I am shopping for some products that can improve senior mobility such as power wheelchairs, mobility scooters, and other mobility accessories. I keep seeing the name SCOOTER Store a lot while shopping around and wanted more information about them. Can you tell me more about the SCOOTER Store?

Founded in 1991, the SCOOTER Store sells high quality lines of power wheelchairs (power chairs), mobility scooters, and other mobility accessories. Their core ideology of “Always Do the Right Thing” really reflects the company’s commitment to helping people, specifically in the arena of limited mobility. The SCOOTER Store’s commitment to to that vision has helped it grow rapidly since its inception, with recognition as being one of the “100 Best Companies to Work For” by Fortune Magazine as well one of “America’s Fastest Growing Private Companies” from 2000 - 2003. The Scooter Store is accredited by the ACHC (Accreditation Commission for Health Care, Inc. as well as part of the Better Business Bureau Online Reliability Program.

What kind of mobility products does the Scooter Store offer?

The SCOOTER Store sells high quality lines of power wheelchairs (power chairs), mobility scooters, and other mobility accessories.

Power chairs or power wheelchairs are designed and built for indoor maneuverability. Power wheelchairs should fit almost anywhere and can essentially turn on a dime to help you navigate anything indoors such as tight spaces, narrow hallways, and even uneven surfaces. Power chairs from the SCOOTER Store generally have anti tip wheels which help ensure stability and are steered with a joystick, making them popular for even those with limited upper body strength or balance problems. Scooter Stores offers these models of power chairs:

• Jazzy Select GT Power Chair
• Jazzy Select 6 Ultra Power Chair
• Jazzy 614HD Power Chair
• Jazzy 1170 XL Plus Power Chair

Mobility Scooters from the SCOOTER Store are electrically powered scooters that are steered using handlebars akin to a bicycle or small vehicle. The Scooter Store mobility scooters are ideal for outdoor activities and travel of short distances since they can handle many types of surfaces easily. Power electric scooters from the SCOOTER Store usually have either 3 or 4 wheels for stability. Models of mobility scooters from the Scooter Store include:

• Go-Go Ultra X Electric Scooter
• Victory 10 Electric Scooter
• Celebrity X Electric Scooter
• Revo Electric Scooter
• Gusto Electric Scooter
• Sportster Electric Scooter
• Breeze Electric Scooter
• Victory 9 Electric Scooter

The Scooter Store also offers many other mobility accessories:

• Lift chairs are comfortable armchairs and recliners that electronically lift up to help you into a standing position when desired.
• Lifts that are generally used to transport your mobility scooter or power wheelchair into and out of vans or trunks of cars. The cost of these items, in general, are not covered by Medicare.
• Wheelchair ramps provide more mobility for significant changes in elevation or such things like stairs
• Other accessories such as scooter or power chair batteries, saddle bags, backpacks, ultra reachers, car caddies, assist trays, security poles, level extenders, winnie wagon, hood canopies, mobility scooter cover, power wheelchair covers, mounted baskets, and cupholders

How much does a mobility scooter or power wheelchair from the Scooter Store cost?

There is no hiding the truth; mobility scooters and power chairs from the SCOOTER Store can most several thousand dollars. However, keep in mind that if you qualify, Medicare will cover 80% of these costs, while oftentimes supplemental insurance will cover the other 20%. In order to qualify for these billings, you will need a doctor’s determination that your lack of mobility (which can be ameliorated with a power chair or mobility scooter) is impacting your quality of life. The Scooter Store will work with your doctor and you to initiate and collect all the pertinent and necessary paperwork with both the doctor, Medicare, and supplemental insurance so that you do not have to worry and fret about it. To learn more about what is required and the approval process, keep reading to the next question.

For those consumers that would rather not go through the process of getting approval and billing from Medicare or supplemental insurance, the SCOOTER Store also has many payment and financing options that their customer service and sales representatives would be happy to discuss with you.

What is the process like to get a power wheelchair or mobility scooter with the Scooter Store with coverage from Medicare or private insurance?

The first step in the process of finding out whether you qualify for coverage from Medicare or supplemental insurance for your mobility scooter or power chair is to contact the SCOOTER Store. The mobility consultant form the Scooter Store will talk with you and determine your mobility status and needs. Rest assured that these discussions are confidential and information is only shared with doctors, Medicare, and insurance companies when pertinent and necessary.

The second step is to get an evaluation specifically about mobility with your doctor. The mobility consultant from the Scooter Store will help you set up this appointment that is specifically to assess mobility as well as initiate and coordinate the proper paperwork.

The third step is the Scooter Store’s working with and collecting that paperwork from the doctor and submitting claims on your behalf to Medicare and any supplemental insurance. The SCOOTER Store handles everything and actually get about 96% of their submitted claims to get approved for payment.

The fourth and last step is to enjoy the delivery of your power chair or mobility scooter from the Scooter Store once they have collected the paperwork from your doctor. You will enjoy convenient home delivery where someone from the Scooter Store will set up, explain, and teach you how to use your new power wheelchair or mobility scooter until you feel comfortable using and operating it. At this point, you are also covered by the Guaranteed Freedom Program since you worked through all the steps with the Scooter Store.

Can you tell me about the Guaranteed Freedom Program from the SCOOTER Store?

The Guaranteed Freedom Program from the SCOOTER Store is their dedication to helping you with your mobility problems. This Scooter Store guarantee starts with working with you and your doctor to identify problems with mobility and needs, submitting the needed paperwork to Medicare and supplemental insurance for billing approval, and working with you to figure out the best mobility options and solutions. The Scooter Store guarantees that if you work with them through all the steps and let them guide you, that approval for a mobility scooter or power wheelchair will be approved or else you can simply keep your scooter or power chair for free. Check with the SCOOTER Store for exact details and restrictions.