What to Gather Before You Buy or Rent Mobility Equipment

Start with these documents and measurements before shopping

Before you contact a vendor, rent from a medical supply company, or order online, you need three things in front of you: a prescription or medical recommendation, your body measurements, and information about where you'll use the equipment most. Having these ready cuts the time between deciding you need something and actually having it in your home — and it prevents the frustration of ordering the wrong size or discovering your insurance won't cover what you picked.

This checklist walks you through what to gather and why each piece matters. Some items come from your doctor. Others you'll measure yourself or think through based on your daily routine. None of it requires special tools or expertise.

Key Takeaways

• Your doctor or physical therapist should document in writing what type of equipment you need and why, because most insurance companies and rental programs require this before they'll pay.
• Measure your doorways, hallways, and bathroom spaces before ordering, since a walker or wheelchair that fits your body may not fit your home.
• Know your weight and the weight capacity of any equipment you're considering, because using something rated below your weight creates a safety risk.
• Gather information about how you'll use the equipment — indoors only, outdoors, stairs, uneven ground — because different types are designed for different settings.
• If insurance might cover the cost, contact them before you buy to learn what documentation they need and whether they require you to rent first.

Medical documentation your doctor or therapist should provide

Insurance companies, rental programs, and some vendors will ask for written proof that a healthcare provider recommended the equipment. This is not a form you fill out yourself — it comes from your doctor, physical therapist, occupational therapist, or other licensed provider who has examined you.

What you need: a letter or prescription that states the specific type of equipment (for example, "rolling walker" rather than just "walker"), the reason you need it, and ideally how long you'll need it. If the recommendation comes from a therapist rather than your primary doctor, ask whether your insurance requires your doctor's sign-off as well. Some plans do, and getting that approval upfront saves weeks of back-and-forth later.

Keep a copy of this documentation in a folder or on your phone. You'll need it for insurance inquiries, rental applications, and if you ever need to switch providers or move to a new insurance plan.

Your measurements and weight information

Mobility equipment comes in sizes, and ordering the wrong one means it either won't work for your body or won't fit through your doorways. Gather these measurements before you shop:

• Your height and weight. Equipment has weight limits, and using something below your weight rating is unsafe. Write down both numbers.
• Doorway widths in your home. Measure the width of every doorway you'll need to pass through — bedroom, bathroom, kitchen, front entrance. Wheelchairs and walkers need clearance on both sides. A standard doorway is 32 inches wide; measure yours to be sure.
• Hallway width. If you use a wheelchair or walker, hallways need to be wide enough for you to turn around. Measure the narrowest hallway in your home.
• Bathroom space. If you need a shower chair, grab bar, or raised toilet seat, measure the width and depth of your shower or tub, and the space around your toilet. Take photos too — vendors sometimes ask for them.
• Stair dimensions if applicable. If you have stairs and might use a stair lift or need to know whether a walker will work, measure the width of your staircase and count the steps.

Write these numbers down or take photos of your measurements. When you contact a vendor, having this information ready means they can tell you immediately whether their equipment will work in your space.

Information about where and how you'll use the equipment

Different equipment is designed for different settings. A lightweight folding walker works well for trips to the grocery store but may not be sturdy enough for daily use at home. A manual wheelchair is portable but requires upper-body strength; a power wheelchair is heavier but easier to operate for longer distances. Thinking through your actual routine helps you and the vendor find the right fit.

Write down or think through these questions: Will you use this equipment mostly indoors, outdoors, or both? Do you have stairs in your home? Will you need to transport it in a car? Do you live alone, or is someone available to help you if you fall or get stuck? Will you use it all day or just for certain activities? Are there uneven surfaces, gravel, or grass you need to navigate? The answers shape what will actually work for your life, not just what the catalog says.

Insurance information and coverage details

If you think your insurance might cover the equipment, contact them before you buy. Different plans cover different items, and some require you to rent before they'll pay for purchase. Others require pre-approval, meaning you need permission in writing before you spend money.

Call the number on the back of your insurance card and ask: Does this plan cover the specific equipment your doctor recommended? If yes, what documentation do they need? Do they require a rental period first? Is there a deductible or copay? Do they have preferred vendors, or can you choose any medical supply company? Write down the name of the person you spoke with, the date, and what they told you. If you're denied later, you'll have a record of what you were told.

If you're on Medicare, note that Medicare covers some mobility equipment through Part B, but only through approved suppliers. If you're on Medicaid, coverage varies by state. Having this conversation early prevents the disappointment of buying something and then learning your plan won't pay for it.

Rental versus purchase information

Before you decide to buy, gather information about renting. Some equipment — walkers, canes, crutches, shower chairs — can be rented from medical supply companies, pharmacies, or online retailers. Renting costs less upfront and works well if you need something temporarily, like after surgery. Buying makes sense if you'll need the equipment long-term.

Call local medical supply companies and ask: Do they rent the specific item your doctor recommended? What is the monthly rental cost? Is there a damage deposit? How long is the rental period, and can you extend it? What happens if you decide to buy after renting — do they credit the rental payments toward the purchase price? Some companies do; others don't. Knowing the rental cost helps you decide whether buying outright is cheaper in the long run.

A simple checklist to print or save

Item to Gather	Where It Comes From	Why You Need It
Written prescription or recommendation from your doctor or therapist	Your healthcare provider	Insurance and rental programs require this before they'll pay or approve
Your height and weight	You (a scale and measuring tape)	To ensure the equipment is rated for your body and fits properly
Doorway and hallway measurements	You (measuring tape)	To confirm the equipment will fit through your home
Bathroom and stair measurements (if applicable)	You (measuring tape and photos)	To determine what equipment will work in those specific spaces
Notes on where you'll use the equipment	You (thinking through your routine)	To help the vendor recommend equipment suited to your actual life
Insurance plan details and coverage information	Your insurance company (call the number on your card)	To learn what they'll pay for and what documentation they need
Rental costs and terms from local suppliers	Medical supply companies in your area	To compare renting versus buying and understand total cost

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need my doctor's permission to buy mobility equipment?

You don't need permission to buy it yourself with your own money. But if insurance is paying, they almost always require a written recommendation from a doctor or therapist. Even if you're paying out of pocket, having a medical recommendation helps vendors understand what you actually need.

What if my home is too small for the equipment I need?

Tell the vendor or your occupational therapist about the space constraints before you buy. They may recommend a different type of equipment — a narrower walker, a folding wheelchair, or grab bars instead of a full shower chair — that works in your space. Sometimes rearranging furniture also helps.

Can I return equipment if it doesn't work for me?

Return policies vary. Rental companies usually allow returns without penalty. Vendors who sell equipment often have a 30-day return window, but some don't accept returns on used items. Ask about the return policy before you buy, and get it in writing.

What if I can't afford to buy the equipment even with insurance?

Ask your doctor or social worker about community programs, nonprofits, or equipment loan closets in your area. Some communities have free or low-cost equipment programs. Your local Area Agency on Aging or disability services office can point you toward these resources.

How do I know if equipment is safe to use?

Check that it meets the weight capacity for your body, that all moving parts work smoothly, and that any wheels or brakes function properly. If you're renting, the company should deliver it in working condition. If you're buying used, test it in the store or ask for a video demonstration before purchase.