Please note: eSpecial Needs does not purchase or buy used equipment from individuals. The following post is meant to give you instructions on how to find and work with charities and organizations that do.
Every day, many families struggle to find funding assistance to get the things they need to improve a loved one’s quality of life. It’s one of the reasons donating or selling your used or outgrown equipment is such a great idea. Not only are you ensuring that those items continue helping others long after you no longer need them, but it provides a more accessible and affordable avenue for families in need to acquire them.
If you’re thinking about donating or selling the used medical equipment in your home, here are some tips on how to do so in a way that benefits both you and the equipment’s next owner.
Do Your Research
It’s important to take the time to research any charitable organizations you’re thinking about donating to before doing so. This is especially true when what you’re giving is medical equipment. Here are some things to take into consideration before making your donation:
- The Federal Trade Commission has a great website detailing the steps you should take before donating to any charity. While it’s geared toward monetary donations, there are many other helpful tips, like confirming the tax-deductibility of your donation or the reputation of small local charities.
- Make sure the organization you’re donating to will accept the equipment you have. Big organizations like the Salvation Army or Goodwill either won’t take durable medical equipment (DME) or have a special branch that handles those types of items. Be sure to be upfront about the condition the equipment is in, too. Some charities will still accept broken items and use their parts to repair other similar pieces of equipment.
- If you’re having trouble locating an organization in your area, call a local hospital or advocacy office. They should be able to point you in the right direction.
- If the equipment you’re donating was used for a specific diagnosis, try checking with groups who help children or adults with similar issues. They’ll be able to best match your equipment with others who need it.
- Some charities work locally rather than globally. If where your equipment goes is important to you, whether it’s a family in your city or one across the globe, make sure you check with the organization before donating.
Make It Shine
Now that you know where it’s going, slap a little elbow grease on that old equipment and clean it up! Bath, shower and commode chairs should be especially clean before turning them in, but it’s just common courtesy to make sure any equipment look nice before you bring it to the facility. The cleaner it is and the better the shape it’s in allows your equipment to enter the donation system more quickly, and that could mean a family in need will receive it much faster.
The Rewards of Kindness
The feeling that you’ve done something good for another family in need is a great reward, of course. A tax deduction, however, is also pretty nice. If the organization you’re working with accepts tax-deductible donations, don’t forget to get the receipt and put it with the rest of your tax documents so you’ll have it ready when April comes around.
Also, if you have a particularly good experience with the charity you donate to, don’t forget tell others about them. Many smaller organizations run on extremely thin budgets and can’t afford much in the way of marketing. The more people who know about these charities, the faster they’ll grow.
Selling to Resale Shops
Of course, you don’t have to donate your outgrown or unneeded equipment. Many retail shops which specialize in medical equipment offer cash or store credit for your used items. These shops also have the ability to refurbish the broken or heavily-used equipment some charities won’t accept. Another benefit of these shops is that they work with people and families with special needs every day, so they’ll be able to match your wheelchair, stroller or other piece of adaptive equipment with the right customer.
Like charities, the things that a resale shop will accept varies from place to place, so check with them before hauling your equipment down to their store. The last thing you want to do is have to take it all the way back home when the shop says they don’t want it.
The Online Marketplace
Selling them privately through online marketplaces like eBay and Craig’s List is also an option. Keep in mind, though, that while you may get a few extra dollars going this route, it may not always be best for the person buying you’re equipment.
Things like canes, walkers and beds are easy to sell and are often adjustable to fit the needs of their new user. Items such as wheelchairs, commode chairs and other adaptive seating, however, are usually chosen for a specific type of user based on a number of factors, including diagnosis, support needs and measurements. The buyer might be getting a great deal on your equipment, but the intended user may not. It might be too big, too small, unsupportive or otherwise able to comfortably fit their needs.
If you choose to sell your equipment online, be as upfront as possible about its previous use. List as many of its specifications and features, such as height, seat width and adjustability, as you can, as well. This way, any potential buyer has what they need to make a better, more informed decision about how your equipment might benefit its intended user before they purchase.
Paying It Forward
There are lots of options available to you when it comes to donating or selling your used wheelchair or unneeded medical equipment. Whatever you choose to do, try to keep the next user in mind. After all, what you’re giving away probably once made a big difference in either your life or the life of a loved one. Hopefully, it’ll do the same for someone else in the near future.
Photo Credit: “Wheelchair” by Joshua Zader, used under CC BY / Cropped from original
Commode chair, wheel chair is the one of the best helping aid for the elders and disable person to move around. And if you give or donate someone who is in needy then it’s a best way to get the blessing of him and the God.
