Any places rent a rollator?

[dimndgal1]

After trying to walk around my local Renaissance Festival this weekend, I came to the conclusion that I at LEAST am going to need a rollator for my upcoming Orlando trips -- ECV is to be decided but I want to try manual wheels first.

I am just getting starting to research and see all the options available - my only experience with rollators is my grandparents who have two totally different ones. I haven't found a place near me that has a good selection in stock (most seem to order in) and I really don't want to invest the money until I can try one or two out.

We are going to Orlando next month to UIoA and I'd love to rent a rollator for that trip to try, however most of the places I've seen only rent ECVs, wheelchairs, and the like. Is there any place that rents rollators? I know in the end the cost might work out close to the same as buying, but I'm thinking of trying to rent two types and seeing which I like better.

 

[GranJan]

I don't have the answer to whether you can rent them or not, but I might be able to help you decide if it's best to just buy one. Rollators are available for less than $100 on Amazon with free shipping. Even if you could find a place to rent one...like you said...if you rented it for very many days it would cost as much as buying. I've bought several before finding what I like & ended up keeping 3...one with big wheels that I leave outside, one of the cheap ones with 2 wheels I keep in the car since I don't like using 4 wheeled ones on ramps & one I bought recently that's made just for indoors which I love. It's narrow to fit through doors & maneuvers great around the house. I've given two away to Goodwill that didn't work for me. I bought all mine online so I made a few mistakes before I found the right one.

If you have a place near you that has them in stock, I'd go & try a few out. I'm sure the salesmen will help you with choosing what's best for you...such as the right height, 3 or 4 wheeled & brakes you're able to operate...these are some features I made poor choices on. After you find what you need, check Amazon to see if you can find it cheaper. If you end up spending around the same as renting & decide later you made a poor choice...just donate it...that way the money spent may be helping someone out rather than just going to some rental company. If you make a choice based on a salesman's recommendation, they may even let you exchange it if it turns out not to be the right one for you.

If you can't rent them...maybe it's because they're so cheap to buy. I hope this helps.

 

[SueM in MN]

Care Medical (one of the companies in the disABILITIES FAQs thread for renting wheelchairs and ECV) also rents rollators, although they call them walkers with seats. You have to click on Products and then on AND MORE on the right of the page.
http://www.caremedicalequipment.com/products06.htm

Scoot around does not list them, but I have heard they may rent them.
http://www.scootaround.com/

Another possibility - could you maybe borrow your grandparents rollators each for an afternoon trip to a mall or somewhere you could give each one a good try for a few hours. That would help you to narrow down what you like and don't like.

Also, I have seen rollators for sale in places like Sam's Club and Walgreens, so you might want to check out some non-traditional places to find them. In Sam's, they were in the drug area. Walgreens has an area with different equipment like bath benches. I think I saw them also in CVS Pharmacies. Even if they only carry one to show, you could look it over, try it out and then order if you like it.

 

[peemagg]

I know that one of our local medical supply stores has several different ones onsite to try out. Did you look at any of those type places by you? That might also be a place that you could rent some different ones before the trip to try out and see what you like best. Also at least around here, if you have a script from a doctor, your medical insurance might cover the cost of one.

 

[peemagg]

You might want to check with one of these places in your state:

Find a store in Maryland.

Wheelchair & Scooter Repair of MD
At Your Home, MD




Advanced Mobility
Laurel, MD 20707


Lenox Medical Supply
Suitland, MD 20746




Fallston Pharmacy & Medical Equipment
Fallston, MD 21047


Modern Medical Supply
OWINGS MILLS, MD 21117




A&A Medical Supply Company
Reisterstown, MD 21136


Grace Medical Equipment & Supplies
Baltimore, MD 21214




Towson Medical Equipment Co
Baltimore, MD 21234


Chesapeake Rehab Equipment - Baltimore
Baltimore, MD 21244




All Medical
Baltimore, MD 21286


Annapolis Healthcare Supplies
Annapolis, MD 21404




Chesapeake Rehab Equipment - Cumberland
Cumberland, MD 21502


Western Maryland Medical Supply
LaVale, MD 21502




Craig's Drug Store
Cambridge, MD 21613


Chesapeake Rehab Equipment - Salisbury
Salisbury, MD 21801

 

[dimndgal1]

I appreciate all the advice and recommendations! You all are wonderful!

We're in rural Maryland, and none of the places here have rollators out of the box - which I find odd... they'll carry three types, but all are on the shelf unassembled.

I think I am going to try to plan a trip to DC or Baltimore so I can check into some of the places listed -- if I can target two or three different places, it will definitely make it worth the trek. And I appreciate the recommendations about Amazon, Sams, and Walgreens... some of the prices I have seen were ridiculous but I love the discounted costs online!

Worst case scenario is I can rent from Care Medical next month!

 

[GranJan]

I checked online & did see a few places that rent them for as low as $20 a week...one had them for $35 for 2 weeks...so renting is a lot cheaper than I thought. None of these places were near you but just give an idea of the cost. I like Sue's idea of trying your grandparents. If you're thinking about renting because you just don't think you'll need it after the trip, that's understandable. But if it's because you're not sure which type you want...I hope you're able to find a place that will let you try before you buy & you don't have to waste money renting. You may find lots of situations where you could use one & they don't take up much space. Good luck!

 

[dclfun]

I saw a very nice one at Walgreens for $89, but of course you should probably see if it's adjustable and works for you. Have you checked to see if it would be covered by your insurance company? Also, I'd check out the return policy if you do buy one and then try it out at home before your trip in case you aren't comfortable with it. Good luck!--Kathy

 

[dimndgal1]

YAY -- so excited!

It's a three-wheel, which I'm really intrigued with -- sitting is actually harder for me than standing... I just get tired from standing so I am excited to see how the three wheel works for me. I'm hoping to test out some four wheelers when I go out looking next week.

Thanks again for all the input!!!!!

P.S. dclfun - I absolutely love the photo in your signature! My friend's pup sails out of Baltimore and absolutely loves the water (he's infatuated with dolphins!)

 

[SueM in MN]

Hope it works out for you.