Wheelchair Hire – Flexible Short & Long-Term Options
• Short & long-term wheelchair hire available
• Suitable for home use and temporary needs
• Trusted Australian healthcare provider
• Support available if you’re unsure what to choose
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Wheelchair Hire
Hire wheelchairs for short or long-term use. Ideal for home care, hospital discharge and temporary mobility needs, with flexible hire options and expert support from Unicare.
Unicare offers a wide range of wheelchairs for hire to support people who need temporary or longer-term mobility assistance at home. Our wheelchair hire options are suitable for short-term recovery, transitioning home from hospital, or when extra support is needed for daily mobility.
We work closely with physiotherapists, occupational therapists, healthcare teams and families to ensure the right wheelchair is available when it’s needed. With flexible hire terms, delivery options and expert support, wheelchair hire is a practical alternative to buying equipment outright.
Wheelchair Hire – Flexible Short & Long-Term Options
• Short & long-term wheelchair hire available
• Suitable for home use and temporary needs
• Trusted Australian healthcare provider
• Support available if you’re unsure what to choose
Who Our Wheelchair Hire Is For
Our wheelchair hire service is commonly used by:
• Physiotherapists and occupational therapists arranging assistive technology for their clients
• Individuals or families organising equipment before or after a hospital stay
• People returning home who need temporary mobility support
• Families arranging care at home for a loved one
If you’re unsure which wheelchair is most suitable, our team can help you choose the right option.
Who Our Wheelchair Hire Is For
Our wheelchair hire service is commonly used by:
• Physiotherapists and occupational therapists arranging assistive technology for their clients
• Individuals or families organising equipment before or after a hospital stay
• People returning home who need temporary mobility support
• Families arranging care at home for a loved one
If you’re unsure which wheelchair is most suitable, our team can help you choose the right option.
Wheelchair Hire
FAQs
We unicare about helping you find the right wheelchair for your needs
How much does it cost to hire a wheelchair?
Wheelchair hire costs vary depending on the type of wheelchair, hire duration, and delivery requirements. Manual wheelchairs are typically the most affordable option, while lightweight or specialised models may cost more. At Unicare, we offer clear pricing and flexible hire periods so you only pay for what you need.
Do I need a prescription or referral to hire a wheelchair?
No. You do not need a prescription or referral to hire a wheelchair. Anyone can hire a wheelchair for short- or long-term use. This makes wheelchair hire ideal for temporary mobility needs such as injury recovery, surgery, travel, or caring for a family member.
Does Medicare cover wheelchair hire in Australia?
No. Medicare does not cover wheelchair hire or rental. However, funding may be available through programs such as NDIS, My Aged Care, or state-based equipment schemes for eligible individuals. For immediate needs, private hire is usually the fastest option.
Can I hire a wheelchair short term?
Yes. Short-term wheelchair hire is very common and perfect for situations like:
- Post-surgery recovery
- Temporary injury or illness
- Holidays or events
- Visiting relatives with mobility needs
Hire periods can range from a few days to several weeks.
How quickly can I hire a wheelchair?
You can hire a wheelchair immediately by visiting our showroom or by contacting us to arrange same-day or after-hours delivery. We recommend calling ahead before you arrive so our team can confirm stock and prepare your wheelchair in advance, helping to minimise waiting time. This makes wheelchair hire an ideal solution for urgent or short-notice needs, including hospital discharge, injury recovery, or unexpected mobility support.
What types of wheelchairs can I hire?
Unicare Health offers a range of wheelchairs for hire, including:
- Manual wheelchairs which can be self-propelled by the user or pushed by a caregiver. This includes lightweight wheelchairs, tilt in space wheelchairs, and multi-adjustable models.
- Attendant propelled wheelchairs, also called transit wheelchairs, which are designed to be pushed by a caregiver. These are ideal for users who are always accompanied by a caregiver or loved one while out and about.
- Powered wheelchairs, also called electric wheelchairs or motorised wheelchairs, which can be driven by means of an electric motor. These feature advanced navigation systems and are ideal for users with severe disabilities.
- Tilt in space wheelchairs, which are designed for long-term users who require additional trunk support. These wheelchairs help to alleviate pressure and provide the optimum seating position for the individual.
- Specialty wheelchairs, including bariatric wheelchairs for larger users, lightweight wheelchairs for easy transport, and tilt-and-recline wheelchairs, which allow you to adjust the angle of the backrest to best suit your needs.
