The Best Electric Wheelchairs of 2024

With over 75 million people worldwide in need of a wheelchair, many are searching for ways to gain back their independence and move with less pain. Manual wheelchairs fulfill this need, but they require a significant amount of upper body strength and physical maneuvering for both users and caregivers. Electric or power wheelchairs, on the other hand, offer a higher level of comfort to allow users to travel safely and without strain in a variety of indoor and outdoor environments.

Modern enhancements like touchpad controls and personalized comfort accessories allow people of all ages, sizes and abilities to use electric wheelchairs. Mid-wheel, rear-wheel and heavy-duty model options give people the freedom to choose a chair that best fits within their lifestyle and activity level. With so many customization opportunities available for electric wheelchairs, it can be overwhelming to sift through the large number of brands, models, and special features on the market.

To make the selection process easier, we’ve created a guide with today’s best electric wheelchair companies and models. Below, you’ll also find step-by-step instructions to help you navigate the buying process and answers to the most common questions about electric wheelchairs.

Electric Wheelchair Basics

When you’re looking for an electric wheelchair, you’ll find some terms that appear frequently on dealer websites. We’ve explained a few of the most basic terms below to make your shopping experience easier.

Front-, Mid-, & Rear-Wheel Drive

All electric wheelchairs have four or six wheels, but only two wheels of the chair receive power directly from the motor. The other wheels (“casters”) stabilize the chair. Mid-wheel drive tends to be best for turning completely around in tight spaces, while rear- and front-wheel drive wheelchairs tend to provide the smoothest rides and handle outdoor terrain best. It’s wise to consult with an occupational therapist to determine which type of wheel drive will be best for your daily use.

Turning Radius

The turning radius is the smallest u-turn that the electric wheelchair can make. The smaller the turning radius, the better the chair will be for indoor use or small spaces. A turning radius between 20” and about 35” is common. Bulky chairs will have large turning radiuses, but other factors like the angle of the footrest and the wheel drive also affect the turning radius.

Travel Range

An electric wheelchair’s travel range- often simply referred to as “range” – is the miles that it can travel before its batteries need to be recharged. Range varies widely, from 4 or 5 miles in some chairs to up to almost 20 miles in others. The range can be shorter than advertised if the passenger is unusually heavy, the terrain is not smooth, or the battery is getting old. Finding an electric wheelchair with a high range is most important for those who plan to travel or regularly take their electric wheelchairs outside for solo trips to the store or other places.

Warranty Limits

Electric wheelchairs usually have “limited” warranties and not all daily wear and tear will be covered by the manufacturer. Most warranties cover structural components such as the metal frame of the chair for five or ten years, and they will usually cover other parts for shorter periods of time specified in the warranty agreement. In the overview table and company profiles below, the number listed next to the word limited (for example, “5 year limited”) indicates the highest amount of coverage in the warranty, which is usually for the frame.

How We Chose the Best Electric Wheelchairs

Our team spent hundreds of hours researching over 60 electric wheelchair manufacturers and sellers to find the best options for our readers. The brands included on this page meet our strict criteria regarding the following characteristics: 

• Extensive Product Line: We excluded companies that only offer one or two chair models because we wanted to show you companies with a range of products. Many of the companies on our list also offer a variety of accessories such as specialty cushions, carrying cases, and cup holders.
• Warranty Offered: To help ensure your electric wheelchair purchase doesn’t go to waste, we eliminated companies that offer no warranty. All included companies offer at least some coverage in case of problems that occur within the first year, and many offer more. 
• Reasonable Costs: Electric wheelchairs are heavy-duty mobility devices, sometimes costing over $10,000. We only included brands that offer at least one electric wheelchair that costs between $1,000 and $6,000, the lower half of the available price range. 

