Hospitals aren’t set up like mobility shops. Their main job is caring for patients, not renting out gear to the public. If you’re admitted or just leaving, some hospitals might lend you a manual wheelchair for a short while.
They usually have:
- Basic manual wheelchairs for in-hospital use
- The odd loaner for discharged patients (if you’re lucky)
- Access to gear through occupational therapy or allied health (depends on the hospital)
But here’s the thing — they almost never rent power wheelchairs. That’s because powered chairs need more training, servicing, and fitting. Hospitals just don’t have the setup for that.
Rental companies, on the other hand, do. They offer:
- Lightweight, motorised wheelchairs
- Models with reclining seats, remote controls, and easy transport options
- Options for travel, short-term use, or everyday support
If you need comfort, convenience or a proper long-term solution, you’re better off with a mobility aid provider.
Do Hospitals Rent Out Power Wheelchairs?
In most cases, no — not directly. Hospitals might lend you a chair if you’re just out of surgery or being discharged, but it’s almost always manual, not powered.
1. Short-Term vs. Long-Term Rentals
Short-term hospital loans usually mean:
- Manual wheelchairs for a few days
- Limited supply
- Only offered to current or recently discharged patients
For longer-term needs, hospitals often point you toward external suppliers. That could be a private mobility company, NDIS provider, or government-funded program.
They don’t manage long-term rentals themselves — they just refer you to someone who does.
2. Policies & Availability
Policies vary across hospitals. Some public ones may have a bit of stock for short-term use. Private ones might not have anything at all.
But most won’t rent out power chairs to outpatients or the general public. They’re just not equipped for it. And they definitely won’t customise models or deliver to your house.
Alternative Places to Rent a Power Wheelchair
- Local mobility stores and online rental services.
- Check options at Assistive Tech Hub Wholesale.
- Contact Assistive Tech Hub for rental inquiries.
If the hospital can’t help — no worries. There are better, easier options out there.
Local mobility stores and online rental services
You’ll find mobility aid shops in most major cities. These stores rent out a wide range of power wheelchairs. You can try different models and chat with someone who actually knows what they’re talking about.
Even better, online rental services let you:
- Book a wheelchair from your phone or laptop
- Compare prices and features
- Arrange delivery and pickup
Check options at Assistive Tech Hub Wholesale
One of the best Aussie providers is Assistive Tech Hub Wholesale. They’ve got loads of models to choose from — including travel-friendly ones and fully reclining power chairs.
You can rent short-term or long-term, and they’ll help you figure out what suits your situation.
Contact Assistive Tech Hub for rental inquiries
If you’re unsure where to start, just give them a call or send a message. They’ll walk you through:
- Model choices
- Pricing and plans
- Delivery times
- What paperwork you need
They’ll make it easy, even if you’ve never rented before.
Benefits of Renting a Power Wheelchair from a Mobility Aid Provider
1. Wider Selection of Models
Hospitals use one-size-fits-all chairs — heavy and basic.
Providers offer:
- Fully Automatic Reclining Power Chairs for full support
- Lightweight folding models for easy travel
- Carbon fibre options for super light handling
You can actually get what fits your needs, not just what’s available.
2. More Flexible Rental Plans
You’re not stuck with one time frame. You can rent:
- For a day
- A few weeks
- A few months — even longer if needed
It’s more affordable and flexible than hospital gear (if they even offer it).
3. Home Delivery & Pickup Services
Most companies deliver directly to your door and collect the chair when you’re done.
They’ll even show you how to use it, which is great if it’s your first time. Some lightweight models, like the CWU Carbon Fibre Power Wheelchair, fold up and fit in a car boot. Super convenient.
How to Rent a Power Wheelchair?
It’s not complicated. Here’s what you’ll usually need to do:
- Find a provider – like Assistive Tech Hub
- Choose a chair – depending on how long you need it and where you’ll use it
- Provide ID – and sometimes a doctor’s letter (not always)
- Pay a security deposit – refundable when returned in good shape
- Sign a rental agreement – covers terms and care info
- Get it delivered – often within 1–2 days
Explore Assistive Tech Hub Store for power wheelchair purchases.
Renting vs. Buying: Which is the Better Option?
Here’s a quick breakdown:
Rent if:
- You’re recovering short-term
- You’re travelling
- You want to test a model before buying
- You’re waiting for NDIS or insurance
Buy if:
- You’ll need it daily, long-term
- You want to customise your chair
- You’ve got funding or a budget to invest
Still unsure? Assistive Tech Hub can help you figure it out.
Conclusion: Finding the Right Power Wheelchair Rental Option
So, can you rent a power wheelchair from a hospital?
Not really. Hospitals rarely rent them out, and if they do, it’s usually a basic manual one — short-term and with strings attached.
For proper choice, better support, and way more comfort, a mobility aid provider is the way to go.
If you’re ready to get moving again, reach out to Assistive Tech Hub. They’ll sort you out with the right chair, at the right time, for the right price.
