How to Hire a Wheelchair

• Mobility hire companies deliver a wheelchair to your home or hotel, for as long as you need it.
• Charities, such as the British Red Cross in some areas, hire out wheelchairs locally.
• Shopmobility schemes lend wheelchairs and scooters for use around shopping centres.
• Museums and attractions often lend wheelchairs free for your visit.
• The NHS provides wheelchairs for long-term needs, through a referral from your GP or hospital team.

For a short-term need, or while you wait for an NHS wheelchair, hiring is usually the quickest option. Visiting London? See where to hire a wheelchair in London.

Think about the whole period, not just the first appointment or day out. Many providers charge by the week or month, and longer hires usually cost less per week. If you’re not sure, choose a provider that lets you leave the end date open or extend online.

The right chair depends on how far you’ll travel, whether someone can push you, and how you’ll get it in and out of a car. Here’s how the two types compare, using our own models as examples.

Manual (self-propelled) wheelchair

A good choice if you still have some mobility. Ours weighs 16kg, lifts easily into a car and needs no charging.

Pros

• Lightweight and folds easily
• No batteries or charging
• Elevating leg rests available
• Attendant brakes for a helper
• Puncture-proof tyres

Cons

• May need someone to push
• Tiring over long distances

Best for

• Short distances on even ground
• Injuries that need the leg raised
• Mobility that varies day to day

See this wheelchair →

Electric wheelchair

Better if you travel further each day or find it hard to push yourself. Ours folds quickly and has USB charging ports.

Pros

• Quick and simple folding
• Up to 14.3 miles per charge
• Under-seat storage
• Carries users up to 150kg

Cons

• Needs charging
• Heavier to lift: 28.4kg

Best for

• Longer distances
• Difficulty self-propelling
• Longer-term mobility needs

See this wheelchair →

• User weight: check the maximum weight the chair carries.
• Leg support: after leg or foot surgery, you may need elevating leg rests.
• Transport: check the folded size fits your car boot, or plan to use accessible taxis and public transport.
• Your home or hotel: think about doorways, steps and lifts where you’ll be staying.

• Is there a deposit, and when is it refunded?
• Is delivery and collection one charge, or two?
• Is there a minimum hire period?
• Can you extend or end early, and how?
• What happens if the chair is damaged or stops working?

Compare the total for your dates, not just the weekly price. Our guide to how much it costs to hire a wheelchair compares UK providers.