The 9 Best Electric Wheelchair Companies of 2024

*Note: Medicare provides funding for electric wheelchairs to those whose mobility issues prevent them from carrying out routine daily activities within their own home. A prescription from a Medicare doctor is always required in such cases. The above statements about Medicare approval being very likely, likely, unlikely, or very unlikely are based on one or more of the following factors: 1) the type of product offered, 2) what the company says about its product’s Medicare eligibility, and 3) the company’s expressed willingness or unwillingness to help customers with the Medicare approval process.

Zip’r Mobility

Best Heavy-Duty Electric Wheelchairs

Founded in 2004, Zip’r Mobility has improved the quality of life of its customers by designing mobility solutions with uncompromising reliability and performance. Headquartered in North Bend, WA, the company works closely with its engineers and meets the most stringent compliance requirements when manufacturing electric wheelchairs. Zip’r prides itself as 100% American based and staffed and has made great strides in offering mobility solutions that meet a wide range of needs.

Although the bulk of Zip’r Mobility’s inventory consists of mobility scooters, it has an impressive albeit small selection of electric wheelchairs. Its collection features mostly heavy-duty styles, with six wheels for stability and solid construction for reliability. However, it also offers the Zip’r PC, a lightweight unit that’s easy to assemble and disassemble for travel. Additionally, customers who want the flexibility to join others at high tables and low desks enjoy the adjustable seat height on the Zip’r Mantis SE.

Overview of Zip’r Mobility Electric Wheelchairs

Zip’r Mobility primarily sells electric wheelchairs through its website and an official Amazon account. Under the “Become a Dealer” page, providers can apply to become official distributors by completing several documents. Keep reading to learn more about the pros and cons of the Zip’r Mobility brand.

Pros and Cons of Zip’r Mobility Products

Quickie

Most Customizable Electric Wheelchairs

Quickie is one of several mobility brands developed and owned by Sunrise Medical. Based in Malsch, Germany, Sunrise Medical has been providing disabled people with quality mobility equipment for 38 years. Sunrise Medical has distribution and manufacturing facilities throughout North and South America, including in Fresno, California, Boulder, Colorado, and Indianapolis, Indiana as well as in Tijuana, Mexico. Overall, Sunrise Medical sells its Quickie electric wheelchairs in 130 countries.

When you order one of Sunrise Medical’s Quickie electric wheelchairs from an authorized dealer, you will be presented with an array of customization options that are rare to find in other brands. With Quickie electric wheelchairs, you’re able to make choices about cosmetic details like the color of the chair, but you’re also able to customize the power, size, and placement of important parts, as well as to select upgrades such as LED screens. Quickie electric wheelchairs give the buyer amazing control over features.

Overview of Quickie Electric Wheelchairs

Sunrise Medical sells Quickie electric wheelchairs through a network of authorized dealers. You can find a local dealership or an authorized online retailer under the “User Resources” section of Sunrise Medical’s website. To learn more about Quickie electric power chairs, review the pros and cons below.

Pros and Cons of Quickie Products

Rolstoel

Most Affordable Folding Model

Rolstoel Intelligent Wheelchairs (formally KD Smart Chairs) was originally founded by entrepreneur Roland Reznik and has its headquarters in Dallas, Texas. Reznik showed the original Smart Chair design in the San Jose Abilities Expo of 2014. The brand has since been featured in multiple television segments of the CBS show, “The Doctors.” The company has also participated in important research to move mobility science forward. In 2018, the brand partnered with students of the University of California San Diego to develop open-source electric wheelchair technology.

Rolstoel makes a great low-cost choice for anyone looking for an electric wheelchair that can travel easily with them. Many electric wheelchairs have travel-friendly features such as gel batteries or foldable frames, but few brands make chairs that fold quite as easily or weigh as little as a Rolstoel Smart Chair does.

Overview of Rolstoel Electric Wheelchairs

You can purchase the Rolstoel lightweight electric wheelchairs directly from the company’s website or through third-party retailers such as Amazon. Read on to discover the benefits and drawbacks of chairs from this brand.

