Wheelchairs are one of the most reliable and popular mobility aids available. Now, have you ever thought about where you could buy one if you need to? Luckily, you won’t have to go far or go through many hoops to get the right one you need, whether it’s for you or a loved one. Below is a list of where you can buy a wheelchair.
Online Retailers
Online retailers that do not have physical store locations are the best options if you are buying online. Buying a wheelchair online, from retailers such as EasyGo Mobility, are generally less expensive to purchase from since there are no overhead costs associated with operating their business. These types of companies do not have showrooms to upkeep, generally keep stock in a warehouse connected to their offices, and only need minimal staff to run efficiently. In fact, some online retailers are said to offer the highest level of customer service to their customers before and after any purchases are made.
There are plenty of reputable online mobility aid retailers so be sure to do your research. Some mobility aids offered online can also be found at various mobility dealers and showrooms nationwide, but buyers beware. You could end up paying more than you would online since the mobility aid dealer needs to collect a profit from the sale as well. You also may end up purchasing a used or discontinued item that is no longer supported by the manufacturer. Some online retailers also offer financing to make the wheelchairs they sell more affordable by splitting the full cost into monthly payments.
Amazon
These days, it seems like you can get anything and everything you need on Amazon. Amazon does offer a large variety of wheelchairs and other mobility aids from many different brands. While Amazon has become one of the most trusted names in online retail, you should have caution when shopping for mobility aids on Amazon and related sites. You don’t always know what you are getting. Some items may be cheap knockoffs of other popular brands. While others are nothing like what was advertised. Amazon customers also report that items are bigger or smaller than advertised. Sometimes, there is no clear and easy way to contact the seller to resolve this. This can cause these types of retailers to be not as trustworthy.
If you decide to shop on Amazon, make sure you are purchasing from a reputable brand or do your research on who is selling the item. You could also run into issues with shipping and receiving. Many sellers on Amazon are selling items from different countries and this can affect how long you wait for your purchase. Your purchase may have to go through Customs and Border Control and could take additional time to get to you. The more time your item is in transit, the more it is at risk of arriving to you damaged. This should also be considered when you are buying on Amazon. Try to find a seller who is in the U.S. and uses a trustworthy carrier to deliver your order.
Showrooms and Mobility Aid Stores
Showrooms and mobility aid retail stores are among the most popular spots to buy a wheelchair and other mobility aids. They usually have a large selection of different wheelchairs and mobility aids. They usually offer multiple brands and options that you can test out. Since purchasing a wheelchair is an investment, showrooms and stores offer a great opportunity to try out different wheelchairs and find the one that is best for you. You could end up leaving with the perfect wheelchair for you.
As mentioned previously, showrooms and mobility aid stores that carry products from other brands usually charge more. The reason for this is that the profit made on the wheelchair sale needs to be split among multiple parties. Profits are usually split between the mobility company that provided the chair to the store and the dealer who works for the showroom/store that sells the wheelchair. In addition, the sales rep could also be collecting a commission on the sale which can also drive up the price you end up paying. They could also upsell you an extended warranty to try and drive the price higher. These types of retailers also sell used and working older models of wheelchairs and mobility aids at low prices. However, used and older models of wheelchairs may not be covered under any warranties. They may be discontinued by the manufacturer and no longer supported or in some instances, the company or manufacturer has gone out of business, and no one can be reached. Showrooms and mobility aid stores are still great options and reputable sources for wheelchairs and mobility aids.
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Second-hand
Buying a wheelchair from a secondhand source is not without its pros and cons. Wheelchairs that are sold second-hand at thrift or second-hand shops, garage or yard sales and showrooms and mobility aid stores as previously mentioned. You may even get one from a friend, family member or coworker who has one that they no longer need. Sometimes, you may be able to find a working used wheelchair priced far cheaper than a new one. You can’t beat a great deal! If the wheelchair is made by a reputable company that is still in business, you may even be able to reach them for support. Most companies will still assist with questions about operating and getting new parts such as wheels and batteries.
In some instances, when buying a wheelchair secondhand, you must consider that there are no guarantees. What you purchase may not continue to work as long as you need it to. The battery life may be nearing its end. And, if the manufacturer is no longer in business, you may not be able to get the right battery replacement. In addition, replacing wheelchair batteries is expensive. You also should consider that a used wheelchair may not work right. It could have damages caused by wear and tear and may be out of the scope of the warranty. Speaking of warranties, used wheelchairs usually don’t have one, because in most cases they have expired or are non-transferable.
Insurance
Medical insurance is trusted by millions to assist with the purchase of a wheelchair. Your medical insurance has direct communication with your doctor about your health and medical needs. This line of communication provides an efficient way for your PCP to advise your insurance on what you need. This helps your insurance decide which wheelchairs and mobility aids to offer. When insurance agrees to provide you with a wheelchair, they will either cover a portion of or the full cost of the wheelchair. Since your doctor provides details on the functionality you need in a wheelchair, insurance will offer you wheelchairs and mobility aids that will best fit your needs.
Sometimes, the wheelchair or mobility aid you want may not get coverage by your insurance company. Depending on the wheelchair, your insurance may choose to deny the request. Or, only pay a small amount. This usually results in the customer paying for most of the chair. Insurance does not usually cover wheelchairs that are easily portable, foldable, and lightweight as they do not always offer everything the customer needs based on guidance from their doctor. However, certain companies, including online retailers, will work with your insurance on covering as much of the cost as possible.
With all this considered, it is no wonder why so many people rely on their medical insurance for help with buying wheelchairs and mobility aids.
We Hope This Helps!
We hope the options we provided help you in your journey to find the perfect wheelchair for you. Wheelchairs can be a big investment and knowing where to buy them is key to getting the right one. Be sure to take all pros and cons into consideration and do as much research as needed to figure out which route you want to take. Also, take as much time as needed and do not let pesky sales reps rush you into a decision you could end up regretting. If you liked what you saw on our website, www.easygomobility.com, feel free to call 1-833-709-3499 to learn more. Thank you for choosing EasyGo Mobility!