Deciding whether to hire or buy an electric wheelchair does not have to be complicated. For most Australians with a long-term or daily mobility need, buying almost always works out cheaper and better suited to your life. For short-term situations, hiring is a practical bridge. Here is how to work out which applies to you.
- Key takeaways
- Hiring suits short-term recovery, travel, and trialling a model before you purchase.
- Buying is the better financial outcome after 8 to 20 months of use.
- If NDIS or DVA funding covers your chair, buying is almost always the right call.
- Hire chairs are not fitted to your body, which creates comfort and pressure injury risk over time.
- We do not offer hire directly, but we can help you find the right chair to purchase.
Jump to: When hiring makes sense | When buying is better | The cost reality
When Hiring an Electric Wheelchair Makes Sense
Hiring is a genuine solution when you need a power chair for weeks, not months. It removes the upfront cost when your need is temporary and you are not yet ready to commit to a specific model.
Short-term recovery after surgery or injury
If you are recovering from a hip or knee replacement, a fracture, or a short illness, you may need a power chair for four to twelve weeks. Hiring makes good sense here. Once you recover, you no longer need the chair. Pharmacies such as Chemist Warehouse and Terry White offer basic mobility equipment hire. For electric wheelchairs specifically, specialist hire companies operate in most major Australian cities.
Travel and one-off events
Some Australians hire a power chair for a specific trip, a family event, or an extended holiday away from home. If your main chair is being serviced or repaired, a short-term hire can bridge the gap. This is a practical, cost-effective way to use the hire model.
Trialling a chair before you commit
A short trial hire can help you decide whether a particular model suits your size, driving style, and home environment before you purchase. Some assistive technology suppliers offer demo periods on specific models. If you are considering a purchase and want to trial first, it is worth asking suppliers about this option before you commit.
When Buying Is the Better Choice
For most Australians who use a power wheelchair regularly, buying is the right decision. The financial case for ownership builds quickly, and owning your chair gives you something hire never can: a chair fitted to your body and your life.
You use a power chair every day
If an electric wheelchair is part of your daily routine, ongoing hire costs add up fast. At $150 to $400 per month for a standard hire chair, you will spend more than the purchase price of many models within two years. Once you own your chair, your cost is effectively zero beyond maintenance and batteries.
NDIS or DVA funding is available
If you are an NDIS participant or a DVA card holder, buying is almost always the better financial path. NDIS does not fund chair hire as a standard pathway. If you are waiting on NDIS approval and need a chair now, a temporary hire from your own funds may bridge the gap. Once your funding is confirmed, a purchased chair is covered and it is yours to keep. We recommend speaking with your occupational therapist or support coordinator about your equipment needs if you are navigating NDIS.
Fit and comfort matter for your long-term health
A hire chair is a standard, off-the-shelf setup. It is not adjusted to your body dimensions, seating posture, or specific requirements. Over weeks of use, a poorly fitted chair increases the risk of pressure injuries, poor posture, and fatigue. When you buy, you choose a chair matched to your weight, height, and driving environment, and you can add accessories such as cushions and armrest pads. That is a meaningful difference for daily users.
The Cost Reality: Hire vs. Buy Over Time
Let us look at the numbers honestly, because this is where the hire vs. buy question usually gets settled.
What does electric wheelchair hire cost in Australia?
In Australia, hiring a basic electric wheelchair typically costs $50 to $70 per week, or roughly $200 to $300 per month. More capable or heavy-duty power chairs can cost $300 to $400 per month to hire. Delivery and collection fees often apply on top of this.
| Option | Typical monthly cost | 12-month total | 24-month total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hire (standard) | $200–$300 | $2,400–$3,600 | $4,800–$7,200 |
| Buy (entry-level) | One-off ~$2,500–$3,500 | $2,500–$3,500 | $2,500–$3,500 |
When does buying break even?
At typical hire rates, a purchased entry-level electric wheelchair pays for itself within 8 to 20 months. After that point, every month of hire is money spent on something you will never own. If you expect to use a power wheelchair for more than a year, purchasing is the financially sound choice.
What hire doesn't give you
Beyond cost, hire chairs come with real limitations. You cannot customise accessories, seating, or controls. The chair belongs to the hire company and goes back in the same generic setup it arrived in. There is no warranty that covers your specific needs, and you have no say in the model you receive if your preferred option is unavailable. Ownership gives you full control over all of these factors.
If you are ready to explore what buying looks like for your situation, we are here to help. Browse our full range of power chairs and electric wheelchairs, or read our electric wheelchair buying guide to understand what to look for before you decide. Our team is available to give you straightforward, no-pressure advice before you order.