Pros and Cons of Rolstoel Products

Drive Medical

Best Warranty

Drive Medical, also known as Drive DeVilbiss Healthcare, excels at bringing home medical equipment to customers and institutions through its dealers. Founded in 2000, this brand now has offices and manufacturing facilities in North America and Europe, and it sells to nations across the world. In addition to providing sleep, respiratory, and bathroom safety aids, Drive Medical carries a full line of powered and unpowered mobility products tailored to a variety of needs. This brand has recently experienced financial growth, and in 2019 it received 35 million in new capital from its stakeholders.

Drive Medical has one of the most generous electric wheelchair warranties of the companies that we researched. Very few companies offer coverage on any parts for more than five or ten years, but Drive Medical offers a limited lifetime warranty on the basic structural components of each chair. The brand also covers a variety of other parts of its chairs for shorter periods such as 14 months and 6 months. This brand is a great choice for those who want reassurance that the structure of their mobility device will last for years to come.

Overview of Drive Medical Electric Wheelchairs

Since Drive Medical doesn’t sell directly to consumers, you’ll need to search for its products on other websites after you use the company’s website to familiarize yourself with available electric wheelchairs. At retailers, Drive Medical products may also be labeled as “Drive DeVilbiss ” or just “Drive.” These are different versions of the same name.

Read on to discover more about the advantages and disadvantages of purchasing an electric wheelchair from Drive Medical.

Pros and Cons of Drive Medical Products

Pride Mobility

Largest Selection of Electric Wheelchair Models

Pride Mobility has provided mobility devices from its headquarters in Duryea, Pennsylvania since 1986. The brand now manufactures in three American locations as well as abroad. Pride Mobility emphasizes taking care of both its employees and the communities it operates in. In the American communities where Pride Mobility manufactures or distributes, the company’s employees spend time volunteering with numerous nonprofits, including the Boys and Girls Club, local libraries, and YMCAs. Pride Mobility, in turn, supports its over 1,000 employees through generous benefits packages and rewarding careers. 

Through its Jazzy Power Chair product line, Pride Mobility has the largest selection of electric wheelchairs of any of the companies on our list. There’s a model with an elevating seat, a super-maneuverable model with a 20-inch turning radius, two travel models, a bariatric model for heavier users, and much more. With sixteen unique models to choose from, customers who shop Jazzy chairs can find an electric wheelchair for almost any need. 

Overview of Pride Mobility Electric Wheelchairs

Pride Mobility provides its Jazzy Power Chair product line through a variety of retailers, both online and in stores. Read on to learn about the pros and cons of these electric wheelchairs.

Pros and Cons of Pride Mobility Products

Hoveround

Best for Medicare Recipients

Hoveround was founded 25 years ago by Tom Kruse, and since its founding, it has grown to be the largest direct-to-consumer electric wheelchair brand. This company is proud to eliminate middlemen. Hoveround is headquartered in Sarasota, Florida and uses a mix of domestic and quality imported parts to assemble its products. As a leader in the mobility industry, Hoveround maintains memberships in multiple professional associations, including the Rehabilitation Engineering and Assistive Technology Society of North America (RESNA).

Hoveround is committed to serving customers who use Medicare. It engages with Medicare’s bureaucracy even though doing so requires significant time investments and isn’t always profitable for the company. Hoveround offers two chair models that are routinely approved by Medicare for eligible patients, and its employees are trained to help patients with the process of determining Medicare eligibility. 

Overview of Hoveround Electric Wheelchairs

Unlike most companies on our list, Hoveround never sells its chairs through other retailers. This brand caters to those for whom a Hoveround chair is a medical necessity. Nine out of ten Hoveround electric wheelchairs that are sold are fully or partially covered by a combination of Medicare and supplemental insurance funding. To learn more about Hoveround, review the pros and cons listed below.

