Wheelchairs are a necessity for many disabled people. They allow mobility and independence for those who would otherwise be confined to their homes, bed, or other locations. However, not all wheelchair users can afford an expensive device that is necessary for their everyday life. The average price of a wheelchair in the US is $1300, which excludes the cost of repairs and maintenance over time. There are many different types of wheelchairs and they vary in price depending on how much they offer. Here’s what you need to know about the cost of wheelchairs.
10 Reasons Why Wheelchairs are Expensive
Despite wheelchairs being a necessity to most disabled people, they are still expensive. There are many different types of wheelchairs and they vary in price depending on how much they offer. Here’s what you need to know about the cost of wheelchairs.
1. Manufacturing Cost
The cost of manufacturing a wheelchair is one of the main reasons why they are very expensive. The average cost of a wheelchair is around $1300, which excludes the cost of repairs and maintenance over time. The manufacturing process for wheelchairs takes a lot of time and effort and it is not cheap.
2. Cost of Material
The materials used to make a wheelchair are also one of the main reasons why they are so expensive. For example, the most common material used for wheelchairs is plastic, which is very expensive to produce. There are also many different types of metals used in wheelchairs, such as aluminum, steel, titanium, and more that are all very costly to produce. It’s not surprising then that the materials used for wheelchairs can be very expensive.
3. Production Time
Another reason as to why wheelchairs are so expensive is because they take a long time to be manufactured. For example, it can take up to 2 months before a wheelchair is manufactured after an order has been placed through their website or through another service provider such as a local wheelchair supplier.
4. Shipping Costs
Another reason why wheelchairs are so expensive is because of the shipping costs involved in delivering them to the customers. The cost of shipping can be very high, especially for those living in remote areas, or for those who live far away from where the wheelchair is being manufactured.
Generally, most wheelchairs will be shipped as fewer are manufactured locally, and more are manufactured in other parts of the world.
5. Gripes with Wheelchair Design and Features
The design used on wheelchairs is one of the main contributors to their cost. For example, some wheelchairs use a control system that is very complicated and hard to use. This design is quite difficult to come within the manufacturing process and hence affecting the pricing of every wheelchair.
6. Wheelchair Warranty
Another reason why wheelchairs are so expensive is because of the warranty used on them. A lot of wheelchair manufacturers offer warranties that last for a very long period of time, usually around 2 or 3 years. However, because most people do not keep these warranties up to date, the wheelchair will need to be replaced after a few months or even years. This means that you will have to pay for the new wheelchair again.
7. Wheelchair Rental Costs
Wheelchairs are generally rented for an extremely long period of time, especially those that are more expensive than average wheelchairs. The longer you rent your wheelchair, the more money you will need to pay every month in order for it to be available at all times.
For example, some wheelchair rentals last for 6 months and will cost you $1,000 every month. However, if you are a person that needs to use your wheelchair for longer than this, you will have to pay the same amount of money every month even though the wheelchair is not being used.
8. Wheelchair Accessibility
Another reason why wheelchairs are so expensive is because of their accessibility. For example, some wheelchairs may only be accessible by 1 in 10 people. This means that not a lot of people can use these wheelchairs without having to pay a lot more money than they would have otherwise. Even if you have a disability that makes it very hard to use other wheelchairs, it is still possible for you to pay thousands of dollars for a wheelchair that is limited in its accessibility.
9. Wheelchair Safety Features
Wheelchairs with higher prices will always come with certain safety features that are just not available on cheaper models. For example, some wheelchairs may come with extra padding and other accessories that would make it impossible for the wheelchair to be used by people who are not comfortable. This is a major reason why wheelchair prices are so high.
10. Wheelchair Durability
When you are buying a wheelchair, you have to take into consideration how durable it will be. For example, some wheelchairs may only last for 6 months before they need to be replaced. This means that you have to pay a lot more money for the same amount of time that the wheelchair was being used before being replaced.
11. Wheelchair Maintenance
Another reason why wheelchairs that cost more will always be more durable is that they require less maintenance than cheaper models do. For example, some wheelchairs may only require regular cleaning and lubrication while others may require a lot of maintenance and repair work in order to make them work properly. This means that people who can afford expensive wheelchairs will be able to avoid having their chairs get damaged or worn out because they are able to take better care of them.
What is the average cost of a wheelchair?
There is no such thing as an average cost of a wheelchair. The range of prices that you can find for wheelchairs will vary from person to person depending on their financial situation, the type of wheelchair they are looking for, and the quality of the wheelchair.
However, if you want to find out how much you can expect to pay for a wheelchair, there are three main categories that you should consider:
1. The price range of cheap wheelchairs
The price range for cheap wheelchairs is between $200 and $500. While there are some expensive models that cost up to $1000, these specific models will be very rare.
2. The price range of mid-range wheelchairs
The price range for mid-range wheelchairs is between $500 and $1000. These chairs will be priced according to their quality, durability, and comfort level. For example, some chairs may have high prices because they are made out of high-quality materials while others may have lower prices because they are made out of less durable materials.
3. The price range of high-end wheelchairs
The price range for high-end wheelchairs is between $1000 and $4000. These chairs will be priced according to the quality of the wheelchair’s components, the materials used to build it, and its features.
Now that you know how much to expect to pay for a wheelchair, you can use this information to help you find the best wheelchair for your personal needs.
How much does a powered wheelchair cost?
Powered wheelchairs are one of the most high-end wheelchairs that can cost up to $4000. These wheelchairs are usually made out of high-quality materials and components that are designed to make the user feel comfortable.
When shopping for a powered wheelchair, you should think about the features and accessories that you would like to have. For example, some models may come with additional features such as a remote control, an adjustable seat, or a cushion that can be raised or lowered.
On average, powered wheelchairs cost between $2000 and $3000. However, these prices can vary depending on the model and its quality.
How much does a manual wheelchair cost?
Manual wheelchair is one of the lowest-priced wheelchairs because it costs between $100 and $500. These chairs are usually made of durable materials such as steel frames, plastic parts, aluminum wheels, etc.
When shopping for a manual wheelchair, you should think about its features and accessories. For example, some models may come with additional features such as an adjustable seat, a cushion that can be raised or lowered, a tray and/or storage space, etc.
On average, manual wheelchairs cost between $400 and $800. These prices can vary depending on the model and its quality.
How much does an electric wheelchair cost?
Electric wheelchairs are one of the most expensive types of wheelchairs since they can cost up to $10,000. These chairs are usually made with high-quality materials such as carbon fiber frames, aluminum wheels, and tires, aluminum caster wheels, etc.
When shopping for an electric wheelchair, you should think about the features and accessories that you would like to have. For example, some models may come with additional features such as an adjustable seat and a cushion that can be raised or lowered.
On average, electric wheelchairs cost between $3,000 and $5,000. These prices can vary depending on the model and its quality.
Conclusion
When buying a wheelchair, you should think about your needs and the type of wheelchair that you want. For example, if you want a wheelchair that will be used in an office or home, then an electric wheelchair may be a better choice since it is easier to maneuver around.
However, if you need a wheelchair for traveling on long distances such as in the suburbs or even in the city, then you should opt for a manual wheelchair.
The same rule applies when shopping for wheelchairs for children with special needs since they have different mobility needs compared to adults. No matter which type of wheelchair you choose, always be sure to buy it from a reliable store so that it will last for years to come.
The cost of every wheelchair will vary depending on the type of wheelchair and its quality. When you go to buy a wheelchair, be sure to do your research and compare the prices of different stores.
