Second-hand electric wheelchairs are tempting. The prices are lower, and there are plenty listed online. But power chairs carry risks that don't apply to most second-hand purchases.
Here's an honest look at what to watch out for, and when a used chair might actually make sense.
Key takeaways
- The main risks are battery degradation, unknown repair history, wrong sizing, and no warranty
- NDIS does not fund second-hand equipment, so you'll need to pay out of pocket
- New entry-level chairs from $2,500 to $3,500 close the price gap significantly, especially with a price-match guarantee
In this article
- The risks of buying a second-hand electric wheelchair
- When second-hand might make sense
- New vs used: is the price gap as big as you think?
The risks of buying a second-hand electric wheelchair
Electric wheelchairs have more failure points than most people realise. Here's what you're taking on when you buy used.
Battery degradation you can't see
A power chair battery looks identical whether it's brand new or two years old. Sealed lead-acid batteries typically last one to two years under daily use. Lithium batteries last longer, but they still degrade noticeably after three years.
A battery that charges fully may only hold that charge for half the original range. You won't know until you're out, potentially stranded mid-outing. Battery replacement costs $150 to $900 depending on the type, which cuts into any money you saved buying used.
No warranty and unknown repair history
New electric wheelchairs typically come with 12 to 24-month warranties. Second-hand chairs come with none. If the motor, controller board, or joystick fails a month after you buy it, the repair cost is entirely yours.
You also have no way of knowing whether the chair was in a collision, repaired with non-original parts, or stored incorrectly. Electronics degrade faster when exposed to heat or moisture.
Wrong fit and pressure injury risk
Electric wheelchairs are measured and configured to the user's body: seat width, depth, armrest height, footrest length, and backrest angle. A chair set up for someone else's dimensions puts you in a position that places abnormal pressure on your sitting bones.
Over time, this can cause pressure injuries, a serious complication for anyone spending significant hours in a chair. Reconfiguring a used chair is possible, but it adds cost and may not fully correct the fit.
When second-hand might make sense
There are situations where buying used is a reasonable call:
- Short-term or trial use: post-surgery recovery where you need a chair for 6 to 12 weeks and will then return to walking
- Very low daily use: a chair needed occasionally, not as a primary mobility device
- You know the chair's history: buying from a trusted source who can verify service records, battery age, and condition
If you're going ahead with a second-hand chair, test the battery carefully. Charge it fully, then run it at normal speed for 30 minutes and check how much charge remains. Inspect the tyres, armrests, footrests, and joystick for wear. Ask for any service records.
New vs used: is the price gap as big as you think?
Second-hand electric wheelchairs on Gumtree typically list between $800 and $2,500. A new entry-level chair from a registered Australian supplier starts at around $2,500 to $3,000, and comes with a warranty, the right configuration, and support if something goes wrong.
That gap is smaller than most people expect. When you factor in the likely battery replacement and any reconfiguration costs on a used chair, a new entry-level model often works out less expensive over two years.
We price-match any verified Australian competitor, so if you've seen a lower price, let us know. Browse our electric wheelchair range or read our buying guide to find the right chair at the right price.