I like your point to make sure to research any charitable organization that you want to donate to. Most organizations are legit, but you want to be sure, particularly if they approach you. Also doing this research will help you to feel more fulfilled when you do make your donation.
I do like the feeling of helping others when I donate my used wheelchairs. I like that I can help others wherever I can. Hopefully, the charities that I donate to find the people who really need it.
I want to donate medical equipment
I got 2 power wheelchairs for donate and I tried craiglist but only had one looker and he needed a wider wheel chair and my is a pronto m91 that is 20 inch wide and he wanted my jazzy 614 for his use but I told him it was $750.00 not $200 or I will trade the jazzy 614 for a pronto m51 with a 20inch seat, my jazzy is 24 inch wide and it hasvthe charger and book where it was $5300.00 but I paid $750.00 with 2 new gel battery’s. I seen it on ebay for $1000.00 and its the same as the one I want $750.00 or trade for a pronto m51/ m71/m31 like new, or $750.00cash NO CHECKS. they have to come to York pa to pick up for donation. .or sell the jazzy 614vfor $750.00 .or trade for a pronto m51 but be no older then 3 years or newer, with charger and book if they have it
I’m trying to sale a electrical chair. Where can I do this at
I have a Orthofix Spinal-stim Osteogenesis Stimulator.I would like to sale it to someone who can use it.I used it for about three months and have all the paperwork and box it came in.It still looks and operates like new.Any help would be appreciated,Thanks.
I have a twin electric hospital bed with Mattress and side rails also a hoverround with stick control for left handed person both are for sale…200 for bed 500 for chair
yellow/black Invacare motorized wheelchair 2012, 26in. wide and reclines in a prone position but not recommend for sleeping. comes with seat belt and charger/asking for 10K purchased 15K or best offer, if in the military another $500.00 off but must show proof. Contact me at the above e mail if interested only.
Electric invacare xdt 9000 for sale. Make me an offer.
I have two oxygen machines that one has only been used for three weeks
The other for only 6 months
Both are in excellent condition.
I have one portable oxygen machine that has only been used five times none in which even ran the internal battery down. With two extra batteries and a car charger and the wall charger.I looked it up online and the new one cost 3,250$
I have a spinal fusion stimulator system complete And a vista back brace excellent condition would like to sell.
I have a slightly used walker and a never used bedside commode that I no longer need. I recently had a total right knee replacement. How can I give it away? I live in Memphis Tn
I have a heur lift and sling for sale. Can hold 300 lbs. 2 years old regularly maintained. 500$ or best offer
I have a Medtronic N’vision and Medtronic mystim 2 of them for sale have everything you need its like new please feel free to contact me 978-908-6500 for any question thank you
I am a social worker at a Rehabilitation and long term care facility in Ft. Worth,Tx. The insurance here is generally under managed care. The co-pay for our residents is $8.00 a month for a wheelchair. My families cannot afford this for the long term. Where can I get very low cost wheelchairs and hospital beds in this area?
Perhaps our Funding page (https://www.especialneeds.com/funding) or our Resources page (https://www.especialneeds.com/resources) may be helpful to you. If you have any questions please contact us at orders@especialneeds.com. Thanks and have a great day.
