Renting Mobility Equipment for Seniors: Wheelchairs, Scooters & More

If a parent needs a wheelchair for a few weeks after surgery, or a scooter just for a family trip, buying often does not make sense. The good news is that most mobility equipment can be rented across Canada, by the week or the month, and for short-term needs it is usually the smarter, cheaper choice.

Here is what you can rent, when renting beats buying, what it costs, and how to find it near you.

Can you rent a wheelchair or mobility scooter in Canada?

Yes. Wheelchairs, power wheelchairs, mobility scooters, walkers, hospital beds, and even wheelchair ramps are all widely available to rent from home medical equipment suppliers, and many will deliver and set up. Rentals are usually offered by the week or the month, with the option to buy later if the need turns out to be long-term.

This is especially handy after a hospital stay, a hip or knee replacement, or for a visit where a parent needs a little more support than usual. You get what you need now, without committing to a purchase.

When does renting beat buying?

Our honest guidance: rent when the need is short-term or uncertain, and buy when it is permanent. A few weeks of recovery, a trip, or a "let's try it before we commit" situation all point to renting. A daily, long-term need points to buying, since monthly rental adds up over time.

One more tip: ask whether rental payments can be applied toward a purchase later. Many suppliers credit some or all of your rental toward buying the same item, which takes the risk out of "try before you buy."

What can you rent, and what does it cost?

Costs vary by city and supplier, but these illustrative 2026 monthly ranges give you a realistic starting point:

Delivery, setup, and pickup may be extra, so ask for the all-in price. For a lift chair specifically, we have a dedicated guide to renting a lift chair.

Where to rent mobility equipment near you

Home medical equipment suppliers, some pharmacies, and specialist mobility retailers rent locally, and the fastest way to compare them is in our directory. You can browse and request a quote from providers for wheelchairs, mobility scooters, walkers and rollators, and wheelchair ramps, then simply ask about rental when you reach out.

Many of the same suppliers handle both rentals and sales, so a single quote request can cover either option.

Is mobility equipment rental covered or funded?

Sometimes. Private extended-health insurance often contributes to rentals, especially after surgery, so check the policy. Veterans Affairs may cover equipment for eligible veterans, and provincial assistive-device programs occasionally help, though they lean toward purchases. Rental costs for a genuine medical need may also count toward the Medical Expense Tax Credit.

If the need is tied to recovery at home, our guide to home care after surgery covers how to set everything up before discharge.

The bottom line

For a short-term or uncertain need, renting mobility equipment is usually the smart, affordable choice, and it buys you time to see what your parent really needs before committing to a purchase. Rent for recovery and trips, buy for the long haul, and ask whether rental can be credited toward a purchase later. To compare local suppliers and ask about rental, start in our aging-in-place directory.