Gem Wheelchair & Scooter Service is the longest continuously run family-operated business in Flushing, NY. Founded by Edgar S. Bochner in 1951, Gem operated from its Northern Blvd store for its first 51 years. The business later expanded to its Union Tpke location in Fresh Meadows and, as of September 1st, 2024, Gem’s 73rd anniversary, boasts a modern and expansive showroom and repair center located at 179-24C Union Tpke. 

In the 1950s and early 1960s, Ed and his team sold and serviced various home appliances, including vacuum cleaners, sewing machines, and typewriters. By 1961, Gem had become the go-to repair specialist for manual wheelchairs throughout NYC. With replacement parts scarce, Gem’s basement housed a cut-and-sew shop where they crafted custom seats, backs, and armrests. The chairs were stripped down, steam cleaned, and fitted with fresh upholstery, making them look and operate like new. 

Battery-powered scooters, first manufactured by Amigo® Mobility in Michigan in 1969, have been a staple at Gem for the past 55 years. Gem also sells and services scooters from other top suppliers like Pride Mobility, Go-Go®, Golden Technologies, Luggie, Solax and WHILL.

 The early 1970s saw the mass production of motorized wheelchairs by Everest & Jennings. The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 spurred significant technological advancements in the industry. 

Today, Gem continues to offer cutting-edge repair services and sales evaluations for major manufacturers such as Pride Mobility, Jazzy, Golden Technologies, Quantum, Permobil, Quickie, Travel Buggy, 21st Century Scientific, and WHILL, leading the way in independent mobility solutions.  

After a successful career at Bloomingdale’s and Lord & Taylor, Ed’s son Jeff Bochner joined Gem in 1992, expanding their sales division. Jeff listened to clients who had long relied on Gem’s repairs and services, ensuring they could also trust Gem for product recommendations that best fit their lifestyle needs. 

Gem’s services now include the sales and service of lightweight folding motorized wheelchairs and scooters, lift-to-stand recliner chairs, custom-built special positioning rehab chairs, molded seating systems, rollator walkers, canes, stairlifts, pressure relief cushions, bathroom safety equipment, and daily living adaptive accessories.

At Gem, we love assisting our clients! Our caring and devoted team believes that every day should be Independence Day, and we are committed to making that happen for you. The Gem family mourns the losses of Ed Bochner in 2015 and our chief mechanic of 40 years, Modesto Hernandez, in 2022.

We dedicate our continued service to their cherished memories. We take immense pride in the foundations they built and will always strive to uphold and continue the legacies they left behind.