Looking to rent a mobility scooter but not sure where to start? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.
We’ve put together an in-depth guide with everything you need to know about renting a mobility scooter to help you fit the best scooter for your needs at the best possible price.
We’ll be covering what kind of mobility scooters you might want to rent and why, how much you should expect to pay, where you can rent them from (online and offline), and more.
Stick around to the end and we’ll also be revealing some expert tips on how to get the best deals on your mobility scooter rental.
Ready? Let’s get started.
What types of mobility scooters can be rented?
The first thing you need to think about before renting is what kind of mobility scooter you need. There are several different types of mobility scooters to choose from, each built for different use cases.
Here’s a quick breakdown of the main types of mobility scooters usually available for rent.
Important note: Depending on where you live, different types of scooters may have different classifications that determine where and how they can legally be used.
Make sure you’re aware of any legal classifications/restrictions for different types of scooters in your area and whether or not your scooter needs to be registered with the appropriate authority. Most mobility scooter dealers should be able to advise you of this.
Compact / foldable mobility scooters
Foldable and compact mobility scooters - sometimes called ‘boot scooters’ or transportable scooters - are built for maximum portability.
They can be disassembled/collapsed to make it easier to transport them from A-B. Rather than squeeze the whole thing into your van, they can be made compact enough to fit into the trunk of a normal-sized car. There are even auto-folding models that automatically fold themselves into compact shapes for you at the touch of a button.
They also tend to weigh less than other types of scooters, with the heaviest component when disassembled typically weighing around 50 lbs.
The lightweight frame and battery mean these kinds of scooters are easier to transport but the tradeoff is that they also tend to have lower weight capacities and maximum travel distances. The battery may need recharging more frequently than larger scooters.
They also tend to be less comfortable and are better for short-term and indoor use.
Medium mobility scooters
Medium or standard-size mobility scooters are a little more versatile. They’re designed for both indoor and outdoor use, with larger wheel sizes and good maneuverability. They’ll usually be more stable than transportable scooters with higher weight capacities, but also less easy to transport as they can't be disassembled.
It’s unlikely you’ll find a medium-sized model that’ll fit in a normal car, so you may need a minivan or SUV to transport it around - keep that in mind.
Large mobility scooters
Large or full-size mobility scooters are better suited for users that have a lot of indoor space and also want outdoor independence. They’re more well-suited to use over long distances and rougher surfaces. They also tend to be more durable and have higher maximum weight capacities (sometimes up to 500 lbs) than smaller models.
Maximum speeds usually range from 4 to 8 mph, with 10 to 20-mile battery ranges. You’ll need to have plenty of space to store full-sized scooters in a secure area.
Heavy-duty & all-terrain mobility scooters
These kinds of scooters are designed to be used in rugged environments and uneven terrain like golf courses.
They typically have greater ground clearance (that’s the space between the scooter and the floor) to allow them to pass over rocks and other obstacles, as well as heavy-duty constructions and larger tires to allow them to better withstand the bumps and bangs that come with off-road use.
3-wheel vs 4-wheel scooters
Mobility scooters are also often subcategorized into two groups: 3-wheel and 4-wheel. 3-wheel scooters are easier to maneuver with a sharper turning radius that allows you to handle sharp corners more easily. They’re also usually more compact and easier to fold up (if you opt for a foldable model).
On the other hand, 4-wheel scooters offer more stability and legroom. They’re a little more comfortable and feel sturdier than 3-wheel scooters, but they’re harder to handle.
Standup electric scooters
As the name suggests, standup electric scooters are designed to be stood on rather than sat on. They have higher handlebars and better shock-absorption than seated models.
Mobility scooter rental prices
Now, let’s move onto the big money question - how much should you expect to pay for a mobility scooter?
Mobility scooter rental prices vary depending on the size and type of scooter you need, the location you’re renting from, how long you’re renting for, and various other factors, so it’s hard to give a definitive price range.
That being said, as a general guideline, you should expect to pay around $25 to $35 per day for a small- to medium-sized scooter in most cases.
Larger scooters and heavy-duty scooters can cost upwards of $40 per day.
Where can I rent a mobility scooter online?
There are several companies that offer online scooter rentals across the USA, including:
You can rent a mobility scooter online from any of these websites, but I’d recommend checking them all out before you make your decision in order to compare your options and find the best deal.
Similar to Scootaround, Cloud of Goods rents scooters to seniors across the country. The only difference is that they deliver the scooter right to your door! If you can’t leave home to rent a scooter, this is the way to go.
The price you’ll pay for your rental is dependent upon where, when, and how long you need your scooter, and the exact price is reached when you fill out a quote form. The average price, however, is about $55 a day.
The scooter you get from Cloud of Goods appears to be very similar to the Scout EXT from Drive Medical, a very capable scooter that any senior can use well.
