What Medicare Covers for Motorized Scooters and Wheelchairs

Medicare covers motorized scooters, but only if a doctor prescribes one for medical reasons and you meet specific equipment rules

Medicare Part B covers motorized scooters (called power-operated vehicles or POVs) and power wheelchairs as durable medical equipment (DME). This means Medicare pays 80 percent of the approved cost after you meet your Part B deductible. You pay the remaining 20 percent. The catch is that your doctor must document that you cannot walk safely or far enough to meet your daily needs, and the scooter must be the right tool for your specific condition.

A motorized scooter is not the same as a power wheelchair in Medicare's eyes. A scooter is a three- or four-wheeled device you sit on and steer with handlebars. A power wheelchair is a chair with motorized wheels you control with a joystick or other device. Medicare has different rules for each, and your doctor's prescription must name the exact type you need and why.

Key Takeaways

Your doctor must write an order stating that you cannot walk the distances needed for daily activities and that a motorized scooter is medically necessary for your condition.
Medicare covers 80 percent of the approved amount for a scooter after you pay your Part B deductible, and you are responsible for the remaining 20 percent.
The DME supplier must be enrolled with Medicare and must obtain prior approval before ordering or delivering your scooter.
You must use the scooter in your home or in places you go regularly; Medicare does not cover scooters used only for shopping or recreation.
If you have a Medigap or Medicare Advantage plan, your out-of-pocket costs may be lower, depending on your plan's coverage.

What your doctor needs to document

Your doctor cannot straightforward write "patient needs a scooter." Medicare requires specific medical documentation. Your doctor must state that you have a condition that limits your ability to walk—such as severe arthritis, heart disease, lung disease, or neurological conditions—and that this condition prevents you from walking the distances you need to for daily life. The doctor must also explain why a motorized scooter is the right solution compared to other options like a cane, walker, or manual wheelchair.

The prescription must include the type of scooter (three-wheel or four-wheel), weight capacity, and any special features you need. If your condition changes or your needs change, you will need an updated prescription. Medicare reviews these prescriptions carefully, and incomplete or vague orders are often denied.

How the approval process works

You cannot straightforward buy a motorized scooter and send Medicare the bill. A Medicare-enrolled DME supplier must handle the order and obtain prior approval from Medicare before the scooter is delivered to you. This is called a prior authorization or pre-approval.

The process usually works like this: your doctor gives you a prescription, you contact a Medicare-enrolled DME supplier in your area, the supplier submits your prescription and medical records to Medicare, Medicare reviews the documentation, and Medicare notifies the supplier and you of approval or denial. This can take one to three weeks. If Medicare denies the request, the supplier will tell you why, and you have the right to appeal.

Do not skip the DME supplier step. If you buy a scooter on your own without prior approval, Medicare will not pay for it, even if you later submit the receipt. The supplier's job is to make sure the paperwork is correct before you receive the equipment.

What Medicare will and will not pay for

Medicare covers the motorized scooter itself and basic accessories that come with it, such as a basket or cup holder. Medicare also covers repairs and replacement parts if the scooter breaks down during the coverage period. The coverage period is typically five years; after that, you may be able to get a new scooter if your medical need continues.

Medicare does not cover scooters used only for shopping, recreation, or travel outside your home and regular destinations. Medicare also does not cover scooters for people who can walk safely and adequately for their daily needs, even if walking is tiring or uncomfortable. The scooter must be medically necessary, not just convenient.

Upgrades, add-ons, and premium features beyond what Medicare considers standard are your responsibility. If you want a scooter with extra features, you pay the difference between the Medicare-approved amount and the actual cost.

Your out-of-pocket costs

After Medicare approves your scooter, you are responsible for 20 percent of the Medicare-approved cost. The approved cost varies by region and supplier, but a typical motorized scooter approval is in the range of $1,000 to $2,000, meaning your 20 percent share could be $200 to $400. You also pay your Part B deductible ($240 in 2024, though this changes yearly) if you have not met it yet.

If you have a Medigap policy, it may cover some or all of your 20 percent coinsurance, depending on which plan you have. If you have a Medicare Advantage plan, your costs depend on your plan's rules; some plans cover DME with a copay, others with coinsurance. Check your plan documents or call your plan to find out what you will owe.

Finding a Medicare-enrolled DME supplier

Not all medical equipment stores are enrolled with Medicare. You need a supplier that is registered with Medicare and authorized to bill Medicare directly. You can search for suppliers in your area on the Medicare website under "Durable Medical Equipment, Prosthetics, Orthotics, and Supplies" (DMEPOS) locator, or you can ask your doctor for a referral to a supplier they work with regularly.

When you contact a supplier, tell them you need a motorized scooter and that you have a prescription from your doctor. Ask them to confirm they are Medicare-enrolled and that they will handle the prior authorization. A good supplier will walk you through the process, collect your prescription and medical records, and submit everything to Medicare on your behalf. You should not have to pay anything upfront; the supplier bills Medicare directly.

What to do if Medicare denies your request

If Medicare denies your scooter request, the DME supplier will send you a notice explaining the reason. Common reasons for denial include incomplete medical documentation, a doctor's statement that does not clearly show medical necessity, or a information that you can walk adequately without a scooter.

You have the right to appeal. The appeal process has several levels: you can ask the supplier to resubmit with better documentation, you can file a formal appeal with Medicare, or you can request a hearing before a Medicare hearing officer. The supplier can help you understand your options, but you may also want to talk to your doctor about whether additional medical records or a more detailed statement would help your case.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my Medicare Advantage plan instead of Original Medicare to get a scooter?

Yes. Medicare Advantage plans must cover motorized scooters the same way Original Medicare does, but your out-of-pocket costs may differ. Check your plan's coverage details or call the plan to find out whether you need prior approval and what you will owe.

What if my doctor says I need a scooter but I can still walk a little?

Medicare does not require that you be unable to walk at all. You must be unable to walk the distances you need for daily activities—such as getting to the kitchen, going to medical appointments, or shopping. If your doctor documents that your condition limits your walking distance or safety, that can support a scooter prescription.

How long does Medicare coverage last?

Medicare typically covers a motorized scooter for five years. After that, if your medical need continues, you may be able to get a replacement scooter. You will need an updated prescription from your doctor and a new prior authorization from Medicare.

Do I have to use a specific DME supplier, or can I choose any store?

You can choose any Medicare-enrolled DME supplier. Ask your doctor for a referral, search the Medicare DMEPOS locator, or call suppliers in your area to compare. Make sure the supplier is enrolled with Medicare before you commit to working with them.

What happens if I buy a scooter without getting prior approval first?

Medicare will not pay for it. Even if you later submit a receipt and your doctor's prescription, Medicare requires prior approval before purchase. If you have already bought a scooter without approval, you may still be able to submit it for review, but there is no may provide Medicare will cover it retroactively.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.