What to do with a wheelchair lift from a van?

GWN7 · 08-05-2017, 09:35 AM

What to do with a wheelchair lift from a van?

I acquired (legally) a electric wheelchair lift. It's a Ricon S series unit that was installed Dec of 2015 and removed November of 2016 from a Ford Econoline Van. It was $7,500 installed and is on a pallet wrapped in plastic in the back of my truck. Weighs in at about 600 lbs., based on the way my truck sat down when the forklift put it in the back.

I can scrap it and make a few $$ off the electrical system and the steel content but at what this was new there has to be a better use for it?

What say you Pelican Brain Trust?

BK911 · BK911's Garage

Maybe there's a used market?
Craigslist?

pwd72s · 08-05-2017, 10:34 AM

Contact your local chapter of the Multiple Sclerosis society. Or, any group where wheelchairs are used? Hint: There might be a good tax deduction if donated...certainly better than scrap value.

Khal · 08-05-2017, 11:31 AM

I would keep it and find a person who is handicapped and can't afford something like that and donate it to him/her if that's possible.

Most large cities have companies that do van conversions for handicapped people. They might be interested in taking this off your hands also.

MBAtarga · 08-05-2017, 11:42 AM

Yes - please donate and don't scrap that lift. Make a few calls around and I imagine someone would love to take ownership and put it to use.

Por_sha911 · Por_sha911's Garage

Quote:

Originally Posted by pwd72s

Contact your local chapter of the Multiple Sclerosis society. Or, any group where wheelchairs are used? Hint: There might be a good tax deduction if donated...certainly better than scrap value.

This!

red-beard · red-beard's Garage

I might be interested in it for my dad. PM me.

red-beard · red-beard's Garage

Didn't see it is in Canada...

Don Ro · 08-06-2017, 12:29 PM

If this was a local (Phoenix Valley) issue, I'd advise contacting Hospice of the Valley first.
Truly Angels of Mercy work/volunteer there. The biggest hearted folks I've met.
I donate everything I don't want to their thrift stores...I even shop at their stores.
Who knows?...I may end up under their care one day.
.
https://www.hov.org/
.
Look for a Hospice in your area, my suggestion.
If they can't use it they may remove it and sell it in their store.

GWN7 · 08-06-2017, 02:18 PM

Thanks for the input.

I picked this up late Friday and didn't have much time to research it.

Craigslist (Kijji) has 3 others from $500 to $900 on it from the same manufacture.

The manufactures web page has two dealers listed but their phone numbers interconnect and the only person who could talk to me about the lifts is away till Tuesday (long weekend up here).

Will contact the MS Society on Tuesday and see if they are interested. Thanks pwd72s for the idea. If they aren't, then the MD Society. If not maybe I'll drive to Phoenix with it per Don's recommendation.

Don Ro · 08-06-2017, 02:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GWN7

Thanks for the input.

...maybe I'll drive to Phoenix with it per Don's recommendation.

You've a big heart.

Tobra · Tobra's Garage

Enlarged and surgically repaired.

GWN7 · 08-06-2017, 06:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Don Ro

You've a big heart.

"Enlarged and surgically repaired. "

Used to have. Only 40% functional (according to the Dr"s) But it's the full metal jacket now.

pwd72s · 08-06-2017, 08:29 PM

A huge tip of my hat to you...

GWN7 · 08-07-2017, 03:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pwd72s

A huge tip of my hat to you...

Tip of the hat goes to you sir for the suggestion, Thanks

GWN7 · 08-08-2017, 07:44 PM

So I spent the best part of the morning trying to give it away. I heard every excuse under the sun from "we don't have room for it" to "it's a liability issue". Liability? WTF! It's steel and 12V electric motors. It either works or it doesn't. Anyways I found it a home with Manitoba Mobility. They do van conversions and will offer it to their mobility network to anyone who can use it for free.