If you have a temporary injury or mobility issue, renting a wheelchair, set of crutches or knee scooter can help you get around and stay active without spending a lot of money on equipment. Many people have questions about where to rent these mobility aids, how much it costs, and whether it makes more sense to rent or buy.
As one of the largest pharmacy chains in the U.S., Walgreens is often one of the first places people think of for renting medical equipment. But does Walgreens actually offer rentals of wheelchairs, crutches or knee scooters? And if not, where should you go instead? Here‘s what you need to know.
Does Walgreens Rent Wheelchairs, Crutches or Knee Scooters?
Unfortunately, Walgreens does not rent any type of mobility equipment, including wheelchairs, crutches, knee scooters, or walkers, according to customer service representatives. Walgreens does sell some of this equipment, but rentals are not available as of 2023.
However, there are plenty of other local and national businesses that specialize in mobility aid rentals. Availability may vary depending on your location, but here are some of the best places to check for wheelchair, crutches and knee scooter rentals.
Where to Rent a Wheelchair
One of the largest national providers of wheelchair and scooter rentals is Scootaround. With over 2500 locations across North America, there‘s a good chance Scootaround operates in your area.
Scootaround offers both manual and power wheelchairs for rent on a daily, weekly or monthly basis. Prices start at around $15-$20 per day for a standard manual wheelchair rental, with discounts for longer rental periods. To check availability and pricing for your specific location and dates, you can call Scootaround at 1-888-441-7575 or request a quote on their website.
If you don‘t have a Scootaround location nearby, try searching for "wheelchair rental near me" to find local medical supply companies. Many offer short-term wheelchair rentals. For example, Mediequip Rentals & Sales provides wheelchair rentals in the St. Louis area starting at $60 per week or $180 per month.
Some local hospitals, Red Cross chapters, senior centers, and even grocery stores with pharmacies also offer wheelchair rentals in certain areas. Check with local organizations to see what‘s available in your community.
Where to Rent Crutches
Crutches are another mobility aid commonly needed on a temporary basis. While you can buy inexpensive crutches at many drugstores, renting is a convenient option if you only need them for a few days or weeks.
Unlike wheelchairs, crutches are more commonly rented from local hospitals, urgent care clinics, or medical supply stores rather than national chains. Try calling your local hospital first to see if they offer crutch rentals and what the process is.
Crutch rentals typically cost between $15 to $25 per month, though you may be able to rent them for a shorter period. For example, McCann‘s Medical in Portland, Oregon rents crutches for $10 per week or $20 per month. A deposit is usually required to cover the replacement cost if the crutches are not returned.
Where to Rent a Knee Scooter
Knee scooters, also known as knee walkers, are a popular alternative to crutches for those recovering from foot or ankle injuries. They allow you to rest your injured leg on a padded platform and push yourself around with your good leg.
Because knee scooters are a more specialized piece of equipment, your best bet for renting one is to go through a dedicated knee scooter rental company rather than a general medical supplier. One of the best-known is Rent A Knee Walker, which offers several models of knee scooters for rent.
Rent A Knee Walker‘s most popular model rents for a flat $25 per week (as of 2023) and includes free shipping anywhere in the U.S. They also offer an all-terrain knee scooter for those who need to navigate grass, gravel or uneven surfaces. Call 1-877-520-3708 to make a reservation.
Benefits of Renting vs. Buying Mobility Equipment
Now that you know where to find mobility equipment rentals, you may be wondering whether it makes more sense to rent or buy a wheelchair, crutches or knee scooter. Of course, the right choice depends on your specific situation, but here are a few key benefits of renting:
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It‘s more affordable for short-term use. If you only need a mobility aid for a few days or weeks, such as while you‘re recovering from an injury or surgery, renting is almost always cheaper than buying.
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You‘re not stuck with the equipment once you no longer need it. Mobility aids like knee scooters can be difficult to resell after your recovery, and resale value is typically low. With a rental, you simply return it to the provider when you‘re done.
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You can try out different models to find the best fit. By renting, you have the flexibility to sample multiple types of equipment to find what works best without a big upfront investment. This is especially helpful if you‘re not sure how long you‘ll need the mobility aid.
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Rentals are often available on short notice. If you have an unexpected injury, you may be able to get a rental wheelchair or knee scooter delivered within a matter of days. No need to comparison shop or wait for shipping.
