelchair that does not meet the needs of the patient. This can be harmful or dangerous for the patient.

References

• U.S. Food and Drug Administration

Who Can Help Sponsored

• How to Lose 30+lbs Guaranteed. Try it Free.