I've seen apartments for disabled and elderly where persons use them to go about doing for themselves even as far as going six blocks to the grocery store. For someone with MS, MD, or other neurological disorders it means being able to maintain some form of independence and independent living in many cases. The draw back? I'd say they are likely a pain to take with you anywhere. For my wifes wheelchair it weighs 300 pounds so we have to use a high top conversion van with a hydraulic wheelchair lift.
I'm at the point myself in places like. Wally World I'll hop on a store scooter. Arthritis and bad {distorted bones} feet would have me limping pretty darn fast. Would I ask Medicare/Medicaid for one? Heck no I'm no where near that point yet. Ten years from now I may reach that point. About 5 years ago we went to a Theme Park. I just about didn't make it out of the place. MY legs and hips kept going out. Next time I go if we ever go again I'll be sure to rent a scooter at the gate and be glad to do it.
Sorry to hear about your ailments. I had severe osteo-arthritis and hip necrosis. New hip, new knee over the last 18 months. I’m at the gym 3 days a week and ride a bike about 80 miles a week. I hope you find some relief. Pain sucks!
If you go into independent living facilities most of the people get around with walkers that are inexpensive, functional, safe, and do just fine for normal activities. As a mater of fact most doctors want their patients to get up on their legs and walk around to get the blood flowing.
And as people get older operating them gets a little more cumbersome. I was at a grocery store where some elderly lady was using the one provided by the store and when she pulled up to the counter she proceeded to plow into a half dozen other people waiting in line as she fiddled with the controls to try to turn it off. Finally someone had to do it for her. Luckily no one was seriously injured.
I think these scooters are/were overkill. Most of them were and are sitting in closets shortly after being delivered and the Scooter Store and Medicare knew it.