Who Buys Used Wheelchairs?

While new wheelchairs can be costly and aren't always covered by insurance companies, it is many times cheaper to purchase a used wheelchair from a person who no longer needs it--someone, for example, who has recovered from an injury or surgery, or has lost the loved one who used the chair. Used wheelchairs can be donated to a Veterans' Hospital, Goodwill Store or Salvation Army, but there are also a few ways to sell the wheelchair, and recoup some of your money.

Elderly people

• Many elderly people will need a wheelchair at some point, whether temporarily or permanently. Many times an elderly person, even if not injured or disabled, simply needs a wheelchair when he is out with family and cannot move as quickly as everyone else. Such a person can have someone push his wheelchair or buy an electric wheelchair and maneuver himself.

Injury and rehabilitation

• People with injuries and people undergoing rehabilitation for a surgery will often need a wheelchair. Ask your local rehabilitation facilities and doctor's offices if you can put a small for-sale ad on their bulletin board. Also check with your state's rehabilitation department to see if they can help you sell a used wheelchair to a rehabilitation patient in need.

Muscular dystrophy

• The Muscular Dystrophy Association also works to connect sellers with a muscular dystrophy patient who needs a wheelchair. This association will most times put your listing in their newsletters, fliers, bulletin boards, and also use word-of-mouth to help your used wheelchair find a new home.

People without insurance

• There are millions of Americans who are uninsured and in need of wheelchairs. As a brand new wheelchair is expensive if you have no insurance to cover the cost, these people will be looking to purchase a used wheelchair, which will cost a fraction of retail price. Put an ad in your local newspaper, or on community bulletin boards across your town or city.