Mobility scooters provide a life-changing solution for individuals who face difficulty walking due to chronic health conditions, injuries, or age-related limitations. If you or a loved one struggles with moving around the house or performing everyday tasks, a mobility scooter can make a significant difference—and the best part is, Medicare may help cover the cost.

What Is a Mobility Scooter?

A mobility scooter is a powered personal transportation device with a seat, handlebars, and three or four wheels. Unlike manual wheelchairs, mobility scooters require minimal physical effort and are ideal for those with limited strength or stamina in their arms or legs.

They are especially useful for individuals who:

• Experience fatigue after walking short distances
• Have balance or coordination issues
• Suffer from chronic conditions like arthritis, COPD, heart disease, or neurological disorders
• Are recovering from surgeries or strokes

Mobility scooters are used both indoors and outdoors, although Medicare coverage only applies when it’s medically necessary for use inside the home.

Why a Mobility Scooter Can Change Lives

A loss in mobility doesn’t mean a loss of independence. For many, a scooter restores confidence and reduces isolation by allowing them to:

• Move easily around the house
• Visit friends or family
• Attend doctor’s appointments
• Shop for groceries or run errands (when used outdoors safely)

In addition to physical support, a scooter also contributes to mental and emotional well-being by encouraging social interaction and preventing the frustration of being housebound.

How Do I Get a Mobility Scooter Through Medicare?

To answer the commonly asked question, "How do I get a mobility scooter through Medicare?"—you’ll need to meet the following conditions:

• Have limited mobility that impairs daily living activities inside the home
• Be able to safely operate the scooter, or have someone at home who can assist
• Be evaluated in person by a Medicare-enrolled physician
• Get your scooter from a Medicare-approved supplier

The scooter must be intended for home use, not just outdoor activities.

Get a Mobility Scooter from Medicare: What to Expect in Terms of Cost

Once approved, Medicare Part B treats mobility scooters as Durable Medical Equipment (DME). Here's how the cost breakdown typically looks:

• Medicare pays 80% of the approved amount
• You pay the remaining 20%, unless you have a Medigap plan, Medicare Advantage, or Medicaid
• A deductible may apply if you haven’t met your annual Part B deductible yet

Tip: Some suppliers offer rental options, which can lower your upfront costs while still being covered by Medicare.