What Medicare Covers for Mobility Scooters and Wheelchairs

Medicare covers mobility scooters, but only under specific conditions

Medicare Part B covers a mobility scooter (also called a motorized scooter or electric scooter) if your doctor prescribes it as medically necessary and you meet the coverage rules. Medicare does not pay for scooters you buy on your own or use for convenience — the scooter must be prescribed as durable medical equipment (DME) because you cannot walk safely without it due to a medical condition.

The scooter must come from a Medicare-approved DME supplier, and you typically pay 20 percent of the approved amount after you have met your Part B deductible. Medicare pays the other 80 percent. If you have a Medigap or Medicare Advantage plan, your out-of-pocket cost may be lower.

Key Takeaways

Your doctor must write a prescription stating that a mobility scooter is medically necessary and document why you cannot walk safely without one.
You must purchase or rent the scooter from a Medicare-approved DME supplier; buying from other retailers means Medicare will not pay.
Medicare pays 80 percent of the approved amount after your Part B deductible is met; you pay the remaining 20 percent.
The scooter must be used in your home; Medicare does not cover scooters intended only for outdoor or travel use.
Your doctor's prescription and medical records will be reviewed by Medicare before payment is approved.

What your doctor needs to document

Your doctor must write a prescription that includes specific medical information. The prescription should state that you have a condition that prevents you from walking safely — such as severe arthritis, heart disease, lung disease, neurological disorder, or amputation — and that a mobility scooter is medically necessary for you to move around your home.

The doctor should also document how far you can walk without information, whether you have tried other treatments or devices, and why a scooter is the right choice for your situation. Medicare reviewers will look at this documentation to decide whether to approve payment. If the documentation is vague or does not clearly explain why you need a scooter, Medicare may deny the claim.

Finding a Medicare-approved DME supplier

You cannot straightforward buy a scooter from any retailer and submit the receipt to Medicare. The scooter must come from a company that is enrolled as a Medicare DME supplier. You can search for approved suppliers on the Medicare.gov supplier directory by entering your ZIP code and selecting "mobility devices" or "scooters."

Once you have your doctor's prescription, contact a Medicare-approved supplier near you. The supplier will verify your Medicare coverage, check your deductible status, and tell you what your out-of-pocket cost will be. Some suppliers rent scooters; others sell them. Medicare covers both rental and purchase, though the payment structure differs.

How much Medicare pays and what you owe

Medicare assigns an approved amount to each type of scooter. Your cost depends on whether you have met your Part B deductible for the year. If you have not met it, you pay the full deductible first, then 20 percent of the approved amount. Once the deductible is met, you pay only 20 percent of the approved amount for the scooter.

The approved amount varies by scooter type and region. A basic three-wheel scooter typically has a lower approved amount than a four-wheel model with more features. Ask your DME supplier for the exact approved amount before you commit, so you know your 20 percent cost. If you have a Medigap plan, it may cover some or all of your 20 percent; if you have a Medicare Advantage plan, your cost may be different and should be confirmed with your plan.

Rental versus purchase

Medicare allows you to either rent or purchase a scooter. If you rent, you typically pay a monthly fee, and Medicare covers 80 percent of that fee after your deductible. Rental is often the better choice if you are unsure whether you will need the scooter long-term or if you want to try it before committing to a purchase.

If you purchase, Medicare pays 80 percent of the approved purchase price. After you have paid the equivalent of the rental fees for a certain number of months (usually 13 months), the scooter becomes yours and there are no further payments. Some people choose to purchase if they know they will need the scooter for years. Discuss both options with your DME supplier to see which makes sense for your situation and budget.

What happens after your doctor sends the prescription

Once your doctor sends the prescription to the DME supplier, the supplier submits it to Medicare for review. Medicare may request additional medical records from your doctor to confirm that the scooter is medically necessary. This review process usually takes one to two weeks, though it can take longer if Medicare needs more information.

If Medicare approves the prescription, the supplier will contact you to arrange delivery and payment. If Medicare denies it, the supplier will tell you why and may ask your doctor to provide more documentation. You have the right to appeal a denial; your doctor and the DME supplier can help you gather the information needed for an appeal.

Scooters that Medicare does not cover

Medicare does not pay for scooters used only outdoors or for travel. If your doctor prescribes a scooter for use only in your home, Medicare will cover it. If you want a scooter for outdoor recreation or to use while traveling, you would need to pay for that yourself.

Medicare also does not cover upgrades or features beyond what is medically necessary. For example, if a basic scooter meets your medical needs, Medicare will not pay extra for a deluxe model with added features. The DME supplier can explain which features are covered and which are considered upgrades you would pay for separately.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I buy a scooter myself and ask Medicare to reimburse me?

No. Medicare only pays when you purchase or rent from a Medicare-approved DME supplier. If you buy from a retail store or online retailer not enrolled in Medicare, Medicare will not reimburse you. Always confirm the supplier is Medicare-approved before making a purchase.

What if my doctor says I need a scooter but Medicare denies it?

You can appeal the denial. Ask your doctor to provide additional medical records or a more detailed explanation of why the scooter is necessary. Your DME supplier can also help prepare the appeal. The appeals process usually takes several weeks, and you have the right to request a hearing if needed.

Does Medicare cover scooter repairs or replacement parts?

Medicare covers repairs and replacement parts for a scooter it has paid for, as long as the repair is done by a Medicare-approved supplier and the scooter is still medically necessary. Routine maintenance like cleaning or battery replacement may or may not be covered; ask your supplier what is included.

Will my Medicare Advantage plan cover a scooter differently than Original Medicare?

Yes. Medicare Advantage plans set their own rules for DME coverage. Some plans cover scooters the same way Original Medicare does; others may have different deductibles, copays, or supplier networks. Contact your plan directly to understand your coverage before you get a prescription.

How long does it take to get a scooter after Medicare approves it?

Once Medicare approves the prescription, delivery usually takes one to three weeks, depending on the supplier and whether the scooter is in stock. If the supplier needs to order a custom model, it may take longer. Ask the supplier for an estimated delivery date when you place your order.

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.