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Medicare Scooter Requirements

For many older and disabled people, motor scooters are a convenience. They transport people with ambulatory disabilities around their homes. Although they are expensive, those who qualify for Medicare may be able to acquire a motor scooter for a reduced cost. According to Medicare.gov, Medicare will pay 80 percent of the cost of the chair, provided you meet certain prerequisites.

  1. Daily Activity Limitations

    • Your mobility issues must affect your performance of daily activities. According to Medicare.gov, you must have a condition, such as paralysis, severe arthritis or any other disease which limits your mobility to the degree that you can no longer get in and out of bed independently, move around your home on your own, or use the bathroom without help.

    Coverage Requirements

    • You must have Medicare Part B, which, according to the Medicare.gov, covers your doctor's fees and outpatient care. Also, the website says that you must be able to meet a co-pay requirement of the remaining 20 percent.

    Doctor's Prescription

    • According to Goodspharmacy.com, a physician must write a prescription for you to acquire a scooter through Medicare. The website states that he must document that the use of a power scooter is necessary because your condition would preclude you from using a manual wheelchair.

    Type of Doctor

    • Medicare only recognizes the signatures of specialists, except under certain extenuating circumstances. According to Goodspharmacy.com, the only circumstances under which the agency may make an exception is when travel concerns exist due to the nature of the patient's mobility disorder, or when the distance between the beneficiary's home and the nearest specialist is too great. In such cases, Medicare will accept the signature of a primary care doctor.

    Safety Issues

    • Medicare must deem you capable of getting in and out of your chair safely. According to the Medicare.gov, if you are a victim of advanced Alzheimer's or dementia, the agency may deny your claim. However, Medicare does cite one exception to this rule: If you have a caregiver or family member who can be at your side to aid in your safe use of the device, Medicare may still approve your claim.

      Also, the Medicare website indicates that you must be able to see clearly. People with conditions such as glaucoma or macular degeneration would be likely not to receive the benefit without tests and subsequent documentation from an eye care professional. Visual problems could makes it unsafe for an older or disabled person to operate a scooter, depending on the severity and advancement of the condition.

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