17/10/2025
You see ehn, just like how people go for vacations in some countries and rent cars or bikes during their stay, there should be such a service for wheelchair users in Nigeria. I swear.
Whenever my motorised wheelchair gets faulty, it literally scrambles my whole mind. Because how do I even want to go out? It’s not like I don’t have manual ones, but those always require a helping hand to move from one place to another, and I honestly don’t like that.
The benefits of an electric wheelchair go a long way. The independence of going out by yourself is indescribable.
I once attended an event that brought together a community of persons with disabilities. A guy had to stay in the car from the beginning to the end of the program because his motorised wheelchair suddenly developed a fault when it was brought out of the boot and refused to turn on. Just looking at him, I knew how heartbreaking it was. Not being able to participate. I know that feeling so well.🥺
Had there been outlets where wheelchairs could be rented, I’m sure some people wouldn’t mind paying at least for that one day just to have comfort and independence. That’s still far better than finding an urgent million (or more) to buy a new one. Sincerely
Because really, if you don’t have a wheelchair as someone with physical mobility issues, how do you move around? It’s tiring jare.
I’ve been thinking and thinking about this since I woke up. Nigeria needs a wheelchair rental service, and it’s not a luxury, it’s accessibility. I understand people might misuse the opportunity, but there can be rules, regulations, or some form of undertaking to guide it.
I’m ranting because my wheelchair is faulty again, and I need to go out on Saturday. I just hope I find a solution soon. 🥺 I pray I have another electric wheelchair someday, one for home and one for outings.
Please, this is not for saying “Allah will make you walk, you’ll leave the wheelchair.”
This is my reality. For now.
Post edit: someone mentioned in the comment that there’s actually a wheelchair rental service in Lagos but it costs ₦70,000 per day and comes with very strict rules. Imagine o
Honestly, people who offer such services should fear God. Please don’t take advantage of people’s needs. Accessibility isn’t an opportunity to exploit, I don't think some people know that this is a responsibility to make life easier for others.
Some cab owners even do the same thing. Once they see you’re a wheelchair user, they hike their prices because they believe you have no choice. It’s unfair and frustrating. Going out is already expensive enough; don’t add to the burden.
When we look at it from another angle, the government should actually be the one providing these things, affordable wheelchair rentals, assistive devices, and support systems for PWDs. But is it the same government that can’t even provide enough wheelchairs in public hospitals? Rotten wheelchairs that the footrests have damaged completely. Some are so dirty.
I know this so well because I experienced it myself in Lagos teaching hospitals back in 2019/2020. Maybe things are better now, but then, it was a struggle. Then I used to walk, but if I got weaker going from one department to another, that's when my mom would have to look for a wheelchair for me.
Ask people with disabilities around, lots of experience to share.
PWDs shouldn’t have to beg for what should be basic needs.
Accessibility isn’t charity. It’s a right. Right of citizens with disabilities!
