How Much Do Wheelchairs Cost?

How much does a new wheelchair cost?

‍

• An inexpensive new wheelchair costs as low as $100.
• The average wheelchair cost between $500 and $1,500.
• An expensive wheelchair costs up to $30,000.

‍

‍

Looking for a wheelchair, and wondering the price range? If this is your first wheelchair for you, a family member, or a friend, then let’s learn about wheelchair price ranges to fit your budget.

Wheelchairs come in two main types - manual and electric.

Manual wheelchairs usually cost less than electric wheelchairs.

Wheelchair prices range low to high. The most advanced and expensive manual wheelchairs cost more than the most basic and inexpensive electric wheelchairs. There’s likely a good priced wheelchair to fit your needs, budget, and lifestyle. Let’s take a look.

‍

How much do manual wheelchairs cost?

‍

Manual wheelchairs cost as low as $100 for a good one, and easily reach $1,000 for more advanced models.

‍

You can push yourself into motion using your hands on the hand rims of the wheelchair’s back wheels.

‍

Or someone able to stand behind your manual wheelchair can hold onto its handles and push you into motion.

‍

Why are some manual wheelchairs so expensive?

‍

More expensive manual wheelchairs come with advanced parts for an easier, more comfortable ride. Lightweight frames, padded seats, adjustable or even customized parts are on par for a medical-grade manual wheelchair over $500.

‍

• The price of manual wheelchairs increases with extra features beyond a standard wheelchair in the $100-300 price range.

‍

• A lightweight manual wheelchair costs $200-600 because its lightweight frame makes mobility easier for everyone in the equation, exactly like the preferred lightweight bicycle frame for people who ride their bikes hours at a time.

‍

• A large or heavy-duty wheelchair costs $300-$800 because it can seat large-frame people. Thick tire outdoor wheelchairs, for example, work better on uneven offroad surfaces, for people who live in the country.

‍

• A specialized wheelchair costs $500-$2,000 and could cover a thousand medical use-cases. A wheelchair is assistive technology designed to enable mobility people whose legs can’t walk, so a subset of people in wheelchairs would be paraplegic or quadriplegic, and require specialized accessories like a back-recliner, a leg-rest, a head-rest, or blinged out hand rim spinners just for style.

‍

Manual wheelchairs are more affordable than electric wheelchairs.

‍

How much do electric wheelchairs cost?

‍

An inexpensive electric wheelchair costs as low as $400.

‍

An expensive electric wheelchair costs up to $30,000.

‍

If you can’t or won’t use a manual wheelchair’s hand rims, and you still prefer to move by yourself, then an electric wheelchair is a practical battery-powered driven vehicle that costs more than a manual wheelchair.

‍

Some four-wheel power wheelchairs are front-wheel drive for good stability and day-to-day mobility settings, and others are rear-wheel drive for higher speeds and rougher outdoor settings.

‍

You can find a low-cost electric wheelchair for $400 at local Walmarts and mobility stores dealing in brand new wheelchairs, and also online on Amazon #ad, wheelchair brands official websites, or major wheelchair ecommerce sites like 1800Wheelchair, SpinLife, or Mobility Plus.

‍

If you buy direct from a trusted electric wheelchair manufacturer, then Rubicon starts at $800, Vive starts at $900, and Pride/Jazzy starts at $1,700.

‍

Ways to save when buying a wheelchair

‍

Ask your insurance provider if wheelchairs are covered in your plan. If a doctor prescribes you a wheelchair, then maybe your insurance plan or Medicare Part B might cover some or all of your wheelchair costs.

‍

Buy over-time with a seller who accepts a payment plan. Especially helpful for expensive wheelchairs that you personally can’t budget to buy in cash, then find a wheelchair seller who will let you pay monthly over time to curb the hurt.

‍

You might qualify for a grant, funding, veterans aid, or state aid assistance program. The State of Michigan Disability Resources State Programs and Services offers all types. Also, the Michigan Disability Rights Coalition knows a thing or who about how to get a free wheelchair through grants and funding.

‍

Which wheelchair maintenance costs are most common?

‍

• Manual wheelchair maintenance isn’t much different than bicycle maintenance, and costs only $20-$100 every one or two years to grease up the axles and maybe replace the tires. Wheelchair accessories like cushions, foot rests, cup holders, and tray tables all cost money.

‍

• Electric wheelchair maintenance like battery replacements start at a bargain price of $130, but a quality battery or one from the original manufacturer costs around $400-600. Tires are less expensive, around $50-$100 to replace. But if you power chair motor goes bad, then you’re in trouble.

‍

***These wheelchair price checks were completed online in November 2024 for informational purposes only, and do not reflect the prices of specific retailers or brands.***