How Much Does a New Mobility Scooter Cost?
The cost of a new mobility scooter can range from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars. When buying a mobility scooter, it's important to understand the different models and features, what each model is designed to do, and financing options to cover the mobility scooter cost of the model that best suits your needs.
Mobility Scooter Models
Mobility scooters differentiate themselves from electric wheelchairs in that they have a steering column instead of a joystick on one side and offer more foot room—like a moped for older adults and other adults with limited mobility. Additional accessibility features are often available as add-ons if needed.
Three-Wheel Scooter vs. Four-Wheel Scooter
Some electric mobility scooter models come with three wheels, and others come with four wheels to allow for different kinds of usage. Three-wheel scooters offer a tight turning radius, which is ideal for indoor use and other tight spaces whereas four-wheel scooters are better suited to outdoor terrain.
Folding Mobility Scooters
Folding mobility scooters are lightweight scooters that fold either automatically or manually to fit in the trunk of a car for easy transport. Many folding and travel scooters have solid tires or foam-filled tires which can't go flat but aren't as cushioned as air-filled tires.
Full-Sized Scooters
Full-sized scooters have a higher weight capacity and longer travel range (in miles) than lightweight, basic, or travel mobility scooters. They typically come with air-filled tires, offering a smooth ride and more cushioning for outdoor use.
Heavy-Duty Scooters
Heavy-duty scooters offer the top speed and highest weight capacity of all mobility scooters—often up to 500 lbs in contrast to 250 lbs for lightweight and travel models. Heavy-duty scooters can sometimes reach a maximum speed of 10 mph compared to 4 or 5 mph for more basic models.
All-Terrain Scooters
All-terrain scooters come with all-terrain tires and higher ground clearance for driving over rough terrains such as gravel, grass, sand, dirt, and plush carpets. Most all-terrain scooters come with a maximum speed, travel range, and weight capacity similar to heavy-duty scooters.
Intended Use
The right mobility scooter will be able to handle the terrain, speed, travel range, and weight capacity, and offer the seat height that you need. Higher mileage, speeds, weight capacity, and additional features all add to the mobility scooter's cost.
Terrain
Basic mobility scooters are designed to handle smooth surfaces like floorboards, thin carpets, sidewalks, and tiles. If you intend to drive the mobility scooter over rough and uneven surfaces (at the beach, in the forest, over soccer fields, or over plush carpet), an all-terrain or heavy-duty scooter would be best.
Travel Range and Speed
Basic mobility scooters start with a travel range of 6 miles, which is around an hour of driving at low speeds. In contrast, heavy-duty and long-distance mobility scooters can drive for up to 25 miles (or more)—making them perfect for all-day use.
Weight Capacity
How much weight the user needs will often determine the best mobility scooter model. A higher weight capacity will invariably lead to a higher mobility scooter cost than a lower weight capacity because the scooter comes with more powerful batteries, a wider seat, and sturdier overall construction.
User Height
Different mobility scooters come with different backrest lengths and some come with headrests as well. This all affects the mobility scooter cost. It's important to choose a mobility scooter that's made for users of your height—even if you are under the weight limit—to avoid having to scrunch over when you use the device.
Additional Features Add to Final Cost
Other features can be added—usually to heavy-duty models—to improve comfort and accessibility:
Carry basket. Carry your belongings or shopping safely with a front-mounted carry basket.
USB charging port. A USB charging port allows you to charge your cell phone on the go or listen to music on an MP3 player, cell phone, or iPod.
Padded seat. A well-padded seat (either foam-filled or air-filled) will enable you to enjoy a more comfortable ride—especially on long journeys and rough terrain.
Swivel seat. Most scooter seats on premium models swivel to allow the user to get on and off without having to twist around.
Adjustable seat. An adjustable seat can be raised and lowered to ensure the best fit. The user's knees should always be positioned at a 90-degree angle.
Adjustable tiller. Most mobility scooters come with an adjustable tiller that can be angled forward or backward for more comfortable use.