Hi,I take care of my momma who has MS,we’re in need of a portable ceiling Boyer lift system, thanks for your help in advance
I’m in need of a wheelchair and a hospital bed and I cannot afford to buy one where can I get help
I have a 20 inch Invacare Tracer SX5 with the upgraded removable leg rests foot plates that fold up & heel straps. The upgraded back & seat padded waterproof material as well as a very expensive seat cushion that is like brand new worth like $150 by itself. It has the more expensive wheels. I had only used it lightly while I was rehabbing for a couple months after a freak still never explained back and hip problem that left me with paralyzing pain that I couldn’t even move an inch for the first couple weeks. I wound up losing a lot of weight and needed a new much smaller one so this is in incredible shape, the base model 14″ w/ no upgrades is $799, I have the itemized purchase form, this with all the extras and the special seat cushion is over $1,000. I am a Disabled Marine about to become homeless thanks to a shady Social Security system and the fact I’m almost completely bedridden and homebound b/c of a heart condition I’m getting surgery on in a couple weeks! I would like to get half ($500) but I wouldn’t turn down an unreasonable offer I’m going to use the money to try and flip it into a home business I’ve created TroySells Media, Commercial Grade Decals and more. I make the highest quality decals in the business including specialty vinyls & carbon Fiber decals with an Extreme Satisfaction Guarantee no other offers!! Even if you don’t want the wheelchair and you’d like to watch what a small Financial donation to a Motivated Disabled Marine can do TroySellsMedia@hot-shot.com is my business email, jacoby0761@att.net is my PayPal email. God Bless you if you buy the wheelchair, buy some custom decals or donate charitably! Thx, Chad
I have two wheel chairs and one hospital bed in excellent condition that I like to sell
Looking to donate a hospital bed that’s about 6 months old. Please contact me at 443-866-3681 or email me at dlong@mtb.com
I have several items I would like to donate. Queen size hospital bed, commode, walkers, crutches,etc. Please email me back to get in touch with you. Thank you . Nancy
I’m looking for a wheelchair (20″ seat width) for my aunt whom is disabled due to a neurological issue (tumor growth on her brain at the base of her neck). she has Medicaid but apparently they only buy 1 manual wheelchair for LIFE. Nonsense, but she has had hers for 16 years. It’s falling apart and I’m trying to find something for her since I live in Indianapolis, IN and it’s a larger area than the little town she lives in. Anyone have one that wants to sell. Please advise. Prefer donate as my income is limited right now due to my husbands Multiple Sclerosis. If you know somewhere or have one that is heavy duty for someone about 300lbs. with that seat width of 20″. Please email me, happy to try to work something out (in the Indianapolis, IN greater area please)
I have a portable oxygen machine it goes with the holster 4 oxygen tanks I also have 6 mini oxygen tanks. The tanks are refillable by using a concentrater and I have that as well. I will sale all of this for $175.00 which is only a fraction of what I paid . my cell 1-205-484-7780 my name is Michelle
Surprise, Az i have a single, home hospital bed to donate, if interested e mail or call me at 6512714283
I have hospital bed with air mattress ; standard wheelchair and advocate reliant 450 Hitler lift for sale. My cell number is 6782962439
i have two electric wheelchairs & two manual wheel chairs that i would like to get rid of any one inerested please call 905 455 8846 or 416 831 8304
I have a Quantum Q6 Edge Power wheelchair for sale. It is in perfect like new condition. It is set with Adaptive Switch Laboratories accessories like their ASL105 electronic Head Array 3 sensors Right Left and back for ultimate control especially designed for someone with Cerebral palsy or no motor control or coordination. It is equipped with Pride Jazzy Quantum QLogic Enhanced Display. Full Tilt functions, Seat Belts, Calf Supports, Body Suppprts. With all accessories it retails for well over 15,000.00. I am asking 4,800.00 and would be willing to negotiate. Make an offer! Photos and more details upon request. 732-768-7971 call or text Rob.
I have a twin size medical electrical bed with mattress. Anyone interested can contact me at email address juandias.200@gmail.com
I have a large motorized wheelchair that has never been used. I would like to donate to someone in need. Just need someone to move it for them. Thank you..
I have a Zenith 7700 series hospital bed that I would like to donate to someone who could use it. Bed is in Cincinnati, Ohio
I have an old walker to give away, not very high-tech, but better than leaving it out on the curb for garbage pickup
Joni and Friends is a not-for-profit ministry that restore used wheelchairs (manual only), walkers, canes and crutches to “like-new” condition and provide them to people suffering with disability in developing countries, free-of-charge, who could not otherwise afford them. A tax receipt is provided for your donation. For more information, call Joni and Friends, Wheels for the World Department at 818-707-5664 or visit our website at http://www.joniandfriends.org.
We are moving & don’t need our full-size adjustable Temper-pedic bed. It is in excellent condition. It has wireless remote and vibrates. (It is not a hospital bed, i.e. no bedrails).You can have the Beautyrest mattress but might want to consider replacing it as it is over 8 years old. All we need is for you to find a way to transport it from our (ground floor) apartment in Schaumburg, IL. We are not physically able to help you. You can take the motor off for transport to make it lighter. If not you should have two strong individuals come for it with a dolly.
Barton Convertible Wheelchair H-250
Include: Manual & Charger
$750
708.663.4808
Used
I’m in need of an electric wheelchair. My brand new hugaround got stolen. My right leg is cut off and my insurance wont help me. It needs to be a small one. Thank you and god bless.
