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Wheelchairs

How Much Does A WheelChair Cost (Comprehensive Price Guide)

Written by Dayna C
Last Updated :

Are you searching for new mobility aid? Perhaps a manual chair? If that’s the case, no matter what type of chair you are looking for, you’ve probably noticed how pricey a few of these devices can be.

Chairs are available for a wide range of prices, ranging from one hundred dollars to one thousand dollars. 

I’ve scoured the internet for you guys and done my research in researching brands and prices to develop a cost breakdown! 

I’ll give you some estimates on how many different types of chairs might cost so that you can make an informed decision. Read ahead to learn more! 

READ MORE: How to Get a Free Wheelchair

Wheelchair Types and Their Pricing

The chair price may vary depending on the type of chair you are looking for. Their features also play a role in the pricing.

For example, a manual chair with basic features may cost around $100 – $400, while a chair with more features (e.g., elevating leg rests, adjustable backrest, etc.) may cost anywhere from $600 – $1,200.

Below, I’ll be referencing the average costs for chairs available in the United States, as pricing may vary depending on your location.

Manual Chair Pricing

A manual chair is a type of chair that requires the user to maneuver independently and without electricity. 

These basic chairs can be self-propelled, in which the user moves using their legs, or companion-propelled, in which another person pushes the entire chair.

Manual chairs can cost anywhere from $1000-$10,000 or even more!

These prices are based on the average retail prices in the United States. Some brands that fall into these prices are’ Karman,’ ‘Invacare,’ and ‘Drive Medical.’

Manual chairs may include the following: 

1. Lightweight Wheelchairs 

This ergonomic chair is designed for users who weigh less than 30 pounds and are perfect for travel. They often have a compact design that makes them easy to fold up and store.

Upon researching, most products fall into a $125-$1,000 price point. These include the ‘Karman Lightweight Wheelchair,’ the ‘Shower Chair and Wheelchair by Vive,’ and the ‘EZ Lite Cruiser DX’ [1].

They are priced this way because they are typically made with a lightweight frame, less durable materials, and smaller weight capacity.

Want More In-Depth Details? Read Our Detailed Review Guide: Best Wheelchairs for Outdoors

2. Ultra-Lightweight Wheelchairs 

Ultra-lightweight chairs are the standard chairs for users who are 20 to 60 years old and have an active lifestyle.

They can weigh as little as 13 pounds and often have a higher weight capacity than lightweight chairs.

According to a study by Kranz and his team, ultralightweight chairs typically cost $125-$1,500 because they are lightweight and durable and tested for active and rigid frames [2].

So to give you an example, the ‘Nova Chair Voyager Ultralight chair’ falls into this price range, retailing from $249.95- $349.95 [3]. 

They are a popular choice for people who want to be active and have a portable chair.

3. Heavy-Duty Wheelchairs (Bariatric wheelchairs)

Heavy-duty chairs are designed for people who weigh more than 200 pounds. Some models can support up to 300 pounds!

Bariatric chairs cost anywhere from $200-$2,000 or more. They are made with heavier-duty materials that are more suitable for larger wheelchair users.

An example of this is the ‘Drive Medical Bariatric Transport chair’ retailing for around $350 [4].

They also often have a larger seat size and advanced features like durable leg rest and reinforced types of wheels [5]. but it doesn’t mean you can ride it 

4. Bathroom Wheelchairs 

If you need a chair to use the restroom, a few different options are available. You can buy a custom chair with a seat opening or buy a special bathroom chair.

Bathroom wheelchairs typically cost $300-$1,000+ the ‘Sunrise Medical Elevating Toilet Seat’ is in this range, costing about $400 [6] 

These wheelchairs have a seat opening that allows users to use an accessible bathroom while remaining seated (I mean, that’s the dream for some, right?).

Ultimately, this is a convenient option for people with difficulty standing up and walking.

ALSO CHECK: Types of Stairs Wheelchair

5. Reclining Wheelchairs 

Reclining chairs are perfect for people who want to relax in their chairs. They often have a reclining backrest that allows the user to tilt back and rest.

Reclining chairs typically cost $200-$2,000+. An example of a reclining chair is the ‘Drive Medical Winnie Lite Supreme Reclining Wheelchair’, which costs about $700 [7]. 

They are made with comfortable materials and custom seat cushions that make them an excellent choice for people who spend a lot of time seated.

Powered Wheelchairs Pricing 

Powered chairs or Electric wheelchairs require tremendous technology and research to manufacture, produce, and design.

While the materials used to construct a certain chair may not be the same as the finished product, you can be sure that the company that manufactured the chair invested thousands, if not millions, of dollars and time in the research & design. 

A powered lchair is more expensive due to additional components such as batteries, electric parts, brake systems, and more!

Here’s a video showing the different types of powered chairs:

1. Heavy-Duty Power Wheelchairs

Heavy-duty chairs can cost anywhere from $1,000-$10,000 or even more. The ‘Invacare
Invacare TDX SP2  Heavy Duty Power Wheelchair’ [8]. Costs start around $7,500.

This price range is due to their additional features like:

-Automatic speed adjustment

-Remote control

-Power lift

-Heated seats

-Customizable colors and designs

They are suitable for people weighing over 200 pounds (maximum 500 pounds).

2. Travel or Portable Power Wheelchairs

If you are looking for a powered chair that is easy to transport, you may want to consider travel or a portable wheelchair [9].

These chairs can quickly fold or disassemble. How handy! They are great for people who want to take their chairs on trips.

Here’s an overview of how to fold them to fit them in your luggage!

Travel or portable power chairs typically cost $1,000-$12,000. They are at a higher price because of the added features and benefits.