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Maintenance and repairs are the rental company‘s responsibility. Wheelchairs and scooters can require periodic tune-ups and fixes. With a rental, you don‘t have to worry about these extra maintenance costs or hassles.
Of course, if you expect to need a mobility aid for several months or more, buying may be the better financial choice in the long run. Carefully weigh the length of time you anticipate needing the equipment with the total costs of both renting and buying to determine which makes the most sense for you.
How to Choose the Right Mobility Aid
The type of mobility equipment that‘s best for you depends on your injury, recovery timeline, level of mobility, and the types of environments you typically need to navigate. Here‘s a quick overview of who each option is best suited for:
- Manual wheelchairs are ideal for those with upper body strength and mobility to propel themselves, and who need to navigate ADA-compliant spaces.
- Transport wheelchairs are intended for those who need assistance from a caregiver to push the chair.
- Powered wheelchairs are helpful for those who lack the strength or mobility to propel a manual chair, or who need to go longer distances.
- Crutches work well for those with decent upper body strength and balance who have an injury below the knee on one leg.
- Knee scooters are an alternative to crutches for those recovering from foot or ankle surgery or injury, offering more stability and comfort.
Your doctor or physical therapist can advise you on the most appropriate mobility aid for your condition. Always follow their guidance and ask questions if you‘re not sure which type of equipment is best.
How to Get Properly Fitted for a Mobility Aid
To use your rented mobility equipment safely and comfortably, it‘s crucial to get properly fitted and adjusted. An improperly fitted wheelchair, crutches or knee scooter can cause pain, poor posture, and increase your risk of falls.
When renting from a medical supply company, take advantage of their expertise to get your mobility aid adjusted correctly. The provider should ask about your height, weight, and injury and take measurements to customize the equipment to your body.
For example, when getting fitted for crutches, the top of the crutches should hit about 1-2 inches below your armpits while standing up straight. The handgrips should allow a slight bend in your elbows (about 30 degrees) when using the crutches.
If renting a knee scooter, the knee platform should be adjusted so your injured leg is supported at a comfortable angle (not too bent or too straight) when standing. The handlebars should allow you to keep your elbows slightly bent as you grip them.
A properly fitted wheelchair should allow you to sit up straight with your legs bent at a 90 degree angle and your feet supported by the footrests. The seat width should allow about a 1-2 inch gap between the chair and your thighs and hips on either side.
Don‘t be afraid to speak up if something doesn‘t feel quite right with your rented mobility aid. The provider should be happy to make adjustments until you feel stable and supported.
Does Insurance or Medicare Cover Mobility Equipment Rentals?
Whether your insurance will cover the cost of your mobility aid rental depends on your specific plan and circumstances. However, in many cases, insurance will cover at least a portion of the cost if the equipment is deemed medically necessary.
To get coverage, you‘ll typically need a prescription or written order from your doctor stating that the mobility aid is needed for your injury or condition. The rental provider may also need to be an in-network supplier with your insurance.
Original Medicare Part B covers 80% of the approved cost of medically-necessary wheelchairs and scooters. However, crutches are generally not covered by Medicare unless they‘re provided by a hospital during your stay.
To double check your coverage for mobility aid rentals, it‘s always best to call your insurance provider and ask about your specific plan benefits and requirements.
Additional Resources on Renting Mobility Aids
Want to learn more about renting mobility equipment and finding the right fit for your needs? Check out these helpful resources:
- Mobility Equipment 101: Renting vs. Buying from the American Occupational Therapy Association
- Crutch Fitting Instructions from the University of Michigan Health
- Crutch Use and Care Guide from the Orthopaedic Trauma Association
- Wheelchair Rental Guide from Scootaround
- Knee Walker Instruction Guide from Rent A Knee Walker
The Bottom Line on Renting Mobility Equipment
While Walgreens doesn‘t rent wheelchairs, crutches or knee scooters, there are plenty of convenient and affordable rental options available from other providers. Whether you‘re recovering from surgery, an injury, or a chronic condition, renting a mobility aid can help you stay safe and mobile without breaking the bank.
Just be sure to get properly fitted for your equipment, check your insurance coverage, and don‘t hesitate to try out a few different models until you find the right match. With the right mobility aid and some practice, you‘ll be on your way to a smooth recovery.
