How Much Does Mobility Equipment Cost?

Paying for handicap mobility equipment can be pretty expensive, especially if insurance doesn’t cover the costs. Getting Medicare to pay for anything is tough, and you may not see any assistance unless you have Medicare part B.

According to the Medicare website, Part B pays for 20% of the Medicare-approved amount for power-operated scooters and manual wheelchairs. Power wheelchairs will only be paid for if medically necessary, meaning your doctor has to complete paperwork and send it to Medicare. There’s no mention of wheelchair lifts so that could mean you personally pay 100% for lifts. However, other types of medical insurance vary and could potentially pay other amounts.

Wheelchairs

Without insurance, the average cost of handicap mobility equipment can be pretty pricey. Manual wheelchairs are $500 on average, but a chair meant for everyday use can easily cost $2,000. Electric wheelchairs vary a lot, but expected costs are $1,200 to $1,500—although some can be as high as $30,000.

Mobility Scooters

Mobility scooters are even more costly. AARP did a study and found that most range from $1,700 to $3,000, although they can be much higher. You may have the ability to find an older-model Hoveround for cheaper, but Medicare requires you to pick a brand accepted by the program.

Wheelchair Lifts

Finally, wheelchair lifts on average cost around $1,500 to $3,000, but they also range quite a bit. Materials like aluminum can lower your cost but aren’t as durable. Other models can be as high as $14,000.