Wheelchair Guide

Do I need a prescription for a wheelchair?

You do not need a prescription to buy or use a wheelchair. The reason you would need a prescription for a wheelchair is if you’re looking to use an insurance benefit to cover the costs of your wheelchair.

If a doctor has determined your need for a wheelchair, you may then qualify for insurance coverage to help with the wheelchair costs. A doctor’s prescription will be required to receive insurance coverage.

What is the difference between a wheelchair and a transport chair?

Transport wheelchair

Transport wheelchairs are narrow, smaller-wheeled chairs that are designed to be pushed by a caregiver. A transport chair is light, compact, and easy to navigate, which makes it an excellent option for travel and use outside of the home, or as a companion to a larger manual or electric wheelchair.

Transport wheelchairs are different from standard wheelchairs in that the wheels are smaller and the body is more narrow to make them easier to push and maneuver. Transport chairs cannot be manually propelled, which means that the wheelchair user cannot operate this chair unassisted. For more information on Transport Wheelchairs, visit our Transport Wheelchair Buyers Guide.

Can you get a wheelchair for free?

Your department can completely cover the expenses associated with a wheelchair depending on your medical necessity, your prescription, and your insurance coverage.

To get a wheelchair for free, you will need a prescription to verify your medical necessity. If you have a prescription, you can then submit a request and a mobility equipment provider to find the appropriate wheelchair that is fully covered by your insurance plan.

Your plan may cover the initial cost of your wheelchair, but this may not include lifetime expenses such as maintenance, upgrades, and additional mobility devices.

How long do wheelchairs last?

The average lifespan of a wheelchair is 2 to 3 years, with a maximum of 5 years for manual wheelchairs. The more a wheelchair is used, the shorter the lifespan will be due to daily wear and tear.

You may find that your mobility needs change within this time frame, or you may want to upgrade your mobility device before your wheelchair wears out.

Before purchasing a wheelchair, you should consider how frequently you’ll be using the chair. Are you only going to be using the wheelchair occasionally? Or will it be your primary, everyday mobility device? This will help you choose the right wheelchair for your needs and will allow you to get the most out of your chair throughout its lifespan.