Purchasing a used wheelchair can be a practical and cost-effective option for many, whether it's for temporary use or a long-term necessity. While a new wheelchair may be in better condition and function as new, a used wheelchair model can save considerable money versus buying a new wheelchair. When exploring the used wheelchair market, several key considerations such as type, cost, and brand should guide your decision. This article aims to provide a comprehensive guide on how to navigate these aspects. The right wheelchair can make a huge difference for someone with disabilities or mobility impairments.

Understanding Different Types of Wheelchairs
Firstly, it’s essential to understand the different types of wheelchairs available:

1. Manual Wheelchairs: These are propelled by the user or a caregiver. They are typically lighter and more portable. Within manual wheelchairs, there are sub-types such as standard, lightweight, ultra-lightweight, and transport wheelchairs.
2. Electric Wheelchairs: These are battery-powered and offer greater independence for the user. They come in various models with different speeds and weight capacities.
3. Specialized Wheelchairs: These include wheelchairs designed for specific needs, such as sports, standing wheelchairs, or ones catering to specific medical conditions.

Determining the right wheelchair for your needs
The first step to determining the right kind of wheelchair for a patient is to consult with their physician. Physical factors, such as body type, strength and stability, as well as long term prognosis and underlying medical reason for the chair, are all important factors.

Evaluating the Condition and Cost
When buying a used wheelchair, thoroughly inspect its condition. Check for signs of wear and tear, such as damaged upholstery, bent frames, or worn-out wheels. Ensure that all moving parts function smoothly, and the brakes are effective. The cost of a used wheelchair can vary significantly based on type, brand, and condition. Generally, manual wheelchairs are less expensive than electric ones. New manual wheelchairs can range from a few hundred dollars to a few thousand dollars, while electric wheelchairs usually start over a thousand dollars, with high end models exceeding $15,000. You can find many great deals on lightly used wheelchairs of both types and save quite a bit of money. Set a budget but be flexible to ensure you don’t compromise on essential features for the sake of price.

Considering the Brand and Features
Brand reputation is a vital factor. Renowned brands often mean better build quality and availability of spare parts. Research different brands to understand their strengths and customer service quality. There are a variety of manufacturers that make wheelchair equipment, some of the leading companies include: Invacare Corporation, Pride Mobility, Sunrise Medical, Carex Health, Karman Healthcare, Graham Field (GF) Health Products, and Quantum Rehab. Each manufacturer offers a range of products, from basic to advanced electric systems.

Consider also the features you need:

• Size and Fit: Ensure the wheelchair fits the user comfortably. Check seat width, depth, and height.
• Weight Capacity: Each wheelchair has a maximum weight capacity. Choosing one that supports the user's weight is crucial for safety.
• Portability: If you need to transport the wheelchair often, consider a lightweight or foldable model.
• Adjustability: Adjustable armrests, footrests, and backrests can enhance comfort.

Navigating the used wheelchair market
The first consideration when evaluating wheelchair options is to make sure the weight and size of the patient are within the specified capacity of the chair in question. A quick web search will give you additional insight into the make and model, such as user reviews and other features.

An in-person inspection is ideal so that a test drive may be performed, but if that’s not possible, make sure you have sufficient photographs to evaluate the condition of the wheelchair. That means requesting images of each side of the chair, and paying special attention to the tires, foot rests, wheels, seats, and armrests.

If the chair is electric, look for corrosion around the battery box and other electrical issues. Make sure there isn’t an excessive amount of grease and dirt outside of the motor housing, and that the joystick and other controls are in good shape.