Why would one consider buying a used or pre-owned wheelchair? Wheelchairs are hardly thought of by people unless their use is necessitated. When they are, getting one could get quite costly especially when one’s insurance policy does not cover it or when one is not even insured at all. Ideally, a wheelchair would be designed to suit the user so his or her use would be comfortable since he or she will be staying on it for long periods of time especially when going around.
Acquiring a used wheel chair would not be the same as getting a used car. Firstly, the need for a wheelchair would be more immediate if the doctor or therapist prescribes it. There simply is no other replacement or alternative available. Regardless of how urgent an acquisition is, you must approach the purchase with enough knowledge so as to make the best informed decisions so the wheelchair would provide its intended use instead of presenting itself as a problem.
The cost of a new wheelchair might not be very practical for people who will not be confined to a wheelchair for life. It would be quite comfortable for the user to get a customized wheelchair but when it comes down to spending, it will not be very practical in some cases.
New wheelchairs can range from $400 to well above $2,000, depending on the brand, make, and model. Wheelchairs that are electrically powered would cost about ten times more.
The wheelchair type that is most commonly used is the manual one. It is not equipped with motors. It has to be propelled by the user. In cases where the user would not be able to propel with one’s arms, this type would not be advisable. Some wheelchairs would have handles for the attendant and the wheels would be smaller for easier transport. These are mostly used in hospitals to transport patients to and from their rooms.
Motorized wheelchairs are equipped with motors and batteries. These automatic wheelchairs need no manual propelling from the user. These are very easy to handle as these are steered with a directional joystick installed conveniently on an armrest. The location would depend on which hand is dominantly used by the user.
The rigid models are the simplest in design. These are useful and collapsible. These can easily be transported in a vehicle for the traveling user. These cost less but the design and materials used would make the price vary.
Folding wheelchairs take up less space than rigid models when collapsed. These are more portable and convenient for the traveling user.
There are other designs and wheelchair models especially the sports wheelchairs. The functionality installed would vary depending on the needs of the user.
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