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.
[FDA APPROVED]Foldable Manual Wheelchair w/Flip Back Armrest Swing Away Footrest
Drive Medical SSP118FA-SF Silver Sport 1 Folding Transport Wheelchair with Fu...
World's Lightest (Only 15lb)Transport Wheelchair,Airplane Travel Fold Wheelchair
VEVOR Lightweight Manual Wheelchair Foldable Aluminum Alloy 18" Wide Seat 250lbs
Streak Ultra-Lightweight Wheelchair W/Flip-Backs Arms and Swing-Away Footrests
Drive Medical Lightweight Steel Transport Wheelchair, Fixed Full Arms, 17 Seat
Drive Medical Silver Sport 1 Wheelchair with Full Arms and Swing away Removable
Upgraded Lightweight Transport Wheelchair for Adults, with Telescopic Handle
Lightweight Wheelchair with Handbrakes,Foldable Transport Wheelchairs
[FDA APPROVED]Folding Manual Medical Wheelchair 18*16" Seat w/Armrest & Footrest
Blue Streak Wheelchair with Flip Back Desk Arms,Elevating Leg Rests 20" Seat,US
All Terrain Electric Wheelchair Foldable with 20 in Seat Supports up to 300 lbs
Lightweight 38Lb Foldable Electric Wheelchair Intelligent 300Lb All Terrain FDA
Adjustable Dog Wheelchair for Back Legs, Pet Legs Support Rehabilitation Train
Carex Classics Transport Chair
18" Seat Medical Blue Streak Ultra-Lightweight Wheelchair With Flip-Backs Arms
Portable Lightweight Folding Wheelchair, 352.74 lbs Capacity Travel Transport Wh
NEW 250W 4 Wheels Mobility Scooter Power Wheelchair Folding Electric Scooters
Ultra Lightweight Elderly Transport Wheelchair Portable Folding Transport Chair
Drive Medical TR37E-SV Lightweight Folding Transport Wheelchair with Swing-Aw...
Foldable Electric Wheelchairs for Adult Elderly, 360° Joystick & Powerful Motor
Streak Ultra-Lightweight Wheelchair With Flip-Backs Arms & Swing-Away Footrests
Washington DC trump inaugural wheelchair #7 plate
Drive Medical Lightweight Transport Wheelchair, 17" Seat, Red
Patient Lift Transfer Chair Bathroom Wheelchair w/ 180° Split Seat and Potty US
Deluxe Medical Scooter Steerable Knee Walker 10" Wheels Knee Scooter Wheelchair
VEVOR Ultra-Lightweight Folding Transport Wheelchair Aluminum Alloy for Adult
VINTAGE ⭐ WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE ⭐ WAREHOUSE FIND! OLD BRONZE RARE SIGN
Equate FGA232EQ WMRT Wheelchair With Large 18-Inch Padded Seat, Removable
19lbs Ultra-Lightweight Folding Transportable Wheelchair for Easy Transportation
Folding Electric Power Wheelchair Lightweight Mobility Aid Motorized All Terrain
Streak Ultra-Lightweight Wheelchair With Flip-Backs Arms & Swing-Away Footrests
Mobility Scooter Electric Wheelchair 4 Wheel Folding Electric Scooter Adults NEW
Ultra-Lightweight 45lbs Foldable Electric Wheelchair 16 mile Range All Terrain
2Wheels Adjustable Pet Wheelchair for Back Leg Brace Dog Wheelchair/Cart Size XS
2-10ft Folding Aluminum Wheelchair Ramp Portable Mobility Scooter Non-Slip 600LB
Blue Streak Wheelchair w/Flip Back Desk Arms,20"Seat and Swing-Away Footrests
Carex Transport Wheelchair With 19 inch Seat - Folding Transport Chair
10” Deluxe ELENKER Rollator Walker 2 in 1 Medical Aid Wheelchair Transport Chair
Only 16lbs Ultralight weight Foldable Transport Wheelchair, Double Handbrake
Karman 24 pounds LT-980 Ultra Lightweight Wheelchair Black
2-8ft Folding Aluminum Wheelchair Ramp Portable Mobility Scooter Non-Slip 600LBS
Drive Medical Lightweight Expedition Transport Wheelchair with Hand Brakes - Red
2/3/4/5/6/7/8/10FT Home Wheelchair Ramp Non-Skid Folding Aluminum Ramps Steps
Drive Medical Lightweight Steel Transport Wheelchair, Fixed Full Arms, 17 Seat
Foldable Lightweight Electric Wheelchair Mobility Powerchair All Terrain 2*250W
Lightweight Foldable Electric Wheelchair for Seniors - Economic - Support 300lbs
[FDA APPROVED]18"Folding Manual Wheelchair Flip Back Armrest Swing Away Footrest
Lightweight Foldable Manual Wheelchair w/Flip Back Armrest Swing Away Footrest
Drive Medical Wheelchair Blue Streak W/ Flip Back Desk Arm + 20" Seat + Footrest
Medline Guardian K1 Wheelchair SA Arm/Leg 18in Seat 1Ct
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.
