A wheelchair rental provides a temporary mobility solution for individuals recovering from injury, traveling, or assessing long-term needs. The cost of renting this durable medical equipment varies significantly based on the chair type and the rental duration. This guide outlines the typical price ranges and the financial considerations involved.
Factors Influencing Rental Costs
The type of mobility device chosen has the largest impact on the rental price. A standard manual wheelchair is the least expensive option, while a complex power chair costs substantially more to rent. Transport chairs, which require an attendant to push, typically fall into a slightly lower price bracket than a self-propelled manual chair. Rental duration is another primary cost driver, as providers offer reduced rates for longer commitments. Daily rates are the most expensive per day, decreasing significantly when the rental extends to a week or a month.
Geographic location also plays a role in the final price, with urban centers and high-cost-of-living areas often featuring higher base rates. The inclusion of specialized features, such as elevated leg rests or bariatric capacity, will increase the overall rental fee.
Typical Rental Rates by Duration and Wheelchair Type
Standard manual wheelchairs, the most commonly rented type, cost between $15 and $25 per day. A weekly rental for a manual chair ranges from $40 to $70, offering considerable savings over the daily rate. When renting for a full month, the cost usually falls between $75 and $120.
Transport chairs, which are lightweight and designed for short trips, have comparable or slightly lower rates than standard models. These can be secured for $10 to $15 per day or around $20 to $40 per week. Specialty manual chairs, such as those with heavy-duty bariatric frames, command higher rates, reaching $150 per month.
Renting a power wheelchair or a mobility scooter involves a higher cost due to the equipment’s complexity and battery maintenance. Daily rates for a standard power chair start at $50 and climb up to $75 or more, especially for advanced models. Weekly rates range from $150 to $175, while a monthly rental for a power device is priced between $300 and $400.
Additional Fees and Financial Considerations
The quoted base rental price rarely represents the total out-of-pocket expense. Most providers require a refundable security deposit to cover potential damage or loss of the equipment. These deposits range from $150 to $250 and are returned once the chair is inspected upon its return.
Delivery and pickup charges are a common add-on, particularly for larger or electric models that cannot be easily transported in a personal vehicle. These fees are location-dependent and can be a single flat rate, especially for power chairs. Renters may also be offered an optional damage waiver, a non-refundable fee that protects against minor wear and tear for the duration of the rental.
Securing a Rental: Providers and Insurance Coverage
Wheelchair rentals are secured through Durable Medical Equipment (DME) suppliers, local pharmacies, medical supply stores, and sometimes hospitals. For short-term needs, such as a vacation or a single event, private-pay rentals from these sources are the quickest option. Renters should confirm the availability of the specific chair type and the terms of the rental agreement before committing.
For medically necessary, long-term rentals, health insurance may provide coverage. Medicare Part B classifies wheelchairs as durable medical equipment and may cover the rental cost if the equipment is required for use primarily within the home. A medical professional must document the necessity through a face-to-face examination and a prescription. If Medicare covers the rental, the beneficiary is responsible for the Part B deductible and a 20% co-payment of the Medicare-approved amount. Many private insurance plans and Medicaid programs also offer DME benefits, requiring prior authorization and a detailed medical justification.