Medicare covers mobility scooters only under Part B, and only when a doctor prescribes one as medically necessary durable medical equipment (DME)

Medicare will not pay for an electric scooter you buy for convenience or general mobility. The scooter must be prescribed by your doctor, documented as medically necessary, and obtained through a Medicare-approved DME supplier. If you buy one on your own from a retail store or online, Medicare will not reimburse you.

Part B covers 80% of the approved amount after you meet your annual deductible. You pay the remaining 20%, plus any difference between what Medicare approves and what the supplier charges. The supplier must accept Medicare assignment (agree to the approved price) for you to get this rate.

Medicare distinguishes between a scooter and a manual wheelchair. A scooter is a three- or four-wheeled motorized device. Medicare calls it a "motorized mobility device" or "power-operated vehicle." The rules are stricter for scooters than for manual wheelchairs, and approval is less common.

Key Takeaways

  • Your doctor must write an order stating the scooter is medically necessary and document why you cannot walk or use a manual wheelchair.
  • You must obtain the scooter from a Medicare-approved DME supplier, not from a retail store, even if you pay out of pocket first.
  • Medicare pays 80% of the approved amount; you pay 20% plus any markup the supplier adds above Medicare's approved price.
  • The supplier must submit the order and documentation to Medicare for review before you receive the scooter; approval typically takes two to four weeks.
  • If Medicare denies the claim, you have the right to appeal, and your doctor's detailed medical notes are your strongest evidence.

What your doctor needs to document for Medicare approval

Medicare requires your doctor to state in writing that a scooter is medically necessary for you. This is not the same as your doctor saying "yes, you can have one." The doctor must document a specific medical reason why you cannot walk safely or use a manual wheelchair, and why a scooter is the right tool for your condition.

Common reasons Medicare approves scooters include severe arthritis that prevents you from propelling a manual wheelchair, heart or lung disease that limits walking distance, or neurological conditions that affect balance or coordination. Your doctor should note how far you can walk without information, whether you fall or lose balance, and what activities you need the scooter to perform (shopping, medical appointments, getting around your home).

The doctor's order must include your diagnosis, the specific model or type of scooter recommended, and an explanation of why that model fits your condition. Vague orders like "patient needs mobility information" are often denied. The more detailed the medical reasoning, the higher the chance of approval.

How to find a Medicare-approved DME supplier

You cannot straightforward buy a scooter from Amazon, Walmart, or a local mobility store and ask Medicare to pay. The supplier must be enrolled in Medicare and approved to dispense DME in your state. If you use a non-approved supplier, Medicare will not pay, even if the scooter itself is the exact model Medicare would cover.

Search for approved suppliers on the Medicare website using the DME supplier locator tool, or call 1-800-MEDICARE and ask for suppliers near you. When you contact a supplier, confirm they accept Medicare assignment and that they will handle the prior authorization step (submitting your doctor's order to Medicare for approval before you receive the scooter).

Some suppliers will let you rent a scooter while waiting for Medicare approval. This can be useful if you need mobility when ready. Ask whether rental payments will be credited toward purchase if Medicare approves, or whether you will pay for the rental separately.

The approval process and timeline

Once you have a doctor's order and have chosen a Medicare-approved supplier, the supplier submits your medical documentation to Medicare for review. This is called prior authorization. Medicare does not automatically approve all scooter requests; a Medicare contractor reviews the medical notes to confirm the scooter meets coverage rules.

The review typically takes two to four weeks. During this time, you should not receive or pay for the scooter. If Medicare approves, the supplier will contact you to arrange delivery and payment. If Medicare denies the request, the supplier will notify you and your doctor, and you will have the option to appeal.

Do not assume approval is automatic. Some suppliers will tell you "Medicare usually covers this" or "we handle this all the time," but each request is reviewed individually. Ask the supplier to confirm approval in writing before you commit to payment.

What you will pay if Medicare approves

Medicare's approved amount for a scooter varies by region and model, but typically ranges from $1,000 to $2,000. You pay 20% of that approved amount after meeting your Part B deductible (which is $240 in 2024, though this changes yearly).

