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Buying Used Electric Wheelchairs
By Kent Pinkerton, Thu Dec 8th
Mounting health costs and cuts to government funding are makingwheelchair users seek heaper alternatives like used electricwheelchairs. Secondhand electric wheelchairs are no doubt heaperthan new ones but a lot of care should be taken when buying aused electric wheelchair. Sources of used electric wheelchairs are primarily relatives,friends, and local support groups. Information about usedelectric wheelchairs is also available in advertisements onbulletin boards, newsletters, Web sites, at local hospitals andrehabilitation centers, or local disability organizations.Information for finding used wheelchairs can also be found innewspaper classifieds or in pawnshops. It is wise to also solicit advice from a therapist or physicianbefore buying a used electric wheelchair. Private healthinsurance and state vocational rehabilitation centers sometimescover the cost of used electric wheelchairs. The TechnicalAssistance Project (TAP), supported by the federalTechnology-Related Assistance for Individuals with DisabilitiesAct (Tech Act) of 1988, also provides
financial support for thepurchase of disability equipment. Sometimes, wheelchair vendorsalso provide guarantees and warranties for used wheelchairs.
One disadvantage of buying a used electric wheelchair is thenon-transferability
of the warranty on the chair. There are alsocertain other disadvantages
to consider such as the chair’sphysical dimensions, capabilities,
condition, fittings andaccessories. Because of the many different
options andaccessories available for wheelchairs it is better to
be wellinformed before buying a used electric wheelchair. |
