Medicare covers motorized wheelchairs and scooters, but only if a doctor prescribes them as medically necessary and you meet specific equipment requirements.

Medicare Part B covers durable medical equipment (DME), which includes motorized wheelchairs and scooters. However, coverage is not automatic. Your doctor must document that you cannot walk safely or far enough to meet your daily needs, and the device must be prescribed specifically for your home or medical facility — not for general use.

The device itself must also meet Medicare's standards. A basic motorized wheelchair or scooter that your doctor prescribes will usually be covered. Upgrades, add-ons, or specialty features beyond what Medicare considers standard may not be, and you would pay the difference out of pocket.

Key Takeaways

  • Your doctor must write a prescription stating that a motorized wheelchair or scooter is medically necessary for your mobility at home.
  • Medicare Part B covers 80 percent of the approved amount after you meet your yearly deductible; you pay the remaining 20 percent.
  • You must rent or purchase the device from a Medicare-enrolled DME supplier, not from a private seller or non-participating vendor.
  • The device must be a standard model; custom features, upgrades, or specialty options may require you to pay extra.
  • Your doctor's prescription must include details about your medical condition and why you need the device to move around your home safely.

What Your Doctor Needs to Document

Before Medicare will consider coverage, your doctor must complete a detailed prescription. This is not a straightforward note — it must state your diagnosis, explain why you cannot walk safely or far enough, and confirm that a motorized device is necessary for your home mobility.

The prescription should also describe the type of device: a three-wheel or four-wheel scooter, a motorized wheelchair, or a specific model. Your doctor may need to document that you have tried a manual wheelchair and found it unsafe or impossible to use due to your condition. Medicare reviewers use this information to decide whether the device meets the medical necessity standard.

If your doctor is unsure what to include, ask them to contact your DME supplier. Many suppliers have forms or templates that doctors can use to make sure the prescription contains everything Medicare requires.

How Much Medicare Pays and What You Pay

Medicare Part B pays 80 percent of the approved amount for a motorized wheelchair or scooter after you have met your yearly Part B deductible. You pay the remaining 20 percent, called coinsurance. The approved amount varies by device type and region, so the exact dollar amount you pay depends on which device your doctor prescribes and where you live.

If you have a Medigap or Medicare Advantage plan, your coverage for the 20 percent coinsurance may be different. Some Medigap plans cover part or all of the coinsurance; Medicare Advantage plans vary widely. Check your plan documents or call your plan to understand your out-of-pocket cost before you order the device.

Rental versus purchase works differently. Some people rent motorized wheelchairs or scooters for short-term use. Medicare will cover rental costs under the same 80/20 split. If you rent for an extended period, Medicare may eventually require you to purchase instead, so ask your DME supplier about the rental-to-purchase timeline in your situation.

Finding a Medicare-Enrolled DME Supplier

You must obtain your motorized wheelchair or scooter from a Medicare-enrolled DME supplier. This is not optional — if you buy or rent from a non-participating vendor, Medicare will not pay anything, and you will owe the full cost yourself.

To find enrolled suppliers in your area, use the Medicare Supplier Directory on the Medicare website (Medicare.gov). Search by your ZIP code and the type of equipment you need. Call suppliers directly to confirm they have the device your doctor prescribed in stock and to ask about their delivery and setup process.

When you contact a supplier, ask whether they will submit your claim to Medicare on your behalf. Most do, which means you will not have to handle the paperwork yourself. Confirm the supplier's process for handling your prescription and what paperwork you need to provide.

What Happens After Your Doctor Writes the Prescription

Once you have your doctor's prescription, give it to the DME supplier you choose. The supplier will verify that your prescription meets Medicare's requirements and submit it to Medicare for review. This review process typically takes one to two weeks.

Medicare may approve the prescription as written, request more information from your doctor, or deny it if they determine the device is not medically necessary. If Medicare denies coverage, the supplier will notify you and your doctor. You have the right to request a review of that decision, and your doctor can provide additional documentation to support the medical need.

If Medicare approves the prescription, the supplier will contact you to arrange delivery and setup. You will receive an invoice showing Medicare's payment and your coinsurance amount due. The supplier handles the Medicare claim; you pay your 20 percent coinsurance directly to the supplier.

Standard Features Versus Upgrades and Add-Ons

Medicare covers a standard motorized wheelchair or scooter — the basic model that meets your medical need. Standard features typically include the motor, battery, basic controls, and a seat. Medicare does not cover upgrades such as premium seating, custom colors, specialized control systems, or high-performance batteries.

If you want an upgraded or specialty feature, you can purchase it, but you will pay the full cost out of pocket. The DME supplier can tell you which features are considered standard and which are upgrades. Ask for a written breakdown of costs before you order so you know exactly what Medicare will cover and what you will pay.

Some people choose to upgrade because a standard device does not meet their specific needs. This is your choice, but understand that Medicare's payment covers only the standard version, and you are responsible for any additional cost.

Maintenance, Repairs, and Replacement

Medicare covers maintenance and repairs to your motorized wheelchair or scooter if the device is still within the coverage period. The coverage period is typically five years from the date Medicare paid for the device. During this time, you can have the device serviced or repaired through your DME supplier at no cost to you (beyond your regular coinsurance if applicable).

After five years, Medicare may cover a replacement device if your medical condition has changed and your doctor prescribes a new one. However, you cannot straightforward request a new device because your old one is worn out. Your doctor must document that your medical needs have changed or that the original device no longer meets your needs.

Keep your device in good working order by following the supplier's maintenance instructions. If something breaks, contact your supplier right away rather than attempting repairs yourself, which could void the warranty or damage the device further.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I buy a motorized wheelchair or scooter online and have Medicare pay for it?

No. Medicare will only pay if you obtain the device from a Medicare-enrolled DME supplier. If you purchase from an online retailer or non-participating vendor, Medicare will not cover any cost, and you will owe the full amount yourself. Use the Medicare Supplier Directory to find enrolled suppliers near you.

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

You have the right to request a review of Medicare's decision. Your doctor can submit additional medical information explaining why the device is necessary for your safety and mobility at home. The review process takes several weeks, and your doctor's documentation is key to overturning a denial.

Do I have to use a scooter, or can I choose a motorized wheelchair instead?

Your doctor's prescription determines the type of device. If your doctor prescribes a scooter but you prefer a motorized wheelchair (or vice versa), discuss this with your doctor. If your doctor agrees the alternative device is medically appropriate, they can update the prescription. Medicare will cover whichever device your doctor prescribes as medically necessary.

Will Medicare pay if I need the motorized wheelchair for outdoor use only?

Medicare covers motorized wheelchairs and scooters for use in your home and medical facilities, not for outdoor recreation or general community mobility. If your medical need is primarily for outdoor use, Medicare is unlikely to cover the device. Your doctor's prescription must document that you need the device for home mobility.

Can I rent a motorized wheelchair short-term while I recover from surgery?

Yes. Medicare covers rental of motorized wheelchairs and scooters under the same 80/20 cost-sharing as purchase. Your doctor must still prescribe it as medically necessary. Rental is often a good option for temporary needs, though if you need the device for an extended period, Medicare may eventually require you to purchase instead of continuing to rent.