If the supplier charges more than Medicare's approved amount, you pay the difference in full. For example, if Medicare approves $1,500 but the supplier charges $2,000, you pay 20% of $1,500 ($300) plus the $500 markup, for a total of $800. This is why confirming the supplier accepts Medicare assignment is important — it means they agree not to charge above Medicare's approved price.

You may also have costs for delivery, setup, or training on how to use the scooter. Ask the supplier in advance whether these are included in the Medicare-approved price or billed separately.

Common reasons Medicare denies scooter requests

Medicare denies many scooter requests because the medical documentation does not meet the coverage standard. The most common reason is that the doctor's order does not explain why the person cannot use a manual wheelchair. Medicare considers a manual wheelchair less expensive and often requires evidence that a manual chair is not a safe or practical option before approving a motorized scooter.

Another frequent denial reason is that the medical notes do not show the person's walking ability is severely limited. If your doctor writes "patient has arthritis" without documenting how far you can walk or whether you fall, Medicare may deny the request as insufficient evidence.

Denials also happen when the supplier is not Medicare-approved, when the order comes from a nurse practitioner or physician assistant rather than a doctor (depending on your state's rules), or when the scooter model requested is not on Medicare's covered list for your region.

What to do if Medicare denies your request

You have the right to appeal a denial. The appeal process has multiple levels, and many people succeed on appeal because they provide additional medical evidence the first time around.

Start by asking your doctor to write a detailed letter explaining why a scooter is necessary for you and why a manual wheelchair is not safe or practical. Include specific information: how far you can walk, whether you have fallen or lost balance, what your diagnosis is, and how the scooter will help you perform daily activities. This letter should go directly to Medicare as part of your appeal.

The supplier can also help you file the appeal and gather medical records. Ask them whether they will information with the appeal process at no extra cost. If the supplier will not help, you can file the appeal yourself by contacting the Medicare contractor listed on your denial letter.

Alternatives if Medicare does not cover a scooter

If Medicare denies your request and appeal, you have other options. Some Medicaid programs cover scooters under different rules than Medicare, so check with your state Medicaid office. Veterans may be covered through the VA if they are enrolled in VA health care. Some charitable organizations and disease-specific nonprofits offer scooter grants or low-cost programs for people with certain conditions.

You can also purchase a scooter out of pocket. Prices for new scooters range from $800 to $3,000 depending on features and range. Used scooters are often available for $300 to $1,000. Some suppliers offer payment plans. If you later become covered by a different insurance program, that program may reimburse you for a scooter you already own, though this is uncommon.

A manual wheelchair, even if more difficult for you to use, is always less expensive than a scooter and may be covered more easily by Medicare. Discuss this option with your doctor if a scooter is denied.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Medicare cover scooters for people over 65?

Age alone does not determine coverage. Medicare covers scooters for people of any age enrolled in Part B if a doctor prescribes one as medically necessary. The approval depends on your medical condition and documentation, not your age.

Will Medicare pay for a scooter if I already own one?

No. Medicare does not reimburse you for a scooter you bought on your own. The scooter must be obtained through a Medicare-approved supplier after prior authorization. If you purchase one before Medicare approves it, you will not be reimbursed.

Can my nurse practitioner or physician assistant order a scooter for Medicare?

This depends on your state and Medicare's local rules. Some states allow nurse practitioners and physician assistants to write DME orders; others require an MD or DO. Ask your supplier or call 1-800-MEDICARE to confirm who can write the order in your area.

What is the difference between renting and buying a scooter through Medicare?

Medicare covers both rental and purchase. Rental is typically approved for shorter-term needs (up to 13 months), while purchase is approved for long-term use. If you rent and later want to buy, you may have to start a new authorization process. Ask your supplier which option is recommended for your situation.

If Medicare denies my scooter, can I appeal more than once?

Yes. You can file a reconsideration, then an appeal to an administrative law judge, and further appeals after that. Each level allows you to submit new medical evidence. Many people succeed on appeal, especially if their doctor provides a detailed letter the second time.