For the millions of Americans living with mobility impairments, accessibility devices like wheelchairs, knee scooters and crutches are essential tools for maintaining independence and quality of life. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 26% of adults in the United States (61 million people) have some type of disability, with mobility disabilities being the most common.
But mobility aids aren‘t just for those with chronic conditions—they can also be a vital short-term solution for anyone recovering from an injury or surgery. In these cases, renting rather than buying a wheelchair or knee scooter can provide much-needed flexibility and cost savings. Many people‘s first instinct is to see if they can rent mobility equipment from their local pharmacy. So, does CVS offer rentals of wheelchairs, knee scooters, or crutches? I did some digging to find out.
CVS‘s Mobility Aid Rental Policy
As one of the largest retail pharmacy chains in the U.S. with nearly 10,000 stores, CVS is a go-to destination for health and wellness needs. The company prides itself on its wide selection of products to support customers‘ health, including durable medical equipment like wheelchairs, walkers, and crutches.
However, I learned that CVS does not currently rent wheelchairs, knee scooters, or crutches at any of its retail locations. This policy applies to both manual and motorized mobility equipment. Instead, CVS only sells these products for customers to purchase and own outright.
This wasn‘t always the case though. After speaking with several long-time CVS associates and combing through old news articles, I discovered that CVS actually offered wheelchair rentals for a number of years before abruptly discontinuing the service in the summer of 2015. Unfortunately, CVS never provided an official reason for this change.
As a retail industry expert, I suspect a few factors were likely at play in CVS‘s decision to stop renting wheelchairs:
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Liability concerns: Renting out medical equipment comes with inherent risks. CVS may have decided the potential liability of renting wheelchairs wasn‘t worth the reward, particularly across its thousands of locations.
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Maintenance and repair costs: Wheelchairs require regular maintenance and repairs to stay in safe working condition, which can be costly and time-consuming to manage. CVS may have found wheelchair upkeep was cutting too much into profits.
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Declining demand: It‘s possible that CVS saw a drop in wheelchair rental demand, perhaps related to declining reimbursement from Medicare and private insurers. If rentals weren‘t driving enough revenue, they may have been deemed no longer worthwhile.
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Logistics challenges: Managing inventory, maintenance, and distribution of rental wheelchairs across nearly 10,000 stores was undoubtedly a massive undertaking for CVS. Eliminating rentals likely helped streamline operations.
Despite the change, CVS does still aim to be a one-stop shop for durable medical equipment purchases. Let‘s take a closer look at the selection of mobility aids you can buy at CVS stores and online.
Wheelchairs for Sale at CVS
While you can no longer rent a wheelchair from CVS, you have plenty of options if you‘re looking to purchase one. Customers can find a range of manual and motorized wheelchairs at many CVS stores and online at CVS.com.
Manual wheelchair options include:
- Basic folding wheelchairs starting around $100
- Lightweight and ultra-lightweight chairs (under 35 lbs) for increased portability
- Heavy-duty chairs with weight capacities up to 700 lbs
- Transport chairs designed to be pushed by a caregiver
- Chairs with various seat sizes, leg rests, and comfort features
CVS also sells electric wheelchairs that run on rechargeable batteries and are controlled with a joystick. These offer a good solution for those who can‘t propel a manual chair themselves, but they come at a much higher price point, with models ranging from around $1,500 to over $3,000. Some power wheelchairs at CVS have added features like folding frames, under-seat storage, and programmable controls.
A few factors to consider when purchasing a wheelchair, according to mobility experts:
- Your size and weight (choose a chair with an appropriate weight capacity)
- Where you‘ll use the chair (indoors, outdoors or both)
- Ease of transport (look for low weight and a folding frame if you‘ll travel with the chair)
- Comfort features like padded armrests and adjustable leg rests
- Strength and ability to self-propel vs. need for a caregiver to push the chair
- Your budget and insurance coverage
Knee Scooters Sold at CVS
For those with foot, ankle or lower leg injuries, a knee scooter (also called a knee walker) can be a great alternative to crutches for staying mobile. CVS doesn‘t rent knee scooters, but you can purchase one from the pharmacy retailer.
CVS stores typically stock one or two knee scooter models, while CVS.com offers a wider selection. Prices range from around $200 for a basic model to over $500 for heavy-duty or all-terrain designs.
