According to Physiopedia, 3.3 million Americans rely on a wheelchair for mobility. (1)
However, some do not have the privilege of getting the best comfortable wheelchair.
The good news is that there are programs allowing you to rent or own motorized wheelchairs.
We took some interest in learning how to rent to own electric wheelchairs, the types of mobility equipment you can get, and other crucial information.
Table of Contents
Key Takeaways
- You can rent a wheelchair without regard to your financial ability.
- There are various types of wheelchairs you can rent with the aim of ownership.
- Rental programs may run a soft credit check, so keep your creditworthiness in check.
Can You Rent to Own Electric Wheelchairs?
Yes, you can rent to own electric wheelchairs if you cannot meet the total financial cost of these devices.
Moreover, various rental programs allow customers to keep the chairs after meeting the payments.
The rental rates usually depend on the type of mobility product and rental program you choose to work with.
Also, note that the program may conduct a soft credit check to determine eligibility.
Wheelchair Types that You Can Rent to Own
1. Standard Wheelchairs
These manual wheelchairs usually offer simple and lightweight mobility solutions to disabled people.
They are easy to maneuver, and you can fold them for easy transportation.
Most lease-to-own programs offer these basic mobility products as they prove more affordable. You can even add wheelchair cushions to enhance comfort.
2. Transport Wheelchairs
As the name implies, transport wheelchairs allow people with mobility problems to move from one point to another.
They usually have small rear wheels warranting the presence of a caregiver to push the wheelchair user.
These devices have a braking system for safety and padded armrests for comfort.
Due to their lighter weight nature, most chairs support a maximum weight of 250 lbs.
Here is a YouTube video on what transport chairs are and who they fit.
3. Power Wheelchairs
Excellent quality power wheelchairs average $2bove, a significant amount of money for many people.
This makes most individuals select a manual wheelchair, even if they do not meet their needs.
However, with a lease-to-own program, you can get an electric chair without as much financial strain.
You must make a deposit and agree to a set of contracts with the wheelchair dealer.
4. Bariatric Wheelchairs
These wheelchairs cater to people who exceed the weight capacity. These chairs usually feature two axles and extra wide seats.
Bariatric power wheelchairs feature a carbonated steel structure, unlike traditional wheelchairs consisting of titanium alloy and aluminum frames.
The best thing is that disabled people who cannot meet wheelchair prices access this mobility equipment in payment installments.
Here is a YouTube video on the operation of bariatric power wheelchairs:
Who Offers Rent-to-Own Electric Wheelchairs?
For individuals with mobility issues, accessibility plays a significant role in their quality of life.
However, some do not meet Medicare and Medicaid coverage, warranting them to make out-of-pocket buys. (2) (3)
Various rental programs offer lease-to-own services. Here are three providers with these services.
1. Shopezcredit
This is an Indiana-based wheelchair and medical equipment retailer. The company started operations in 2001 and offers nationwide deliveries.
Shopezcredit usually offers rent-to-own products on a biweekly basis.
Moreover, the application process is straightforward, and you can get the product delivered within two days.
2. AC Rehab Products
Based in Southampton, Pennsylvania, AC Rehab products is a rental program offering a wide range of mobility products.
The company usually visits your home for an evaluation before issuing the mobility device.
AC Rehab Products offers a 10-month lease-to-own program with weekly and monthly payment options.
Besides Southampton, this provider services the following states: Delaware, New Jersey, Chester, Montgomery, and Buck counties.
3. Fold & Go Electric Wheelchairs
Unlike other rental programs, this retail organization does not rent mobility devices.
Instead, they offer rent-to-own services whenever they have an overstock; thus, they may not have the option you want at all times.
The company usually releases its available electric wheelchairs on the 1st and 15th date of the month.
The rental organization runs a soft credit check to determine if they will charge you a non-refundable security deposit.
How to Get the Best Price for Rent-to-Own Wheelchairs?
As highlighted above, you have a good selection of places to get a rent-to-own power chair.
However, you want the best provider that meets your needs and offers flexible payment terms.
Here is what you can do to ensure you get the best price for the rental chair.
1. Check Your Credit Score
Most rental programs do a credit check before issuing mobility products. So, keep your current credit score in good shape before applying for the product.
A good credit score guarantees your trustworthiness to pay debts and may offer the possibility of waiving the rental service’s security deposit.
2. Know Your Needs
There are a variety of wheelchairs available for rental purposes. The cost to rent a wheelchair depends on the type of product you consider.
You can make an informed decision by knowing which product meets your needs.
FAQs
Can I get help buying an electric wheelchair?
You can get help to buy an electric wheelchair from federal programs and charitable organizations.
Moreover, if you have medical insurance, check with the provider to find out if they cover the wheelchair costs.
How much does a basic electric wheelchair cost?
According to Global Health & Pharma (GHP), a basic power chair costs between $1500 to $5000.
Does Medicare pay for an electric chair?
Medicare can pay for an electric wheelchair if a physician deems the mobility device necessary for the patient’s healing process.
If I choose the rent-to-own option, do I get to pick my own color?
When you rent to own a power wheelchair, you will select from the products the rental company has available, so you will not typically get to choose a color.
Conclusion
Rent-to-own electric wheelchairs ensure people with disabilities stay active despite their mobility issues.
Because many people cannot meet the upfront cost of wheelchairs, rental programs are solving this crisis.
So, there you have it – all you need to know about rent-to-own wheelchairs and where to find them.
It is up to you to make an informed lease-to-own wheelchair decision to meet your mobility needs.
So, where are you going to buy your wheelchair from? Don’t forget to share your experience with me!
Resources
- 1. Wheelchair Users [Internet]. Physiopedia. Available from: https://www.physio-pedia.com/Wheelchair_Users
- 2. What Medicare Covers | Medicare [Internet]. Medicare.gov. 2000. Available from: https://www.medicare.gov/what-medicare-covers
- 3. Medicaid.gov. Eligibility | medicaid.gov [Internet]. Medicaid.gov. 2022. Available from: https://www.medicaid.gov/medicaid/eligibility/index.html
- 4. Electric Wheelchairs: What To Know Before Making A Purchase [Internet]. GHP News. 2022 [cited 2022 Dec 6]. Available from: https://www.ghp-news.com/electric-wheelchairs-what-to-know-before-making-a-purchase/