Wheelchair Rentals Are A New Opportunity For Revenue

As the mobility impaired population grows, wheelchair rentals are an increasing opportunity for generating revenue in public venues

. Populations in developed nations are rapidly aging, and along with an older population, issues with mobility are also growing. Frequently, older adults require the use of walkers, crutches or a cane for mobility. Providing an easy to use, affordable means of transport in public venues such as shopping malls represents a new possibility for improving public access as well as providing an ongoing revenue stream.

In order to meet this new opportunity, the right wheelchair rental system needs to be employed. Rental wheelchairs must be sturdy and reliable. They must provide a stable, easy to use platform for customers who may not be familiar with wheelchair operation. They must be inexpensive to maintain and attractive, while also being theft resistant. They should be easy to store and take up minimal floor space to avoid impacting traffic flow. Ideally, wheelchair rentals should be self-service, like the familiar and ubiquitous luggage carts found in virtually every airport. Finally, they should provide an incentive for return, so that additional resources need not be wasted for staff to perform round up duties.

When selecting wheelchairs for a rental program, be sure to select sturdy, steel frame models. Standard x-brace wheelchairs require maintenance and tend not to be weather resistant. Unified frame, non-folding transport wheelchairs are a better option as they have fewer moving parts and require less ongoing maintenance. Models are available which will support from 450 pounds upwards to 1,000 pounds, a distinct advantage for larger patrons.

Ease of use is also a key consideration. Many mobility impaired patrons are not regular wheelchair users. A transport wheelchair which is simple to use and must be pushed, rather than being self-propelled, is a better option for rental use. Further, a simple, integrated braking system will prevent runaways. Unless budget is no barrier, manual chairs are better than power scooters, which require charging and battery maintenance.

An attractive, modern look will also help to improve rental use. Rather than providing rental wheelchairs that make the patron feel like an invalid, a more chair like design will make patrons feel as if they are merely being moved a comfortable chair with wheels. In addition to selecting a nice looking chair for rentals, a non-folding design is ideal. High value, portable items are prone to shrinkage. Chairs purchased for rental should be designed so that they cannot be folded and put into the trunk of a car. Additional anti-theft features, such as unique serial numbers, identification plaques and non-removable accessories are also important.

The issue of space savings and rental return can also be addressed through the use of a stacking or nesting transport chair. Similar to luggage carts, transport chairs are available which can be fitted to self-service chair rental kiosks. In addition to a rental fee, charged either through credit card or in cash, these models can be accessorized with coin deposit return, incenting the patron to return the transport chair to the rental kiosk for a partial refund.

by: Amy Lynn Hart

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