Blog What to Consider When Renting a Power Wheelchair?

You will likely have to rent a wheelchair for a couple of days or a week. You can choose from many models, including power chairs and scooters. Renting a wheelchair requires planning, and traveling out of town may make it more challenging. You should know more about your options and how to rent a wheelchair.

Types of Wheelchairs

Renting a wheelchair can be done in many forms. A motorized or non-motorized one sets them apart from each other most significantly.

Your physical therapist or healthcare provider will help you decide whether to use a motorized or non-motorized wheelchair. A healthcare team may recommend using a wheelchair that requires you to use as much of your muscle power as possible, which could help you avoid developing muscle atrophy, muscle thinning caused by lack of use. 

That may be true if you have recently suffered an injury or surgery and are expected to recover soon.

The back support of some wheelchairs can assist people with conditions such as scoliosis. A medical power chair may be necessary if your back muscles are weak.

Whether you have multiple sclerosis or chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP), your medical team may recommend a wheelchair whenever you suffer from severe weakness. You will have to choose the correct wheelchair depending on your motor weakness.

Where to Find a Wheelchair Rental?

A health provider can recommend suppliers you should use if you need to rent a wheelchair due to a medical condition. 

There is a good chance that health insurers have contracts with suppliers and will only pay for wheelchair rental services from their preferred supplier.

In the event of your discharge from the hospital, your hospital manager can direct you to a supply that will be able to help you obtain a wheelchair upon leaving the hospital.

A local medical supply or equipment store like Sky Medical Supplies may be able to rent you a wheelchair if you need an instant power wheelchair.

Long-Term vs. Short-Term Rentals

Power Chair Rentals can be done for a day, a week, or over an extended period. In terms of long-term and short-term rentals, there are some differences between the agreements from a vendor to vendor:

Cost: A long-term lease may be less expensive per day than a short-term one. Although your insurance may cover renting a wheelchair, there may be some limitations, or you may have to pay a percentage of the cost.

Contracts: Renters often have to sign a long-term rental contract. Day-long rentals typically do not require a contract, but an additional security deposit might be required.

Selection: Long-term wheelchair rentals usually have more options than short-term rentals. Also, if needed, a long-term rental company will likely have access to other equipment, such as power lifts or ramps.

Check out the features of wheelchair rentals before you rent one. Check out the following before renting a wheelchair:

Damage: Check to see if there is any damage to the wheelchair. Any damages caused by someone else should be reported immediately to the vendor. Otherwise, you could lose your security deposit.

Comfort and function: Test the wheelchair out if possible. If batteries power the wheelchair, ensure that they are fully charged.

Don't let the battery run out halfway to your destination or the seat be uncomfortable once you reach it.

Convenience: You might be interested in a wheelchair that is foldable or easily transportable.

Exchangeability: Ask the vendor whether you can exchange your rental for a different model without being charged an additional fee. You can often choose a different model from the vendor if your chosen one does not suit you.

Renting vs. Buying

Rather than purchasing a wheelchair, renting one can have some benefits. However, you may want to consider some of the pros and cons of buying versus renting.

Cost: Research the total cost of renting a wheelchair, power wheelchair, or scooter before renting. There are many cases when purchasing a wheelchair is less expensive than renting one. Rental fees for wheelchairs can often be the same price tag, especially for extended periods.

Familiarity: Getting used to a new wheelchair can take some time. If you are satisfied, you may wish to keep it throughout.

Adaptability: If your medical condition evolves to the point where you'll need a different kind of wheelchair, renting may be better, especially for occasional use. Next time, perhaps you will require an other type of wheelchair.

Finding a Wheelchair Rental When You Travel

If you need a wheelchair while traveling, it is easy to arrange it through travel agents, airports, and hotels. If you are staying with friends or family rather than flying to your destination, you may need to look for local resources and arrange things yourself if you are not scrambling to your destination.

Air travel: Often, renting or reserving a wheelchair ahead of time is possible at airports when traveling. You can book one through your airline or call the airport's guest services. If you need assistance getting around, you can usually request an escort. People verified as having a disability can often access these services for minimal or no cost.

Hotel: If you reserve a wheelchair in advance, you may be able to receive a wheelchair at your hotel, resort, spa, or vacation rental home.

Travel agent: If you need extra wheelchairs or mobility equipment, your travel agent can arrange to have them waiting when you arrive. You might be able to find more choices at your travel agent than you would at the hotel or the airport.

Tourist destination: There are wheelchairs available for guests at many tourist attractions, including museums and amusement parks. Renting one can be arranged in advance by calling customer service.

Final thoughts 

Sky Medical Supplies offers various options to simply renting a wheelchair. We are located in Northfield mall off of I 70 and exit on north Quebec. You may also want to consider renting a power wheelchair. Don't hesitate to get in touch with us for a quote! You can visit our wheelchair options page for more information. It will be our pleasure to help you select a wheelchair that will meet your needs in terms of mobility and comfort.