How to Buy an Electric Wheelchair

When you lose your mobility from being disabled, it can make day-to-day activity very difficult. Wheelchairs can certainly provide assistance, but in some situations they can be downright impractical, not to mention too much work. A battery-powered, joystick-driven electric wheelchair, however, "lets your fingers do the walking." Often insurance will cover the entire purchase. But if you're looking purchase your own, here are some tips on getting the best deal.

Things You'll Need

• Money
• Phone Book
• Telephone
• Computer (Internet)

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Instructions

Finding and Purchasing an Electric Wheelchair

• 1

  Narrow down your options. There are many different brands available, and, depending on your needs, some are more appropriate than others. Leading brands include Permobil, Sunrise Medical, Invacare and Pride Mobility. The best place to begin your search is online. Do a bit of research on what chair is best suited for your situation.

• 2

  To find the chair of your choice, a good place to start is by looking at online retail sites. Some examples are: http://www.1800wheelchair.com/, http://www.thescooterstore.com./ and http://www.spinlifecom/. Before you search, though, make sure to exactly measure the dimensions of your house so you can compare them to the dimensions of the chairs listed online. This will ensure that the chair you get won't get stuck as you move about your home.

• 3

  Try to find home health-care providers near your home. These businesses specialize in finding the right medical equipment for disabled patients. They can assist you in your search to find the right chair for your needs and budget. Look in your local phone book's Yellow Pages under Wheelchairs & Special Needs Providers.

• 4

  Budget tight? A used chair could be the way to go. While you could locate a previously owned chair from a private seller, it is recommended that you purchase from an authorized reseller. This will lower the possibility of buying damaged or faulty equipment. One way to find an authorized reseller is to ask your doctor for a recommendation.

• 5

  After you have found the appropriate chair, make your purchase. If you're looking to waive the cost of your chair, contact your insurance or health-care provider,