I have a one year old Quantum Rehab Q6Edge Series power chair with the TruBalance3 power positioning system. This chair was used for 14 months and is still under warranty – Original price was just over $25,000 – if you or your loved one needs a chair that reclines and allows for foot extension and raising, let’s talk. I am in the Omaha, NE area and would consider delivery for the right situation. Not really looking to donate, but will consider any reasonable offer to get this into the possession of someone who will get some use out of it. It’s really quite the machine. Thanks for the opportunity to post – email me at jlayher1@gmail.com.
I have an Electric J6 Wheelchair in Great condition. It was used twice by my brother. I am from Chicago, Illinois, the Logan Square Community. I am considering to sell the wheelchair for $1800. For more information. You can contact Carmen at carmenalvaradomy4k@att.net. or 773.486.4718. If you need to see a photo, just let me know. God bless you.
Thank You.
This is excellent information. Thank you for your post.
I have three used jazzy chairs. Two of them were working when the batteries went dead. Will sell all three for $100. That is all three for $100. I am in the orem, Utah area.
I have single hospital bed with charger wheel chairs hoist 2 with charger reclining chairs free email ne must move them fast free free free
Caroline ..Please get back to me with the hospital bed you need to donate??? my # is : 636-493-0039
thanks so much !!!!!
Elena
I have a scooter store electric chair needs a little upkeep on it as mom wore out the leather on one arm of chair but it is in working condition.I would like to donate this.however I can’t get it out of house.need someone to be able to come and get
I am in Staten Island, Dongan Hills. I have a functioning hospital bed, two wheelchairs and three walkers. Pick them up they are free. Need 3 men to carry the hospital bad on the third floor. Time is of the essence.
I have a bone stimulator I used it for 3 months. It is for the ankle and also can be used for the knee. It helps rebuild the bone. It is in good and excellent shape. It is worth $5,000 I am only asking $1,800 for it. My phone number is 806 466-3518 My email is grissettmaryf@Gmail.com
Need a real good walker four sturdy wheels and a padded blessed seat
can be reached @ 206-300-9064
Sincerely; Larry
I live in Georgia (close to Atlanta). I have an Invacare Pronto M41 power wheelchair. Blue base with black leather semi-recline chair. My grandmother, who has been deceased 5 years, never got to use the chair, as it’s in mint condition (like new). Still has the battery recharge kit, and the original paperwork with it. I’m willing to take $1000-1400 for it. My contact info is available upon request.
I have sequal eclipse 3 oxygen concentrator for sale comes with car charger wall charger hand cart looking to get 500.00 out of it
I have 3 jazzy wheelchairs that don’t work and am in Overland Park KS. I will donate them to anyone who can use them. I have another chair that is very specialty and works awesome will sell for $800. I have still another that goes into a dodge wheelchair van. The van is only a couple of years old and is in perfect condition. The chair goes right into the back and locks in. The van cost 38K new will sell for 30K. I have a shower lift paid $1800 new will sell for $800.
Call me anytime if you are interested.
Julia Thomas
816-694-1611
I have a motorized wheelchair. I have no use for and my uncle never used it. It has never been turned on since he had it and still has a full charge after 4 years. I live in the Omaha Nebraska area. I’m looking to see l for $1500. May negotiate.
My husband (a physical rehab doctor) and I are in the beginning stages of starting a non-profit organization to gather and deliver wheelchairs/rehabilatory equipment to 3rd world countries. It’s good to see that there are so many willing to donate. If anyone would like to share what they know or any experience we’d love to hear it.
I have an Invacare free to a person in need. Older model excel Fwd.
Seat width 19″
Seat depth 17″
Weight limit 250 lbs
I can send a photo.
No batteries requires 22 NF Deep Cycle.
Two battery chargers free
Weight w/o batteries 127 lbs.
Although it does work with batteries, I am not sure how well it works. It may need some work.
Email me please
Location in Bay Area california
I’m in North Texas and have a motorized Jazzy wheelchair that was never used by the original owner who died one month after getting it. It’s around 4 years old and has been sitting up all of this time. I bought new batteries that I’ve kept charged but it’s not working due to some sort of electronic issue in the panel. I want it out of my garage and would be willing to donate to a veteran or first responder who needs it and may have knowledge on how to get it up and running and provide their own pick up.
