Are Electric Wheelchairs and Scooters Covered by Medicare?

Power wheelchairs and mobility scooters can cost anywhere from a few hundred dollars to well over $7,000, which is out of reach for most people on a fixed income. The good news is that Medicare does help pay for these devices when they’re medically necessary — but there’s a specific process you have to follow first. Here’s exactly how coverage works in 2026.

Does Medicare cover electric wheelchairs and scooters?

Yes. Medicare Part B covers power wheelchairs and scooters (which Medicare calls “power-operated vehicles” or POVs) as durable medical equipment (DME), as long as they’re medically necessary for use inside your home (Medicare.gov). After you meet your Part B deductible, Medicare pays 80% of the Medicare-approved amount, and you pay the remaining 20% coinsurance, assuming your supplier accepts Medicare assignment.

What will a power wheelchair or scooter cost you in 2026?

The Part B annual deductible in 2026 is $283. Once you’ve met that, you’re responsible for 20% coinsurance on the Medicare-approved amount for the device. For higher-cost equipment like power wheelchairs, Medicare typically pays to rent the item on a monthly basis for 13 continuous months, covering 80% of the rental fee each month, with you paying the remaining 20% (CMS.gov).

What do you need to qualify for coverage?

Medicare requires you to meet several conditions before it will help pay for a power wheelchair or scooter:

• A face-to-face examination with your doctor, confirming you have a health condition that makes it very difficult to move around inside your home
• A written order (called a Certificate of Necessity) from your doctor stating you need the device for use in your home
• Documentation that a cane, walker, or crutch isn’t enough to help you safely complete daily activities like bathing, dressing, or getting in and out of bed
• Proof that you can safely operate the wheelchair or scooter yourself, or that someone is always available to help you use it
• Your doctor and your equipment supplier must both be enrolled in Medicare
• A home assessment confirming the device will actually fit through your doorways and around your living space

What’s the difference between a scooter and a power wheelchair, for Medicare purposes?

A power-operated vehicle (scooter) is built more like a motor scooter and generally requires you to operate it yourself — you need enough upper body strength and balance to sit upright and steer. A power wheelchair, by contrast, is covered even if a caregiver operates it for you, since it doesn’t require you to independently steer or transfer in the same way. If you don’t have the physical strength to use a cane, walker, or manual wheelchair safely, you may qualify for a scooter; if you can’t safely operate a scooter or don’t qualify for one, a power wheelchair may be the better fit.

Do you need prior authorization?

For certain types of power wheelchairs, yes — Medicare requires prior authorization before it will cover the cost, meaning your supplier must submit documentation for Medicare’s review before delivering the equipment. Your doctor and supplier will handle this step, but it’s worth asking upfront so you understand the expected timeline.

A real-world example

Say a senior with severe arthritis in both knees can no longer safely walk from the bedroom to the kitchen, even using a walker. Their doctor documents this during an office visit, confirms a walker is no longer sufficient, and writes a Certificate of Necessity for a power wheelchair. The senior chooses a Medicare-enrolled supplier, who verifies the wheelchair will fit through the home’s doorways. Once the Part B deductible is met, Medicare pays 80% of the approved rental cost each month for up to 13 months, and the senior pays the remaining 20%.

What You Should Do Now

• Schedule a doctor’s visit specifically to discuss your mobility challenges and ask whether you meet Medicare’s criteria for a power wheelchair or scooter.
• Confirm your doctor and supplier are both Medicare-enrolled before you commit to any equipment — this is required for coverage.
• Ask about renting versus buying. If you’re not sure how long you’ll need the device, renting may make more financial sense.
• Check your Part B deductible status for the year, since you must meet the $283 deductible before Medicare coverage kicks in.
• If cost is still a concern, a licensed advisor can review whether a Medicare Advantage or Medigap plan would lower your share of DME costs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will Medicare pay 100% of the cost of a wheelchair or scooter?

No. Medicare pays 80% of the Medicare-approved amount after you meet your Part B deductible; you’re responsible for the remaining 20% coinsurance unless you have supplemental coverage like Medicaid or a Medigap plan.

Can I get a wheelchair covered if I only need it outside my home?

No. Medicare will not cover a power wheelchair or scooter that you only need and use outside the home — the primary need must be for mobility inside your home.

What other equipment falls under this same Medicare benefit?

Manual wheelchairs, walkers, canes, hospital beds, and other durable medical equipment are covered under this same Part B DME benefit, using a similar medical-necessity and doctor’s-order process.