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Mobility scooter rental has become more popular in recent years. Traditional walking aids that existed before the mobility scooter such as walking sticks and walking frames have become somewhat antiquated and outdated. With the ever-adapting technology and resources, they have also become somewhat benign. Though they hold the advantage of being cheaper than purchasing a mobility scooter.
Mobility scooters have grown in popularity owing to the changes in technology and the growth in ease of access. If you have trouble walking in the long term, you may need to invest in a mobility scooter purchase. However, if your condition is short term- perhaps you need some extra support and assistance after a surgical procedure, then you may be looking to rent your scooter for the short term.
There are several options out there for you and your renting needs, and it is definitely worth scouring the market, reading reviews and really doing your research before committing to a particular rental scheme.
Is Rental Reliable?
Purchasing a mobility scooter outright may not be an option for you. Therefore, you may be looking to rent instead. Renting is often cheaper (though not in the long term) than purchasing, and owing to the increased demand for mobility scooters, there is a high turn over market regarding mobility scooter rental.
As long as you are dealing with a legitimate company, there is no reason why renting a scooter should not be a viable and reliable option. How can you tell if the company is legitimate? There are a few tells.
Do they have a phone number that gets you through to customer services?
Do they have a business address?
Do they have an online presence?
Are they accredited by anyone?
Do they have any reviews from previous customers?
The answer to these questions should be yes.
What to look for when renting a mobility scooter
When renting a mobility scooter, you need to really consider your bespoke needs and what you need the scooter to do for you.
Where and when are you going to be using it?
If it is just forgetting about the house, then you probably donât need something that high tech. You should be looking for a model that is lightweight and slim enough to fit through your hallways and doorways. You donât want to become stuck after all.
However, if you are planning on commuting, shopping or generally traveling with your scooter, you may need a more substantial model. These models are built with thicker tires and stronger frames in order to accommodate the changes in terrain and outside external factors such as weather and traffic.
If you are planning on going longer distances, you will need something stronger and more powerful still. There are three different classes of scooter 1-3. Class one is the most lightweight up to class three which is the most powerful.
Make sure you have answered the question as to whether or not you are going to need to use your mobility scooter on the road. This will dictate a large style preference.
How impaired is your mobility?
Are you able to stand independently and walk independently? If the answer is yes, then it is worth considering a lighter model.
However, if you are going to be completely reliant on the mobility scooter for the entirety of your recovery time or similar, then you need to factor this into the model that you decide on.
Where are you going to store your scooter?
If the answer is in your house, and your home doesn’t have that much space, then you need to accommodate this when making your selection. There are mobility scooters that are designed to be foldable and therefore more convenient when it comes to storing them away when not in use.
However, there is no avoiding how much these scooters weigh to carry about, which may put some people off. If you have help, then that is fine, and another good option may be a scooter that can be easily dismantled and put back together. These are also easy to store, though you need to make sure that you donât lose any pieces and you arenât going to struggle to reconstruct the mobility scooter when you need to use it.
Folding scooters are not as powerful as scooters that can be dismantled. Therefore, they won’t be suitable for the same purposes as scooters that can be dismantled and that should be taken into consideration as well.
Your weight and height
Though it is a small point, it is still quite relevant. Your weight and height will dictate which type and which model of scooter you will need for your individual needs. There are scooters out there to accommodate every kind of body, you just have to find the right one for you.
FAQs
Can I rent a Mobility Scooter?
Technically, anyone can rent a mobility scooter. You don’t have to have a disability to do so. If you have a valid reason and you want to rent a mobility scooter, then that is entirely up to you to decide.
What does it cost to rent a mobility scooter?
There is no average price for renting a mobility scooter. The cost will depend on;
The make and model of the scooter.
The size of the scooter.
The duration of your rental.
Can I get help to buy a mobility scooter?
There may be charities that can help you in your bid to buy a mobility scooter, should you need one more permanently. These charities have trained advisors to assist you in your grant application. Some examples:
Variety Club Childrenâs Charity
The True Colours Trust
The Mobility Trust
The Elifar Foundation
However, most health care systems will not be able to fund one for you.
Does Medical/NHS/Medicare pay for mobility scooters?
Some health insurance companies will cover certain costs with regards to mobility scooters and mobility needs. However, it is rare that you will be able to get the full cost of the mobility scooter paid for by any health care system.
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