Wheelchairs are used all around the world for a variety of reasons, ranging from injury to illness. Unfortunately, there are not often covered by health insurance in the US, and not everyone can afford to pay the full price.
Does that mean they have to learn to go without help? No! Luckily, there are many options to find an affordable used wheelchair.
New & Used Wheelchairs for Sale Right Now
You have many choices regarding buying a used wheelchair, but it’s hard to know which one is the right choice? Don’t worry. The internet has already done the work for you! So many excellent third-party sellers are waiting to make a deal with you. Websites like eBay make finding respected sellers so easy.
Self Propedded Foldable Transport Wheelchair w/Flip-back Padded Armrest&Hand Rim
Ultra-lightweight BlackFoldingTransport Wheelchair for Adult Weighs Only 15 lbs
Safety Lightweight Wheelchair W/ Swing-Away Elevating Leg Rests & Flip-Back Arms
Lightweight 38Lb Foldable Electric Wheelchair Intelligent 300Lb All Terrain FDA
World's Lightest (Only 15lb)Transport Wheelchair,Airplane Travel Fold Wheelchair
Foldable Electric Wheelchairs Adult or Senior 360° Joystick and Powerful Motor
19lbs Ultra-Lightweight Folding Transportable Wheelchair for Easy Transportation
12” Deluxe OEM ELENKER Rollator Walker Medical Aid Upright Stand Up Wheelchair
Upgraded Lightweight Transport Wheelchair for Adults, with Telescopic Handle
Self Propedded Foldable Transport Wheelchair w/Parking Brake+Swing-away Footrest
VEVOR 2 Wheels Pet Wheelchair for Back Legs Dog Wheelchair/Cart Adjustable(XS-L)
VEVOR 2 Wheels Pet Wheelchair for Back Legs Dog Wheelchair/Cart Adjustable(L)
VEVOR Ultra-Lightweight Manual Wheelchair Foldable Aluminum Alloy 18" Wide Seat
Black Silver Sport 1 Wheelchair - Removable Arms & Footrests, Swing Away Design
McKesson Lightweight Wheelchair Steel 20"W Swing-Away Footrest
Drive Medical Lightweight Expedition Transport Wheelchair with 17” Wide Seat-RED
500W All Terrain Electric Wheelchair Heavy Duty Foldable Electric Wheelchairs
10” Deluxe ELENKER Rollator Walker 2 in 1 Medical Aid Wheelchair Transport Chair
Blue Wheelchair 20" w/ Flip Desk Arms & Elevating Leg Rest - Drive Medical New
12Ah Lightweight 40Lb Foldable Electric Wheelchair Intelligent 220Lb All Terrain
Blue Wheelchair 18" w/ Flip Desk Arms & Elevating Leg Rest - Drive Medical New
VEVOR 2 in 1 Rollator Walker & Transport Chair Folding Walker Wheelchair Combo
500W Electric Wheelchair Folding All Terrain Heavy Duty Portable Wheelchair new
Shower Commode Wheelchair Toilet and Bedside Transport Chair w/ Padded Seat New
VEVOR Foldable Electric Wheelchair Intelligent Motorized Power Chair All Terrain
Blue Ultralight Double Handbrake FoldingTransportation Wheelchair Weight 19 lbs
10” Deluxe ELENKER Rollator Walker 2 in 1 Medical Aid Transport Chair Wheelchair
BEYOUR WALKER Upright Rollator Walker Wheelchair Rolling Walking Medical Aid
INDOOR/OUTDOOR TRANSFORM Foldable Self Propedded Transport Wheelchair w/Hand Rim
Drive Medical Wheelchair Blue Streak W/ Flip Back Desk Arm + 18" Seat + Footrest
NEW 4 Wheels Mobility Scooter Power Wheelchair Folding Electric For Home Travel
Foldable Mobility Scooter Intelligent Electric Wheelchair All Terrain Wheelchair
Foldable Electric Power Mobility Wheelchair Lightweight Wheel Chair Intelligent
Composite, Lightweight Wheelchair Wheel-Locks (Brakes)
10” Deluxe ELENKER Rollator Walker 2 in 1 Medical Wheelchair Transport Chair Aid
Intelligent Foldable Electric Wheelchair All Terrain 4 Wheels Mobility Scooter
Ki Tsunami wheelchair w/ Natural Fit wheels
[FDA APPROVED]Foldable Lightweight Transport Wheelchair w/Handbrakes & Seat Belt
Patient Lift Transfer Chair Bathroom Wheelchair w/ 180° Split Seat and Commode
500W Dual Motor Electric Wheelchair Folding Mobility Aid Motorized Wheelchair
500W Foldable Electric Wheelchair All Terrain Mobility Scooter Lithium battery
Silver Sport 1 Wheelchair w/Full Arms and Swing Away Removable Footrest
Patient Lift Transfer Chair, Patient Lift for Home Wheelchair Portable Car Lift
Heki Sace Small Dog Wheelchair with Back Leg Rollling Support (New, Open Box)
[FDA APPROVED]Foldable Manual Extra-Wide Seat Wheelchair /w Adjustable Foot Rest
2-10ft Folding Aluminum Wheelchair Ramp Portable Mobility Scooter Non-Slip 600LB
24" x 28" Rear/Side Door Van Ramp Wheelchair or Scooter Ramp 600 lbs Capacity
Invacare Mariner Rolling Shower Wheelchair With Commode 18" Seat Width 6895
Handle/Parking Brake Foldable Transport Wheelchair w/Swing-Away Padded Armrest
Wheelchair Cushions，Pressure Pain Relief Accessories with Armrest Covers. Suppor
The History of the Wheelchair
Although scholars do not have an exact date, it is assumed that the first wheelchair was created in the 6th and 4th BCE centuries. It’s known that wheeled furniture reached Europe in the 17th century.
