Wheelchair Series - Part 3 - Used Ki Mobility Wheelchair
Part 3 - Finding a Used Ultralight Wheelchair
Why Ultralight and non-folding?
What was wrong with the transport wheelchair?
The original chair I had was great for being pushed by someone else, but the arm rests were too high to be able to self-propel. It was also incredibly heavy; I needed help getting it in/out of the car and up our stairs.
The wheels are quick-release for easy tire changes / loading in the car.
TL;DR: Weight/Independence - a lot lighter than a traditional folding/transport style wheelchair. I can get it upstairs and in/out of the car without help.
Here's a list of what I wish I had known before I started searching for a used Ultralight (non-folding) Wheelchair
Search for your local Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) in your zip code.
They will provide you with lending closets in your area where you can get a chair for free or a really low rental cost (I'm talking as low as a $5 deposit, that you get back when you return the chair).
They most likely will not have the chair you're looking for, but they may be able to point you in the right direction. Keep checking with these resources daily!
Increase your search radius to at least 100 miles and Search the following daily: Facebook Marketplace, OfferUp, Craigslist, and eBay.
I increased my search radius to 200 miles and sometimes 250 miles just to see what I could find. It took me over 30 days to find my chair. I was incredibly lucky and found one just an hour away. There may be other options in your area (your local Buy Nothing group, Thrift Stores, etc.).
If you search just "Wheelchair" there are going to be a LOT of results that aren't what you're looking for (wheelchair accessible vehicles, fully powered chairs, transport chairs)
Find the name of the chair you're hoping to find (or at least the brand) and start searching with that if you’re overwhelmed by results of items you aren’t searching for. I used a combination of Wheelchair, Ki Mobility, and Tilite while I was searching.
If a chair has been posted for a while (2 weeks+) make them an offer that you're comfortable with. If they want more, they have the option to haggle or tell you no. Odds are, it's taking up space in their home and they want to sell it. But if you don't ask to purchase that $800 chair for $500, the answer will always be no. It doesn't hurt to ask!
The chair I bought was listed for $500 on Craigslist just 2 hours before I contacted them. I asked if he was accepting offers and he said "reasonable offers" and I offered $375. He agreed, and I picked up the chair later that night. This chair is worth well over $2,000 brand new with the cushion and extras he put on it. I am incredibly thankful and lucky.
If you're messaging someone on Craigslist - be sure to check your spam folder. The responses come from a weird Craigslist email address.
Latest Updates in my Journey:
I've used my chair a few times (my chair’s nickname is still TBD…my wife is leaning towards calling me "Wheels" while I'm in my chair). I'm still getting used to my new normal of being an ambulatory wheelchair user. I gotta admit, it's amazing for grocery shopping with my wife! I can actually keep up with her pace! I wasn't feeling great last week and finally decided it was time to use my chair for our trip to Costco and Meijer. Costco is normally really hard for me; the store is huge and the items we regularly buy are all over the place. I may have cheated a few times and grabbed onto her arm to give me a boost haha!
Accessories I personally use:
Full List of Links to things I personally use and love HERE
Silicone Grip on my push rims (Link Here)
My push rim (It's all metal) was a little beat up and sharp in places.
Gloves (Link Here)
The silicone cover is great for grip, but WOWZA does it hurt to try and stop/turn quickly. I also wear quite a few rings that spin around my fingers while I'm pushing. After just a few hours in the chair, my thumb was NOT happy. The gloves are magic and keep my hands from blistering.
Cupholder (Link Here)
I'm a POTSie so this is definitely a necessity!
Bike alarm (Link Here)
Just in case the handicap stall is occupied and I can keep my chair with me. I can "lock" it right outside the door and it'll let me know if someone messes with it.
Stoller Clips (Link Here)
Great for attaching extra things to my chair or for carrying in grocery bags from the car
Bike Lights - USB C Rechargeable (Link Here)
To see at night/be seen in a crowd
Backpack - (Link Here)
This is arriving in the mail tomorrow and looks like a great bag! I measured and it should fit perfectly. The reviews are fantastic :)
EDITED 5.30.24 I love this bag!! The stroller handles work great on my chair. I absolutely love it in every way! It opens from the top, and my pins easily attached to it with my locking pin backs (Link Here)! Those pins aren’t going anywhere!
For fun/flare on my chair:
Spoke covers (Link Here)
Currently Rainbow. To do the setup I have, you need 2 packs (can easily be changed out for different seasons/events, I have plenty leftover)
Disco light - battery operated (Link Here)
If I'm going to a concert, I'll be using this! And at PrideFest :)
Rechargeable Fun lights (Link Here)
I have 3 of these - 1 under the chair and 1 on each leg
Electrical Tape (Link Here)
Covered up the Blue on the Legs of my chair
