Used Wheelchairs Near Me (2023): Where to Buy & How to Get the Best Deal (2024)

By kbeveridge

A wheelchair can help people with reduced mobility problems, but it can also be expensive for some users. If you need a wheelchair for more than a couple of weeks, renting one will be more expensive than buying one. So, your best option is to find a second-hand wheelchair at an affordable price.

In today’s buyingguide, we help you answer the question “Where can I find used wheelchairs near me?” and how to get the best deal possible. You’ll also learn the advantages and disadvantages of buying a used wheelchair and what to consider before buying one.

Pros & Cons of Buying a Used Wheelchair

Here are the main pros and cons of buying a used wheelchair compared to purchasing a new one:

Pros

Used wheelchairs are a lot cheaper than brand new ones.
They are high-quality options with solid features.
You can find models from popular and reliable brands.
You can find them online or in yard sales.
They provide reliable support and comfort.
You can negotiate the price if you find the wheelchair in a yard sale.

Cons

They do not have good lifespans.
Finding one that fits your needs can be challenging.
You risk being scammed when buying a used wheelchair.

Used Wheelchairs for Sale by Owner – How to Find Used Wheelchairs for Sale Near Me?

The best way to find a used wheelchair for sale is to look in places like yard sales, Facebook, and other social media platforms. However, it is essential to know that buying used wheelchairs from previous owners can lead to scams and bad experiences.

Facebook and Other Social Media Platforms

The first thing you can do is check on Facebook Marketplaceto see if you can find the right type of wheelchair. Facebook has some policies that make it hard to buy or sell new and used wheelchairs, but you can still be lucky and find some high-quality models.

You can also join groups of people looking to get money from used devices like wheelchairs and other related items. In these Facebook groups, you can find everything, from second-hand video games to patient lifts. However, you should be careful with who you deal with and never accept to pick up the wheelchair in an unknown location.

Yard Sales, Goodwill Places, Auction Houses, and More

If you don’t want to buy a used wheelchair on the internet, you can use yard sales and goodwill places. There, you can find manual and electric wheelchairs at extremely low prices. However, it will take you a lot of time to find a suitable wheelchair model unless you get lucky.

Craigslist Used Wheelchairs For Sale by Owner – How to Avoid Getting Scammed?

Craigslistis a popular online platform people can use to post classified ads for almost every possible item. Here, you can find high-quality new items like TVs, cars, smartphones, and laptops. You can also use it to find used mobility devices like wheelchairs, power chairs, and scooters.

Here’s how to buy a used wheelchair on Craigslist.

Find a Seller

You first need to find a seller near your area. Luckily, Craigslist allows you to look for products in your state, city, and county. Keep in mind that manual wheelchairs are not challenging to find. Still, you might have a hard time finding an electric or bariatric model.

Get a Deal

Once you’ve found a seller near your area, you can bargain to get a better price. Bargaining is not mandatory, but it can help you get a better deal, especially if you are looking for affordability.

Ask to Meet in a Public Place

Unlike eBay or Amazon, you’ll be buying directly from a previous owner, which can make the process faster and more affordable. However, that can also lead to scams and other dangers.

When buying from someone on Craigslist, you should always choose a public place when picking up the item. Avoid giving your address to anyone, even if the seller offers you free shipping.

Do Not Go Alone

If possible, go with a friend or family member to pick up your new wheelchair. That way, you have someone that can help you in case of an emergency.

Be Careful When Buying Valuable Items

It is difficult to find reliable sellers of valuable items on Craigslist, but it is not impossible. Always remember to examine the device before paying so that you can avoid losing your money.

Used Wheelchairs for Sale on eBay – Tips for Using eBay

Used Wheelchair Ramps – Where to Buy?

Wheelchair ramps are affordable alternatives to buying a mechanical lift for your home. They tend to offer excellent weight capacity, reliable support, and anti-skid surfaces for better safety. However, they are still expensive, especially if you are working with a tight budget.

One option you have is to find a used wheelchair ramp with the correct design to fit the shape of your house. Additionally, there are also used wheelchair ramps perfect for vans, RVs, SUVs, and other vehicles.

Here are the places you can use to buy a used wheelchair ramp:

Used Wheelchair Lifts for Homes – Where to Buy?

Wheelchair lifts are extraordinary devices with unique designs that can make your life a lot easier and safer. They are meant to last and are difficult to transport, making them a poor option to buy second-hand. However, if you still want a used wheelchair lift for your home, you can find them on certain forums and online platforms.

Here are the best places to look for a wheelchair lift for home:

Used Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles – Where to Buy?

Wheelchair-accessible vehicles could be the right option for families with members suffering from reduced mobility problems. These easy-to-use devices offer wheelchair access and the necessary space to maneuver. However, they are extremely expensive and can cost up to twice what a standard van costs.

