Equipment Rentals

Renting Mobility Equipment in Athens

Wheelchair and mobility equipment rental services exist in Athens, though the market is smaller than in cities like Paris or London. The Greek term for wheelchair rental is "enoikíasi anapirikoú amaxidíou." Your hotel concierge is often the best starting point for arranging a rental.

What to Rent

Manual Wheelchairs

Standard manual wheelchairs are available from medical equipment rental companies in Athens. For Athens specifically, request a chair with:

• Larger front casters: Small casters get stuck in gaps between marble paving slabs and on uneven surfaces
• Pneumatic tires: Better shock absorption on rough terrain
• Good brakes: Athens has hills. Reliable brakes are essential.

Power Wheelchairs

Power wheelchair rentals are less common but available through some medical equipment suppliers. Key considerations:

• Battery range should cover your daily plans (Athens sites are spread out)
• Suspension quality matters given the uneven surfaces
• Confirm the chair fits in standard Athens taxi trunks (it may not)

Mobility Scooters

Mobility scooter rentals are available but limited. See our Mobility Scooters guide for detailed information on terrain challenges and regulations.

How to Arrange Rentals

Through Your Hotel

Many Athens hotels can arrange wheelchair or scooter rentals through local medical supply companies. Contact your hotel before arrival and ask them to organize delivery to the hotel on your check-in date.

Medical Equipment Companies

Search for "iatrikós exoplismós enoikíasi" (medical equipment rental) in Athens. Companies that rent mobility equipment include medical supply stores in the city center and suburbs. Confirm with each company:

• Delivery and pickup (most will deliver to your hotel)
• Daily and weekly rates
• Insurance and deposit requirements
• Whether the equipment is suitable for Athens terrain

Museum Wheelchair Loans

Several Athens museums offer free wheelchair loans:

• Acropolis Museum: Wheelchairs available at the Visitor Services Desk (first-come, first-served)
• National Archaeological Museum: Wheelchairs available at the entrance
• Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center: Wheelchairs available by scheduling via phone (216 809 1000)

These are meant for use within the venue only, not for taking outside.

Athens Terrain Warnings

Key terrain challenges:

• Marble and polished stone: Slippery when wet. Reduce speed after rain.
• Cobblestones: Found in Plaka, Monastiraki side streets, and near archaeological sites. Rough and bumpy.
• Hills: Athens is built on hills. The area between Syntagma and the Acropolis involves gradual inclines. Kolonaki and Lycabettus are steep.
• Broken sidewalks: Many sidewalks have cracked paving, raised tree roots, and missing sections.
• Parked motorcycles: Motorcycles frequently block sidewalks, forcing detours.
• Curb drops: Curb cuts exist in central areas but are inconsistent and sometimes blocked.

Practical Tips

• Bring spare inner tubes if using pneumatic tires (rough surfaces increase puncture risk)
• Charge power equipment overnight at your hotel
• Bring your own cushion and any custom seating you use daily
• If flying with your own wheelchair, confirm airline policies and battery regulations well before departure
• Athens International Airport has wheelchair assistance available (request through your airline at least 48 hours before travel)