Renting assistive equipment lets you test what works before buying, avoid storage headaches, and keep your home safe without draining savings. Whether you need a walker, hospital bed, shower chair, or stair lift, knowing where to look and what to compare saves time and money. The right equipment makes aging at home possible—but only if you find gear that actually fits your space and needs.
Why Rent Instead of Buy
Purchasing assistive devices outright costs $300–$3,000+ per item, and your needs often change month to month. A temporary recovery from surgery might only need a walker for 8 weeks; buying one locks you into storage and maintenance costs. Renting typically runs 10–20% of the purchase price annually, making it ideal for short-term use, testing equipment comfort, or bridging a gap while waiting for insurance approval.
Renting also shifts responsibility: most rental companies handle delivery, setup, cleaning, and repairs. If a knee scooter breaks down, the rental provider replaces it—not you.
Local Medical Equipment Rental Companies
Start with durable medical equipment (DME) providers in your area. Search "[your city] medical equipment rental" to find local businesses. Call three to five companies and ask:
- What's their delivery timeline? (Same-day, next-day, or one week matters)
- Do they deliver and set up the equipment?
- Is sanitization included in the rental?
- What's their damage policy? (Minor wear is usually fine; replacement costs vary)
- Do they accept insurance billing, or is it cash-only?
Typical rental costs:
- Walker or cane: $20–$40/month
- Wheelchair: $50–$100/month
- Hospital bed: $80–$150/month
- Shower chair: $15–$30/month
- Lift chair: $100–$200/month
Local shops often beat online prices because they skip shipping and handle logistics themselves.
National Rental and Sales Chains
Apria Healthcare, Amedisys, and Byram Healthcare operate nationwide with local branches. These chains offer wider inventory, 24/7 customer support, and accepted insurance plans. Their websites let you request quotes online, but you'll still need to verify local availability. Expect slightly higher base prices than small local providers, but consistent quality and reliability.
Walmart, Target, and Amazon sell affordable assistive items for purchase (grab bars, bath benches, reachers), but they don't typically offer rentals.
Online Rental Platforms
Rent-A-Center and Aaron's carry some mobility items, though availability varies by location. Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace occasionally list used equipment at steep discounts, but you assume all risk—no warranty, no support, and no guarantee of cleanliness.
For comparing trusted aging-in-place and home safety providers in one place, Mercoly connects you with verified local equipment rental companies and installation specialists, saving time on sourcing.
Insurance and Payment
Most Medicare plans cover DME rentals if a doctor prescribes them. You'll need:
- A prescription or letter of medical necessity from your doctor
- Prior authorization from your insurance (some companies require this before delivery)
- Your insurance card and policy number
Copays typically range from $0–$50 per item, depending on your plan. Always verify coverage before renting; calling your insurance company takes 10 minutes and prevents surprise bills.
Private insurance, Medicaid, and Veterans Benefits all vary—ask the equipment company if they're in-network before committing.
What to Compare
Condition and cleanliness: Rentals should be sanitized and in working order. Scratches are fine; rust or stains are not.
Weight capacity: Confirm the equipment supports your weight. Most walkers handle 250–350 lbs; beds vary widely.
Adjustability: A hospital bed should raise/lower height; a walker should adjust to your arm height. Get these fitted before delivery.
Return policy: Can you return the item early without penalty? Some companies charge a restocking fee.
Backup availability: What happens if your equipment breaks mid-rental? Do they have a loaner?
Next Steps
Call three local DME companies this week and request quotes on the specific items you need. Compare delivery costs, setup fees, and rental rates. Ask about trial periods (some allow 48–72 hours to test at home before committing). Once you find a fit, verify insurance coverage and schedule delivery. This process takes 30 minutes and typically saves $500+ over three months versus purchasing outright.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I apply rental payments toward eventual purchase? A: Some companies offer rental-to-own programs where 30–50% of your monthly rental goes toward the purchase price if you decide to buy, but this isn't standard—ask each company directly.
Q: How long does delivery usually take? A: Local DME shops often deliver same-day or next-day; national chains may take 3–5 business days, so plan ahead if you need equipment urgently.
Q: What if the rental equipment doesn't fit my doorways or bathroom? A: Discuss your home's dimensions with the rental company before ordering; they can recommend equipment sizes and may allow you to return and upgrade within the first week.
Contact a local equipment provider today to get exact pricing and availability for your specific needs.