Wheelchairs
Short answer
Manual and power chairs
Federal device rules describe a mechanical wheelchair as a manually operated device with wheels that gives mobility to a person who needs to be seated.[1]
A powered wheelchair is the battery-operated version of the same thing.[2]
Beyond that, chairs differ in weight, folding, seat size, weight capacity and how they're adjusted. Ask a supplier or the user's therapist which features matter for the person and the places the chair will go.
What supplier listings tell you
Medicare's supplier data splits wheelchairs into standard manual, standard power, complex rehabilitative manual and complex rehabilitative power, plus accessories for each.[5]
A supplier listed for complex rehab chairs is enrolled to provide them; ask what that covers for the model you need. A listing doesn't tell you what's in stock or whether a supplier rents.
How Medicare handles wheelchairs
Medicare Part B covers wheelchairs and scooters as durable medical equipment when they're medically necessary.[3]
Before Medicare covers a power wheelchair or scooter, you need a face-to-face examination and a written prescription from a treating provider, and certain power wheelchairs need prior authorization, which the supplier usually requests.[3]
Depending on the item, Medicare may rent it, buy it, or let you choose, and some rented items become yours after a set number of payments.[4]
Common questions
Can I rent a wheelchair instead of buying one?
Yes. Many medical equipment suppliers rent chairs for short periods, and Medicare rents some equipment rather than buying it. Call a supplier to ask about their rental terms, and read our guide to what to ask before renting.
Does every supplier listed for wheelchairs have them in stock?
No. A Medicare listing shows what a location is enrolled to provide, not what it has today. Call ahead with the model, size and dates you need.
What does 'complex rehab' mean in a supplier listing?
It's a separate Medicare supply category from standard manual and power wheelchairs. Ask the supplier which chairs and services it covers for the person you're helping.
Sources
- 21 CFR 890.3850: Mechanical wheelchair, eCFR. Accessed October 13, 2026.
- 21 CFR 890.3860: Powered wheelchair, eCFR. Accessed October 13, 2026.
- Wheelchairs & scooters, Medicare.gov. Accessed October 13, 2026.
- Durable medical equipment (DME) coverage, Medicare.gov. Accessed October 13, 2026.
- Medical Equipment Suppliers, CMS Provider Data Catalog. Accessed October 13, 2026.
Find wheelchair suppliers
Search by city or ZIP code, or start with a city below.
Cities with the most suppliers listed for wheelchairs