How do I Choose the Best Used Electric Wheelchair?

When purchasing a used electric wheelchair it is necessary to make sure the right kind of chair is available. There are different types of wheelchairs designed for indoor use, rough terrain, beaches, travel, and even sports. Buyers also have a choice between used or refurbished. A refurbished electric wheelchair has been repaired and brought as close to factory standard as possible, and should come with a warranty. A used wheelchair, on the other hand, will typically be sold as-is with no guarantees.

A used electric wheelchair may be something that has been lightly or heavily used. Find out as much as possible about the item. Ask how old it is, how many owners it has had, and how often it was used. A power wheelchair that has been used infrequently is more likely to last longer than one that the owner relied on heavily each day. If the motorized wheelchair in question was used a great deal, a refurbished chair might be a better option.

When any type of powered item has been used, those hours of use take a toll on the moving parts. A heavily-used electric wheelchair could be close to the end of its usefulness. Choosing a refurbished model under warranty can help buyers avoid the need to pay for repairs or parts soon after purchasing a power wheelchair. Most companies that sell refurbished wheelchairs offer financing plans to make them more affordable.

A refurbished, used electric wheelchair may have been operated for thousands of hours but could still be the best choice. Companies that are certified to repair a used electric wheelchair can bring the item back to almost factory-new condition. Refurbishing can mean anything from new paint to new motorized parts. Find out what kind of repairs were necessary. If the repairs were mostly cosmetic, then it is likely the chair was lightly used and found to be in good to excellent condition. If the repairs were extensive, you'll know that it has new parts that may last for years.

Test run the used electric wheelchair and visually inspect it carefully before purchase. Use all the controls to be sure they work and respond quickly. Look at the wheels for signs of uneven wear, scuffing, or other damage. A chair the seller says is lightly used should show light wear on the wheels. If they're heavily scuffed, that indicates a wheelchair that may have been used heavily or in a careless fashion.

Problems with used electric wheelchairs can crop up anytime. Choosing the highest quality used model available will usually make it less likely that problems will occur very soon after the purchase. Budget is obviously a consideration when purchasing anything used, but if expensive repairs become necessary then the purchase wasn't a bargain. Though refurbished models cost more initially, they also come with warranties and guarantees that standard used items don't have.