The Economics of Independence
For many Canadians, the conversation around mobility devices stops at the price tag. This is a tragedy, because the "sticker price" rarely reflects the actual cost of ownership once Canadian tax laws and financing options are applied. At Avantis Canada, we believe transparency is the first step toward accessibility. By understanding the specific Medical Device regulations of the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA), you can unlock thousands of dollars in savings.
The "Zero-Rated" Advantage: Your Upto 15% Savings
Many consumers are unaware that mobility scooters are often classified as Zero-Rated Supplies under Part II of Schedule VI to the Excise Tax Act.
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The Mechanism: Unlike a standard tax exemption where you pay the tax and claim it back later, "Zero-Rated" means you do not pay the GST/HST at the point of sale.
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Eligibility: To qualify, the device must be specially designed for the use of a person with a chronic disability or physical impairment, and supplied on the written order of a medical practitioner.
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The Math: On a high-end enclosed scooter retailing for $6,000 in Ontario (where HST is 13%), this status saves you $780 immediately. This is a competitive advantage that general retailers often fail to process correctly, leaving you to fight the CRA for a rebate. Avantis Canada handles this documentation as a standard part of our service.
"Ride Now, Pay Later" – Modern Financing for Seniors
In an era of economic fluctuation, liquidity is king. Recognizing this, Avantis Canada has integrated modern fintech solutions like Affirm and established partnerships with major banks like RBC.
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Predictable Budgeting: Instead of a lump sum, financing allows you to break the investment down into manageable monthly payments—often less than the cost of a daily coffee.
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No Hidden Fees: Unlike predatory payday loans, our partners offer transparent terms. This allows seniors on fixed pensions to budget with absolute certainty, ensuring that their mobility does not compromise their monthly cash flow.
Leveraging the Medical Expense Tax Credit (METC)
Beyond the GST exemption, the cost of a mobility scooter can often be claimed as a medical expense on your annual income tax return.
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The Impact: If your medical expenses exceed a certain threshold (typically 3% of your net income or a set dollar amount), you can claim a non-refundable tax credit. For a pensioner with significant medical costs, adding a $4,000 scooter to this claim can result in a substantial reduction in income tax payable.
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Documentation: Avantis Canada provides detailed, CRA-compliant invoices that clearly state the medical nature of the device, ensuring your tax preparer has exactly what they need to defend your claim.
The "Value Retention" of Canadian Engineering
Finally, we must discuss the long-term cost of ownership. The "Box Store" scooter often becomes a disposable item after 2-3 years due to lack of parts availability.
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Resale Value: A well-maintained Avantis unit, backed by our domestic parts support and "Evoque Engineering" pedigree, retains significant resale value.
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Durability: The recent shifts in Canadian manufacturing support, including the restoration of capital expenditure eligibility for businesses , have fostered a culture of quality. We apply these same industrial standards to our consumer products. You are buying a machine built to last, not a toy built to fail.
Conclusion: An Investment in Dignity
When you view a mobility scooter not as a cost, but as an asset—protected by tax law, supported by financing, and engineered for longevity—the path forward becomes clear. Financial constraints should never be the barrier to your freedom.
Don't pay the tax man more than you owe. Contact our Sales Team to receive your Zero-Rated Tax Saving Template and start your journey to freedom today.
