Buying a Hoyer Lift on eBay? Behind the Low Price, These Risks You Must Know

When a family is in urgent need of a Hoyer Lift but brand-new models often cost over 10,000 yuan, many people turn to second-hand or discount platforms like eBay to find more affordable options. It’s true that on eBay, you can find "nearly new" electric Hoyer Lifts priced at only 30%–50% of brand-new ones, sometimes even with slings and chargers included—seemingly a great bargain.

However, medical equipment is not like ordinary goods. A second-hand Hoyer Lift with an unclear condition may save you thousands of yuan, but it plants the seeds of potential safety hazards. This article will objectively analyze the realities of buying a Hoyer Lift on eBay and provide a practical guide to avoid pitfalls.

I. Why Do Some People Choose to Buy on eBay?

1. Extremely Attractive Prices

Brand-new electric models cost approximately 10,000–15,000 yuan on the market, while second-hand ones on eBay are often priced between 3,000–6,000 yuan;

Manual models can be as low as 1,500 yuan, far cheaper than new domestic models.

2. Abundant Model Choices

It’s possible to find discontinued but well-regarded classic models (such as the early Invacare Maxi Move);

Some U.S.-based sellers offer direct shipping with original factory accessories.

3. Fast Access for Emergency Needs

When local stock is unavailable, international direct shipping may become the only option.

✅ Suitable for:

People with basic judgment ability regarding medical equipment;

Those who can test and maintain the equipment by themselves;

Individuals with extremely tight budgets and no access to medical insurance subsidies.

II. Five Unignorable Risks

1. Difficulty Verifying the Equipment’s Actual Condition

Most seller photos are "static displays," making it impossible to confirm if the hydraulic system is leaking oil or if the motor is aging;

Descriptions like "in working order" are subjective, with no third-party inspection report;

Battery life cannot be judged by appearance (lead-acid batteries have a limited number of charge-discharge cycles).

2. Doubts About Sling Hygiene and Safety

Slings are consumables that come into direct contact with the skin. Even if second-hand slings are cleaned, they may retain bacteria, mold, or have structural fatigue;

Most eBay sellers do not separately specify the service life of the sling, leading to potential slipping risks.

3. No Warranty or After-Sales Support

eBay transactions are consumer-to-consumer (C2C), so there is basically no warranty;

If the equipment is non-functional upon arrival, return shipping costs are high (especially for international shipments), and it is difficult to claim rights.

4. Missing or Incompatible Accessories

Issues such as mismatched charger models, broken remote controls, and missing hooks occur frequently;

Non-original replacements may cause unstable voltage and burn out the main board.

5. Ineligibility for Medical Insurance/Insurance Reimbursement

Equipment purchased from non-certified DME (Durable Medical Equipment) suppliers does not meet the requirements for medical insurance reimbursement;

Even for personal use, if you apply for long-term care insurance subsidies in the future, your application may be rejected due to "purchase from an irregular channel."

III. If You Insist on Buying on eBay, Be Sure to Do the Following

1. Only Choose "Local Second-Hand" or "Professional Medical Equipment Sellers"

Prioritize filtering for sellers in your own country (e.g., Chinese users can choose domestic eBay listings or switch to platforms like Xianyu/Zhuanzhuan);

Check the seller’s historical reviews, with special attention to feedback in the "medical equipment" category;

Avoid buying from personal household clearance sales; preferably select stores marked as "Medical Equipment Reseller."

2. Request Key Information

A video demonstrating the complete lifting and lowering process (including the operation of the lowering valve);

Actual battery life test results (whether performance degrades after 5 consecutive lifting cycles);

The production date or number of uses of the sling;

Clear photos of the equipment nameplate (including brand, model, and load-bearing capacity).

3. Conduct a Comprehensive Inspection After Arrival

No-load test: Repeat lifting and lowering 10 times to check for jamming or abnormal noises;

Load test: Use sandbags to simulate the patient’s weight (do not test directly with a person);

Check if the emergency lowering valve is responsive;

Thoroughly disinfect the sling or replace it with a new one directly (new slings cost 200–500 yuan, and replacement is strongly recommended).

4. Never Use It in High-Risk Scenarios

Ensure two people are present during the first use;

Avoid using it in hazardous areas such as bathrooms or near stairs;

Before charging an electric model for the first time, check if the charger’s output voltage matches the equipment.

IV. Recommendations for Safer Alternatives

Need Recommended Approach

Limited budget but prioritizing safety Contact local elderly care service centers to apply for equipment borrowing or subsidized purchases

Urgent temporary use Rent equipment from a formal DME company (monthly rent: 300–800 yuan)

Want to buy second-hand Purchase decommissioned equipment referred by hospital social work departments or rehabilitation institutions (usually disinfected and refurbished)

Pursue cost-effective new models Choose compliant domestic brands (such as Yuwell, Hubang), which cost about 60% of imported models and come with a warranty

V. Conclusion: Low Price Isn’t the Problem—Ignorance Is the Risk

Buying a Hoyer Lift on eBay,

in itself is not a wrong choice,

but you must clearly recognize that:

What you are buying is not a piece of furniture,

but a medical system related to life safety.

If you decide to try,

treat every detail with a professional attitude—

because what this equipment supports,

is not just a device,

but the body and trust of your loved one.

True money-saving,

means avoiding losing more by chasing small gains;

True responsibility,

means between convenience and safety,

always putting the latter first.

May no matter which path you choose,

your caregiving journey,

be smooth, reassuring, and dignified.