Wheelchair Rentals in Chicago: What to Know Before You Book

If you’re comparing durable medical equipment options and wondering whether a wheelchair rental is right for you, you’re not alone. Between models, measurements, delivery, and insurance rules, it can feel like a maze. This quick Chicago-focused guide keeps it simple, so you can reserve the right chair, at the right price, without the stress.

Who benefits from renting vs. buying?

• Short-term recovery: post-surgery or injury when mobility is limited for weeks, not years.
• Travel or event needs: visiting family, graduations, museums, or a weekend trip downtown.
• Trial period: test comfort and fit before you commit to a purchase.

If mobility support is likely to be long-term or you have complex seating/positioning needs purchasing may be better. Our team can help you decide in minutes via our Products page.

Manual vs. Transport vs. Power: which fits your life?

Manual wheelchairs

• Pros: versatile, affordable, good for self-propelling and caregiver pushes.
• Consider: seat width/depth, cushion type, leg rest style, and total weight for car loading.
• Great for: indoor/outdoor use, clinic visits, neighborhood errands.

Transport chairs

• Pros: ultra-light, compact, designed to be pushed by a caregiver.
• Consider: smaller wheels (not ideal for self-propelling), check curb handling.
• Great for: tight apartments, quick appointments, travel.

Power wheelchairs (select rentals available)

• Pros: independent mobility with minimal shoulder strain; small turning radius for kitchens/hallways.
• Consider: battery range, joystick placement, doorway clearance, elevator access.
• Great for: full-day mobility needs where self-propelling is difficult.

Need help sizing? Bring hip width, height/weight, and hallway/doorway measurements or contact us through Health Professionals if a clinic is sending a referral.

What’s included with a rental in Chicago?

• Delivery & pickup options: curbside or in-home; ask about stairs/elevator access.
• Setup & quick training: safe transfers, brake use, footrests, and folding/transport steps.
• Maintenance support: what to do if a tire softens or a footplate loosens.
• Accessories: cushions, elevating leg rests, anti-tippers, seat belts small add-ons with big comfort and safety gains.

Insurance & Medicare how it typically works

• Medical necessity: a clinician documents why a wheelchair is needed for activities of daily living at home.
• Prescription & notes: face-to-face exam and chart notes are often required.
• Rental vs. capped rental: many chairs begin as rentals under Part B; some convert to ownership after a period.
• Costs: after your Part B deductible, you usually pay coinsurance on the Medicare-approved amount.
• Supplier matters: use a Medicare-enrolled supplier that accepts assignment. (We do.)

For the plain-English version including what documentation to get see our medicare guide.

Booking checklist (save this!)

1. Measure doorways and the narrowest hallway.
2. Choose a type (manual, transport, or power) based on daily routine and caregiver support.
3. Decide on accessories: pressure-relief cushion, elevating leg rests, or anti-tippers.
4. Confirm time frame (days, weeks, months) and delivery location.
5. If using insurance: gather prescription, chart notes, and plan info or ask your clinic to fax the referral through health professionals.
6. Schedule delivery & fitting and learn basic maintenance before the driver leaves.

When rental isn’t the best fit

• You’ll rely on the chair most of the day for months or years.
• You need advanced positioning (tilt, recline, specialty cushions).
• You require vehicle transport systems or custom seating.

In these cases, purchasing (or an evaluation for a complex power chair) may be smarter. Start on Products and we’ll guide you.

FAQs

Does Medicare cover wheelchair rental in Chicago?
Yes, when medical-necessity criteria are met and documentation is complete. Medicare Part B typically covers manual wheelchair rental from an enrolled supplier after you meet the deductible and pay coinsurance. Some categories follow a capped rental schedule. See our medicare guide for specifics and timing requirements.

How soon can I get a rental delivered?
Same-week delivery is common in Chicago. Availability can vary by model, accessories, and building access (stairs/elevators). Booking early ensures the right size and cushion.

What measurements do I need?
Hip width (seated), seat depth (back to knee), height/weight, and the narrowest doorway/hallway at home. Bring these and we’ll recommend the safest fit.

Manual vs. transport, what’s easier for travel?
Transport chairs are lighter and fold compactly, great for caregivers to lift into a car. If the user will self-propel, choose a manual wheelchair with the correct wheel size and hand rims.

Can I rent a power wheelchair?
Limited models are available for rental subject to evaluation, battery charging access, and home layout. If you’ll rely on powered mobility daily, we’ll help you evaluate purchase options too.

Do rentals include cushions?
We strongly recommend a pressure-relief cushion for comfort and skin protection. Add it to your reservation and we’ll size it correctly.

The bottom line

Wheelchair rentals are a smart, flexible way to stay mobile, whether you’re recovering, traveling, or testing a device before you buy. Tell us your timeline and home layout, and we’ll recommend the safest, most comfortable option. Check inventory on products, loop in your clinic via health Professionals, and visit the medicare guide to understand coverage step-by-step. When you’re ready, we’ll handle delivery, setup, and support across Chicago.