I Have a Lemon Wheelchair or
Motorized Scooter—Help

Motorized wheelchairs are expensive! You see them advertised in commercials, and you think "Wow I really need one of those!"

So you save, and save, and save and finally you buy one, only to discover that it's a lemon wheelchair.

So what do you do? Fortunately, in many states, there are laws that govern the sale of a lemon, including a lemon wheelchair or scooter, and give you options.

If you find that the motorized wheelchair you've purchased is a lemon, then you need to call the manufacturer and ask for a replacement or a refund. Ideally they will be happy to provide you with a replacement of equal or greater value. They may ask to try to repair it first, which is their right.

If they refuse to repair or replace it, or refund your money, then it's time to involve a lemon law attorney.

When you do this, make sure that you have all of the documentation that you received when you purchased your wheelchair, and any you were given while trying to have it repaired or replaced.

Paperwork can include forms, certificates, receipts, letters to the manufacturer (require a signature when you send these) and just about anything else that has the name of your wheelchair or scooter written on it, since the day you purchased it.

There are three states that have actively made laws against motorized wheelchair lemons, and there are more in the works.

If you live in California, Florida, or Wisconsin, then you will almost certainly have the court rule in your favor. If you don't live in those three states, then you can take it to the federal level and use the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act to your advantage. This act protects all citizens in all states who are dealing with defective products.

How Can I Tell If I Have a Lemon Wheelchair?

There are a few ways to tell whether your wheelchair is a lemon. If you get it home and it immediately starts acting up, it's likely a lemon.

Problems could start occurring as late as several weeks after you start using it. Minor repairs are to be expected, but if you have to put down almost as much money for repairs as what your assistive device is actually worth, then you know you have a lemon, and it's time to take some action.

My Wheelchair or Motorized Scooter Is a Lemon!
What Do I Do Now?

The first thing that you need to do when you believe that your wheelchair is a lemon is take it to a repair shop. If yours is a lemon, they'll be able to tell you.

The next thing that you should do is go to the dealer and demand a refund or a replacement. They may ask to repair it. For most lemon products, the manufacturer is allowed 3-4 repair attempts. But be sure to ask for a loaner, since you don't want to be stuck at home with no way to get around.

If repairs fail, and they won't replace your wheelchair or refund your money, then you will need to talk to a lemon law attorney and either get ready for a settlement or a court date.

Be sure to have all the documentation about your lemon wheelchair, including the warranty, purchase documents, requests to the manufacturer or dealer for repairs or a replacement, etc.

If you're shopping for a motorized wheelchair or scooter, check with the Better Business Bureau to see which brands you should avoid. To get the wheelchair that's least likely to be a lemon, make sure that you choose one of the best brands.

You can hope that you won't end up with a lemon wheelchair, but it's always best to be prepared. Keep all of your paperwork on hand, as well as the name of a good lemon law attorney (check the Yellow Pages or online directories), because you never know when you might need one.