When on your quest to find the perfect mobility aid, there will not be a shortage of questions. This is because buying a wheelchair can be a big investment. And, you’ll want to know everything you can before making any decisions. You will find yourself asking more questions than you thought you had! We have summarized some of the most important and most asked questions about buying a wheelchair.
What?
What Are You Looking For in a Wheelchair?
With so many different wheelchairs available, your decision can sometimes come down to the smaller details. Are you looking for something portable? Do you want a headrest? Do you need something lightweight? Some wheelchairs may provide everything you need but are too big and heavy to transport, while others are easier to transport but don’t hold enough weight. It’s good to do your research and compare as much as you can. This can help you figure out what you want in a wheelchair.
What’s Your Price Range?
Cost is often the most important factor when buying a wheelchair. Some people can get a wheelchair through their insurance providers but some cannot. The wheelchair you want may be out of the insurance provider’s scope of coverage or not fully covered by insurance. Price should always be considered when making such a big investment as you want to make sure what you get is worth the money. Be on the lookout for sales and specials, especially around holidays.
What if You Don’t Like Your Wheelchair?
Many people have been in this situation. You spend time researching and shopping around to find the right one only to get it and realize it’s not what it seemed, or you just don’t like it. Finding out the wheelchair you purchased isn’t right for you can be very frustrating. Luckily, most wheelchair companies offer a flexible return policy. There may be fees associated so make sure you read any company’s full return policy before committing to any purchases.
Where?
Where Can You Get a Wheelchair?
Wheelchairs are available through multiple sources. You can get a wheelchair through an online wheelchair retailer, other online retailers such as Amazon, mobility aid stores and showrooms, second-hand stores and in some cases, through your medical insurance. Please check out our blog article titled “Where can you buy a wheelchair?” to learn more.
Where is it Made?
This is a very common question. Like most products offered in the U.S., most mobility aids are manufactured overseas. Many of these manufacturers are based in China and other surrounding Asian countries and territories. The fact of the matter is the U.S. does not have many mobility aid manufacturers and many materials needed to make such products would need to be imported.
Where is it Shipped From?
This is another common question asked, as customers always want to know how fast they can get their wheelchair. These items are usually shipped from within the U.S. and can be received in as little as 3-5 business days. Here at EasyGo Mobility, we offer free shipping from within the U.S. and customers usually receive their chairs within 3-5 business days via UPS Ground.
Where Can You Get it Serviced?
It is recommended that you contact the wheelchair or mobility company to report any issues with your mobility aid. If under warranty, you may be able to get your chair serviced or replaced at no additional cost. If you need any services or repairs done on your mobility aid, the company will usually request to service the product themselves, which can sometimes involve shipping it back. Some companies work with local repair technicians that are assigned to service wheelchairs in their local areas. Other companies that do not have field technicians to service mobility aids do their best to work with any local repair technicians per the customer’s request. This includes sending parts and providing guidance and support to technicians for servicing and repairs.
When?
When Do I know it is Time For a Wheelchair?
Mobility aids are needed whenever mobility starts to become an issue for you. Certain life-changing diseases and injuries such as MS, cancer, amputation, stroke, and spinal injuries can cause a loss of mobility. Some people need mobility aids for a short time while they recover while others rely on them to get around daily. If you feel you may need a mobility aid due to an illness or injury, speak with your doctor as they may be able to recommend an option that will work best for your lifestyle. If your mobility is impeding daily life and enjoyment, then it may be time to think about buying a wheelchair.
When Can I Get One?
As previously mentioned, how soon you can receive your wheelchair or mobility aid can depend on where the company is located and who they use as a shipping carrier. While most companies located in the U.S. have their stock housed here allowing them to offer shorter wait times for shipping, other companies may not have that option. Some companies may be located within the U.S. but ship from out of the country and shipping could take up to a few weeks. Make sure you clarify the shipping details and timeframes with the company you purchase from before committing to any purchases.
Who?
Who Should You Speak To?
You can call any wheelchair company to find out everything you need to know. There is usually a phone number on their website that takes you to a live person. Customer service is usually great and they will usually have a pleasant talk with someone who has the right answers. Depending on the company, they may offer wheelchairs in your local area allowing you to speak with someone in person.
How?
How Can I Get the Process Started?
Getting the process started is simple. You should know what you are looking for in a wheelchair and use this knowledge to research different models of wheelchairs from different companies. Once you have found a company you would like to work with that offers what you need, reach out to them via phone call or email. Sometimes, these companies will also offer a live chat where you can chat with a live person on their website.
How Can I Pay?
Buying a wheelchair can depend on the company you choose to buy from. This can cause your payment options to vary slightly. Just about all wheelchair and mobility aid retailers accept most major credit cards, debit cards and payments made via E-cheque/electronic payment/ACH payment. Financing can also be available and allows you to make your purchase and split your payment into monthly installments. Please be aware that if approved for financing, the lender may not cover the product’s full price. This can mean that you will have to pay the difference. Some wheelchair retailers will work with your insurance to provide a mobility aid. Wheelchair retailers sometimes offer insurance reimbursement that allows you to purchase a mobility aid and get reimbursed for the purchase by your insurance.
With that said, if you would like a mobility aid covered by your insurance or Medicare, you would have to speak with your doctor and file a claim with your insurance. Most insurance and Medicare providers have their providers which they utilize to provide products and services to their members at little to no cost. Please reach out to your doctor or insurance agent for further questions regarding insurance payments and coverage for mobility aids.
How Do You Know if You Have The Right Wheelchair For You?
You would know right away if you chose the right wheelchair for yourself. At the end of the day, buying a wheelchair comes down to personal preference. What may work for one person may not work for another. You should be comfortable in your wheelchair without making any modifications. You should also be able to operate your wheelchair with as little hassle as possible. Maneuvering should be hassle-free. If you purchased a portable foldable wheelchair, you should be able to fold it, unfold it, and travel with ease. As previously mentioned, if you are not satisfied with any product you purchase, reach out to the company to see what they can do for you. Buying a wheelchair should be enjoyable.
Why?
Why is The Brand Important?
The brand is important as it involves more than just the product being purchased. When you make a purchase, you are also purchasing the service and support for that product. You should be able to trust that the company stands behind their products and will offer guidance and support. Even after the purchase. In the past, customers have been taken advantage of by companies who don’t offer support after the sale. The mobility aid could suddenly break or malfunction requiring repair or replacement of parts from the manufacturer. What if that company or manufacturer decides they can’t help you or cannot be reached? It is recommended to research the company to ensure they will stand by their product and support you.
Why Choose EasyGo Mobility?
EasyGo Mobility has become a trusted name in the U.S. We have a clear and simple goal of offering affordable quality portable powered mobility. Our office and warehouse where we store and ship our stock are located in Tonawanda, NY. EasyGo Mobility offers a 30-day return policy along with a 3-year warranty. We offer 2 models of powered wheelchairs, and you can receive your order in 3-5 business days with free shipping. EasyGo offers foldable portable mobility that folds small enough to fit in your trunk and light enough to lift manually. They support up to 264 lbs. and fold in under 30 seconds. We accept all major credit cards, debit cards, and E-Cheque/ACH payments and offer to finance. To get started, simply call us at 1-833-709-3499 or visit www.easygomobility.com and chat with us. We can also be reached by email at cs@easygomobility.com.
Thank you for taking the time to read this article. We hope some of these questions and answers help you with buying a wheelchair. Thank you for choosing EasyGo Mobility.