Hire a wheelchair
Find out about hiring a wheelchair for short term use
Need to hire a wheelchair? The British Red Cross provides wheelchair hire services across the UK.
We offer comfortable, safe, and reliable manual wheelchairs whether you’re looking for self-propelled or transit wheelchairs.
Find out more information about the types of wheelchairs we offer and how to use them.
The wheelchairs are suitable for anyone over the age of 5 and are available in a wide range of sizes, with fitted footrests as standard and free accessories such as leg elevators, cushions, and stump supports available to improve your comfort*.
*subject to availability
We offer:
- wheelchair hire for £22 a week with variable delivery and collection options available at £25 if applicable**
- free wheelchair accessories
- flexible hire periods (minimum hire period 1 week)
**May not apply to certain geographical areas depending on local arrangements. In Northern Ireland, Hampshire and Norfolk, delivery times are subject to availability. Deliveries to Scottish Islands and Highlands, and Isles of Scilly may have separate pricing structures.
Making your booking
To hire a wheelchair, you will need to know:
- measurements of the wheelchair user at their widest point (usually hips and thighs) and add 1” / 2.5cm for comfort
- weight of the wheelchair user
- accessories needed
Returning your wheelchair
When your hire period has come to an end, please call us on 0300 456 1914 to extend your hire or email us at wheelchaircollections@redcross.org.uk to book a collection.
You will need to include your:
- booking reference (BK)
- preferred date of collection (Between Monday to Friday)
- collection address.
Please ensure all items are returned, including your box (if applicable), cushions, leg elevators and footplates.
Be aware any missing or damaged items may incur a fee.
Need further assistance?
We offer assistance and support to those who may not be able to meet the financial costs.
If you need assistance, have a question about your booking, need your wheelchair for longer, or if your equipment becomes damaged, please call us on 0300 456 1914.
Our partnerships
In Wales, Northern Ireland, Hampshire, Norfolk and Waveney health commissioners help fund our service, and local residents can borrow mobility aids equipment for short-term use at no charge.
We work in partnership with the NHS by providing wheelchairs to help people leave hospitals and recover in the comfort of their own homes.
We rely on our users making a donation toward the cost of running these services.
Find your nearest wheelchair service
Find out what wheelchair hire services are available in your area, where applicable.
About our wheelchair service
The British Red Cross is the largest national provider of short-term wheelchairs in the UK, supplying over 58,000 wheelchairs every year. We’re committed to ensuring that everyone who needs a temporary wheelchair has access to one and have been providing this service for over 107 years.
Wheelchair hires allow us to support those most in need and provide wheelchairs to them at no cost. We are non-profit making, and every penny of surplus income supports people who need our help.
A carer looks at a British Red Cross wheelchair
Do you have a question about this page or want to give us feedback? Visit our Contact us page.