S.2546: An Act Expanding Wheelchair Warranty Protections for Consumers with Disabilities

Lead Sponsors: Rep. Jim O’Day, Sen. John Cronin

Status Update: Passed the Senate! Currently in Committee on Health Care Financing

Wheelchairs and scooters are often prone to defects and sudden failure. It is common for consumers to be left stranded or isolated in their homes for weeks, or even months, awaiting repairs. By strengthening warranty protections for Massachusetts residents with disabilities, we can level the playing field for consumers, shorten repair wait times, save taxpayer money, and ensure that we are all treated with dignity and respect.

S.2546 expands the existing warranty to two years, and will cover all wheelchair users in the Commonwealth, not just those who are on private insurance or can afford to pay out-of-pocket. It holds wheelchair providers and suppliers accountable to reasonable repair timelines, by requiring that they cover costs consumers face as a result of defective chairs, and stock common parts to service chairs efficiently.

For more information, contact Harry Weissman at hweissman@dpcma.org or 1 (617) 977-4084.