Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance) covers power-operated vehicles (scooters), walkers, and electric wheelchairs for sale as durable medical equipment (DME). Medicare helps cover DME if: The doctor treating your condition submits a written order stating that you have a medical need for a wheelchair or scooter for use in your home. What is a safe power wheelchair speed? Most power wheelchairs average a top speed of approximately 5 mph. However, some power chair models can achieve maximum speeds of 10 mph and more.These wheelchairs are ideal for people with limited mobility who want to travel, as well as people who don't have a wheelchair-accessible vehicle, because they can be easily folded or disassembled for storage in a car trunk.