Free Mobility Scooter

Free Mobility Scooter: 9 Proven Ways to Get One

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Are you or a loved one in need of a mobility scooter but struggling to afford one? You’re not alone. 

These devices, which can greatly improve the quality of life for those with mobility issues, can be quite expensive. 

But did you know that there are ways to get a free mobility scooter? It’s true. In this article, we’ll share 11 proven ways to get a free mobility scooter. 

From government programs and non-profit organizations to fundraising and grants, we’ll explore all the options and provide the information you need to get the mobility device you need at no cost. 

Whether you’re on a fixed income, have high medical bills, or simply can’t afford to purchase a mobility scooter outright, these strategies can help you get the mobility assistance you need. 

So, if you’re ready to learn how to get a free mobility scooter, read on.

Key Takeaways:

  • Most insurers, including Medicare, don’t cover mobility scooters for outdoor use only
  • Medicare usually covers only 80% of the cost of a mobility device
  • Scooters are only covered for people that can’t perform basic daily home activities without any other mobility aid such as a walker or manual wheelchair
  • Insurers will require a series of documents issued by medical professionals and medical equipment companies to review your eligibility for the coverage
  • The process of obtaining insurer approval can take up to 90 days, or more in some circumstances
  • Veteran programs, Medicaid, and Social Security can sometimes pay for the 20% not covered by Medicare
  • There are many foundations, non-profits, and charities that might help you get a free mobility scooter
  • Retailers and manufacturers frequently do giveaways in which you can enroll for free
  • Churches are also a place to look for help and might help you start a fundraiser
  • If every other option fails, you could look for discounted or used units
  • Retailers commonly offer financing alternatives for the purchase of durable medical equipment, which can help offset the upfront cost

Do You Qualify for a Free Mobility Scooter?

Whether it is through Medicare or an insurance company, medical providers will want to qualify your degree of need for a mobility aid.

Basically, the decision of subsidizing your equipment will mostly depend on your physical capabilities and if there’s a cheaper alternative to a mobility scooter that will suit your needs.

And, to begin with, a request for a scooter will only be accepted if it’s an aid you will require most of your waking time indoors.

Insurers don’t usually cover mobility scooters for outdoor use exclusively.

The qualification process commonly is comprised of a visit to your doctor, who might recommend a visit to a physical therapist to get proper measurements of your condition.

Then, a medical equipment supplier will be contacted, and will probably be in charge of surveying your home to determine if a mobility scooter will fit and be maneuverable in it.

But before this, there are a series of qualifying questions that might determine your eligibility.

They are something like this:

  • Can the person perform basic activities with a cane, crutches, or a walker? Why not?
  • Can the person perform basic activities with a manual wheelchair? Why not?
  • Can the person safely operate a mobility scooter, and get on and off it without assistance?

These “basic activities” mentioned are daily affairs such as bathing, toileting, personal care, feeding, and dressing.

1. Medicare

Contrary to what many people think, Medicare will cover mobility scooters on some occasions, given that the patient qualifies.

Something that’s no small feat.

Medicare Part B is where you should refer to get coverage for mobility devices, which in some special cases could be given for free, but in most situations are covered up to 80%.

If the latter is your situation you can always contact your local Medicaid office to see if they can do something about it, but this varies from state to state.

The qualification process for medicare can take up to 90 days and involves a lot of paperwork.

Usually, it’s something like this:

  • In-person doctor evaluation for a “Medicare Face to Face mobility evaluation”. It’s important that this is the reason for the visit and that’s stated in the records.
  • The doctor must address the Medicare eligibility guidelines and provide objective measurements in the visit notes
  • It’s likely that the doctor will recommend a physical or occupational therapist to do this strength and flexibility evaluations
  • The doctor sends the report to a medical equipment provider
  • The medical equipment provider sends a surveyor to verify your house is suitable for a scooter
  • The doctor signs off all the paperwork and sends it to Medicare
  • Medicare approves or denies the request in two to four weeks
  • When Medicare approves the coverage, the medical equipment provider orders the scooter and ships it to your home

Remember that Medicare will not cover scooters for exclusive outdoor usage.

