Getting Started
1
Identify What Type Of Chair You Need
There are as many kinds of wheelchairs as there are people who use them. Even chairs with the same model number will be different, and not every one will be right for you.
For instance, you may need a chair you can use safely outside, and many are designed with pneumonic, indoor tires or no breaks. You may need a wheelchair with swing-away footplates to allow you to stand up, or one with an electric booster to help you with muscle atrophy.
2
Measure Yourself Properly
It can be tempting to buy a chair that’s not quite right, but you’ll likely regret it. Using a wheelchair that’s the wrong size will end up causing your body more damage in the long run.
3
Spend A Few Months Shopping Around
Familiarize yourself with how prices for the type of chair you’re looking for average over time. Don’t jump at the first option you see, because you may find a better option down the line once you know what you’re looking for. Spending a few months will also give you time to start setting aside a little money to purchase your wheelchair.
Read item descriptions carefully before making any purchases.
4
Stay Safe Meeting Sellers
Make sure that you’re staying safe from a health standpoint. If you need someone else to pick up your chair for you, you can ask a family member or pay someone you know to do it.
Meet in a public place and don’t give out personal information. If you wouldn’t be able to defend yourself easily, consider bringing someone with you. If this isn’t an option, bring a phone with you and/or tell someone where you’re going and when to expect you back.
Places To Look
eBay
eBay is the most popular location for selling wheelchairs. There are always a wide variety of options coming and going, including wheelchair parts for fixing damaged chairs.
On eBay, you’ll find chairs selling for both local pick-up and shipping.
KSL Classifieds
Using a wheelchair that’s the wrong size (too big or too small) will end up causing your body more damage in the long run.
KSL is designed for local pick-up sales and is a great option if you are able to commute locally and don’t want to spend hundreds extra on shipping.
Facebook Marketplace
In my experience, wheelchair options on Facebook Marketplace are not only limited but extremely sparse. I’ve never had much luck finding wheelchairs here.
Local Thrift Stores
The few wheelchairs that end up in thrift stores are the ones that sellers didn’t care enough about to give to a home they knew would cherish them. AKA Don’t expect to find a good chair at a thrift store. That said, you may occasionally get lucky.
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About the author
Alexandra Malouf is a writer and multi-media artist living in Texas with her husband and fellow poet, Danny Daw. In her spare time, she enjoys exploring new creative skills and getting nerdy about history.
About the blog
Disability University is committed to providing accessibility resources, self-advocacy tips, chronic illness lifestyle posts, and much more.
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Legal Disclaimer: The information presented on this blog is written from a patient-to-patient perspective, not by a doctor or medical professional. It should not be interpreted as medical advice or substituted for medical treatment. The author is not responsible for health or financial outcomes.
Alexandra Malouf 
Inbox me if interested in wheelchair