- Accessories, including a range of add-ons such as elevating legrests, safety belts, and stump support, to enhance comfort and usability.
Our team can help you choose the right wheelchair based on comfort, weight capacity, and intended use.
What is a wheelchair?
A wheelchair is a mobility aid designed for individuals who have difficulty walking due to disability, age, or health conditions. It allows users to maintain independence and mobility, offering options for users to propel themselves forward or be pushed by an attendant. There are also powered wheelchairs, which offer electric driving controls for users with limited arm strength or mobility.
What should I consider when choosing a wheelchair?
When choosing a wheelchair, consider the following factors:
- Operation needs: Decide between options like manual, attendant propelled, or tilt-in-space wheelchairs based on the user’s ability to operate the chair. For example, consider whether the user has the arm strength to operate a manual wheelchair.
- Weight capacity: Choose a wheelchair that supports the user’s weight effectively. Make sure to check the safe working load and consider selecting a model with an even higher capacity if you anticipate any weight gain. We also have bariatric options available for larger users.
- Usage frequency: Determine if the wheelchair will only be needed occasionally for trips and outdoor activities or if it will be used as a primary mode of mobility. The more you expect to use your wheelchair, the more durability you should look for.
- Design Considerations: Consider features like high-back reclining options for upper body support or lightweight frames for active users. If you expect to often take your wheelchair in the car, make sure to choose lightweight or foldable options to make transport easier.
- Purpose Specific: Select models designed for specific environments or activities, such as all-terrain wheelchairs for outdoor use or beach and pool wheelchairs for the waterside.
If you’re unsure which wheelchair is most suitable, our specialist team can help you choose the right option.
What are the benefits of using a wheelchair?
Using a wheelchair offers several benefits for users with limited mobility, including:
- Independence: Wheelchairs – particularly manual and powered wheelchairs – enable users to move around and perform daily tasks with a greater level of independence.
- Mobility: Wheelchairs enhance your ability to move freely, whether it’s at home or around the neighbourhood. Many of our wheelchairs are crash-tested and transit-approved, meaning you can bring them on a train or bus ride to your favourite destinations.
- Comfort: At Unicare Health, our wheelchairs are ergonomically designed to support your spine and align your body comfortably. We also offer a wide range of pressure care cushions, which help you sit comfortably with increased skin protection.
- Social Engagement: staying active in your community through social activities is an essential part of living and ageing well. A wheelchair helps you to stay connected with other people and participate in social activities, whether it’s taking a trip to the shops or catching up for a coffee date.
Is wheelchair hire better than buying?
For short-term or temporary needs, wheelchair hire is often more cost-effective than buying. Hiring avoids the upfront cost of purchasing, storage issues, and maintenance — while giving you access to a suitable wheelchair exactly when you need it.
Is wheelchair hire suitable for home use?
Yes. Our wheelchairs are commonly hired for use at home and are suitable for a range of mobility needs.
Can I get a wheelchair delivered to my home?
Yes. Wheelchair delivery is available and can be arranged directly to your home, hospital, aged care facility, or accommodation. This is especially helpful if mobility is limited or urgent equipment is required.
Can I hire a wheelchair for an elderly person?
Yes. Wheelchair hire is commonly used for elderly family members, including short-term support after illness, surgery, or hospital discharge. Hiring allows flexibility without long-term commitment.
Can you help me choose the right wheelchair?
Yes. Our specialist team can assist individuals, families and healthcare professionals in selecting the most suitable wheelchair.
How soon can i get a rental wheelchair?
We offer a standard next day delivery service.
If you have urgent needs, please ask us about our same day delivery service.
What is the easiest way for me to hire a wheelchair from unicare?
You can book a wheelchair hire online.
Just select the wheelchair you need, add it to your rental cart, and complete the checkout — it’s quick, simple, and convenient.
There is a problem with the wheelchair I am hiring — what should I do?
If there is a problem with the wheelchair you are hiring from Unicare, please contact us as soon as possible to let us know. We will assess the issue and arrange either a replacement wheelchair or a technician to repair the chair, depending on the situation.
To help us resolve the issue quickly, you can send photos or videos showing the problem when you contact us. This allows our team to identify the issue more accurately and minimise any disruption to your hire.