Don’t Throw It Away!

We get calls everyday from folks who have mobility equipment in need of attention. We find that there are only a few places that will do repairs these days. It seems to be the same with everything. (Have you ever tried to find anyone to repair a toaster oven?) Things are built to last just so long and it’s actually less expensive in some cases to buy a new one. While I won’t say that is not the same with some types of mobility equipment, I can say that we have been able to salvage more than one electric scooter, power wheelchair, and four-wheeled walker! And, it does not matter if you did not buy it at Capabilities. (Although we highly encourage you to do so the next time you are in the market!)

We recently repaired a wheelchair that got some heavy damage on an airline. We offered a rental wheelchair to the woman whose trip nearly got ruined because of the damage, and worked to get her chair fixed in short order. And, there’s the story of Susan, whose reclining lift chair quit on her just as her back issues got worse. Our folks were able to help her figure out what was wrong over the phone by asking a few key questions. Once diagnosed, we were able to get the part over to her and fix that chair quickly. Even if you don’t live in Denver, we may be able to help you troubleshoot enough to get a good sense of whether the problem is fixable or not. And, with our network of folks who care, we can often find you a place near where you live. We will most certainly do our best anyway!

Then again, we do have a few stories about things that showed up for repair that barely had any metal left on them. We do our best, but there are limits. One wheelchair was over 12 years old. The frames had changed so many times on this type of chair that we just could not find the parts to fit together. While it was hard for our customer to accept, she finally agreed to purchase a new chair, which ended up being a great decision for her. The new version was lighter weight and easier for her to manage, as it turned out. Sometimes new is better!

Be sure to check out our Frequently Asked Questions in our Repairs section for troubleshooting tips on your wheelchairs, walkers, and canes. And, do not hesitate to contact us for to discuss what might be going on with your equipment.

We also occasionally sell pre-owned power wheelchairs and scooters. Or, we know of folks who are selling their used equipment. Please call us if you are on the hunt for something pre-owned and we might be able to help out. If you have a power wheelchair or electric scooter in exceptional shape that you are looking to sell, call us. We might just want to buy it from you, although we are awfully picky!

Do you have a repair story to tell? Please post it here if you do.