Pros and Cons of Hoveround Products

Golden Technologies

Most Experienced American Mobility Company

Golden Technologies has an extensive history as a family-owned American business. Founded in 1985 by Rich Golden and Fred Kiwak, this brand has been manufacturing mobility aids such as lift chairs in Old Forge, Pennsylvania for 34 years. For many years it has also imported quality products designed exclusively for its customers, including scooters and electric chairs. Thanks to its excellent mobility product standards, Golden Technologies has maintained a contract to supply scooters to veterans through the U.S. Veteran’s Administration since 2003. 

For customers who care about quality goods provided by an American company that’s accountable and responsible, Golden Technologies is a great choice. Golden Technologies is in its second generation of family ownership, and it’s proud of its American roots. With the motto of “build it right the first time,” this brand delivers value that its customers can trust.

Overview of Golden Technologies Electric Wheelchairs

Golden Technologies’ electric wheelchairs cannot be purchased directly through the company, but they are offered through many dealers. It’s easy to find a dealer through Golden Technologies’ website by clicking the “Shop Now” button at the top of the page. 

To explore the positive and negative features of Golden Technologies electric wheelchairs, read the pros and cons listed below. 

Pros and Cons of Golden Technologies Products

EZ Lite Cruiser

Best Return Policy

EZ Lite Cruiser is a fairly new Los Angeles-based company that offers innovative folding electric wheelchairs at low prices. Founded in 2013, EZ Lite Cruiser has many happy customers who enjoy the way the brand’s mobility products can fit into even small trunks. EZ Lite has its electric wheelchairs manufactured abroad, and it sells through its Los Angeles storefront as well as online to customers around the world. 

EZ Lite Cruiser cares about giving customers a fair chance to evaluate an electric wheelchair’s quality, so it offers a unique return policy. Many companies won’t take an electric wheelchair back unless it’s in mint condition, but EZ Lite Cruiser is much more forgiving and even will take back electric wheelchairs that have been used outdoors. This return policy, which offers between 90% and 100% of the purchase price back to the customer, mitigates much of the financial risk associated with such a major purchase.

Overview of EZ Lite Cruiser Electric Wheelchairs 

EZ Lite Cruiser electric wheelchairs are all made in similar folding designs, but there are ten models that provide variety in size and a few features These electric wheelchairs are available from some other retailers like Amazon as well as through the company’s website.

Pros and Cons of EZ Lite Cruiser Products

Invacare

Best Reclining Electric Wheelchairs

Invacare is a worldwide home health goods company that provides a full line of sturdy power wheelchairs. Invacare also offers many other home health and mobility products, including scooters, respiratory devices, lifts and slings, and much more. The brand has thirty different global locations, over 4,000 employees, and roots in the healthcare industry that go back to the late 1800s. The company’s mission is to improve home health care so that patients can avoid the costs and disadvantages of institutional settings.

Both of Invacare’s power wheelchair lines feature seating that reclines in unusual ways. Many models offered have seats that can tip back to be almost parallel with the ground. Such positions aren’t part of everyday use for most people, but those with specialized health and rehabilitation needs can benefit from the unique reclining positions that these electric wheelchairs can achieve. 

Overview of Invacare Electric Wheelchairs 

To purchase an Invacare power wheelchair, you’ll need to find a local or online dealer. These chairs are a little more difficult to find online than other brands, but they are available. Invacare’s website can point you to local dealers.

 Read on to learn more about the pros and cons of buying an Invacare electric wheelchair.

Pros and Cons of Invacare Products

How to Choose an Electric Wheelchair

If you’re considering buying an electric wheelchair, you may not know where to begin looking or what to do first. We’ve developed a step-by-step guide to get you started below. We’ve also provided a few tips that will help you become comfortable with your electric wheelchair once you bring it home.

Step 1: Consult an Expert to Determine the Model You Need

If you are experiencing serious mobility problems inside or outside of the home, an electric wheelchair might be the tool you need to regain your freedom. If you don’t know much about electric wheelchairs, you may want to start your process by reading our company profiles above or by browsing companies online just to get familiar with the topic. After that, it’s wise to talk to an expert on the best style of electric wheelchair for your needs. Many patients with disabilities consult with an occupational therapist. A primary doctor may also be able to provide guidance.