As time went on, the wheeled chair’s technology became more advanced, including cranks and rotary handles. Back in the day, they were more like armchairs than a medical device.
The wheelchair design we know today was created in the 20th century. Engineers cast away the old use of wicker and wood and started using a lightweight, tubular metal. The design of the cross-frame wheelchair was credited to Everest & Jennings Inc. In the 21st century, innovation has focused on making the wheelchair design lightweight, efficient, and easy to use.
Wheelchairs are made for weight and size specifications, so get the model of the chair and make sure you fit within those parameters. Sit in the chair for a bit to make sure it’s a good fit for your body. Do a web search on the model and look at what the reviews say, if most of the reviews say it’s a dud, look elsewhere.
While you’re inspecting the chair before purchase, make sure to check the whole chair over for defects, including the tires, pedals, wheels, seat, armrests, etc. If it needs a lot of repairing, look somewhere else for a chair in better condition. Also inspect for cleanliness. Some people who use wheelchairs can be incontinent, and if the seller hasn’t bothered to clean up the chair before trying to sell it off, you should stay far away.
Where to Look for Used Wheelchairs for Sale
You can find used medical equipment like wheelchairs in many different places. Websites like eBay and Amazon might have great deals, but keep in mind you’ll have to pay shipping, and you won’t be able to inspect the item prior to purchase. The nice thing is that these sites have buyer protections, unlike Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace, so if there’s something wrong, you have a way to return it for a refund.
You can check at sellers of local used medical equipment, thrift stores, liquidation sales, estate sales, or a charity organization. Look in your local paper for deals or notices of big sales happening. Call and ask around to see if anyone’s selling a wheelchair. If you can’t find something local, eBay will have a much larger selection listing specific models, which you’ll be able to Google for weight and reviews.
Pros and Cons of Buying a Used Wheelchair
The main pro of buying a used wheelchair is simple: price. It is considerably cheaper to buy a wheelchair through a third party or a website like eBay than buying it any other way. Plus, there is a higher likelihood of getting it shipped to your house way before the distributor. Purchasing a wheelchair at full price can range from $200 to thousands of dollars, but buying a used wheelchair from a third party seller is typically under $100. That’s cutting the price in half!
The most significant con of buying a used wheelchair is getting an inferior product and wasting your money. That’s why it’s always best to check the reviews and examine the photos that reviewers have provided. If there is a 90% positive review score, you know that it’s a good purchase. Also, make sure to check for these things below.
What to look for in a Used Wheelchair
The most important thing to look at in a used wheelchair is the wheels and gears’ condition. If they are rusty, they will get stuck, making it harder to push the chair. Keep an eye out for the seat. Look for any rips or tears in the corners where the weight will rest.
If you’re purchasing the used wheelchair from a third-party website or eBay seller, you can’t test the wheels out as you can in person, which puts you at a disadvantage. Luckily, you still have reviews. Some customers will post pictures of their received product and include comments and complaints. You can check the condition of the product by examining the photos closely. Look at the problem areas! Keep an eye out for any flaws.
The world can be challenging when you’re disabled or injured, so buying a wheelchair should be cheap and easy. If you’re looking for a wheelchair, make sure to consider purchasing a used one from a respected seller. In the end, you’ll end up saving yourself some money, pain, and heartache.
