How to Buy a Mobile Power Chair

If you have limited personal mobility, the right power chair can save you hundreds to thousands of dollars a year by preventing a fall. Plus, you can continue an active lifestyle and continue to participate in many of your favorite hobbies. Do not spend the rest of your life on the couch.

Instructions

• 1

  Ask your doctor to write you a prescription for the chair. Let your doctor evaluate your mobility needs and submit the necessary materials to the chair retailer. Typical materials required by the retailer include a face-to-face evaluation form, pertinent chart notes and the prescription.

• 2

  Select a retailer that fits your needs and includes free delivery and set up of your new chair. In order to personally view and test drive the different models, find a vendor with a location close to your home or one that will bring them to your home for you to try.

• 3

  Purchase a power chair with features that work for you, such as speed, maximum distance on full battery, functionality of joystick and brakes, foot and arm rests, range of adjustment and especially comfort level. Take a test drive in several chairs to compare their performance. Consider the incidentals, like side pouches for your wallet and how long the battery takes to charge.

• 4

  Consider your financial options. If you have Medicare, use a retailer that helps you with the process and the paperwork. If you have private insurance, confirm that the retailer will accept it and learn what your insurer requires in order to cover the purchase. If paying out of pocket, ask the vendor about layaway and other financing options.

• 5

  Purchase any necessary power chair accessories, including lifts, ramps, batteries and independent living tools.