thinking ahead re: mobility issues

[Grasswire2]

So, after some surgery that made walking difficult for a few weeks, I began to consider my impediments to mobility that surely will be coming up w/age.

I haven't kept a car for fifteen years. Public transportation is great, and now there's Lyft and other options, too.

But, for example, the nearest city bus stop is probably half a mile away. The center of this community, with farmers market, library, transit hub etc. is a bit more. The light rail about the same distance from home.

If I were fully recovered, I would be walking to the farmers market today, loading up, and pulling my Radio Flyer wagon back home. My favorite activity.

Then it dawned on me. If I had an electric scooter with seat and three wheels, the coming problem would be solved. I could go to the bus stop. I could go to the library. Wow. Even if a lot worse than I am now.

I have no idea where to start thinking about a scooter. No good place to plug it in -- no garage, very steep driveway.

Does Medicare cover an inexpensive scooter under Durable Medical Equipment? I wonder.

Any clues? Thanks in advance.

[LakeArenal]

1. Don't have much advice but my dad loved his. Tooled around inside and out.

I know there are weight limits and be sure to say you’d be using it indoors and out.

You could consider an electric wheel chair.
My fav during two hip replacements and a broken femur. They make great desk chairs too.

Good luck.

[Historic NY]

2. They do cover talk to your Dr.

https://www.medicare.gov/Pubs/pdf/11046-Medicare-Wheelchair-Scooter.pdf]

[TreasonousBastard]

3. Yes, more or less. I've been looking into alternatives and my VA...

doctor was half joking when she said if she got me one I'd never get off it.

Personally, I suspect the scooter is the most dangerous option, although usually slow enough to keep you out of the hospital.

The full sized tricycle probably the best option. The motor helps you up the driveway and most have removable batteries you can recharge inside . Scooters with seats can usually beak down and go on busses and trains. Busses here have bike racks on the front.

Haven't bought one yet, and the law on electric bikes and scooters hasn't kept up with technology, (or a good way to give you tickets).

[KarenS]

4. I have a mobility scooter,,,,

there's a couple of things to keep in mind:

The 4 wheel models are more stable than the 3 wheel models.

You must work at continuing to walk/exercise bec they become a way of life

Mine was not as expensive as I thought it would be. Not sure if medicare would have covered or not but I do think there's a limit as to how many lifetime items,,,, just look into it.

Good Luck!! I love mine but I need to work at exercising.

[gibraltar72]

6. have both, 4 wheelers much less nimble.

They are so cheap on used market FB etc. I have several actually 4 currently.

[eShirl]

5. what about an electric bicycle? (e-bike)

I don't have one but they're getting more popular
maybe they have tricycle versions now