When you consult an expert, ask questions on the following topics:

• Cushion Style: An inexpensive cushion may be made of foam, whereas a nicer one may be made of adjustable air pockets that relieve pressure points and prevent sores. If you intend to use your electric wheelchair for many hours at a time, your therapist may be able to suggest cushion upgrades that will keep your skin healthy.
• Size and Strength: Talk with your therapist about designs that will support your body the best. Weight, height, and upper body strength all play a role in the selection process. Your therapist may have suggestions about seat styles, controls, seat belts, footrests, and reclining abilities.
• Safety: If you sometimes experience dizziness or vision problems or if you take a medication with impairing side effects, you’ll want to frankly discuss whether an electric wheelchair is a safe choice for you. Discuss under what health conditions you should not operate an electric wheelchair.
• Lifestyle: Discuss your routines and living spaces with your therapist. Ask if she or he has a recommendation for which wheels on the wheelchair should have “drive” (directly receive power from the motor). Wheel-drive affects stability and maneuverability, and you need to select a drive style that suits the environments you most often inhabit. If you expect to travel outdoors alone in your electric wheelchair, you can discuss what features will make that as safe and easy as possible. If you expect to travel often in cars or on airlines, you can explore the feasibility of choosing a folding electric wheelchair.
• Progressive Disabilities: If doctors think that your disability will worsen over time, then you’ll want to ask how he or she thinks that will impact your ability to sit in and operate your motorized wheelchair.

Step 2: Make a List of Optional Features You’re Interested In

There are many accessories and upgrades available for electric wheelchairs. As you consider your mobility needs, make a list of which upgrades or accessories (if any) you find necessary, and which you’d like but could live without. As you shop later, you can refer to your lists and see how different companies and chair models measure up. Keep in mind that some accessories might be usable across brands, and others may be model- or brand-specific.

Commonly available optional features include:

• Cup Holders
• High Visibility Items like Flags and Lights
• Custom or Upgraded Paint Colors
• Extra or Larger Batteries
• Travel Chargers
• Upgraded Seat Cushions
• Upgraded Seat Belts
• Bags that Attach to Hold Oxygen Tanks
• Anchoring Systems for Travel In Cars
• Dust Covers and Carrying Cases
• Wire Baskets
• Cane, Walker, or Crutch Holders
• Push Handles
• Extension Kits for Various Parts of the Frame or Seat

Step 3: Explore Your Payment Options

Once you have an idea of the kind of electric wheelchair setup that will work best for you, you’ll need to consider your payment options. How you pay and your budget will influence which companies you can ultimately purchase from.

Common payment options:

• Medicare: To be eligible for Medicare Part B 80% coverage of an electric wheelchair, a Medicare-enrolled doctor will need to see that you need the power wheelchair, as opposed to other mobility devices, in order to complete daily activities around your own home. Only some styles- typically older, heavy styles- will be approved by Medicare. Sometimes Medicare will opt to provide coverage for a rental instead of a purchase.

• For more information on Medicare coverage, you can read Medicare’s own article on the topic or contact your Medicare doctor for information.

• Private Insurance: Private insurance may cover more or less than Medicare does. Review the terms of your plan or contact your insurance provider for details on the process of approval. With insurance, you’ll typically have some kind of copay or coinsurance, just like with Medicare.

