Rent or hire a wheelchair | British Red Cross (2025)

FAQs

How to get a wheelchair for free? ›

Getting an NHS wheelchair

Ask a GP, physiotherapist or hospital staff to refer you to your local wheelchair service for an assessment. You'll need to do this before you can get an NHS wheelchair. The local wheelchair service will decide if you need a wheelchair and, if so, what type. You might be able to get a voucher.

British Red Cross Bariatric wheelchairs feature: Reinforced frames. An anti-tip device for added safety. Easy folding.

A doctor must first assess your ability to walk and move before they provide you with a wheelchair prescription. If your doctor determines that you'll benefit from using one, they will send your prescription and supporting medical information to an insurer-approved wheelchair supplier.

Getting a wheelchair from the NHS Wheelchair Service

The NHS Wheelchair Service provides wheelchairs free of charge to: people who need one full time. some people who need one occasionally.

The user must be functionally unable to walk and need to use a wheelchair for independent mobility.

Part B (Medical Insurance)

covers wheelchairs and power-operated vehicles (scooters) as durable medical equipment (DME) that your doctor prescribes for use in your home.

Medicaid. If your insurance doesn't cover any wheelchair costs, you should look into Medicaid. Medicaid provides free electric-powered wheelchairs if you're eligible. You can also apply for Medicaid in addition to Medicare for more cost coverage when you buy a wheelchair.

Self-propelled wheelchairs can be propelled by users themselves by using push-rims fitted on rear wheels. They also come with pushing handles, which makes it easy to be pushed by another person, if need be. Their larger rear wheels are an advantage when you need to push the chair over an obstacle.

Disabilities may be orthopedic (relating to the bone and muscles) or they may be neuromuscular (relating to the nerves and muscles). For example, some of the more common kinds of mobility impairments are amputations, paralysis, spinal cord injuries, Cerebral Palsy, Multiple Sclerosis, Muscular Dystrophy, and more.

The first is by visiting your doctor to be evaluated for a wheelchair. This will verify that your mobility limitations require a wheelchair and your doctor may provide you with a prescription, which allows your insurance to cover some of the costs. You may also need a certificate of necessity to go this route.

How do I ask my doctor for a wheelchair? ›

Discuss With Your Doctor

Before you get a wheelchair or scooter, you'll need to have a face-to-face examination with your doctor. The doctor may refer you to see an occupational or physical therapist to help review your need for a wheelchair or scooter.

The average cost of a new wheelchair is between $500 and $1,500, but it really depends upon what kind of wheelchair you're shopping for.

To be eligible, individuals must meet certain criteria, such as having a permanent or long-term mobility issue that significantly affects their ability to walk.

Qualifying Diagnosis for Standard Wheelchairs

Arthritis. COPD. Congestive Heart Failure. Degenerative Disc Disease.

Discuss With Your Doctor

Before you get a wheelchair or scooter, you'll need to have a face-to-face examination with your doctor. The doctor may refer you to see an occupational or physical therapist to help review your need for a wheelchair or scooter.

These include but are not limited to amputation, paralysis, cerebral palsy, stroke, multiple sclerosis, muscular dystrophy, arthritis and spinal cord injury.