Wheelchairs – Rent or Buy?

Should I Rent Or Buy A Wheelchair?

When it comes to getting a wheelchair, it’s important to find one that suits your mobility needs. Knowing whether to rent or buy yourself a wheelchair can be difficult if you don’t have all of the information you need, which is where we come in. 

This article will help you understand whether renting or buying wheelchairs is the most appropriate option for your circumstances. You’ll find out about the pros and cons of each option and learn about the different avenues you can go down when it comes to making inquiries about getting yourself a Motability-accredited wheelchair. If you’re eager to find out more about renting and buying wheelchairs, you should take a look at our PB Conversions articles after you finish reading this article. 

Renting A Wheelchair

If you need to use a wheelchair on a short-term basis, renting might be the option for you. The majority of wheelchair users in the UK rent wheelchairs through the NHS or other charitable organisations, such as the Red Cross, so that they can stay mobile after an injury or during a recovery period. When you don’t need your wheelchair anymore, you can simply return it to them and avoid the stress of having to dispose of or sell your wheelchair, which will save you valuable time. 

Renting a wheelchair is more cost-effective than buying one and the NHS or charitable organisation you hired your wheelchair through will cover any maintenance or repair costs that arise for you. However, hiring a wheelchair can sometimes be a time-consuming process, as there are waiting lists and assessments that need to be carried out. You’ll also need to return your wheelchair after a certain time frame has passed, so if anything happens and you need your wheelchair for longer, you may have to apply again. 

Buying A Wheelchair

Buying a wheelchair is more costly than hiring one, but it comes with the peace of mind that you won’t have to wait for a wheelchair to become available or return it at any point, making it a great choice if you need long-term mobility assistance. However, if you’re going to buy your own wheelchair you need to keep in mind that you’ll be responsible for paying for any repairs or maintenance that your wheelchair requires.

Wheelchairs that are bought can be customised to your needs and allow you to have full control over your wheelchair purchase. This means you don’t need to worry about ending up with a wheelchair that isn’t quite up to scratch or one that you don’t find comfortable. 

Renting VS Buying A Wheelchair 

If you’re looking for a cost-effective wheelchair on a short-term basis and want to avoid the hassle of carrying out maintenance and repairs, renting a wheelchair is probably going to be the best option for you. However, if you need a wheelchair on a long-term basis and want to have full control when it comes to choosing and owning your wheelchair, you may want to consider buying a wheelchair instead. 

If you’re still unsure about what the best option is for you, you can get in touch with us at PB Conversions to find out more and chat with one of our friendly team. They’ll consider your individual circumstances and provide you with helpful advice on what to do, making sure that you end up with a Motability-accredited wheelchair that is suited to your needs.