Newsletters

Real news. Real stories. Real voices.

Newsletters

Donate

Play Live Radio

Next Up:

0:00

0:00 0:00

Available On Air Stations

Supported by

We are experiencing technical difficulties with our transponder in Elko, NV. Our engineers are currently working on the issue. For uninterrupted listening, tune in via the live stream on knpr.org or listen on the NPR App.

Wheelchair users say lack of competition in repair market leads to long wait times

NPR | By Meghan H Smith,

Leila Fadel

Published July 15, 2026 at 1:49 AM PDT

Facebook
Twitter
Bluesky
LinkedIn
Email

People who use wheelchairs say simple repairs can take months to complete and replacement parts can be very expensive. In part, they blame two private equity firms that control most of the market.

Wheelchair users say lack of competition in repair market leads to long wait times

Become a supporter

Support Local Journalism

Wheelchair users say lack of competition in repair market leads to long wait times

The Midweek Roundup

The Summer Issue

Support Local Journalism