For more information about this, please refer to our article on Medicare’s coverage of mobility scooters:

Does Medicare Cover Mobility Scooters? [How to Qualify]

2. Insurance

The situation with your insurance company might be similar to that with Medicare.

However, different insurers have distinct coverages, and it will depend almost on a case-by-case basis.

My recommendation is that you or someone you trust check the fine print of your coverage policy, to determine if you might be eligible for getting a scooter.

Again, you will likely require your doctor to evaluate your condition and sign off on the requirement of an assistive device.

Do consult with your physician since they are used to dealing with this kind of paperwork on a regular basis.

Also, medical equipment retailers and manufacturers can be of great help, since being the final beneficiaries of your approval have the incentives and the knowledge to help you throughout the process.

3. Veteran Programs

Veteran programs do assist the community with the purchase of mobility aids, however, their coverage and requirements will vary from state to state, and from program to program.

In the case Medicare approved coverage of 80% for your scooter, veteran offices are likely to have programs in place to help you afford the remaining 20% or other costs related to the ownership of a mobility aid.

Some of these programs are:

  • TRICARE
  • CHAMPVA for Life, 
  • Veterans Directed Home and Community-Based Services (VD-HCBS)

4. Medicaid

Medicaid may cover an electric scooter as durable medical equipment (DME), but coverage varies by state. 

Factors that may affect coverage include the purpose of the scooter, whether accessories are included, whether the scooter can be rented or purchased, and the individual’s place of residence.

For people living in Medicaid nursing homes, the scooter might be provided if the staff deems it necessary.

Some states may also require special forms or physical therapy reports for eligibility. 

Basically, and as with other alternatives, if the individual cannot perform basic indoor activities without the scooter, Medicaid may cover the cost. 

Approval for purchase through Medicaid must be obtained through a Medicaid-participating medical equipment supplier.

5. Social Security

Although slow, social security and state-issued disability benefits can be an option if other ways of getting a covered scooter fail.

Coverage and qualification will vary from state to state, but in some cases, you can even expect a full-cost subsidy if you meet all the requirements.

Applications, however, can take months to move forward and you will need to be armed with patience.

You should consult with medical professionals and suppliers from your area to check if this alternative might be useful for you.

6. Charities, Grants, and Non-Profit Organizations

There are thousands of charities across the country that strive on getting financial support to those in need of mobility aid.

Depending on your location, there are probably a few you can contact and share your particular situation.

As with most of these options, eligibility will depend on many factors and is probably different for each organization.

Do contact as many as you can and ask for advice.

Charities might not be able to provide you with help at the moment but will surely point you in the direction of alternative assistance.

Here are a few charities and non-profit organizations known for supporting mobility needs:

7. Giveaways

Mobility scooter retailers and manufacturers often offer giveaways as a way to promote their products and increase brand awareness. 

These giveaways can take the form of contests, sweepstakes, or simply giving away a certain number of scooters for free.

For those in need of a mobility scooter, entering one of these giveaways can be a great way to potentially get a free unit.

Even if you don’t win, the process of entering the giveaway can be quick and easy, and you may still have the chance to receive discounts or special offers from the retailer or manufacturer.

Furthermore, mobility scooter giveaways are usually open to people of all ages and ability levels, so anyone in need of a mobility aid may be eligible to enter. 

8. Churches

There are several ways that churches can help individuals in need of a mobility scooter to obtain one for free or at a reduced cost. Here are a few options to consider:

  • Donations: Many churches have a tradition of helping those in need through charitable donations. If you are a member of a church and are in need of a mobility scooter, you may be able to get one through a charitable donation from the church or through a donation from a church member.
  • Grants: Some churches have grant programs in place specifically for helping individuals with disabilities to purchase mobility equipment. If you are a member of a church, you may be able to apply for one of these grants.
  • Partnerships: Some churches partner with local organizations or charities that provide mobility equipment to those in need. If your church has such a partnership, you may be able to get a mobility scooter through it.
  • Fundraisers: If you are unable to get a mobility scooter through one of the above options, your church may be willing to hold a fundraiser to help you raise the necessary funds.