That’s why buying a used wheelchair vehicle is an affordable option for families that require a more reasonable price. The main drawback of buying a used model is that you need to pay extra attention to the van’s technical aspects like the mileage.

Here’s where you can look for wheelchair accessible vehicles:

Used Wheelchair Lift for Vans – Where to Buy?

Wheelchair lifts for vans are common tools that many people use to make the transport process a lot easier. They have excellent weight capacity, reliable support, and have good compatibility with many vehicles. However, second-hand or used wheelchair lifts are not common options you can find online.

When buying a used wheelchair lift for your van, ensure that the device works properly before closing the deal.

Here’s where you can look for a used wheelchair van lift:

Used Wheelchairs for Free – How to Get a Used Wheelchair Through Medicare, Medicaid, or VA?

Medicare, Medicaid, and Veterans Affairs tend to provide you free wheelchairs in certain circ*mstances. However, each of these institutions has different requirements you need to meet before getting a complimentary wheelchair.

Medicare

In the case of Medicare, you need a physician recognized by the government to prescribe the wheelchair for you. You also have to find a Medicare-approved wheelchair distributor. If not, Medicare won’t cover your wheelchair at all. Also, you should know that it will only cover 80% of the total price in most situations.

Medicaid

Medicaid also provides free new and used wheelchairs, power scooters, and power chairs for its users. However, the way that it gives the wheelchair will depend on the living conditions of the patient.

People living in Medicaid nursing homes tend to get their wheelchairs almost immediately. That’s because nurses can tell when a patient requires help for moving around the house.

Veterans Affairs

When it comes to the Veterans Affairs (VA) office, you can get a free wheelchair almost immediately as long as a physician recommends it for you. The wheelchair is usually covered entirely by the Veterans Affairs office.

Who Buys Used Electric Wheelchairs?

Electric wheelchairs are the go-to options for many seniors and users with upper-body reduced mobility. However, not all of them can afford a new model as they can cost around 2000 USD. That’s why many people are looking for used electric wheelchairs on the internet and in physical stores.

Here are some places you can use to sell your used electric wheelchair:

eBay: eBay is the most popular place for buying second-hand devices like video games and other electronic appliances. However, it is also a platform you can use to find used wheelchairs at affordable prices.
Craigslist: Craiglist is the old-school classified platform that allows you to find a wide variety of items. If you are lucky, you’ll be able to sell a high-quality used wheelchair at a reasonable price.
CareCure: Carecure is an online forum provided by Rutgers University to provide information about spinal injuries. However, you can use the platform to find and sell used electric wheelchairs.
The Mobility Market USA: It is an online platform designed to connect people looking to sell or buy used wheelchairs and other mobility devices. You can advertise your used electric wheelchair, and the platform will only charge a small fee once you sell it.
Inspired SCI Forum: The Inspired SCI Forum offers a classified section for users to sell and buy anything related to mobility. Through that forum, you can find high-quality electric wheelchairs or sell the ones that you have.

Buyer’s Guide: What to Look for When Buying a Used Wheelchair

Here’s what you have to consider before buying a used wheelchair:

Durability: When purchasing a second-hand wheelchair, you need to know how long it has been used before. The average lifespan of a wheelchair is around four years. As such, if the wheelchair you are buying is more than four years old, it won’t last much longer.
Comfort: Comfort is an essential aspect of buying a new or secondhand wheelchair. The model you choose should have an ergonomic design, good support, and padded armrests.
Reliable seller: Depending on where you buy it, you need to ensure that you buy from a reliable person. You can use the review section from platforms like eBay to see if the person is trustworthy or not.
Type: One of the main drawbacks of buying a used wheelchair is that it can be challenging to find the style you need. For instance, finding secondhand bariatric wheelchairs from a reliable seller can take you weeks.

Conclusion

In conclusion, buying a used or second-hand wheelchair should be your go-to option if you are looking for affordability. However, it is difficult to find a reliable seller with a wheelchair that will fit your needs.

When buying a used wheelchair, you must ensure it is a suitable model that offers the right weight capacity and ergonomic design. You should also pay attention to the device’s durability, as wheelchairs tend to have a lifespan of only four years. Additionally, focus on finding a model with good comfort and support.

Sources:

Inspired Classified – Buying / Selling & Trading Forum

Buy Sell Mobility Aids Products Disabled Disability Aids Pre-Owned Scooters Wheelchairs Adapted Vehicles Real Estate

CareCure Home – CareCure Forums

Craigslist

Ebay

Va.gov Home | Veterans Affairs

How to Get a Free Wheelchair – Get a Donated Wheelchair

Medicare’s Wheelchair & Scooter Benefit.

Used Scooter & Wheelchair Lifts For Sale | Griffin Mobility

Used Wheelchair Lifts

Used Wheelchair Vans for Sale by Owner