Are you wondering, “Where can I find used wheelchair ramps near me?” You’re certainly not alone! Wheelchair ramps are highly useful mobility devices that help so many people live more independently and safely. However, new wheelchair ramps can be too expensive for a lot of folks who need them. And that makes buying a second-hand ramp an excellent option.
Continue reading to learn everything you need to know about acquiring a used wheelchair ramp. You’ll learn about buying ramps on social media platforms like Facebook and venues like eBay and Craigslist. Plus, you’ll get to know about the pros and cons of second-hand mobility ramps, factors to consider when shopping, and tips for getting the best deal. You’ll even learn ways to possibly get one for free.
Let’s go!
Pros and Cons of Buying a Used Wheelchair Ramp
There are loads of benefits associated with purchasing a used wheelchair ramp, including:
- Enhancing your mobility, freedom, independence, accessibility, support, comfort, and safety
- You can save a lot of money on high-quality products that are in excellent condition
- You can negotiate the price because the item is used
The only cons linked to buying used wheelchair ramps is that you may experience difficulty finding one that has the proper size, slope, and features you desire. Also, if you’re shopping online, you run a risk of getting scammed, but we’ll go over some steps to take below to keep that from happening to you.
Where to Buy a Used Wheelchair Ramp Near Me
When you’re shopping for a used wheelchair ramp, it’s important to consider the location you’ll be purchasing it from. You want it to be as close to its intended destination as possible. It’s a good idea to try to find a used ramp at local yard sales, garage sales, and other community sales events.
Facebook & Social Media
You can also shop for a used wheelchair ramp on social media outlets like Facebook that have a focus on local communities. Just sign into your profile, surf to the Facebook Marketplace, and search for “used wheelchair ramp,” and go ahead and add in your preferred city to help narrow the results.
You can also join Facebook groups that focus on the needs of the physically challenged and sales of mobility devices. Be sure to vet people properly because, sadly, there are scam artists out there in cyberspace who don’t have your best interests at heart.
Yard Sales & Goodwill Stores
Community yard sales, garage sales, porch sales, and other sales events can be good places to shop for a used wheelchair ramp. However, they aren’t the most common items in the world, and if you do find one for sale, it may not be of the proper size, slope, and other features to meet your needs. It’s a long shot, but it’s possible.
If your community has a local Goodwill store, check there for a used wheelchair ramp. Goodwill is connected with charities that sometimes donate mobility devices for them to sell to the public at greatly reduced discounts. Again, it may not be likely that you’ll find a suitable wheelchair ramp at the Goodwill store, but it’s worth giving them a call about or stopping to inquire. You can shop Goodwill online too!
Tips for Buying a Used Wheelchair Ramp on Craigslist
Shopping online for a wheelchair ramp on Craigslist can yield opportunities to find one locally, meaning you’ll have less travel involved in picking it up and transporting it. If you haven’t used Craigslist before for shopping, here are some tips to guide you:
- 1Locate a seller that’s in your desired vicinity to cut down on the distance you’ll have to travel.
- 2Contact the seller, discuss the details of the ramp, and negotiate the best price.
- 3If you agree to purchase the ramp, decide on a public location to do the transaction.
- 4Take a friend along with you to help you maneuver the ramp and stay safer.
There are definitely a lot of good deals to find on Craigslist. However, in order to get the exact used wheelchair ramp you want, you may have to travel quite a distance.
Tips for Buying a Used Wheelchair Ramp on eBay
eBay is a very popular online platform for buying and selling mobility devices like used wheelchair ramps. When shopping on eBay, use the information provided to see if the seller has sold products on the platform in the past. If you believe the seller is reliable, you can contact them directly via the eBay communications portal. Again, if you decide to purchase a ramp in-person with the seller, be sure to take a friend with you and meet in a public place.
Free Wheelchair Ramp: How to Get One
It may be possible for you to get a wheelchair ramp for free. Depending on your specific type of disability and other individual criteria, Medicare, Medicaid, certain disability programs, and the Wheelchair Foundation can all be useful assets.
Medicare
Contact your Medicare representative and tell them that you need easy access to your home. Medicare is available to help many people with disabilities caused by age, injury, or sickness. Ask about the Plan B wheelchair benefit.
Medicaid
Medicaid is controlled by state governments, so eligibility will vary from state to state. This program provides 100% free scooters and wheelchairs for eligible people, but you will have to ask your local representative if you can get a wheelchair ramp for free.
Disability Programs
Research local churches and charities to see if they have any programs for providing free wheelchair ramps for disabled persons. Even if they don’t, you may make contacts that can lead you in a fruitful direction.
Wheelchair Foundation
The Wheelchair Foundation is a charity with a mission to promote the joy of giving and creating global friendships. They endeavor to deliver wheelchairs to every person in the world who needs them. Chat with one of their representatives online today and ask them if they can help you get a wheelchair ramp.
Used Wheelchair Ramp Summary
Second-hand wheelchair ramps change lives. It’s a whole new world when you can navigate problem areas from your wheelchair, without help. If you’re going to shop online to increase your purchasing opportunities, just remember to be cautious and use well-established and well-known sales venues like those listed above. Good luck on your search for a used wheelchair ramp!
Sources:
- craigslist | united states
- Home – shopgoodwill.com
- ABOUT – Wheelchair Foundation
- Facebook Marketplace | Facebook
- Wheelchair Ramp Information | BrainLine
- access handicap ramp: Search Result | eBay
- Wheelchair accessibility of public buildings: a review of the literature – PubMed (nih.gov)
- Accessibility information in New Delhi for “Ease n Access” Android-based app for persons with disability: an observational study – PubMed (nih.gov)
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