What You Should Know Before Renting or Buying Mobility Equipment

Posted by Susan T. on Jul 9th 2025

Mobility solutions are designed to make life easier. Whether for you or a loved one. The right choice restores freedom and ease in daily life, and the wrong… well, it can just bring more frustration. So whether you need mobility equipment that helps you navigate the world, your home, or even just help getting out of bed in the morning, the right support can transform your life.

At Mobility Masters, we’ve helped thousands of individuals across the North Bay, including those seeking mobility scooters in Marin County and dependable homecare beds in Marin County, find the equipment that fits their lives. This guide is here to ensure you feel confident every step of the way, from assessment to purchase or rental.

Know What You Need!

Before you even begin comparing products or prices, take a step back. Knowing your specific mobility needs will guide every decision that follows. This assessment forms the foundation for a successful and satisfying mobility solution.

What to Consider

Consider your physical limitations. Ask yourself: Are you experiencing temporary mobility loss due to surgery or injury? Is your condition progressive, such as Parkinson’s or arthritis, which will likely require more long-term support?

Understanding this helps determine not just what kind of equipment you need, but for how long and with what level of support.

Here’s a couple of examples of temporary vs. long-term needs:

Temporary Needs Example: A knee replacement might warrant renting a rollator walker for 4–6 weeks.
Long-Term Needs Example: Diagnosed with ALS, Alan chose a full-featured power wheelchair that could evolve with his mobility challenges.

Also, think about lifestyle. Do you need something lightweight to load into a car? Or will you primarily use the equipment around your home?

Taking the time to clearly assess your situation now can save money, reduce frustration, and lead to better health outcomes in the long run. When in doubt, Mobility Masters’ expert consultants can help you identify exactly what will work for your body and your life.

Renting vs. Buying: Pros and Cons

Alright, so you know what type of mobility equipment you need. Great! Now the next thing to figure out is whether you should rent or buy it. The best option for you will depend on a couple of factors.

Consider the following pros and cons to help you decide:

Renting Pros

Great for short-term rehab or travel
No long-term maintenance or storage hassle
Access to newer models without full commitment

Renting Cons

Higher long-term costs if used frequently
Limited personalization or fitting
Must return at end of contract

Buying Pros

Cost-effective for daily use
More comfortable with full customization
You're in control, no return deadlines

Buying Cons

Upfront investment
Responsibility for upkeep

Example: Bob visits Marin County every summer. He rents a lightweight mobility scooter in Marin County for a month. Meanwhile, his wife Anna, who has spinal stenosis, bought her power chair from Mobility Masters for daily home and outdoor use.

Still Undecided? Our team can help compare options based on your needs. In many cases, people start by renting and end up applying that cost toward ownership, Mobility Masters makes that transition easy and affordable.

Why Local Expertise Matters When Choosing Mobility Equipment

Ordering mobility equipment online is a convenient option, but it rarely offers the fit, function, or follow-through that in-person service provides.

Here’s what sets local expertise apart:

Personalized Fitting: Equipment is adjusted for your height, weight, and mobility goals.
Knowledge of Local Terrain: We recommend devices suited to Northern California’s unique landscapes.
Try Before You Buy: Test drive options in-store to find the best comfort and performance.
In-House Service: Repairs and support are handled locally, without shipping delays.
Real-World Experience: With over 40 years serving the North Bay, we know what works and what doesn’t.

The Importance of Doing Research Before Renting Mobility Equipment

With so many options out there, doing your homework is more important than ever. Quality, safety, and comfort vary widely between products, and vendors.

Not all mobility equipment is created equal, and there are essential things to know before renting a homecare bed, mobility scooter, or any other mobility equipment.

Key factors to research include:

Condition: Especially important when renting, check brakes, tires, batteries.
Brand Reliability: Brands like Golden, Pride, and Merits stand the test of time.
Comfort & Features: Adjustable armrests, anti-tip wheels, user-friendly controls.
Tech Enhancements: USB ports, recline functions, or smart lift systems.

Also, look at reviews, user testimonials, and online specs. Better yet, visit a showroom where you can interact with the equipment. At our Sonoma County location, we give hands-on demonstrations so you can experience your potential mobility solution first-hand, which helps avoid mismatched purchases!

Must-Know Terms When Shopping for Mobility Products

Any new equipment comes with its own set of information and instructions to learn. To help you get a head start on this process, here are a few of the technical terms you should know to make smarter choices for your mobility equipment.

Turning Radius

How tightly your device can turn, vital for indoor maneuvering. Smaller is better for tight hallways or crowded living spaces.

Weight Capacity

This isn't just about weight, it affects performance and safety. Choose a model that supports 20-30% more than your actual weight.

Battery Range

The range on your batter determines how far or long it can go on a single charge. Planning to use a scooter or power chair to run errands? This measurement is crucial!

Ground Clearance

This term just means how far from the ground the base of your equipment is. Higher off the ground can be better for off-road movement but may be more difficult to get in and out of for some folks.

Seat-to-Floor Height

This measurement impacts comfort and accessibility, especially if you'll be transferring from beds or chairs.

Spotlight on In-Home Safety Solutions

Mobility is only part of the equation, your home environment plays a huge role in your safety and independence. At Mobility Masters, we go beyond scooters and wheelchairs by offering a wide selection of home accessibility equipment designed to reduce fall risk and improve day-to-day function.

