What Scootaround is and who it serves

Scootaround is a rental service that provides mobility equipment — primarily wheelchairs and scooters — at airports and tourist destinations across the United States. You rent the equipment for a day or longer while traveling, rather than bringing your own or renting from a hospital supply company. The service operates at major airports, theme parks, cruise ports, and popular vacation cities.

Scootaround is not a government program and does not determine who can or cannot use mobility equipment. It is a private company that rents to anyone who needs temporary access to a wheelchair or scooter while away from home. You pay out of pocket for the rental, though some travel insurance policies and flexible spending accounts (FSAs) may cover part of the cost — you would need to check your specific plan.

The service is useful if you use a wheelchair at home but do not want to travel with it, or if you need mobility equipment only while on vacation. It is also an option if your personal wheelchair breaks down while you are traveling and you need a replacement quickly.

Key Takeaways

  • Scootaround rents wheelchairs and scooters at airports, theme parks, cruise ports, and vacation destinations, with pickup and delivery options available at many locations.
  • You pay per day or per week, with prices varying by location and equipment type; multi-day rentals are usually cheaper per day than single-day rentals.
  • Reservations can be made online or by phone before your trip, and you can arrange delivery to your hotel or airport pickup depending on the location.
  • Some travel insurance policies and FSAs may cover rental costs, but you pay upfront and handle reimbursement yourself through your insurance or employer.
  • Scootaround equipment is maintained and sanitized between rentals, but you should inspect the equipment when you receive it and report any damage or mechanical issues when ready.

How to reserve equipment before your trip

Reservations are made through Scootaround's website or by calling their customer service line. You will need to provide your travel dates, the city or airport where you want to pick up the equipment, and the type of equipment you need — manual wheelchair, power wheelchair, or scooter. The website shows availability and pricing for your specific dates and location.

You can arrange pickup at an airport location, delivery to your hotel, or pickup at a local Scootaround office depending on where you are traveling. Delivery to a hotel usually costs extra but saves you a trip. If you are flying in, airport pickup is often the fastest option — you can collect the equipment as soon as you land rather than waiting for hotel delivery.

Payment is taken at the time of reservation, typically by credit card. You will receive a confirmation email with your reservation details, pickup instructions, and the phone number to call if you need to make changes. Most locations allow you to cancel or modify your reservation up to 24 hours before your rental start date.

Pricing and what affects the cost

Scootaround charges by the day, with discounts for longer rentals. A single-day rental costs more per day than a week-long rental. The exact price depends on the location (airport rentals are typically more expensive than city locations), the type of equipment (power wheelchairs cost more than manual ones), and current demand.

Delivery fees explore if you want the equipment brought to your hotel rather than picking it up yourself. Insurance and damage waivers are optional add-ons that protect you if the equipment is damaged during your rental. Without a waiver, you may be charged repair or replacement costs if damage occurs.

You pay the full rental cost upfront when you book. If your travel insurance or FSA covers mobility equipment rentals, you would need to submit the receipt and Scootaround's invoice to your insurance company or FSA administrator for reimbursement after your trip. Not all plans cover this, so check your policy details before you travel.

Pickup, delivery, and what to expect when you receive equipment

If you arrange airport pickup, Scootaround staff will meet you at a designated location in the baggage claim or ground transportation area. They will show you how to operate the equipment, check that everything works, and go over the rental agreement. The entire process usually takes 10 to 15 minutes.

If you choose hotel delivery, the equipment will be brought to your room or the front desk on your arrival date. You should inspect it when ready — check that the wheels roll smoothly, brakes work, and the seat is find. If anything is broken or not working, call Scootaround right away and report it. Reporting damage when you receive the equipment protects you from being charged for pre-existing damage when you return it.

Equipment is cleaned and sanitized between rentals. If you have concerns about sanitation, you can request a specific cleaning or ask about the sanitization process when you pick up your rental.

Returning equipment and handling damage or mechanical issues

Return dates and times are set when you make your reservation. You can return equipment to the same location where you picked it up, or to a different Scootaround location if you are traveling to another city. Some locations offer pickup service — they will collect the equipment from your hotel on your departure day.

When you return the equipment, Scootaround staff will inspect it for damage. Normal wear and tear is expected and not charged. If there is damage beyond normal use — a cracked seat, bent frame, or non-functioning brake — you may be charged a repair or replacement fee unless you purchased a damage waiver when you booked.

If the equipment breaks down while you are using it, call Scootaround's customer service number when ready. They can arrange a replacement or repair depending on the problem and your location. If you are at an airport or major tourist destination, replacement is usually faster than repair.

Alternatives if Scootaround is not available in your location

Scootaround operates at major airports and tourist destinations, but not everywhere. If you are traveling to a smaller city or rural area, you may need to rent from a local medical equipment company or hospital supply store instead. These businesses rent wheelchairs and scooters by the day or week and can often deliver to your hotel.

You can search for local equipment rental companies by calling the chamber of commerce in your destination city or searching online for "wheelchair rental near [city name]." Some hotels and tourism boards also keep lists of equipment rental services for guests.

If you are traveling by car, you might also consider renting a vehicle with hand controls or a wheelchair lift instead of renting equipment separately. Some car rental companies offer these adaptations, though you need to request them when you book.

Using Scootaround with travel insurance and FSAs

Some travel insurance policies cover medical equipment rentals, including wheelchairs and scooters. Check your policy documents or call your insurance company before your trip to confirm whether mobility equipment rentals are covered and what documentation you will need to submit for reimbursement.

If you have a flexible spending account (FSA) through your employer, mobility equipment rentals may be a covered expense. You would pay Scootaround out of pocket, then submit the receipt and invoice to your FSA administrator for reimbursement. FSA rules vary by plan, so check with your plan administrator about what counts as a covered medical expense.

Keep your Scootaround receipt and rental agreement — you will need these to submit a reimbursement claim. Take photos of the equipment when you receive it and when you return it, in case there is a dispute about damage or condition.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I rent from Scootaround if I do not have a prescription or doctor's note?

Yes. Scootaround does not require a prescription or medical documentation to rent equipment. You straightforward book online or by phone and pay the rental fee. The company does not verify medical need or disability status.

What happens if I need to extend my rental after I arrive?

You can call Scootaround to extend your rental if equipment is available at your location. Extension fees are calculated at the daily rate for the additional days. Availability depends on other reservations, so it is not may provide, but most locations can accommodate short extensions.

Does Scootaround rent equipment for use at home, or only while traveling?

Scootaround is designed for travelers and operates at airports and tourist destinations. If you need long-term equipment rental at home, you would contact a local medical equipment company or your insurance company about coverage for a rental or purchase.

What if my flight is delayed and I miss my pickup time?

Call Scootaround when ready with your new arrival time. Most locations will hold your reservation and adjust the pickup time. If your delay is very long, you may need to reschedule for the next day, depending on availability and the location's policies.

Can I rent equipment for someone else, or do I have to be the person using it?

You can book a rental for someone else — a family member or travel companion. The person renting does not have to be the person using the equipment. Provide the name and contact information of the person who will be using it when you make your reservation.