Where Can I Hire a Wheelchair in London?

Why Hire a Wheelchair in London?

Wheelchair hire comes in handy for many situations:

• Post-surgery recovery
• Hospital discharge with temporary needs
• Visiting friends, family, or care homes
• Touring London with limited mobility
• Travel through stations, museums, parks, or the Tube

Instead of purchasing a wheelchair or struggling with airport or hotel rentals, hiring one for a few days or weeks offers comfort, convenience, and flexibility.

Option 1: borrow a wheelchair free at museums and attractions

Many of London’s biggest attractions lend manual wheelchairs to visitors, usually free. The Natural History Museum, Science Museum, V&A and Tate Modern all have wheelchairs to borrow, and some places, such as Buckingham Palace and the British Museum, ask you to book ahead.

It’s a great option for a single visit, but the wheelchairs stay on site and numbers are limited, so you’ll still need a way to get there and back.

We keep an up-to-date list of accessible London attractions and how to borrow a wheelchair at each on our London page.

Source: Visit London accessible attractions.

Option 2: Shopmobility schemes

Shopmobility schemes lend manual wheelchairs, powered wheelchairs and scooters at or near shopping centres, so you can get around the shops for the day. Some are free and others charge, and it’s best to book ahead where you can. Most have Blue Badge parking next to the office.

Two London schemes worth knowing:

• Westfield London (Shepherd’s Bush): free wheelchair and scooter hire from the Guest Services desks inside the centre. Call +44 (0)203 371 2300 to check hours.
• Wandsworth Shopmobility: a local charity based at Sainsbury’s, 45 Garratt Lane, SW18 4AD.

For other London locations, see the Shopmobility UK directory.

Good to know: Shopmobility equipment is mostly for use around that shopping area, not for taking home or across London.

Sources: Visit London Shopmobility, Westfield London, Wandsworth Family Information Service.

Option 3: ask your hotel

If you’re staying in a hotel, ask when you book whether they keep a wheelchair for guests or can arrange one. Some do, especially larger hotels, but it’s rarely guaranteed, and it’s usually only for use around the hotel itself. Ask about step-free access and accessible rooms at the same time.

Option 4: hire a wheelchair delivered to you

If you need a wheelchair for your whole stay, to get to appointments, or to take on the Tube, buses and black cabs, short-term hire is the most flexible option. The wheelchair is yours to use anywhere for as long as you need it.

With LendoCare, you book online, choose your delivery date, and we deliver a lightweight folding wheelchair to your home, hotel or holiday let, then collect it when you’re done. Electric wheelchairs and mobility scooters are available too. Hire is priced by the week.

See prices and delivery options for wheelchair hire in London.