I like the idea of this website giving folks a chance to help others. Hope people who are in need can actually find the site to look for various medical equipment. I have a bariatric Barton i700 series chair that allows a caregiver to transfer a patient out of the bed to the Barton chair where they are able to sit up or recline without being in the bed all day. It works fine, but if you have never used one, you would need some instructions. It was seldom used for my late husband who was only about 150 pounds. it was supposed to have been a regular size Barton chair, not bariatric. This $5 to $7,000 chair will be donated for $100 and even that is negotiable if we actually meet the patient. Just pick it up from Maryland. E-mail us at Pew-d2800@msn.com
I have several items needing to sell ASAP so that I may cover bills for my father who is no longer able to stay at home.
Invacare electric bed with side rails, triangle over the head pull bar and mattress $300 the bed is a year old but in very good condition mattress is a few months old and pull bar is an added extra
hydraulic Hoyer Lift with 2 mesh slings and chain new and only used a few times asking $300
Invacare 21″ wheelchair has a footrest and seat cushion used a few times $100
Nova cruiser walker with basket used a few time $100
All items priced for half or less than half of retail cost. I have images for anyone interested just email me. Because I am in a hurry to sell but also wanted to offer items to needing families first does anyone know of any resell stores that will buy medical furniture for cash in Phoenix AZ?
I have a brand new motorized wheel chair I want to sell or donate. Please call my house or cell to discuss. Home 210-533-1307 Cell 210-219-4706
I want to sell my weelchair I have not used it I have paid for the weelchair: 10000, weelchair is in good condition two years old and I’m selling it for 7000 rupees
Thanks you
Roshan
Would like to donate a head duty hospital bed with mattress for $200.00
I have the following for someone who am not able to afford medical equipment and medical supplies. However, you must have a truck to pick soon as possible.
I have a hospital bed two years old, new commode, new commode toilet seat, five old electronic scooter, slightly new wheelchair but upper was damaged during deliver, bed cover and blankets for Hodpital bed and medical supplies for wound care etc.
I need a new mobile wheelchair can,t afford New oneI will pay for use one
I was told there was an org.that gives a person who needs a wherlchair electric or manual for free. I need an electric one i have one arm an hand that works fine,other does’nt hard to use manual chair.Mine is falling apart.All i have is MO medicaid just recieve SSI each month
I have these which I would like to donate (almost new hospital/electric bed and an oxygen concentrator. I can send details if anyone is interested.
thanks
I’m trying to sell a wheelchair/scooter lift carrier for van or vehicle.im in high point nc,,???
Hi Everyone
My mother just had a stroke and they struggle financially. We are are looking for a Stand Assist medical equipment, also known as a Sara Steady for my mother. It helps take the patient to the bathroom. We live in Houston, Tx. If you can help, let me know. I will also pay it forward.
Thanks
Roger
rrami2769@aol.com
I have a blue alloy walker it has hand brakes and has a seat to sit on and a wheelchair basic one.
Asking $50.00 for both very good deal
I have brand new hospital bed 2 Manuel wheel chairs and bedside commode for sale. Also a oxygen tank and 4 portable oxygen tanks for sale. Also 6 cases of replete tube feeding my .Everything is in excellent condition my mom passed away before she was able to utilize. My number is (214)374-9160 I’m located in Dallas,Tx
I have a 2018 brand-new power wheelchair that reclines all the way out. I want to sell it or trade it for another “New power wheelchair” that doesn’t reclines. I’m also giving away FREE an old power chair that needs a battery replacement. I’m 5″10 about 175-186 pounds. My name is Tony, email: roq9920@gmail.com
I have a friend who has had both legs amputated. 74 years old. Lives in Tanzania, East Africa. Recently widowed, so has no help to push his Manual Wheelchair around. Looking for a Used Powered Wheelchair going cheap or preferably as a free donation.
I have 1 Hoyer lift and toilet aid which lift you up and brings you down I am in Gaitherburg Maryland call me @917-572-0120 if interested for detail
Nice article. Thank you for sharing.
Dembi Dollo Hospital Foundation is not for profit organization which collects used medical equipment for poor African people.
It’s a great concept to donate the items to the needy person that you no longer have any requirement. If you sell the item you will get the half of the price in which you have bought it. Instead of that if you donate it to a charitable trust or an hospital or road side elderly people it will make a difference in their life. You will get their blessings and good wishes because at the end it does not matter how much money you have earned but how much respect you have earned. It was a nice post to read. I saw wonderful people commenting their views and I respect all of them. Thank you for sharing this with us.
Hello, are you in Hamilton, Ontario?
My friend has two electric wheelchairs he’d like to “sell for parts” or donate them for repairs on other chairs.
They’re in pretty good condition, batteries, frame/wheels and controls …
If you’re in the Hamilton area, would you like to take them?
Adam 905-981-1676