How Much Is a Used Wheelchair Lift?

Roughly 2.3% of U.S. adults, or 5.5 million to 6 million people, use a wheelchair as their primary mobility device, and many need a lift to get into a vehicle, up a flight of stairs, or onto a porch. A new wheelchair lift can cost anywhere from $1,200 for a small residential model to $40,000 or more for a fully enclosed commercial unit, which pushes many shoppers toward the used market instead.

A used wheelchair lift generally costs 50% to 75% less than the same model bought new, though the final price depends heavily on the lift’s type, age, condition, and brand. Some sellers include installation and a short warranty in the price, while others sell the used equipment alone and leave setup to the buyer.

This guide breaks down what used wheelchair lifts typically sell for by type, what moves the price up or down, and what to budget for installation once you’ve found a unit.

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Used Wheelchair Lift Price Ranges

The cost of a used wheelchair lift depends mostly on where it’s designed to go. A hitch-mounted scooter hoist for a car and a fully enclosed vertical platform lift for a home serve very different purposes, and their used prices reflect that gap. Across marketplace listings and dealer resale inventory, used, discounted prices generally run 50% to 75% of a comparable new unit’s retail cost.

Some private sellers on sites like eBay and Mercari price a used lift as-is, with no installation or warranty included. Dealers who refurbish and resell lifts often build a short warranty and professional installation into the price, which explains why two similar-looking listings can differ by thousands of dollars.

Lift Type	Typical Used Price Range	Common Use Case	Notes on Installation
Vehicle platform lift	$400 to $2,500	Loading a manual or power wheelchair into a van or SUV	Often bolt-on; some models need wiring work
Vehicle hoist lift	$200 to $1,500	Stowing a folded wheelchair or mobility scooter in a trunk	Usually DIY-friendly with basic tools
Vertical platform lift	$2,000 to $15,000	Home entry access in place of a ramp or stairs	Typically requires a licensed installer and permits
Inclined stair lift	$1,500 to $8,000	Wheelchair access along an existing staircase	Custom fit to the staircase; professional install recommended
Porch lift	$1,500 to $5,000	Short vertical trips onto a porch or deck	Needs a level pad or concrete footing

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Used Wheelchair Lift Cost By Type

Used Vehicle Platform Lifts

Vehicle platform lifts mount to the outside or rear of a van, truck, or SUV and raise a wheelchair or scooter into the vehicle. Marketplace listings for used wheelchair platform lifts commonly range from $850 to $2,500, while stripped-down or older units without a working motor can sell for less than $500. Dealer-refurbished versions cost more but usually include a working warranty.

Used Scooter and Wheelchair Hoists

Hoists lift a folded wheelchair or scooter into a trunk or cargo area and are usually the least expensive lift type on the used market. Basic used hoists often sell for $200 to $800, and power wheelchair lift models with working remotes can run from $1,000 to $1,500. You can also buy individual replacement parts, such as motors or control units, for $150 to $300.

Used Vertical Platform Lifts

Vertical platform lifts (VPLs) move a wheelchair user straight up between floor levels inside or outside and are among the more expensive used lifts because of their size and installation complexity. Used listsing for home VPLs commonly range from $2,000 to $6,000 for smaller residential models, while higher-capacity or commercial-grade units can sell for $10,000 or more. Brands like Bruno frequently appear in this price range on resale sites.

Used Stair and Inclined Lifts

Inclined platform lifts travel along an existing staircase and carry wheelchairs and scooters, not a seated rider. Because these units are often custom-fit to a specific staircase, used inventory is more limited than for other lift types. Dealers such as Lifeway Mobility note that buying a refurbished stair lift can cut costs by up to 40% compared with a new unit, with used inclined lifts generally priced between $1,500 and $8,000 depending on rail length and condition.

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Used Lift Pricing Factors to Know

Several factors beyond lift type explain why two used lifts can carry very different price tags:

• Brand: Established brands like Bruno and Harmar tend to hold resale value better than lesser-known manufacturers.
• Weight capacity: Lifts rated for higher weight limits, often 350 pounds or more, typically cost more used than standard-capacity models.
• Lift age: Units built within the past five to seven years generally sell for more than older models, which may lack replacement parts.
• Condition: Working motors, intact wiring, and undamaged rails all affect price; cosmetic wear matters less than mechanical function.
• Parts availability: Lifts from discontinued product lines can be harder to service, which lowers resale value even if the unit still works.
• Included hardware: Mounting brackets, remotes, and control boxes add value when included, since replacing missing parts adds cost later.
• Compatibility: A vehicle lift built for a specific van model or a VPL sized for a particular entryway may sell for less if it doesn’t fit common setups.
• Local code requirements: Some municipalities require permits or inspections for permanently installed lifts, which can add hidden costs after purchase even when the lift itself was inexpensive.

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Used Wheelchair Lift Installation Costs

Buying the lift itself is often just part of the budget. Installation costs vary based on the lift type, whether an old unit needs to come out first, and whether the job requires a licensed installer.

Installation Scenario	Labor Cost Range	Typical Add-ons	Who Performs It
Van platform lift install	$200 to $600	Wiring, mounting hardware	Mobility dealer or DIY for bolt-on models
Hoist install	$100 to $400	Trunk mounting brackets	Often DIY-friendly
VPL install	$500 to $2,000	Concrete pad, electrical work, permits	Licensed installer required
Relocation from another site	$500 to $1,500	Disassembly, transport, recalibration	Certified installer
Removal and disposal	$150 to $500	Hauling fee, wall or floor patching	Installer or general contractor

Wheelchair vans and hoist lifts are the most DIY-friendly options, especially for bolt-on models that don’t require electrical modifications. Vertical platform lifts, or vertical wheelchair lifts, almost always need a certified installer, since they involve wiring, a level foundation and, in many areas, a permit or inspection. If you’re removing an old lift to make room for the new one, budget separately for disposal or relocation, since many sellers and installers don’t include that cost in the initial quote.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Used Wheelchair Lift Costs

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