Often the call comes a day before a discharge from Lawrence Memorial, or the morning of a wedding at the Eldridge — a loved one who can manage a few steps but not a whole afternoon on their feet, and nobody wants them to miss it. A chair waiting at the door means they get to be there for the whole thing.
Manual vs. electric — which one do you actually need?
Most people search "wheelchair rental Lawrence KS" without knowing whether they want a manual or an electric chair. Plain version of the choice:
- Manual wheelchair — pushed by a caregiver, or self-propelled if the rider has upper-body strength. Lighter (about 35 lbs), folds for car loading, much cheaper. Best for short outings, a wedding, a graduation ceremony, a hospital visit.
- Electric (power) wheelchair — motorized, joystick-controlled. Heavy (about 150 lbs assembled), doesn't fit in most car trunks. We deliver and set up. Best when the rider doesn't have a caregiver to push them, or when the day involves a lot of distance.
If you're not sure, call us with a description of who's using it and what they're doing. We pick the model and tell you why. Longer write-up here.
Common reasons people in Lawrence rent a wheelchair
- Hospital discharge from Lawrence Memorial — patients heading home with mobility limits while their family figures out the long-term plan.
- KU graduation — relatives who can stand for a few minutes but can't do the full ceremony walk.
- Wedding weekends — Castle Tea Room, Maceli's, Eldridge ballroom — long days that wear out anyone with mobility limits.
- Family visiting from out of town — older parents staying for a week; cheaper to rent for the trip than ship a chair.
- Surgery recovery — when the surgery is on the back, hip, or both legs — when crutches and knee scooters won't work, a wheelchair is the only option.
What we rent
- Standard 18" manual — fits most adults, folds for car loading.
- 20" wide-seat manual — for taller or wider riders.
- 22" wide-seat manual — the widest seat in our fleet.
- Electric power wheelchair (joystick) — call for specific model availability.
What we don't do
- No Medicare, Medicaid, or private insurance billing. Direct-paid only.
- No prescription required.
- No medical claim. We rent equipment; we're not a clinical provider.
For Medicare-covered rentals, contact a certified DME provider in the Lawrence or Topeka area. For direct-paid short-term rental, we're set up for it.
Frequently asked
How much does it cost to rent a wheelchair in Lawrence?
Standard manual wheelchair: from $35/day, $175/week. Electric (power) wheelchair: from $89/day, $445/week. Lawrence delivery starts at $75. Single-day rentals are fine.
Can I rent an electric wheelchair in Lawrence?
Yes. We rent power wheelchairs (motorized, joystick-controlled) by the day, week, or month. They're heavier than manual chairs, so we always include delivery and setup — you don't have to load one in a car.
How quickly can you get a wheelchair to me in Lawrence?
Next-day standard. Same-day is sometimes possible if you call before 11 AM Central and the route has room — we never promise it without checking. For someone being discharged from Lawrence Memorial Hospital, call as early as you know the discharge date and we plan around it.
Can I rent a wheelchair for one day?
Yes. Single-day rental is fine — graduation, a wedding, a doctor visit, a one-day shopping trip. Many of our wheelchair rentals are exactly one day.
Does Medicare cover wheelchair rental?
Through certified DME providers, yes. Through us, no — we're a hospitality rental service and don't bill insurance. If you need long-term insurance-covered equipment we'll point you to a Lawrence-area DME provider. Most short-term renters pay direct because it's simpler.
Can you deliver to Lawrence Memorial Hospital for discharge?
Hospitals don't usually accept third-party deliveries on the patient floor, but we can deliver to the family pickup curb the day of discharge or to the patient's home address that same afternoon. Just give us the timing when you call.