There may come a time when you need a wheel chair for a short period of time, but they can be very expensive to buy. A better bet for short-term use is a wheel chair rental (also know as wheel chair hire in England and Australia). Much of the time, scooter rentals are covered by insurance just as purchasing one would be, but it's much less expensive and much more cost-effective. Additionally, you won't be buying something unnecessary that you won't have a call for long-term.

Another advantage of a scooter rental is that if something goes wrong with the wheel chair you're renting, it will be replaced at no extra cost with one that works. The medical supply company you're working with should be very understanding if you need your unit replaced for whatever reason.

It would be a rare occasion when a scooter rental would not be received in clean, working order and usually a simple phone call will get it replaced immediately, but most reputable equipment companies will not let that happen.

Keep Track Of Rates And Accessories

Many times a person using a scooter rental can also obtain the use of accessories such as carrying totes or arms totes and some companies will supply them free of charge as a customer perk. Others, however may charge an extra cost for their use, most likely not covered by insurance so you will want to check this out before the wheel chair rental company adds that charge to your bill.

Another benefit of scooter rental is there is usually no charge for pick up or delivery. You call and organize for its delivery and at the end of the rental period, they will return and pick it up. You would also have the option to extend the wheel chair rental period if needed.

Your choices for scooter rental are as varied as your choices to purchase a wheel chair are. You or your doctor will determine best whether you need a manual or power chair, and what features you will need on it. Many companies will also rent you a power chair at a reduced price in hopes that you will purchase one, so this is an option as well. Depending on your situation, you may find that a power wheel chair is worth the extra cost versus a manual one, because of the easier mobility you have with a power wheelchair, given that you don't have to push yourself.

Of course, "try before you buy," or in this case, rent. You'll need to see if the chair you chose fits through all spaces in your house and allows you to maneuver well. The rental company will likely have ideas for you if the one you chose does not fit, and they can bring you back one that does better.