How Much Does a Wheelchair Rental Cost?
Renting a wheelchair may be necessary for a few reasons.
If you have a temporary disability, then there is a good chance that you may consider renting a wheelchair rather than purchasing one since you will only need it for a short amount of time. Another reason that you may need to rent a wheelchair is for traveling purposes. If it is hard to take your wheelchair when going on a vacation or business trip, it may be easier to simply rent a wheelchair when you get to your destination.
When you find yourself needing to rent a wheelchair, they can commonly be found at local amusement parks, zoos or medical supply stores.
How much does it cost to rent a wheelchair?
The cost of renting a wheelchair will depend on where you plan on renting it from, your geographical location, the type of wheelchair and the length of time for you need it for. On average, be prepared to spend around $10 to as much as $50 per day to rent a wheelchair at most amusement parks or anywhere from $75 to as much as $200 per month for a standard wheelchair at a local medical supply retailer.
With a handful of wheelchairs to choose from, we compiled the average from various medical supply companies and included our findings in the table below:
| Type of Chair | Description | Average Rental Price |
|---|---|---|
| HD | Similar to a standard wheelchair, an HD wheelchair will be designed to accommodate more weight, often up to 400 pounds. | - $5 to $35 per day |
| Powerchair | Unlike a manual wheelchair, a powerchair will be powered by battery, allowing it to fit into small spaces. | - $35 to $55 per day |
| Standard | A standard, manual wheelchair will be self-propelled, meaning they will require human power in order to move, either by moving the wheels or by someone pushing it from behind. These chairs are lightweight and can be folded down to fit into a trunk. Most can accommodate up to 350 pounds. | - $5 to $30 per day |
| Transport | A lightweight and strong wheelchair, making it easy to transport. These chairs are come equipped with a swing away footrest and padded armrest to provide additional comfort. It can also fold for convenient storage and transportation. Most are able to accommodate up to 250 pounds. | - $5 to $30 per day |
For example, BradfordMedicalSupply.com, a retailer located in San Jose, California, has a handful of wheelchairs available for rent that cost anywhere from $75 to as much as $195 for a monthly rental.
As for amusement parks, Disneyland, for instance, charges $12 per day for a manual wheelchair and $50 for an electric wheelchair.
Renting a wheelchair overview
There are two common types of rental options when renting a wheelchair: either short term and long term. A short-term rental is typically less than seven days, while a long-term rental can be up to six months.
Most companies will offer either a manual, standard, and/or electric wheelchairs.
What are the extra costs?
If you cannot pick up the wheelchair locally, additional shipping/delivery costs may apply. This will depend on how far you live from the medical supply company, but most of the time, it will be an additional $20 to $45.
A wheelchair that has been damaged due to negligence or recklessness can lead to additional repair charges.
While refundable, a deposit will be required before the company rents out a wheelchair. The deposit will be dependent upon the value of the wheelchair. As long as the wheelchair is returned in the same condition as when rented, this deposit will be returned to you or taken off the total price of the rental.
Additional accessories, such as a leg rest, can be an additional cost.
Damage insurance is an option with most companies and can cost about $5 per day to protect you from any liability.
Tips to know:
Ask about the monthly minimum. Some companies will require that you commit to a certain number of months before renting. If it is going to be a long-term rental, a contract may have to be signed.
Before committing to the rental, see how easy it is to transport the wheelchair. Is it easy to fold? Is it light? If you do not have the capabilities of transporting the wheelchair from one place to another, it will not be very helpful.
Know the weight limit. Some wheelchairs are only able to accommodate so much weight. For example, a powered wheelchair can slow down if there is too much weight. Most are able to hold upwards of 350 to 450 pounds.
Before you rent a wheelchair, closely examine it for damage. If you spot any damage, be sure to let the company know right away. That way, when you return it, you will not be blamed or charged for the damage.
If you can, try out the wheelchair ahead of time to make sure that it is comfortable and right for your situation. There are some wheelchairs that are made wider or deeper for a more comfortable fit.
If you’re unsure where to find a wheelchair at your upcoming destination, either call your hotel or if you’re working with a travel agent, ask them as they can often point you in the right direction. Many resorts, spas and even vacation home agencies can provide wheelchair drop offs and pickups.
How can I save money?
With any rental, the longer you rent it, the larger the per-day fee will be. Generally, a long-term rental will be a lot cheaper than a shorter term.
Make sure you ask around for people who have wheelchairs that you can borrow. You will more than likely be able to find someone that is will and able to let you use theirs for a while.
If you cannot afford a wheelchair, check with local organizations who work with those that meet certain income requirements. For example, the Chariots of Hope can help you find a wheelchair for next to nothing.
Depending on the need for the wheelchair, your insurance company may cover the cost of the rental. Even if it is a long shot, it never hurts to ask.
If you are going to be using the wheelchair for more than two months, consider buying one. Even when you are done, you can always sell it back to recoup most of your money back.
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Average Reported Cost: $160
How much did you spend?
- stone harbor crib and beach (avalon , New Jersey) paid $160 and said:
beach wheel chair
Was it worth it? Yes
