Lift Chairs on Marketplace: A Money-Saving Shortcut or a Hidden Risk?

Search for "lift chair" on local secondhand platforms like Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, and Kijiji, and you’ll find numerous lift chairs priced between $100–$500—far lower than the $800–$2,000 market price of new ones. For families on a tight budget, those with short-term rehabilitation needs, or anyone wanting to test before investing in a new chair, the secondhand Marketplace seems like an extremely appealing shortcut.

But is this shortcut safe? Is it really cost-effective? This article will delve into the pros and cons of buying a lift chair on Marketplace and provide practical tips to avoid pitfalls, helping you save money while steering clear of safety hazards.

I. Why Do People Choose to Buy Lift Chairs on Marketplace?

✅ 1. Extremely Attractive PricesNew high-end lift chairs often cost over $1,000, while nearly new secondhand ones on Marketplace are usually sold at a 30%–60% discount. For families who only need short-term use (such as 6 weeks of post-surgery recovery), this is undoubtedly an economical and efficient choice.

✅ 2. Quick Access, No WaitingMany sellers offer same-day viewing and pickup, eliminating the several days or even weeks of delivery time required by e-commerce platforms. For families who have just been discharged from the hospital and urgently need equipment, speed is a necessity.

✅ 3. Supports Environmental Protection and Circular EconomyExtending the product’s lifespan and reducing electronic waste aligns with the concept of sustainable living.

✅ 4. Local Transactions with On-Site InspectionUnlike pure online shopping, Marketplace allows you to visit in person to check, test-sit, and verify the chair’s functions—this is its greatest advantage.

II. Five Potential Risks of Secondhand Lift Chairs

Despite the convenience, secondhand Marketplace transactions hide risks, especially when it comes to medical assistive equipment, which requires extra caution:

⚠️ 1. Functional Failures or Motor AgingThe core of a lift chair lies in its motor and lifting mechanism. A chair used for more than 3 years may have a motor that is approaching the end of its lifespan. If the seller fails to disclose this truth, you may face the following issues within a few days of purchase:

Jerky movement or abnormal noise during lifting

Inability to fully raise or lower

Malfunctioning remote control

No battery backup during power outages, trapping the user