Mobility Aids

Why Can’t You Sell Wheelchairs on Facebook Marketplace?

Written by Siun L
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Why can’t you sell wheelchairs on Facebook Marketplace?

A great question and one that perplexes many, including myself, when I tried to sell the wheelchair my mother used.

When my ad was rejected, I decided to try and find out why, as I didn’t understand how a wheelchair could be considered dangerous or offensive.

Here is what I found out, so let’s take a look.

READ MORE: How Much Do Wheelchairs Cost?

Why Doesn’t Facebook Allow You To Sell Wheelchairs?

multiple wheelchairs in a row

The main reason why Facebook is rejecting wheelchairs from its marketplace is that it goes again their terms and conditions.

Specifically, their rules say that nothing deemed as a medical or healthcare device is allowed. That’s your main answer to the question ‘why can’t you sell wheelchairs on Facebook Marketplace?’

This, unfortunately, doesn’t just apply to wheelchairs but it is also related to other mobility devices, such as scooters and walkers.

While a wheelchair does fall under the category of medical equipment, I agree with many others that it is quite an extreme take on things.

Some people even feel that this Facebook rule discriminates against disabled people, making it hard for them to find quality mobility equipment at more affordable prices than new ones.

According to The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) – “The ADA is a civil rights law that prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in all areas of public life, including jobs, schools, transportation, and all public and private places that are open to the general public. The purpose of the law is to make sure that people with disabilities have the same rights and opportunities as everyone else.” [1]

I’ll leave it up to you if you think this FB marketplace rule is discriminatory.

I don’t think that is the whole story, however.

Many types of medical equipment certainly should not be sold in online marketplaces for obvious health and safety concerns. And unfortunately, wheelchair equipment and other types of disability products do fall under healthcare categories.

This brings me to what I think is one of the main reasons many find their wheelchair ads rejected. Let’s take a closer look.

Check how to get a free wheelchair in the video below.

Why Does Facebook Marketplace Keep Rejecting My Listing?

The main reason is that Facebook uses an algorithm for much of its approval or flagging. This means there is very little human intervention.

The algorithm sees an ad for something like an electric wheelchair as a medical device and rejects it. It also might explain why you do see some listings for wheelchairs and other mobility equipment; some just get through.

And unfortunately, if you request a review, it doesn’t seem to get you anywhere. I found this disappointing as mobility devices can be pretty expensive equipment.

However, Facebook Marketplace isn’t the only option for selling or buying wheelchair equipment and similar types of products.

During my research, I found other online sites where you can find good mobility equipment at more reasonable prices.

Let’s take a closer look at the alternatives.

The 6 Best Places To Sell Used Wheelchairs Online?

Several online marketplaces do allow the sale of mobility equipment and other low-risk medical devices.

self-propelled manual wheelchair

1. eBay Mobility & Walking Equipment

eBay has a section called ‘Mobility & Walking Equipment.’ Here you will find a variety of equipment for sale, including manual wheelchairs, motorized wheelchairs, and even batteries to power chairs.

The listings are for both new and used mobility equipment. And both business and private sales are allowed.

2. Craigslist For Selling Wheelchairs

Criagslist works by having sections for different areas around the country. So, for example, if you live in Southern California, go to that section and put in your search for a wheelchair.

3. Open Box Medical

Speaking of Southern California, if you live in that area, take a look at Open Box Medical. They will take your mobility equipment and sell it for you. If you are looking for an item, you can visit their online shop.

Open Box Medical isn’t the only marketplace of this type, so see if there is something similar in your area.

4. The Mobility Market USA

The Mobility Market USA is a marketplace dedicated specifically to buying and selling used mobility aids. They cover the entire United States, just search for the product category you want to see the listings.

5. CareCure Community

CareCure is an online forum that allows members to sell wheelchair equipment in their ‘Equipment & Services forum. You will need to become a member of the forum to see that section.

6. Buy Sell Wheelchairs

Buysellwheelchairs.com is a marketplace dedicated just to wheelchairs, mobility scooters, ramps, and related accessories.

You will have to register to sell a wheelchair, and ads are not free. A basic ad is $5.

READ MORE: Guide to Free Wheelchairs for the Disabled

FAQs

1. Will Medicare pay for a wheelchair?

Yes, under the right qualifications, Medicare will help pay for a wheelchair. Certain types of equipment require ‘prior authorization.’ [2] It is worth looking into this if you do not have the budget to purchase a chair yourself.
Check our list of electric wheelchairs covered by Medicare.

2. Can you sell a wheelchair on eBay?

Yes, you can sell a wheelchair on eBay. Make sure to include as much detail as possible to answer all the questions you might have if you were the person looking to purchase.

Conclusion

I hope this helped you understand the answer to ‘why can’t you sell wheelchairs on Facebook Marketplace?’ It is unfortunate that using this route is difficult, and hopefully, the marketplace will someday allow it.

In the meantime, there are some other options worth exploring.

clicking facebook on a phone

Have you ever tried to sell a wheelchair on Facebook Marketplace, what was your experience? Let me know in the comments.

Resources

1. ADA National Network. What is the Americans with disabilities act (ADA)? [Internet]. Adata.org. 2017. Available from: https://adata.org/learn-about-ada

2. Medicare’s Wheelchair & Scooter Benefit [Internet]. 2019. Available from: https://www.medicare.gov/Pubs/pdf/11046-Medicare-Wheelchair-Scooter.pdf

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21 thoughts on “Why Can’t You Sell Wheelchairs on Facebook Marketplace?”

  1. I guess FB is watching themselves and preventing any sort of legalities. But there are other online options that you mentioned would be willing to help sell the wheelchair.

  2. I’d have to agree with Amber here and also say that it’s likely for the purchaser’s, seller’s, and platform’s safety that they have an umbrella restriction in selling medical equipment. I’m glad to see, however, that there are other options!

  3. I think it is pretty sad that you can’t sell them on FB Marketplace as I am sure it is much more affordable for people to purchase from the marketplace where they can find a better deal versus buying brand new….. it could mean the difference from someone having a wheelchair versus not having a way to get around. Good to know there are alternate ways to go about it though.

  4. Great article explaining why selling wheelchairs on Facebook Marketplace is challenging. Really important information for anyone looking to buy or sell mobility aids. Thanks for shedding light on this issue

  5. At least there’s still the option to buy/sell on Ebay, and since items are typically insured it covers both the buyer and seller’s butts! Marketplace is more of a wild card and if you buy it and it doesn’t work well then it’s just a loss you’ll have to eat.

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