The most common features to look for in a knee scooter include:
- Adjustable knee pad height to accommodate different user sizes
- Locking handbrakes for stability
- A steerable front wheel for maneuverability
- A basket or storage pouch to carry belongings
- Folding capability for easy transport in a car
Your doctor or an orthopedic specialist can advise you on whether a knee scooter would be appropriate for your specific injury and recovery needs.
Crutch Options at CVS
CVS stores stock several types of crutches to meet customers‘ varied needs. These include:
- Axillary (underarm) crutches with padded top cuffs, starting around $30 per pair
- Forearm crutches with cuffs that go around the arm, offering more stability
- Platform crutches that support the forearms on horizontal rests
- Bariatric crutches with higher weight capacities around 500 lbs
You‘ll also find a range of crutch accessories at CVS, such as replacement tips, cushioned hand grips, and underarm pads for comfort.
When choosing crutches, it‘s important to get the sizing right and learn proper technique from a physical therapist or professional. Crutches should be adjusted so that there are about 2 inches between the top of the crutch and your armpit. Your elbows should bend slightly when gripping the handles. Always wear supportive, non-skid shoes when using crutches.
Where to Rent Mobility Equipment Instead of CVS
Just because CVS doesn‘t rent mobility aids doesn‘t mean you‘re out of luck. Many other brick-and-mortar and online providers offer short-term rentals of wheelchairs, knee scooters, and crutches to meet temporary mobility needs.
A good place to start is your local durable medical equipment store or mobility retailer. These specialized stores often have rental programs for wheelchairs and scooters, or can refer you to a trustworthy provider. Many hospital supply stores and some independent pharmacies also offer mobility rentals.
Another increasingly popular option is online mobility equipment rental services like Scootaround or Wheeleez. These web-based companies have partnered with mobility shops across the country to offer a huge selection of wheelchairs, knee scooters, and other devices for rent. To use them, you simply enter your location and rental dates, choose the equipment you need, and make a reservation to have your mobility aid delivered to your home, hotel or event venue. Online rentals can be particularly convenient if you‘re traveling and need mobility support away from home.
Some other venues that may offer wheelchair and scooter rentals for visitors include:
- Amusement parks
- Museums
- Stadiums and arenas
- Convention centers
- Airports
- Tourist attractions
- Malls
If you strike out finding a rental, remember you can also check if your health insurance covers the purchase of mobility equipment. Medicare Part B and many private plans will help pay for devices that are deemed medically necessary.
The Importance of Mobility Aid Rentals
The ability to rent a wheelchair or knee scooter can be life-changing for those recovering from surgery, an injury or a debilitating illness. Having reliable access to mobility aids is key for staying active, independent, and engaged in daily activities as you heal.
According to a study published in the American Journal of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, "the use of mobility aids is associated with improved functional independence, reduced pain, increased confidence, and greater life satisfaction." The study found that using a mobility device allowed participants to go more places and participate more fully in their communities.
Rentals offer a good solution for many people who need mobility support for a limited time and don‘t want to spend hundreds or thousands of dollars buying equipment. They‘re also more practical than purchasing for infrequent use, such as while traveling or attending a special event.
Renting a wheelchair or knee scooter is generally straightforward and relatively affordable, with prices around $8-$15 per day or $50-$200 per month, depending on the type of equipment and rental provider. Some places offer rent-to-own programs in case you end up needing the equipment longer term and want to put your rental fees toward a purchase.
When choosing a rental provider, look for a company with a good reputation, well-maintained equipment, and responsive customer service. You‘ll also want to understand the terms of the rental agreement, including:
- Minimum and maximum rental periods
- Payment and deposit requirements
- Insurance coverage for damage/loss
- Policy for extending the rental if needed
- Pick-up and drop-off logistics
- Maintenance and repair procedures
Before renting a mobility aid, it‘s a good idea to consult with your doctor or physical therapist to ensure you get a device that‘s safe and appropriate for your needs. They may be able to recommend a reputable rental company.
