Yes, insurance can cover a knee scooter, but approval depends on your plan, your diagnosis, and whether the device is classified as durable medical equipment (DME) — which most major insurers, including Medicare Part B, recognize knee scooters as.

Medicare Part B covers 80% of the approved cost for a knee scooter when a doctor documents that the device is medically necessary — typically following foot, ankle, or lower leg surgery requiring non-weight-bearing recovery. Private insurers follow similar logic: you'll need a physician's prescription, a diagnosis code, and in many cases a supplier who is in-network and enrolled as a DME provider. Renting through an approved supplier is often easier to get covered than purchasing outright.

  • Medicare Part B pays 80% of the approved DME amount for a knee scooter after the annual deductible is met.
  • A physician's written prescription and a documented medical necessity determination are required by most insurers.
  • Knee scooters are classified under HCPCS code E0118 for insurance billing purposes.
  • Rental coverage is more commonly approved than purchase coverage under many private insurance plans.
  • Out-of-pocket cost without insurance for a knee scooter typically ranges from $150 to $400 for purchase, or $50–$100 per month to rent.

Important Exceptions

  • Medicaid coverage varies by state: Medicaid does not uniformly cover knee scooters nationwide — your state's DME benefit list determines eligibility, so confirm before assuming coverage applies.
  • HSA/FSA purchase bypasses insurance: If your plan denies coverage or you're uninsured, the Akoasm All-Terrain Knee Scooter qualifies as an HSA/FSA-eligible medical expense, covering the full purchase cost pre-tax.
  • Supplier must be DME-enrolled: Even with a valid prescription and correct diagnosis, coverage is denied if your supplier isn't enrolled as a DME provider with your insurer — purchasing directly from a non-enrolled retailer is typically not reimbursable.
  • Balance issues or neurological conditions may disqualify: Insurance often requires the prescribing physician to confirm the patient can safely operate a knee scooter — users with significant balance deficits may be directed to a different DME category instead.
  • Post-authorization purchase doesn't guarantee reimbursement: Buying the knee scooter before receiving prior authorization — required by many private plans — commonly results in a denied claim even when the device would otherwise qualify.