Renting a wheelchair provides a short-term solution for mobility needs, often chosen during recovery from a temporary injury, following surgery, or while traveling. This option offers necessary assistance without the long-term financial commitment or maintenance responsibilities that come with ownership. Renting is suitable when the need is temporary or when a person is testing different types of equipment before committing to a purchase.
Standard Rental Rate Structures
The cost to rent a wheelchair is structured around the duration of the need, with rates offered on a daily, weekly, and monthly basis. Providers apply a pricing model where the effective daily cost decreases substantially as the rental period lengthens. For a standard manual wheelchair, a daily rate often falls in the range of $15 to $25, which is ideal for very short-term use.
Extending the term to a week usually reduces the cost, with weekly rates commonly seen between $35 and $75. Renting for an entire month provides the most significant savings, with prices ranging from approximately $100 to $199. This monthly rate is often chosen for post-surgery rehabilitation or extended travel. The total rental price can also be influenced by geographical location and additional fees for delivery or pickup services.
How Wheelchair Type Affects Pricing
The specific type of mobility device is the primary determinant of the rental price, reflecting the complexity of the equipment. The lowest-cost option is usually a transport chair, a lightweight device designed to be pushed by a caregiver for short distances. Standard manual wheelchairs represent the mid-range in rental cost and feature larger rear wheels that allow the user to propel themselves, offering more independence.
The most specialized and expensive category is the power or electric wheelchair, which utilizes motorized systems and rechargeable batteries. These chairs offer greater autonomy for users who lack the upper body strength to self-propel. Power chair rentals often cost around $200 per week or between $250 and $600 per month, reflecting the advanced technology and greater maintenance requirements. Some high-end power wheelchairs may also require a larger security deposit.
Sources for Rental and Required Documentation
Wheelchairs can be rented from several types of vendors, primarily Durable Medical Equipment (DME) suppliers. Local independent pharmacies and larger retail chains that carry medical supplies also offer rental programs for basic manual chairs. Hospital discharge services and online equipment providers are viable sources, particularly for those needing specialized equipment or delivery.
To secure a rental, a vendor will require a signed rental agreement and a form of personal identification. If the rental is for a medical reason, a doctor’s written prescription or order may be necessary, especially if the user intends to seek reimbursement through insurance. A security deposit is sometimes required, which is refundable upon the return of the equipment in good condition.
Navigating Insurance and Payment
Understanding how insurance handles mobility equipment is important for managing the cost of a rental. Wheelchairs are classified as Durable Medical Equipment (DME), and coverage often hinges on proving medical necessity for use within the home. Government programs like Medicare Part B, as well as many private insurance plans, cover the cost of a wheelchair rental if a physician submits a written order confirming the medical need.
For Medicare Part B, the program covers 80% of the Medicare-approved rental amount after the annual deductible has been met, with the patient responsible for the remaining 20% coinsurance. Medicare often requires the beneficiary to rent the device for a period, usually 13 months, after which ownership automatically transfers to the user. Prior authorization from the insurance provider may be necessary before the rental can be initiated, particularly for more expensive power wheelchairs.