3 Tips For Renting A Wheelchair For Your Next Trip
Before traveling, you have to decide whether or not you want to rent a wheelchair or take yours for the trip. Some people are hesitant to take their own chairs out of fear of loss or damage. If you have decided to rent a wheelchair, here are a few things to remember:
Reserve the Wheelchair Early
To ensure the medical mobility supply company you are renting from has the wheelchair you want to use available, you need to reserve it well before your trip. If not, you run the risk of the chair being unavailable and having to choose another chair or supply company.
Ideally, you should look into wheelchair rentals a few weeks in advance. If it is a popular model, consider placing your reservation a month or so earlier.
Be Prepared to Pay a Large Deposit
The deposit for wheelchairs can be larger than you might expect. Due to the cost of the chairs, the company requires a larger deposit than some other types of medical equipment to guarantee that it is returned.
Depending on the type of wheelchair, the amount that has to be deposited could increase. For instance, if you want to rent an electric wheelchair instead of a manually operated one, you could be required to pay more. Before paying the deposit, be sure you are clear on what circumstances could lead to your deposit being kept.
Know the Procedure for Repairs
If you experience any problems with the wheelchair while it is in your possession, you need to know what steps you can take to have the chair either exchanged or repaired. You also need to ask if you or the rental company will be financially responsible if the chair malfunctions.
Since you are traveling, you also need to know what can you do for a replacement if the malfunction occurs while you are out of town. Does the company have another location near your destination? If not, does the company have a partnership with another rental company that would allow you to receive help with acquiring a new rental? In addition to these questions, you need to know the number to call in an emergency situation involving the chair.
Renting a wheelchair instead of using your own while traveling is a smart move. Ensure that you fully understand what you are agreeing to avoid any unexpected surprises when you rent and return the chair.
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