• Rentals: Pricing varies by location and company, but it may cost about $15 per day, or $450 in a month to rent an electric wheelchair. An electric wheelchair rental can be a suitable option for temporary needs like after a surgery or injury, when your normal wheelchair is being repaired, or for a special trip or event. A rental can also give you an opportunity to decide if you want to purchase a certain model.
• Paying Out-of-Pocket: If Medicare or insurance won’t approve you for a power chair but you still think that you need one, your best option may be to purchase one out-of-pocket. A simply-designed electric wheelchair that costs $1,000-$2,000 may be just as reliable as a more upgraded one that costs several thousand dollars more, so don’t be discouraged by some of the highest prices on the market.
• Payment Plans: If paying out-of-pocket all at once isn’t feasible for you, you may be able to take advantage of a payment plan offered by the company or dealer. The added cost of interest can be worthwhile if it gives you immediate access to the chair that you need to live a full life.

Step 4: Compare Similar Chairs from Multiple Brands and Retailers

Once you have a clear idea of the electric wheelchair style and features that you need and the way you’ll be paying, it’s time to start looking in earnest at a variety of companies.

Everyone comparison shops in their own way, but the following tips can help the process go smoothly:

• Follow All Medicare or Insurance Guidelines (If Applicable): If Medicare or insurance is helping you pay for your electric wheelchair, diligently follow all provided guidelines and ask for clarification when necessary. You don’t want to be turned down for approval because you tried to purchase from an unapproved company or forgot to complete paperwork.
• Compare at Least Three Companies: Compare not only prices and features but also quality, customer reviews, warranties, and any other relevant details. In many cases, there will be even more than three companies that offer the basic chair style that you need, and it doesn’t hurt to compare even more. Whenever possible, visit a showroom and test drive the model you are interested in.
• Check Multiple Retailers: Most electric wheelchair models are available through numerous online and physical locations. When you settle on a model, find out if it’s available elsewhere for a better price or with extra perks like free accessories or free delivery.

Step 5: Consider Making Your Home More Wheelchair-Accessible

Before you bring your electric wheelchair home, consider how you can change your home environment to make it safer. A doctor, occupational therapist, or even an electric wheelchair salesperson may have suggestions for making your home more wheelchair accessible.

Commonly helpful changes include:

• Adding transition strips on thresholds for a smoother ride
• Clearing clutter and moving furniture to create defined paths
• Securing or removing rugs to eliminate the chance of the rug’s edge flipping over
• Adding safe ramps or lifts as needed

You may also find it handy to purchase a grabber tool if you don’t already have one. Bending forward or over the side of an electric wheelchair to pick something up can be quite dangerous, causing tipping in many cases. A grabber tool that allows reaching with little or no bending can help keep you safe.

Step 6: Read the Manual in Full Before Driving

Most electric wheelchair companies take great care to create user manuals for each chair model. It’s extremely important to understand your model’s abilities. Different brands design their mobility devices very differently, and just because you know how to use one kind of electric chair doesn’t mean you know how to use another.

What your manual will help you understand:

• How to get the most out of your battery
• How to tell if a ramp’s grade is safe for your chair
• What weather your chair can handle
• How to avoid tipping that particular model
• How to troubleshoot and interpret error codes
• When your chair needs maintenance
• What your warranty covers

Using your manual and following its guidelines will dramatically improve your ability to enjoy your electric wheelchair safely for many years to come.

How to Get Financial Assistance for Electric Wheelchairs

An electric wheelchair can be a very convenient piece of equipment for those who struggle with mobility issues. In some cases, they may even be medically necessary, such as when a patient can’t physically push themselves on a traditional wheelchair.

Gaining financial assistance for an electric wheelchair purchase can be a daunting task, but it’s not impossible. For the most part, insurance programs will require a doctor’s prescription and only approve coverage if the patient absolutely needs an electric wheelchair as opposed to a traditional one. There are other financial options, however, such as credit cards and private loans, that could be used for covering the cost of an electric wheelchair.

Below, we’ll explore the various financing options available to make the purchase of an electric wheelchair easier on a patient.

