Power Chairs

Power wheelchairs are controlled by a joystick and designed for people who cannot walk or have very limited walking ability — they provide full seating support and are more maneuverable in tight spaces. Mobility scooters are for those who can walk short distances but fatigue quickly. Power wheelchairs better support positioning and medical needs.

Medicare Part B covers power wheelchairs as complex rehabilitation equipment when a doctor certifies the person is unable to perform basic mobility in the home with less complex equipment. The process involves physician documentation, a face-to-face evaluation, and obtaining the chair from a Medicare-enrolled supplier.

If you have sufficient upper body strength and endurance to self-propel a manual chair, a lightweight manual chair may be appropriate. If propulsion is not feasible due to weakness, pain, or endurance limitations — or if your caregiver cannot safely push — a power chair provides independence that a manual chair cannot.

Driving training with a rehabilitation therapist is strongly recommended. Assess the home for accessibility: doorway widths (minimum 32 inches clear), floor surfaces, turning space, and outdoor access. A certified rehabilitation technology supplier (CRTS) can match the chair to your specific physical needs and home environment.