Blog Pros And Cons Of Buying Vs. Renting Wheelchair

It's no secret that wheelchairs can make it easier to move around, but buying or renting a wheelchair can be a real financial decision, especially for the elderly. Moreover, many people also wonder where they can buy wheelchairs or where to rent wheelchairs for a day.

Several factors can influence buying versus renting. You need to know your needs and budget to determine the most efficient and cost-effective option. In some situations, purchasing a wheelchair is the most efficient and cost-effective option, while renting a wheelchair makes more sense.

Buying a Wheelchair

The most logical and affordable option for people who need wheelchairs for everyday use is to buy a wheelchair. However, you will have to think about your situation and needs first.

Prices for manual wheelchairs vary greatly based on your needs. A basic manual wheelchair costs approximately $500 but isn't suitable for everyday use. For day-to-day use, manual wheelchairs typically cost between $1000 and $2000. 

In addition to the ability to customize a wheelchair to meet your specific needs, one of the biggest advantages of buying one is that many providers offer them at a very affordable price. Although these chairs can go up in price quickly, they are a huge benefit. 

A powered wheelchair will generally cost less than a manual wheelchair. However, depending on your needs and the chair's features, powered chairs can cost from $2000 to over $30,000. Some people need help to afford the right powered chair, leaving them no choice but to rent. 

Renting a Wheelchair

In the United States, wheelchair rentals are the most popular method for accessing wheelchairs. Almost everyone rents wheelchairs for several reasons, but flexibility is the primary one. Many people only require a wheelchair for a few weeks or months. When this happens, wheelchair rentals are much more affordable.

People with a semi-regular need for a wheelchair can also benefit from this flexibility. Only needing a wheelchair a couple of times a year and only needing it for special occasions, such as a family trip to the zoo, one-day rentals will be more economical.

Likewise, if you travel frequently and don't need a wheelchair daily, you may save money by renting a wheelchair at your destination rather than transporting one across the country. 

You can also rent a wheelchair if you don't need one daily. If you do need a wheelchair every day, you'll often be better off buying. Renting gives you time to find the right chair before investing. 

Last but not least, renters will have less maintenance and insurance costs. Insurance companies usually cover only 50% to 80% of the wheelchair's price. They are renting means that the provider will handle the wheelchair's maintenance and insurance. 

Pros Of Renting A Wheelchair over Buying

Many people in different cities and states rent wheelchairs every day. Renting a wheelchair is more popular than purchasing one. People rent wheelchairs for various reasons. Renting a wheelchair over purchasing one is partly due to this flexibility.

Pro #1: Getting around during vacations and special occasions

Many people use wheelchairs, but they don't use them all the time. Typically, they use wheelchairs for short periods, such as days or weeks. Disney World and Universal Studios residents often use wheelchairs to navigate crowds better.

When renting a wheelchair, you don't have to worry about it breaking down 365 days a year. You can rent a wheelchair only if you need it for a special event, like a wedding; renting is the better option.

Pro #2: No worries about transporting your wheelchair

The most convenient way to travel to Orlando if you are on the West Coast is to rent a wheelchair in Orlando rather than transporting a wheelchair you bought across the country. It's simply more convenient to rent a wheelchair wherever you're vacationing.

Pro #3: Testing a model

A wheelchair is necessary most days of the year, so buying one alone is the best option. However, there are plenty of horror stories of people buying wheelchairs that don't work as advertised.

Before you purchase a wheelchair, you can rent one to understand better what you need. Do you want an automatic wheelchair or a manual one? Wheelchairs come in various shapes and sizes, ranging from collapsible and lightweight models to wheelchairs for rocky terrain. Trial runs can also assist you in determining if a wheelchair is truly needed.

Pro #4: Using a wheelchair with insurance

Renting from a rental company for maintenance and coverage eliminates those concerns for many people with disabilities.

Cons of Renting A Wheelchair over Buying

If you're considering buying a wheelchair rather than renting one, here's what you should think.

Con #1: Shocking and increasing rental expenses

It can get quite expensive to rent a wheelchair for long periods. It is more cost-effective to buy your wheelchair if you use it for longer. However, if you deal with a reliable and honest rental company, you can avoid getting shocked by increasing costs.

Con #2: Renting is a dead money expense

Buying your wheelchair can save you money on renting. Buying your wheelchair allows you to make a long-term investment. You will be able to use it whenever you wish. You can resell it and recoup some of its cost in the future.

When is it time to purchase a wheelchair?

It might be more cost-effective to purchase a wheelchair if a user needs it for over a few months. The advantages of buying a wheelchair are clear. For example, you own it and can use it whenever you want. 

Based on your body measurements and condition, your wheelchair will be selected and fitted to you. Investing in a wheelchair instead of renting one might seem more cost-effective to some people than spending money on renting one. 

In the case of a rented wheelchair, the user will have to pay for any damage to the wheelchair. However, if the user owns the wheelchair, no consequences will occur. Users may return, donate, or give the wheelchair to someone else if they no longer need the wheelchair or change their minds.

Where To Rent A Wheelchair For A Day Or More

In addition to renting a wheelchair online, purchasing your wheelchair is also easy. With the help of an honest and reliable mobility equipment provider, you can get the most out of your decision whether you buy or rent a wheelchair. 

With Sky Medical Supplies, you'll get upfront pricing and honest, detailed product information from Sky Medical Supplies, a trusted name in mobility rentals. Sky Medical Supplies offers simple, detailed product information. Get in touch with Sky Medical Supplies today!