How Much Does an Electric Wheelchair Cost?
A self-propelled, electric, or power wheelchair can offer many rewards in terms of increased mobility and independence for the user—but how much should you expect to pay for such a device?
If you, a family member, or a loved one is thinking about investing in a power wheelchair, it's important to understand the differences between entry-level models (that can cost around $1,000) to high-end and heavy-duty models (sometimes costing $25,000 or more).
Most power wheelchairs cost a few thousand dollars, but the final price varies according to the type of electric wheelchair you buy plus additional features, modifications, and add-ons
Three Kinds of Electric Wheelchairs
To begin with, there are three main types of powered wheelchairs on the market—each with a different price range depending on the features you need:
Portable power wheelchairs
Full-size power wheelchairs
Heavy-duty power wheelchairs
Portable Power Wheelchairs
Portable power wheelchairs are lightweight mobility products that fold up or come apart to easily fit into the trunk of a car or the hold of an airplane. Fitted with a cushioned seat, these basic, inexpensive models are suitable for lightweight users who will mostly be using the chair indoors or for a limited period of time.
Full-Size Power Wheelchairs
Full-size electric wheelchairs cost more than portable power wheelchairs because they come with larger batteries and a larger padded seat (called a "captain's seat") for comfort. These wheelchairs are suitable for indoor use over thin carpet and floorboards and outdoor use on smooth surfaces like pavement. They generally come with a weight capacity of 250 to 300 lbs.
Heavy-Duty Power Wheelchairs
Heavy-duty power wheelchairs are the costliest option due to the large battery, higher seat width, heavy-duty motor, reinforced frames, and high-end features.
While individual models vary, a heavy-duty power wheelchair may offer any of the following:
Weight capacity up to 500 lbs.
All-terrain tires for use on carpets, stones, grass, and dirt
Front-wheel, mid-wheel, or rear-wheel drive
Additional padding in the form of air, contoured foam, or gel
Reclining or tilt-in-space seating system
Power adjustable seat height
A seat that can bring the user to a standing position
While a heavy-duty electric wheelchair usually costs far more than a basic or mid-range model, it's the best option for all-day indoor and outdoor use as it has the greatest mileage, offers the top speed, and has the longest battery life. It is also the best option for users who need a higher weight capacity, a taller seat, and other specialized capabilities.
Optional Add-Ons & Modifications
No matter which kind of power wheelchair you choose, there are a host of modifications, upgrades, and add-ons you can request, each of which could influence the price. Please note that some extra features are only available with heavy-duty power wheelchairs.
Some of the most common modifications and add-ons include:
Changing the side of the joystick and/or keypad
Adding a chin control or foot control if the user can't use a joystick or keypad
Adding tilt, tilt-in-place, and other modifications to the seating system
Adding a carry basket
Upgrading the batteries
Upgrading the motor
Changing the tires
Changing the color of the wheelchair
Other Costs to Keep in Mind
Delivery
In addition to the purchase price, you will typically need to pay for delivery to your home if you don't intend to pick up the wheelchair from the retailer or manufacturer. Mobility Plus delivers within the Denver metro area and calculates delivery charges to other Colorado addresses according to the mileage.
Warranties
Authorized dealers will always sell their power wheelchairs with a warranty on workmanship that lasts for years after the date of purchase. You may be offered the option of purchasing an extended warranty in case anything goes wrong after the initial warranty period.
Assembly, Servicing, and Maintenance
Power wheelchairs that need to be assembled after purchase may come with an assembly fee if you can't complete this process yourself. Later on, you will need to pay for servicing costs, routine maintenance, and power wheelchair repairs to keep the motorized wheelchair safe. Many companies offer maintenance plans to keep your wheelchair in top condition.
Batteries
In contrast to manual wheelchairs (which must be pushed by the user or another person), power chairs are propelled by batteries that will need to be replaced from time to time. Replacement batteries and battery upgrades should be factored into the cost of your power chair, keeping in mind that a larger battery size—despite costing more up front—will give you longer battery life and greater mileage.
Other Wheelchair-Related Equipment
Once you have a powered wheelchair, you will also need to think about how you will transport the chair from place to place, maneuver the chair on and off the porch, and take it all the places you need to go. If you will have the power chair permanently and remain in your current home, consider the added costs of vehicle lifts, wheelchair ramps, vertical platform lifts, and electric stairlifts.
Assistance with the Cost of a Power Wheelchair
With costs running into the thousands, it can be a daunting proposition to pay the full power wheelchair price up-front. Fortunately, there are many ways to reduce or spread out the cost of a power wheelchair to make this piece of medical equipment accessible.
Credit and Payment Plans
Just like a car loan, you may be able to secure credit with a bank or loan company for the cost of a power wheelchair. Before signing up for a loan, be sure to familiarize yourself with the terms and conditions and shop around for the lowest interest rate.
Rent-to-Buy
Many medical supply stores offer credit from power wheelchair rental towards the purchase of the wheelchair. While the amount credited towards the purchase varies, you may be able to credit at least half of the first week's rental towards the purchase to give you time to try the chair. If you are interested in this option, it's best to talk with the company about it before signing the contract.
Insurance Coverage
Most insurers will reimburse you for part of the cost of a power wheelchair if you meet the criteria laid out in Medicare part B - durable mobility equipment. To qualify, you must show that you need an electric wheelchair to perform mobility-related activities of daily living (MRADLs) in your home.
Approval Criteria for a Power Wheelchair
The approval process usually involves a face-to-face appointment with a primary care physician from the insurance company's list as well as a team of specialists like a physical therapist or occupational therapist.
If it's shown that you have a medical need for a power wheelchair and cannot use a manual wheelchair or mobility scooter (which tend to cost less), you will be invited to choose a brand and/or model of wheelchair from your insurer's list that meets your specific needs.
How Much Insurance will Cover
Insurers often cover as much as 50-80% of the cost of a power wheelchair that's medically required and approved by your insurer. You can then buy a replacement chair every 5 years as this is considered to be the reasonable useful lifetime of a power chair.
When possible, you should find out about servicing, maintenance, and power wheelchair repair options, and be sure to keep your warranty documentation. It's cheaper for your insurance provider to cover repairs than to replace the wheelchair if not absolutely required.
Government Programs
Medicare, Medicaid, or your state's equivalent government program should cover most of the cost of a power wheelchair that's medically required for performing MRADLs. It's helpful to keep in mind that Medicare may have a different list of approved physicians and mobility equipment suppliers that they work with, increasing your options as far as getting assessed and choosing the best power wheelchair for your needs.
Whether you use a private health plan or Medicare, check with the insurance company or Medicare program before purchasing a power wheelchair.
Can You Return a Power Wheelchair?
If you purchase a power wheelchair and later decide you no longer want or need the chair, you can usually return or resell the chair and recuperate part of the cost. Please note that medical supply stores aren't usually able to issue refunds for special orders, so if you plan to return or resell the wheelchair, a standard model might be best.
The Cost of a Power Wheelchair: Is It Worth It?
While a quality electric wheelchair isn’t cheap, the right power wheelchair could be a game-changer for someone who can't get around with a manual wheelchair, mobility scooter, walker, or cane.
According to a 2010 update to the Americans with Disabilities Act, public and commercial buildings must make their facilities accessible to people who use a mobility device, including manual and electric wheelchairs—so your freedom should only increase rather than become more limited with a chair.
If the up-front cost of a power wheelchair is out of reach, find out about the payment options available to you for purchasing the mobility equipment you need.