Buying a Lift Chair on Kijiji: A Money-Saving Opportunity or a Potential Risk?

For families across Canada, when elderly relatives or post-surgery recovery patients need a lift chair, many first turn to Kijiji—the most popular local classifieds platform in the country. Here, you can find used lift chairs priced between $150 and $600, far lower than the market price of new ones, which ranges from $900 to $2,000. For those on a tight budget, needing one only for a short period, or wanting to test before deciding to invest in a new model, Kijiji seems like an economical and convenient option.

However, is buying a lift chair on Kijiji truly safe and reliable? This article will delve into the real advantages, common pitfalls, and practical tips to avoid risks when buying or selling lift chairs on this platform. It aims to help you save money while preventing safety hazards to users caused by equipment malfunctions or mismatched functions.

Why Has Kijiji Become a Popular Choice for Lift Chairs?

The appeal of Kijiji is evident:

Low Prices: Many families sell nearly new lift chairs after their loved ones recover or move into nursing homes, often at 30%–50% of the original price.

Local Transactions with On-Site Inspection: Unlike pure online shopping, Kijiji allows buyers to visit in person to check, test-sit, and trial the chair’s functions—its biggest advantage.

Quick Acquisition: No need to wait for delivery; you can pick up the chair immediately after agreeing on terms, making it ideal for urgent needs.

Eco-Friendly: Extending the product’s lifespan and reducing electronic waste aligns with the concept of sustainability.

In major cities like Toronto, Vancouver, Calgary, and Ottawa, lift chair listings on Kijiji are particularly abundant, covering mainstream brands such as Golden Technologies, Pride Mobility, and La-Z-Boy.

But Behind the Low Prices Lie Five Major Risks

Despite its convenience, Kijiji transactions come with significant hidden risks—especially when it comes to medical assistive devices, extra caution is essential:

1. Prevalence of "Fake Lift Chairs"

Many sellers mistakenly list power recliners as lift chairs. These chairs can adjust the backrest and footrest but cannot push the user into a standing position. Listings often use titles like "lift function" or "assisted standing," but the actual functions do not match. Without on-site testing, it’s easy to buy the wrong item.

2. Motor Aging or Functional Failures

The core of a lift chair is its motor and lifting mechanism. A chair used for more than 2–3 years may have a motor that is near the end of its lifespan. Common issues include:

Jerky lifting, abnormal noises, or sudden stops mid-lift

Unresponsive remote controls

No emergency lowering function when power is cut off, trapping the user

Kijiji transactions usually follow a "sold as-is, no returns" policy, and repair costs can range from $150 to $300—erasing the initial savings.

3. Hygiene and Cleaning Hazards

Lift chairs come into direct contact with the skin, and it is difficult to thoroughly disinfect the internal padding. If the previous user had incontinence, skin conditions, or if pets used the chair regularly, there may be deep-seated stains, odors, or even mold. Even if the surface looks clean, the internal hygiene status is hard to guarantee.

4. Missing Accessories or Unclear Model Information

It is common to find missing remote controls, mismatched power adapters, or no instruction manuals. Parts for some older models may be out of production, making repairs nearly impossible once they break.

5. No After-Sales Protection—Transactions End Once Completed

Kijiji is a peer-to-peer platform and does not offer buyer protection (unless using PayPal Goods & Services). Once payment is made via cash or Interac e-Transfer, it is basically impossible to hold the seller accountable for issues.

How to Safely Buy a Lift Chair on Kijiji?

If you still want to try buying on Kijiji, be sure to follow this "5-Step Inspection Method":

Step 1: Carefully Screen Listings

Prioritize posts with clear descriptions and attached videos

Confirm the brand and model (e.g., Golden TS-300, Pride LC-285)

Avoid vague descriptions like "works great" or "like new" without specific details

Step 2: Request a Complete Function Demo Video

Before meeting, ask the seller to film:

The full lifting process from a sitting to a fully standing position

Backrest reclining and footrest extending

Whether the remote control operates smoothly

If the seller refuses, there is likely a problem with the chair.

Step 3: Visit In Person and Bring the User to Test-Sit

Let the actual user experience the seat depth, armrest height, and lumbar support

Test the lifting function 2–3 times repeatedly to check for smoothness and abnormal noises

Verify the presence of a manual release cord (for emergency use when power is off)

Step 4: Check Hygiene and Structure

Inspect the seat cushion and backrest for stains, damage, or sagging

Smell for mold, smoke, or pet odors

Shake the frame to check for looseness or signs of metal fatigue

Step 5: Pay Safely and Keep Records

Use PayPal Goods & Services (not Friends & Family) as much as possible to get limited dispute protection

Avoid paying a deposit in advance; insist on "pay after inspection"

Take photos to document the transaction process and the equipment’s condition

When Is Buying a Used Lift Chair on Kijiji Not Suitable?

The following groups are strongly advised to buy new chairs or rent through certified Durable Medical Equipment (DME) suppliers:

Users who live alone or rely heavily on the lift chair for more than 6 months

Those with severe mobility impairments, balance issues, or a recent history of falls

Individuals with high hygiene requirements (e.g., weakened immunity, sensitive skin)

Those needing funding from provincial health plans (such as Ontario’s ADP or BC’s MSP)—used equipment usually does not qualify

Compromise Options: Consider Certified Refurbished or Short-Term Rentals

If you want to control costs while ensuring reliability, consider these alternatives:

Officially Refurbished Models: Brands like Golden Technologies Canada offer certified refurbished lift chairs, which undergo professional inspection, cleaning, and come with a warranty. They are 20%–30% cheaper than new ones.

Short-Term Rentals from Local DME Suppliers: Monthly rentals cost approximately $80–$130, including delivery, installation, and maintenance—ideal for post-surgery recovery periods.

Conclusion: Saving Money Matters, but Safety Matters More

Buying a lift chair on Kijiji can indeed save you hundreds of Canadian dollars. But remember: this chair supports the body and dignity of your loved ones. A hasty transaction may lead to weeks of inconvenience, extra repair costs, or even a preventable fall.

Truly smart consumption is not about buying the cheapest option, but the most reassuring one.

If you decide to try buying used, be sure to inspect the chair in person, test it repeatedly, and stay alert. If you have any doubts about its functions, hygiene, or long-term reliability, it’s worth spending a little more on a new chair with a warranty or a certified refurbished model—because some things deserve that extra layer of protection.

After all, when it comes to protecting your family’s safety, you should never "make do."