Adjustable armrests. Adjustable armrests can be moved up or down and sometimes in and out to ensure the most comfortable fit.
Safety features. Safety features like anti-tip wheels, brake lights, bright LED headlights, turn signals, automatic braking, and rearview mirrors help to prevent accidents and are especially important for use on or near the road.
Other Mobility Products
Purchasing a mobility scooter often means purchasing or renting other mobility equipment as well—both for the safety of the user and for transporting the mobility scooter around:
Wheelchair ramp. If there are steps leading from the road to the front door, a wheelchair ramp might be necessary to help the user enter the house safely.
Vehicle lift. For non-folding models, a vehicle lift with a platform or hoist can be used to store a mobility scooter in the trunk of a van or in the cargo space of a pickup truck for transport.
Stairlift. Older adults who struggle with balance or no longer have the strength to climb the stairs may need a stairlift in addition to a mobility scooter.
When purchasing durable medical equipment like a mobility scooter, it's best to choose the model first and then get a ramp and vehicle lift that is designed to bear the weight and physical dimensions of the scooter.
Your vehicle (or budget for a vehicle) will likewise be a factor in the choice of scooter—there's no point in buying a full-size scooter unless you have (or intend to buy) a van or pickup truck or plan to use public transportation.
How to Cover the Cost of a Mobility Scooter
While the right mobility scooter can be a life-changing purchase, new mobility scooters are a significant financial investment—making it essential to research payment options before going ahead with the purchase.
Insurance Company
Private insurance companies and public programs like Medicare will often reimburse part or all of the cost of a medical scooter if you have evidence from a physician that it's a medical necessity and the model is covered under your plan.
Before buying a mobility scooter, talk to your insurance company and find out:
What documentation is needed to show that you have a medical need for a mobility scooter
Which physicians and physical therapists your insurer works with
Which mobility scooter makes and models your insurer will cover
How often you can have your mobility scooter replaced (this is usually every five years)
In addition to asking your insurer these questions, ask about the warranty and extended warranty for the mobility scooter model you want to buy. If anything goes wrong, a warranty will give you full peace of mind.
Disability Grants
Many states offer disability grants and funding options for veterans, first responders, and other individuals with a disability who need mobility equipment. In some cases, you might be eligible for a free mobility scooter!
In the state of Colorado, for example, residents can contact:
Adult Resources for Care and Help (ARCH) - ARCH provides assistance to adults over 60 and other disabled adults. Contact them at (303) 866-2800 or at the ARCH website.
Area Agency on Aging (AAA) - AAA has branches in Denver and across the state that provide information and services to senior citizens. You can find contact details for your nearest office at the Area Agency on Aging website.
Colorado Department of Veterans Affairs - Disabled veterans of the U.S. military can apply for grants toward accessible vehicles and other mobility equipment through VA. Contact them at (303) 343-1268 or refer to their website.
For other states, contact your local Area Agencies on Aging.
Mobility Scooter Rental
If you only need the mobility scooter for a short period, motorized scooter rental could be a cost-effective option. It's generally more economical to rent if you'll need the scooter for fewer than 12 weeks.
Some mobility equipment retailers will credit part of your rental cost towards the purchase of the same scooter, so it's a good idea to ask about that option before you sign the rental contract. Renting a mobility scooter for a week is also a great idea if you're not 100% sure if a model is the right fit.
Refunds and Returns
If you purchase a mobility scooter and later decide that you no longer want or need it (or that you would prefer a different model), you might be able to return the scooter for a refund or store credit. Please note that special orders (with custom features, a custom color, etc.) can't usually be returned and resold, so it's important to take "resellability" into account if you might want to return the machine.
Choosing The Right Mobility Scooter for You
With so many mobility scooters available, finding the right mobility scooter at the right cost is mostly a matter of listing the features you need and choosing from the models that fit those requirements.
When you go into a mobility showroom, knowledgeable staff members will be happy to show you the mobility scooters in your price range and help you choose the best mobility scooter for your needs.