Wheelchair repairs
A broken wheelchair can leave you stuck at home. Here is how to get repairs faster, who pays, and the states with right-to-repair laws.
When something breaks
- Call your supplier. Give the make, model, and serial number from your My Equipment card. Ask when a technician can come.
- Ask for a loaner chair while yours is being fixed.
- Write down every call: the date, who you spoke with, and what they said.
- If the wait is too long, call your insurance plan or state Medicaid office and ask for help. You can also file a complaint with your state attorney general's consumer office.
Who pays for repairs
- Medicare pays for repairs to equipment you own, at the same 80% after the deductible.
- Medicaid pays for repairs, often with prior approval. Some states have dropped prior approval for repairs to speed things up.
- Warranty: new chairs have a warranty. Check it first.
- Private insurance usually covers repairs under the equipment benefit.
Right-to-repair laws
These laws require wheelchair makers to sell parts, tools, and repair manuals to owners and independent repair shops, so you are not stuck waiting on one company.
| State | What the law does |
|---|---|
| Colorado | The first power wheelchair right-to-repair law, passed in 2022. |
| California, Maryland, Nevada, Oregon, Rhode Island, Washington | Right-to-repair laws for power wheelchairs, most passed in 2025. |
| Connecticut | A 2024 law sets repair time limits for dealers and removed Medicaid prior approval for repairs. |
| New York | A bill passed the state Senate in June 2026. It was not law as of October 2026. |
Laws are changing fast. Check with your state legislature or your state's disability rights agency.
Prevent breakdowns
- Check tires, casters, and brakes every week. Learn to do small fixes yourself, or ask a therapist or peer to show you.
- Charge power chair batteries the way the maker says. Batteries wear out over time. Ask your supplier when yours should be replaced.
- Ask for a yearly tune-up.
- Keep a backup, like an old manual chair, if you can.
Last reviewed: October 2026. Laws, dollar amounts, and program rules change. Check with the agency named on this page before you make a decision. Report outdated or wrong information.