Do I need a doctor's prescription to hire a walking aid?

It depends on the country and the provider. In France and Germany a prescription can unlock partial reimbursement through the health system, whereas private mobility shops and many UK retailers will hire equipment without one. It is always worth asking in advance if reimbursement matters to you.

How long can I typically hire a crutch or walking frame for?

Rental periods are usually flexible, ranging from a few days to several months, and most providers charge on a daily, weekly or monthly basis. Extensions are generally straightforward if recovery takes longer than expected, but it is best to confirm this before the initial hire ends.

What happens if the equipment doesn't fit properly?

A good provider will measure and adjust the aid at collection or delivery, but if something still feels wrong, most allow an exchange for a different size or type at no extra cost. Ill-fitting crutches or frames can cause strain, so it is worth raising any discomfort immediately rather than persevering.

Is a deposit required, and is it refundable?

Most rental providers ask for a deposit alongside identification, which is refunded once the equipment is returned undamaged and clean. Charges may apply for missing parts, excessive wear or late returns, so it helps to check the terms before signing anything.

Can I get a walking aid delivered instead of collecting it myself?

Many providers, particularly medical supply shops and home care agencies, offer delivery and collection for those who cannot travel easily, sometimes at an extra cost. This is especially common for bulkier items like rollators or knee scooters.

What should I check before returning a hired walking aid?

Make sure the equipment is clean, all original parts and accessories are included, and any rented attachments such as extra tips or brakes are still intact. Confirm the return location and hours in advance, since some providers require drop-off during limited business times.

Crutch and walking aid rental in Europe

65 crutch and walking aid rental companies across 25 countries in Europe, with the largest concentrations in Belgium (6), Czechia (6) and Denmark (5).

65 entries in Medical — Crutch and walking aid rental — page 1 of 3

Crutch and walking aid rental covers the short-term hire of mobility equipment such as underarm and forearm crutches, walking frames, rollators, knee scooters and adjustable canes. Most people turn to this kind of hire after an injury, surgery or a temporary mobility setback, though some also use it while travelling or when a longer-term aid is being assessed before a permanent purchase. Because the need is usually short and unpredictable, hire tends to be quicker and cheaper than buying outright, and it avoids storing equipment that will only be used for a few weeks.

In practice, hire is arranged through pharmacies, medical supply shops, home care agencies or sometimes directly through a hospital's discharge team. A member of staff will usually check height, weight and grip strength to fit the aid correctly, and most providers ask for identification and a deposit that is returned when the equipment comes back in good condition. Delivery and collection are often available for those who cannot easily travel, and cleaning or servicing between hires is standard practice for hygiene reasons.

How the process works differs by country. In Germany, hire is often arranged through a Sanitätshaus, sometimes with partial reimbursement if a doctor has prescribed the aid. In France, pharmacies frequently handle both prescription-based and private hire, with Sécurité Sociale contributing to costs when an ordonnance médicale is provided. In the United Kingdom, options range from charitable loan schemes to private mobility retailers, with NHS equipment stores sometimes available depending on local services. Before booking anywhere, it is worth checking whether a prescription is needed, what the deposit and daily or weekly rate covers, whether the aid is height-adjustable, and what the return process involves if travel plans or recovery times change.

Frequently asked

Do I need a doctor's prescription to hire a walking aid?: It depends on the country and the provider. In France and Germany a prescription can unlock partial reimbursement through the health system, whereas private mobility shops and many UK retailers will hire equipment without one. It is always worth asking in advance if reimbursement matters to you.
How long can I typically hire a crutch or walking frame for?: Rental periods are usually flexible, ranging from a few days to several months, and most providers charge on a daily, weekly or monthly basis. Extensions are generally straightforward if recovery takes longer than expected, but it is best to confirm this before the initial hire ends.
What happens if the equipment doesn't fit properly?: A good provider will measure and adjust the aid at collection or delivery, but if something still feels wrong, most allow an exchange for a different size or type at no extra cost. Ill-fitting crutches or frames can cause strain, so it is worth raising any discomfort immediately rather than persevering.
Is a deposit required, and is it refundable?: Most rental providers ask for a deposit alongside identification, which is refunded once the equipment is returned undamaged and clean. Charges may apply for missing parts, excessive wear or late returns, so it helps to check the terms before signing anything.
Can I get a walking aid delivered instead of collecting it myself?: Many providers, particularly medical supply shops and home care agencies, offer delivery and collection for those who cannot travel easily, sometimes at an extra cost. This is especially common for bulkier items like rollators or knee scooters.
What should I check before returning a hired walking aid?: Make sure the equipment is clean, all original parts and accessories are included, and any rented attachments such as extra tips or brakes are still intact. Confirm the return location and hours in advance, since some providers require drop-off during limited business times.

Crutch and walking aid rental in Europe

Frequently asked

Country

Rental type

Medical

Browse by sector

Refine by attribute

Medical — Crutch and walking aid rental by country