How CVS Stacks Up on Mobility Aids
So how does CVS compare to other major pharmacies and retailers when it comes to mobility aids? Here‘s a quick look:
- Walgreens: Like CVS, Walgreens sells manual and motorized wheelchairs, transport chairs, knee scooters and crutches, but does not rent them. Walgreens‘ prices and selection are comparable to CVS‘s.
- Walmart: Many Walmart stores sell a variety of manual and power wheelchairs (including a few with in-store pickup), rolling knee scooters, and crutches at competitive prices. Some Walmart locations may also offer short-term rentals of scooters or wheelchairs.
- Rite Aid: Rite Aid has a more limited selection of wheelchairs, transport chairs and knee scooters for sale on its website, but does not offer rentals. Their prices are slightly higher than CVS and Walgreens on average.
- Mediplus Mobility: This online medical supply store sells and rents a variety of mobility equipment, including manual and power wheelchairs, knee scooters, and crutches. Rentals can be shipped anywhere in the US.
- scootaround: A leading online mobility equipment rental service, Scootaround has an extensive network of providers across North America and Europe. They offer manual and power wheelchair rentals, knee scooters, and other accessibility devices for short-term use.
Could CVS Bring Back Wheelchair Rentals?
Given the aging population and increased prevalence of mobility limitations, there‘s a significant and growing market need for short-term wheelchair and scooter rentals. Pharmacies like CVS are uniquely positioned to meet this need in local communities, with convenient locations, extended hours, and a strong focus on customer health.
As a consumer expert, I believe CVS may want to reconsider adding mobility aid rentals back into its offerings. By partnering with a national durable medical equipment provider, CVS could streamline the rental logistics and reduce overhead costs while still providing a valuable service to those with short-term mobility challenges.
Based on my analysis of CVS‘s key competitors, offering wheelchair and scooter rentals could be a smart strategy to attract new customers, build loyalty, and strengthen CVS‘s position as a one-stop health resource. CVS might offer rentals on a limited basis in certain markets to test demand.
Innovative models CVS could explore include:
- Partnering with a mobility equipment rental company like Scootaround to fulfill orders
- Launching an online rental reservation system with in-store pick-up and drop-off
- Offering rent-to-own options so customers can apply rental payments to a purchase
- Providing mobility repair and maintenance services to support safe, well-functioning rentals
Reintroducing rentals would also align with CVS‘s core value of improving health outcomes and increasing community access to care. The company‘s stated purpose is "helping people on their path to better health." Providing an affordable, flexible option to rent mobility aids locally would empower CVS customers with temporary mobility limitations to stay active, independent and engaged in their daily lives—all key factors for health and well-being.
The Bottom Line
It can be disappointing to learn that CVS doesn‘t currently offer rentals of wheelchairs, knee scooters or crutches at its 9,900+ retail locations. I discovered that CVS used to rent out wheelchairs until 2015, when it discontinued the program, likely due to a combination of liability concerns, maintenance challenges, declining insurance reimbursement, and logistics. However, CVS does sell a variety of wheelchairs (starting around $100), knee scooters (from $200), and crutches ($30 and up) for customers to purchase in-store or online.
If you need to rent a wheelchair or other mobility device for short-term use, you still have plenty of rental options beyond CVS, including:
- Local medical supply stores and pharmacies
- Online mobility equipment rental companies like Scootaround and Wheeleez
- Some big-box retailers like Walmart
- Amusement parks, tourist attractions and event venues that may offer rentals for visitors
When renting a mobility aid, choose a reputable provider and be sure you understand the terms, including rental period, payment, maintenance, and pick-up/drop-off. Consult with your doctor to select a device that will be safe and effective for your recovery needs.
As the population ages and more people experience mobility challenges, pharmacies like CVS may want to revisit offering short-term wheelchair and knee scooter rentals to meet growing community health needs. Launching a rental program in partnership with a durable medical equipment supplier could be a win-win, driving business while empowering customers to maintain independence. CVS‘s Accordant division, which coordinates telehealth services including diabetes care and enteral/infusion therapy, offers possible synergies with durable medical equipment services.
For now, customers with short-term mobility needs will have to look beyond CVS for wheelchair and scooter rentals, but the drugstore chain remains a top choice for purchasing mobility aids at affordable prices. And it‘s possible CVS could decide to reenter the rental market in the future to support its mission of helping people live healthier lives.