Navigating Your Home

Whether you're recovering from surgery or planning to age in place, tools like stair lifts, bedside rails, transfer benches, and grab bars can help you navigate your home with less chance for accidents or falls. These can be installed in key areas such as bathrooms, hallways, and staircases to make your home safer.

Getting the Solutions You Need

For clients in Sonoma County and the greater North Bay, we offer personalized home consultations to recommend the best accessibility aids tailored to your space and needs. It's all part of our mission to help you live confidently, right where you are.

Evaluating Warranty and Service Options

Your relationship with your mobility device doesn’t end at checkout. Warranties and support services protect your investment and peace of mind.

Standard warranties vary by equipment type:

Mobility scooters typically include 12-month electronics and 3-year structural warranties.
Homecare beds in Marin County often come with warranties covering motors, hand controls, and frames for up to 5 years.

In-house service is a major advantage. At Mobility Masters, we repair most equipment on-site, saving you time and shipping costs. Plus, we stock parts for major brands, so repairs don’t drag on for weeks.

Warranties aren't just paperwork, they’re protection. When paired with local, responsive service like ours, you can rest easy knowing your equipment will keep running smoothly.

Understanding Insurance and Payment Options

Mobility equipment is essential healthcare, and in many cases, your insurance or health savings plan can help cover the cost.

Here's what to know:

Medicare: May cover durable medical equipment with a prescription.
Medicaid & VA: Vary by state and eligibility, but can cover significant costs.
FSA/HSA: Tax-advantaged funds often apply to equipment like wheelchairs or homecare beds.

Mobility Masters also offers flexible payment plans to ensure cost doesn’t delay your care. And be wary of “too-good-to-be-true” deals online, many of these come with hidden fees or non-existent warranties.

The right financial path is out there. Let us help you navigate coverage, claims, and cost-effective payment solutions, all while avoiding risky purchases.

Extending the Life of Your Power Wheelchair & Other Equipment

Proper care extends the life of your mobility device and protects your health. Regular maintenance also helps prevent costly repairs.

Essential Tips

Battery Maintenance: Recharge nightly, store above 50°F, and replace every 12–24 months.
Clean Surfaces: Use a damp cloth and avoid harsh cleaners.
Inspect Tires & Cables: Monthly checks help catch issues early.
Proper Storage: Avoid moisture, extreme temperatures, or outdoor exposure.

Knowing when to service or replace parts is key. Listen for strange noises, notice slower speeds, or monitor battery performance dips.

Just like a car needs oil changes, your mobility equipment needs upkeep. Routine care protects your investment and keeps you moving comfortably and safely.

Try Before You Buy: The Value of In-Store Testing

No two people (or mobility devices) are alike. Testing before you commit ensures your equipment suits your , your environment, and your lifestyle.

At Mobility Masters, our in-store experience is second to none. We offer:

Test drives on mobility scooters
Side-by-side comparisons of lift chairs and adjustable beds
Guided demos with expert staff

Trying before buying is a simple step that makes a huge difference. Stop by and experience the comfort, control, and clarity that comes with seeing your options in person.

Top Brands to Trust in Mobility Equipment

Not all brands are built equally. At Mobility Masters, we only stock proven, reputable brands that we’ve tested and trust.

Pride Mobility: Great all-around performance and comfort; known for durability.
Golden Technologies: Exceptional lift chairs and scooters with smooth performance.
Harmar: Best-in-class lifts and transfer aids for cars and homes.
Nova Medical: Excellent walkers and daily use accessories.
Merits: Known for affordable yet reliable chairs and scooters.

Brand reputation impacts not just quality but service, parts availability, and resale value. Choose names you can rely on, backed by a team that stands behind them.

Avoiding Common Mistakes When Choosing Equipment

It’s easy to make the wrong call, especially with so many choices and online-only vendors pushing cut-rate products. Here’s what to avoid.

Mistake #1: Buying a device that’s too large or small
Mistake #2: Skipping the fitting and adjustment process
Mistake #3: Failing to account for your home’s layout or terrain
Mistake #4: Falling for online-only deals with no service options

A little extra effort now prevents major frustration later. Our team ensures every detail, from size to function, is tailored for your safety and satisfaction.

How to Prepare for Delivery & Setup of Your Equipment

Once you’ve made your decision, we make sure everything goes smoothly from our store to your door. At Mobility Masters, we provide white-glove delivery and setup services throughout Sonoma and Marin Counties to ensure your equipment is functional and ready to use on day one.

Tips for Preparation

Clear the path from your entryway to the setup location.
Measure doors or hallways if space is tight.
Let us know if stairs or thresholds may require extra assistance.

Our team doesn’t just drop off a box, we set up your equipment, demonstrate how to use it, and answer all your questions before we leave. We even remove packaging and recycle old devices when applicable. That’s the kind of care you can expect from a local team invested in your independence.

Empowering Your Next Steps – Mobility Masters

We hope this guide has helped you feel informed and inspired. Whether you’re looking into mobility scooters in Marin County for on-the-go independence or need to make your home safer with homecare beds in Marin County, we’re here to help.

At Mobility Masters, we believe mobility is more than movement, it’s freedom, connection, and quality of life. With over 40 years of expertise, trusted brands, and heartfelt service, we invite you to take your next step with us.