Wheelchairs, especially high-end ones, are not cheap. If you are looking to buy a wheelchair for yourself or a loved one, you need to know how much a wheelchair costs first to avoid sticker shock.
A wheelchair can cost anywhere from $350 to $10,000, depending on the type of chair you purchase. The average price of a manual wheelchair in medical supply stores or online shops is $450, and most power chairs cost about $2,500.
The cost of a wheelchair can, and does, vary considerably depending on the type of wheelchair you want to buy. To give you a better idea of the range of costs you might be looking at, we’ve listed below some example prices for different types of wheelchairs.
If you’re still not familiar with wheelchairs, I suggest you see our guide on types of wheelchairs before proceeding. That post would help you decide which type of wheelchair is perfect for you.
There are so many different kinds of wheelchairs, and wheelchair cost varies widely depending on a number of factors. This can lead to a fair bit of confusion for first-time buyers who don’t know where to start.
How Much Is A Manual Wheelchair?
Manual wheelchairs are the most affordable type of wheelchair by a wide margin. They can be purchased for as little as $200, but prices can rise to $3,500 or more depending on the number of bells and whistles.
Manual wheelchairs start at that price point because they’re usually made from lightweight materials like aluminum, don’t require batteries or motors, and have fewer moving parts than powered wheelchairs.
How Much Is An Electric Wheelchair?
Electric wheelchairs allow users to travel long distances with ease, and they are ideal for individuals who cannot propel a manual wheelchair or those who want to conserve energy. All things being equal, an electric wheelchair will cost anywhere from $2,000 to $8,000 depending on the brand, chair, and functionality.
An all-terrain wheelchair has a base price of around $2,000 but can reach up to $15,000.
All-terrain wheelchairs are designed with larger and sturdier wheels than your average wheelchair. This is because they are designed to cope with a range of terrains and conditions, including gravel, grass, snow, and sand.
Why Are Wheelchairs So Expensive?
Wheelchairs are more complex and specialized than most other mobility devices.
The main reason that wheelchairs are so expensive is because of the cost of materials. In recent years there have been a lot of strides made in engineering and manufacturing to make the chairs lighter, stronger, and more ergonomic for an individual’s needs. The problem with this is that it leads to a higher sticker price.
The complexity of the wheelchair and its various features created by different manufacturers to ensure ease of use and comfort of the users are the major reasons why wheelchairs come with a heavy price tag. If you’re looking for a budget wheelchair, our guide on really cheap wheelchairs will offer you plenty of assistance.
Purchasing A New Wheelchair: Wheelchair Buying Guide
Since you’re checking the price of a wheelchair, it’s obvious that you plan to buy one.
Buying a new wheelchair can be a daunting task, especially for people who are just starting out. This article will show you how to buy a wheelchair from the very beginning of your journey to buying a self-propelled wheelchair.
It starts by answering some basic questions: what will the chair do for me, what is a wheelchair and how much does it cost? The answer to those questions can guide you through the factors to consider when purchasing your new mobility aid. Here are other factors to consider when buying a new wheelchair.
1. Cost
The cost of a wheelchair, especially if you have to pay out of pocket, is a major concern and factor to consider when buying a new wheelchair. There are a number of factors that can affect the cost, including the type of chair, size and weight, materials used, and whether or not it is custom-made.
The cost of a wheelchair varies widely depending on the type and brand. A basic manual wheelchair can be purchased for as little as $300, while a customized power chair can cost more than $2,000.
Depending on what you plan to use for, you need to ensure that the wheelchair you plan to purchase is within your budget. However, Medicare and some insurance companies will cover all or part of the cost of a wheelchair for their policyholders who need one for medical reasons.
2. Warranty
The warranty is the product’s manufacturer’s guarantee of the quality of their product. A good warranty will cover both the parts and labor involved in repairing any manufacturing defects for a set length of time from the date of purchase.
A wheelchair’s warranty length can vary from one manufacturer to another. A warranty is a promise made by the manufacturer guaranteeing their product against defects in material or workmanship for a specified period of time.
If your wheelchair malfunctions within this specified period, you should be able to get it repaired or replaced at no cost. This plays a very big role in ensuring that you use your wheelchair for a very long time.
3. Features
Consider your needs and intended use of the chair. Your main concerns should be how you will use your wheelchair and what features are most important for you. If you can’t find a wheelchair that meets your specific needs, consider having one custom-designed for you.
When purchasing a wheelchair, think about how well you can maneuver yourself in the chair. There are lots of different types of chairs available: manual, motorized, and power-assisted.
Manual wheelchairs require some upper body strength to maneuver around. Motorized wheelchairs grant the user more independence, but they are more expensive than manual wheelchairs and may require new skills and training to use properly.
Power-assisted wheelchairs are similar to manual wheelchairs but have motors attached to them, so the user does not have to exert as much energy as he would with a manual wheelchair. This type of wheelchair is good if the user wants some independence but has limited upper body strength.
Try out several models before deciding on a type or brand of wheelchair. You’ll need to compare different models in order to determine which best suits your needs and abilities and which is most comfortable for you to use.
This article is for all of you who have been thinking about buying your own wheelchair but are feeling overwhelmed at the thought of making so many different choices. Who wants to make so many decisions? Who wants to put so much thought into their purchase?
In this guide, I’ve put together all of the information you need to make an informed decision about purchasing your first wheelchair. Hopefully, this way-to simple guide will help steer you away from any unnecessary stress and get you into your new mobility aid as soon as possible.
Wheelchaired is a proud member of the United Spinal Association and a disability blog dedicated to sharing guides and advice on issues concerning disability, mobility, accessible travel, and personal development.
