On the Road with a Mobility Scooter

Sunday, October 6th

Portability is a factor in shopping for and selecting a mobility scooter or powered wheelchair. Besides possibly needing assistance in maneuvering around your own home, there are many places you can go with a mobility scooter or powered chair where you could not go otherwise without assistance. A powered chair or scooter gives you the independence to shop, vacation, visit relatives, and enjoy the outdoors. Where do you need to take your chair or scooter?

If you cannot drive your scooter or chair directly out of your front door, you will probably require a car or van that can carry the chair or scooter. Be sure to factor that into your travel plans. And you might still need some assistance getting in and out of the vehicle and onto your device.

There are many different styles of portable chairs and scooters. Some fold for ease of transport. Take into consideration how small a chair or scooter folds to fit into your vehicle. Others might need to be disassembled into several components and reassembled at your destination. This might also require the assistance of a helper. If your chair or scooter does not fold, you might need to install lifts or some other attachment on your vehicle.

Be sure to call ahead to your destination and inquire about how accommodating they might be to powered chairs or scooters. Fortunately, more and more venues are making themselves available to handle chairs or scooters. Some places you might go include:

Restaurants
Shopping malls or grocery stores
Airports and airlines
Cruise ships
Bus tours
Parks, zoos, or fairgrounds
Theaters or outdoor concerts
Sporting events

When you get to your destination, how far do you expect to have to go in your chair or scooter? Compact, folding mobile chairs or scooters might not have as much range as a full size scooter. Be sure the battery is fully charged before you leave home. Also make sure you know how long it takes to charge the battery. And one of your questions for your destination should concern accommodation for recharging your battery if necessary. In extreme cases, it might make sense to carry an extra, fully charged battery.

Even the most accommodating destination might still present challenges to a wheeled vehicle. Consider bringing along your own portable ramps for small obstacles like door sills. And if you're going shopping or "hiking," check to see if your chair or scooter can accommodate chair-attached back packs, shopping bags, or baskets. And for outdoor use, consider accessories that allow you to handle varying weather conditions, like showers or hot sun. Some devices can be equipped with sun shields, rain hoods, and holders for umbrellas or canes.

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What is a mobility scooter?

For people who have difficulty with getting around (due to age, illness, or other reasons), mobility scooters represent freedom. You've probably seen them in use at theme parks, at the grocery store, and other locations that require a lot of walking. Mobility scooters differ from power wheelchairs in that they are operated more like a moped, and users need to be able to get on and off.

What kinds of mobility scooters are there?

Most scooters are classified by style and use. For example, you can get folding scooters if you don't have a rack for transporting a full-size scooter on your vehicle, travel scooters for vacations, scooters for indoor/outdoor use, and so forth.

What are some extra features I should consider?

As you shop for a scooter, your first considerations will probably be practical. What is the intended usage? Do you need a model with a higher rider weight capacity? Do you prefer three wheels or four? From there, it's time to have fun: accessories range from cup holders to flags, canopies for frequent outdoor trips in sunny weather, and beyond.

How much do they cost?

Mobility scooters range from $500 to over $7000. Be sure to read the fine print to determine what is included in your base price: some scooters come with a free charger and battery, but others require you to purchase them in addition to the cost of the scooter.

How much will I pay for delivery?

Many retailers of mobility scooters include delivery in the retail price. If you want "white glove delivery" that covers the assembly and setup of your scooter, expect to pay $100 to $200 for the service.

Will Medicare/Medicaid pay for a mobility scooter?

Medicare Part B considers mobility scooters as "durable medical equipment". If your physician writes an order confirming that you have a medical need for a scooter, you will qualify. Medicare covers 80% of the cost, and the remaining 20% is your responsibility (though that portion could be covered by a Medigap plan, if you have one). Similar terms apply if you have coverage through Medicaid.

Is there a warranty?

Yes, mobility scooters usually have warranty coverage, both through the manufacturer and the retailer. The warranty period is typically a year and includes in-home technician visits if needed. You may also be able to purchase an extended warranty for longer coverage.

If I don't like the mobility scooter, can I return it?

Return policies vary by retailer. Most have a period ranging from 15 to 30 days in which you can send your scooter back; however, hefty restocking fees of up to 25% of the purchase price could be a deterrent. You may have to pay for return shipping fees as well.