Wheelchair Hire in Brisbane: What to Know Before Booking

Wheelchair hire is usually suitable when the need is temporary or still changing. It can help during recovery, while waiting for longer-term equipment, or when a wheelchair is only needed for a visit, event or short stay.

• recovery after surgery or injury
• hospital discharge
• short-term illness, fatigue or reduced mobility
• travel, family visits or accommodation stays
• temporary support while waiting for equipment or funding approval

Hiring can be more practical than purchasing if the wheelchair is only needed for a few weeks or months. If the need may become ongoing, it is worth comparing hire with the longer-term options in our hire or buy wheelchair guide.

Buying may be the more suitable path if the wheelchair will be used daily, long term or for extended periods each day. Purchase options usually allow more careful selection around seat width, user weight, posture, comfort, transport needs and accessories.

A basic hire wheelchair may not be the best fit for someone with pressure care needs, significant postural support needs, complex transfers or clinical requirements. In those situations, an occupational therapist or other suitable health professional should be involved.

For more general selection advice, see our guide to choosing a wheelchair or browse the wheelchair hire range.

• Transit/attendant propelled wheelchairs have smaller rear wheels and are designed to be pushed by another person. They are often lighter and easier to transport, but the user generally cannot push themselves effectively.
• Self-propelled wheelchairs have larger rear wheels so the user may be able to push themselves, depending on strength, coordination and ability. They can provide more independence, but may be heavier and larger than a transit chair.

The better option depends on who will control the wheelchair, how often it will be used, where it will be used and whether transport in a vehicle is required.

Before booking, it helps to have the practical details ready so the team can check availability and narrow down the available options.

• the user’s approximate height and weight
• whether the user can self-propel
• whether someone will be pushing the wheelchair
• whether the wheelchair needs to fit into a car
• whether it will be used indoors, outdoors or both
• the delivery suburb, hire start date and expected hire duration
• any access issues at the delivery address

If delivery is to accommodation, the property generally needs suitable access and a manned reception desk. Delivery to private apartments, Airbnbs or unattended locations may not be possible.

It is also worth checking the current hire terms and conditions before booking.

Standard wheelchairs can generally be used on firm, smooth surfaces such as footpaths, shopping centres, hospitals, airports and flat paved areas.

They are not designed for rough terrain, sand, gravel, steep slopes, gutters, cracked paths or off-road use. Using a standard wheelchair on unsuitable terrain can increase the risk of damage, tipping, injury or the wheelchair becoming stuck.

NDIS participants may be able to use their funding for wheelchair hire where it is reasonable, necessary and related to their plan goals. Mobility Rentals and Sales can issue invoices to plan managers or account managers upon request, but participants should confirm funding suitability with their plan manager, support coordinator or relevant advisor before booking.

For general background, see our disability equipment funding guide.

Delivery and collection can usually be arranged for an additional fee, depending on the suburb, item required, staffing, access requirements and current hire stock availability.

Mobility Rentals and Sales can assist with general product information and availability, but we are not allied health professionals and cannot prescribe equipment. If the user has complex seating, pressure care, posture, transfer or clinical needs, an occupational therapist or other suitable health professional should be involved.

Mobility Rentals and Sales provides wheelchair hire across Brisbane, Logan, the Gold Coast, Ipswich and surrounding areas, subject to availability and delivery access.

Delivery availability depends on the suburb, the item required, current hire stock, delivery scheduling and property access. Customers can also contact our Loganholme showroom to check availability, and options where applicable.

To get started, browse our wheelchair hire options or contact our team with the required dates and delivery suburb.