How to Buy a Motorized Wheelchair

Motorized wheelchairs provide disabled and frail people with the ability to live their own lives at a normal pace, without having a caretaker or relative help them run errands or perform daily activities. Medical supply houses offer many different wheelchairs, from models with a simple motor to expensive, programmable, fan-cooled versions. Think about the following points when you want to buy a motorized wheelchair.

Instructions

• 1

  Discuss your needs with your doctor or therapist. Since there are many types of motorized wheelchairs and scooters at various prices, things can get a bit confusing without an experienced medical professional explaining the features of each wheelchair to you. Don't simply rely on a salesperson; although most of them will be honest, it's best to ask an impartial doctor or therapist for their opinion first.

• 2

  Visit a medical supply store and try out several wheelchairs. Test manual wheelchairs, motorized wheelchairs and scooters. Remember that insurance won't pay for the entire cost in most cases, so it's best to purchase only the exact model you need. Ask if you can add attachments to the wheelchair you buy just in case you need different options, like lifts, later.

• 3

  Check out your coverage first if you're on Medicare. Go through the Medicare qualifying list and see if you meet their criteria for a free wheelchair. You'll need to prove a cane, walker or manual wheelchair won't suffice for your daily needs. A medical professional needs to authorize your need for the wheelchair. You'll need to prove that it's essential for daily activities like bathing and getting dressed.

• 4

  Decide when and where you'll use your motorized wheelchair. If you need to maneuver over bumpy or unpaved roads, be doubly sure you know how to control the unit, and take it slow. Watch out for children and senior citizens in the vicinity if you run the unit at high speeds.

• 5

  Learn how to use your wheelchair properly after you buy it. Don't be tempted to maneuver a brand-new chair on the streets until you've had it for a while. Always use a seatbelt when you venture outside in your wheelchair. Foot support straps and wheelie bars offer extra safety, especially if you live in a high-traffic neighborhood and encounter obstacles while using your motorized wheelchair on the sidewalk or the street.