This company seeks to serve seniors in over 2,500 locations and can arrange for your scooter to be ready to use, no matter where you are! Whether you need a scooter for vacation, an extended stay in a new city, or just for a short-term recovery at home, Scootaround has you covered.
You can rent from Scootaround for periods as short as 3 days, and prices average about $125/week, depending on your location and the model of scooter you choose. There are several different models of scooters, including some high-speed off-road scooters, which are much more expensive. If you want to rent a mobility scooter in your area, Scootaround might be perfect for you!
How to Rent a Mobility Scooter for Free
If you’re one of the 62 million people on Medicare, you can get a mobility scooter rental (almost) totally paid for when you get a doctor’s prescription.
The reason we said “almost” is that Medicare only pays 80% of the cost of Durable Medical Equipment (DME), and the other 20% is up to you. If you have a supplemental insurance provider, you won’t have to pay anything.
Some seniors, though, have to pay that remaining 20% out of pocket - which is still considerably less than they’d pay to own a mobility scooter outright.
This program has a lot in common with Medicare, with two big differences. First, the program is administered by state governments, meaning the rules change every time you cross state lines. Second, Medicaid patients often pay 0% out of pocket - their mobility scooter rental, if approved, would be completely free.
VA
If you are a veteran or the spouse/widow of a veteran, you may be able to get your mobility scooter rental paid for by Veterans Affairs. As you probably already know, the VA is famously slow and bureaucratic, but there’s still nothing better than free, even if you have to wait a bit. Plus, in 2021, it looks like the VA is getting a pretty big increase in funding, which is good news for all vets.
Charities
There are charities in many cities and regions that focus on the elderly. These charities, when you locate them, will either pay for the mobility scooter rental for you, or loan you one in their possession for a predetermined length of time. If you belong to any senior groups, live in an assisted living facility, or are connected to a church, start asking around to find one of these charities today!
How can I find a place to rent a mobility scooter near me?
The easiest way to find a place to rent a mobility scooter near you is via an internet search. A quick Google search for ‘mobility scooter hire near me’ should bring back a bunch of rental stores that are local to your area.
Another option is to check the rental locations of major scooter rental companies as many of them have hundreds or even thousands of rental shops across the country.
For example, Scootaround operates scooter rentals out of 2500 locations across Europe and North America. You can use their online rental location tool to search for a nearby rental location in your area. Just type your city into the search box and it’ll bring back relevant results.
Is it better to rent or buy a mobility scooter?
As a rule of thumb, you’ll usually be better off renting a mobility scooter if you only have short-term needs and buying a mobility scooter if you need to use it on a permanent basis.
But ultimately, it comes down to value-for-money. Renting a mobility scooter may seem like a better deal on the surface but the costs quickly add up.
Let’s do the math. Some mobility scooters are available for as little as $699, or even less. If we assume that a typical rental costs around $30 per day, over the course of a month you could pay up to $900 - and that’s more than $699.
Of course, actual costs will vary and you’re likely to get discounts if you’re renting for a longer period. But still, it’s still likely that if you’re going to be renting for more than a few months, you’ll save money by buying one outright instead.
Other good times to rent your mobility scooter rather than buy are:
How can I rent-to-own a mobility scooter?
If you’re not sure whether to buy or rent a mobility scooter, the good news is you can get the best of both worlds by joining a rent-to-own program.
Rent-to-own programs allow you to rent out a scooter in order to try it out before you buy. Then, if you decide you want to use it long-term, you can purchase it at some point during the rental agreement.
That way, you don’t have to make any big financial decisions until you know for sure you want to purchase one.
Scoot Anywhere USA offers a rent-to-own program that you can learn more about here.
Tips to Get the Best Price on a Mobility Scooter Rental
Before we wrap up, here are a few top tips to save money on your mobility scooter rental (or purchase).
What to look for?
How to Avoid Getting Scammed
The good news is that mobility scooter rental scams aren’t really a huge problem - the worst thing that can happen is that you either pay too much or you get a low-quality scooter. Find the company on the Better Business Bureau website to see if they’ve got a history of customer complaints. If they have a solid rating, you usually have nothing to worry about!
Conclusion
There we have it! Renting a mobility scooter can be a little bit more complicated than buying one, but if you only need it for a short time, you can save a lot of money by renting. Finding a good rental company, making sure you’ve got the right mobility scooter accessories, and dealing with Medicare can be tricky, but it’s more than worth it!
What do you think? Is it worth it to rent a scooter for the short term, or is it better to buy and resell a scooter? Leave your thoughts in the comments section below!
Mobility scooter rentals Chattanooga.TN. call 4237164784
Looking to rent a scooter for a friend who is having some aptuation on his feet thanks