Medicare Coverage for Electric Wheelchairs

Medicare will cover part of the cost of an electric wheelchair but only in specific instances. In order to obtain Medicare coverage, a patient must:

• Have a prescription from a Medicare-enrolled doctor
• Be physically or mentally incapable of using a traditional wheelchair
• Purchase a base-model electric wheelchair

As with many items covered by Medicare, coverage will take care of 80% of the cost of an electric wheelchair after the patient’s deductible is paid. Medicare may also refuse to provide funds for a purchase but instead provide funds for a rental, especially when a patient is temporarily in need of an electric wheelchair.

Submitting a claim to Medicare for an electric wheelchair is a simple process for the patient. When a Medicare-enrolled doctor determines that an electric wheelchair should be prescribed, they can work with an approved supplier to submit the prescription to Medicare on behalf of the patient. Documentation from the doctor and supplier is all that is required to submit a request.

It’s also important to note that the manufacturer of the electric wheelchair must also be willing to work with Medicare through the sales process. Some companies on our list do not work with Medicare or only do so for certain models of their products.

Medicaid Coverage for Electric Wheelchairs

Every state’s Medicaid program is different, so it’s possible that some states will cover none, part, or all of the cost of an electric wheelchair. It’s important to note that some manufacturers will not work with Medicaid, eliminating their products from being able to be covered by the program.

Medicaid eligibility requirements for durable medical equipment (DME) like an electric wheelchair vary by state and can change with new laws and regulations. Below, you can find the website and phone number of your state’s Medicaid program. By contacting your local Medicaid office, you can discuss your specific situation and your doctor’s suggestions to determine if Medicaid will cover the cost of an electric wheelchair.

Veterans Resources for Electric Wheelchairs

The VA provides financial assistance for the rental or purchase of mobility devices in certain circumstances. Patients with severe disabilities and service-related disabilities will be the most likely to be approved for an electric wheelchair or a power scooter. However, patients with short-term disabilities or non-service-related disabilities can also apply.

Those who are enrolled in VA Healthcare and wish to obtain an electric wheelchair can:

• Make a request for a mobility device
• Go through an evaluation with a VA doctor
• Have a mobility device ordered for them
• Get set up with the mobility device
• Schedule a follow-up appointment to make any necessary adjustments

It’s best to have an idea of which electric wheelchair you think would be best for your situation. You can discuss with the VA doctor the features you would like and what you think you will absolutely need. The doctor can discuss your specific needs and will place an order for you. 

Additional Financial Resources for Electric Wheelchairs

There are many different avenues for obtaining financing to purchase or rent an electric wheelchair. If Medicare, Medicaid, or the VA aren’t able to help in your situation, here are a few more options:

Renting an Electric Wheelchair

For those who only temporarily need an electric wheelchair, renting may be the best option. Many suppliers will allow you to rent a wheelchair, charging a specific amount per day. They may also have older models available at a low price per day. This can be an inexpensive option for those who are recovering from surgery or recuperating from an illness but will not need an electric wheelchair for longer than a month or two.

Personal Insurance Plans

For those who have an individual insurance plan, a plan through their work, or a plan through their spouse, private insurance can also help cover the cost of an electric wheelchair. Every plan will have different coverage levels and requirements, so some may require a rental instead of a purchase, or some may only cover part of the cost. As with most insurance claims, there is likely to be a deductible the patient must pay first before the rest of the cost is covered.

Payment Plans

Manufacturers of electric wheelchairs understand that their products can be expensive for many customers. These companies usually offer some form of financing, allowing customers to obtain a wheelchair immediately and make payments over time to cover the cost. This can make the purchase easier, but the payment plan may come with an interest rate, much like a loan.

Low-Interest Credit Cards 

Using a low-interest credit card or a card with a 0% introductory rate can be a great way to split up the cost of an electric wheelchair without paying much (or any) extra interest. It’s important to understand the rules of the specific card you use, as many of them still require a minimum monthly payment. It’s best to use a 0% interest credit card to make the purchase, then make payments on the card at a pace that will pay off the entire bill before the regular interest rate kicks in.

Frequently Asked Questions