Ultimately, the best way to get a free mobility scooter through a church will depend on the specific resources and programs that your church has in place. 

It may be helpful to speak with your pastor or a member of the church leadership team to find out what options are available to you.

9. Fundraisers

Following up on the fundraiser alternative, here are a few tips for organizing a successful fundraiser:

  • Determine your goal: How much do you need to raise to purchase the mobility scooter? Knowing your goal will help you plan your fundraiser and set a timeline for reaching it. There are websites such as Kickstarter that might help you run it online if you are tech-savvy.
  • Choose a type of fundraiser: There are many different types of fundraisers you can hold, such as a bake sale, car wash, silent auction, or raffle, among many others. Choose a type of fundraiser that aligns with your interests and abilities and that will be appealing to potential donors.
  • Promote your fundraiser: Get the word out about your fundraiser to as many people as possible. This could include sharing it on social media, posting flyers around your community, and reaching out to local media outlets to see if they will cover your event.
  • Thank your donors: After your fundraiser is over, be sure to thank everyone who donated or helped out. This can help build goodwill and encourage future support.

By following these steps and being persistent, you can run a successful fundraiser to help you get a free mobility scooter. 

Remember to stay positive and stay focused on your goal, and you will be well on your way to obtaining the mobility aid you need.

Finally, know that some organizations and charities might be open to helping you run and promote your fundraiser, so be in contact with them.

Average Cost of a Mobility Scooter

The average cost of a mobility scooter is about $1500, however, you can find basic products cheaper than that, as well as more premium alternatives at way more expensive price tags.

10 Types of Mobility Scooters: We Help You Pick

It is important for you to determine which type of scooter better suits your needs based on its features and its cost.

7 Reasons Why Mobility Scooters Are So Expensive

How to Get a Mobility Scooter for Cheap

There are several options for getting discounted mobility scooters.

If your search for a free unit looks like it won’t end successfully, you could start considering some of these alternatives:

  • Shop for used scooters online for up to 70% discount
  • Ask scooter rental companies if they have old units on sale
  • Inquiry your local retailer for “outlet” units with cosmetic issues
  • Contact manufacturers and ask for a discount on a direct sale
  • Share the scooter (and the price) with a relative, friend, or neighbor

Have You Considered Renting?

Depending on your needs and desired use case renting a scooter can be a viable alternative.

If you are going on a trip, or have some specific mobility needs for a determined period of time, perhaps a rental could work out for you.

Usually, mobility scooter rentals go for around $200 to $300 a week.

Can You Rent a Mobility Scooter? [Cost Breakdown]

However, this value will depend drastically on your location, the current demand, and the kind of scooter you are planning on getting.

Most Retailers Finance Mobility Scooters

Finally, if all the roads to a free mobility scooter seem closed to you, a great alternative might be financing it.

Luckily most retailers offer financing alternatives on their own or through specialized partners.

You can learn more about this in the following article:

Financing a Mobility Scooter: 9 Options to Pay Monthly

Rent-to-own a Mobility Scooter

An alternative to financing is renting to own, or leasing a scooter.

This is a financial contract you surely know because of its popularity in the automotive market.

You should ask retailers in your zone about it, what are the rates, and their particular terms.

But know that this is very common and an alternative chosen by many people.

All the claims made in this article are only for informational purposes, based on the writer’s experience and not clinical advice. You should always consult your physician or physical therapist if you have any doubts about how this applies to your specific case.

Related posts:

  1. Does Medicare Cover Mobility Scooters? [How to Qualify]
  2. Used Mobility Scooters: 7 Tips to Get a Good One
  3. Mobility Scooter Maintenance: Ultimate Guide
  4. Troubleshooting: Mobility Scooter Battery Draining Fast