Should You Consider the Used Electric Wheelchairs?

In these trying and oppressive economic times, many of us have had to make tough choices when it comes to where we spend our money. Unfortunately, many of these choices have trickled down into our medical care, and have had detrimental effects on the types of medical treatments we have been able to afford. Indeed, many people suffering from limited mobility have had to make such heartbreaking choices as whether they are going to put food on the table or be able to get around their home with ease. And in a recession that is showing more and more signs of lasting well into the immediate future, many people have started to make concessions in order to protect the long-term state of their well being. Sometimes, this includes choosing to purchase a used electric wheelchair rather than bear the financial burden of purchasing a new one, or even going without.

While in many cases, people with limited mobility are able to find quality used electric wheelchairs that work well for their individual needs, whenever you purchase a medical device second-hand, you are always assuming some level of risk. Indeed, when purchasing big-ticket items, like electric wheelchairs, new, you are generally guaranteed a certain level of quality and performance. In many cases, the seller (whether retail, wholesale, or direct from the manufacturer) will offer incentives like extended warranties, in-home demos, and occasionally other perks such as free or discounted basic maintenance. When you purchase a used electric wheelchair, you are generally foregoing all of those perks and taking what you get. This can, at times, lead to detrimental consequences. While you may spend less money initially when purchasing a used electric wheelchair, you also may end up spending more in the long run to make repairs or improvements.

Additionally, many insurance companies are now covering the costs of electric wheelchairs for their customers with limited mobility related to an underlying medical condition. In these cases, if your health care professional determines that an electric wheelchair is an appropriate treatment for your medical condition, you will receive a ‘prescription’ for the device, and will then start on the process of obtaining one. Many times, when your insurance company covers the cost of your electric wheelchair, you can get a new, state-of-the art model for little to no out of pocket cost. This means that it may be possible for many consumers to get a new electric wheelchair (with all of its inherent benefits) for free or nearly free, thus negating the need to take the potential risk of finding a used electric wheelchair.

Of course, not everyone with limited mobility has the requisite health insurance needed to obtain an electric wheelchair for little to no cost. For this reason, it is important that everyone suffering from any form of this debilitating condition do what is necessary to regain or keep their independence. Sometimes, this may mean purchasing a used electric wheelchair. However, if you have to do so, it is important that you take appropriate precautions to ensure that you get a high quality product for a fair price.