An example is the ‘Karma Mobility Revo Folding Power Wheelchair’, which costs about $4,000 [10].

3. Full-Size Power Chairs

If you are looking for a powered wheelchair that is comfortable and has a lot of features, you may want to consider a full-size power chair.

These chairs have a larger battery, which allows them to travel further per charge. They also often have more comfortable seats, armrests, and footrests [11].

Full-size power chairs typically cost $1,000-$30,000. The ‘Hoveround MPV5’ costs about $10,000, which is the average price point if you ask me [12]. 

It may be the most expensive chair because of all of the features that it has. However, it is an excellent choice for people who want the best wheelchair possible.

Pediatric Wheelchairs Pricing

These are chairs specifically built for children and persons with small bodies.

Pediatric chairs are popular because of the health benefits, such as better circulation. Another beneficial feature is having the youngster drive the electric wheelchair or have the caregiver drive it [13].

This chair ranges in price from $150 to $1500. They are priced this way because they are not as common as adult wheelchairs. So, the companies that make these chairs have to account for less demand.

You’d think they cost less because they are small, but they don’t! 

Positioning Wheelchairs Pricing

Chairs that help people with positioning needs are commonly called “positioning wheelchairs [14].”

These chairs can be expensive, but their benefits make them worth the price. These chairs help improve a person’s posture, which can help improve their health.

Positioning chairs range in price from $1,000 to $10,000. A product in the high price range is the ‘Hoveround  MPV5’. It costs about $10,000 [12].

Sports Chairs Pricing

A sports chair is a type of chair specifically designed for athletes [15].

These chairs often have a lightweight frame and a durable design, making them ideal for use in competitive sports.

Sports chairs typically cost $1,000-$5,000.

This price range is due to the many different features that make them suitable for sports competitions. They are an excellent choice for people who want a wheelchair that is both durable and lightweight.

How Much Does a Wheelchair Cost: A Breakdown Table 

Okay, I know it can be hard to swallow all that information, so to summarize all the things I said above, below, I made a breakdown table that consists of the type of chair, its costs, and a short description of each.  

This way, you can easily compare and contrast the wheelchairs’ prices!

Type of Wheelchair Cost Chair Description 
Lightweight Chairs $125- $1,000 +Chairs that weigh less than 30 pounds are ideal for travel.
Ultra-lightweight Chairs $125- $1,500Chairs that are light and high-performance, suited for active users aged 20 to 60.
Heavy-duty Chairs or Bariatric Chairs $200- $2,000+ It’s designed for people who weigh more than 200 pounds (300 being the maximum weight).
Bathroom$300- $1,000+ This chair features a seat opening that allows users to use the restroom while remaining seated.
Reclining $200- $2,000+ Allows the user to relax in their chair. Ideal for people that enjoy sitting all the time.
Heavy-duty power chairs$1,000- $4,500+ Heavy-duty electric-powered chairs can support more weight than regular electric wheelchairs. These electric wheelchairs have weight capacities of up to 500 pounds. 
Travel or portable power chairs$1,000- $12,000+ These chairs can fold or disassemble quickly to fit in a car trunk or airplane luggage.
Full-size power chairs$1,000- $30,000+ This has more comfortable seats, armrests, and footrests. Because they have a larger battery, they usually travel further per charge.
 Pediatric Wheelchairs$150- $1500Built for children and persons with small bodies
 Positioning Wheelchairs$1,000- $10,000Chairs that help people with positioning needs 
 Sports chairs$1,000-$5,000Specifically designed for athletes

READ MORE: Why Can’t I Sell a Wheelchair on Facebook?

Why Are Wheelchairs So Expensive?

Wheelchairs can be expensive because they are custom products. This means that the chair is built to fit the person’s specific needs and requirements.

This customization process often requires a lot of time and effort on the part of the chair manufacturer [16]. As a result, the chairs can be pretty expensive to produce.

Another reason for the high price of wheelchairs is that they are often covered by insurance. This means that the manufacturer has to account for the cost of the chair when setting its price.

Despite the high price, power chairs offer many benefits that make them worth the investment. They can help people live more independently and improve their quality of life.

So, even though they may be expensive, they are definitely worth the cost.

READ MORE:

FAQs

How much does a used wheelchair cost?

A used chair typically costs between $50 and $500. However, the price can vary depending on the age and condition of the chair.

Does Medicare pay for wheelchairs?

Does Medicare pay for wheelchairs? Medicare often covers the cost of power chairs. However, the specific coverage depends on the individual’s plan and eligibility. 

How Much Does a Wheelchair Ramp Cost?

Wheelchair ramps can cost anywhere from $100 to $10,000. The price depends on the size and complexity of the ramp.

Are Wheelchairs Covered by Insurance company?

Yes, chairs are often covered by insurance. They are seen as a necessary medical device for people with mobility issues.

Conclusion

There are many different types of chairs available on the market. This can make it challenging to decide which one is right for you.

The best way to decide which wheelchair is suitable for you is to consider your needs and budget.

Luckily for you, I covered the cost of chairs for your guidance in this article! This should do the heavy lifting of your research. Until the next article!

Have you found the right chair? Let us know what made you choose it in the comment section below!

 References

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About Author

Dayna C
Dayna has an incredible passion for helping others and a background as an in-home caregiver for the elderly. She left the field temporarily three years ago to stay at home with her twins, but found that she really missed working with senior citizens. She launched LoAids as a way to help not just her own loved ones and former clients, but ALL seniors live life to the fullest in their golden years.  Follow her on LINKEDIN and TWITTER. Read her LATEST POSTS. Learn more about her HERE.

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