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.
I worked in a Nursing home/Retirement home facility about 18 years ago. The retirement/assisted living building was well over a quarter mile long plus extended hallways off to the side. Lot's of residents had scooters. This was a private pay upscale facility as far as the retirement center went and they could afford them. Just the same when I go see my sister I'll see a dozen scooters on some days usually about meal time. The Memory Care unit portion? Nope none in there for obvious reasons.
When a person becomes a serious fall risk or can't take walk far but still has mental capabilities a scooter might be wise for longer walks say outside the house or shopping. The decision should be made by doctor and patient. Also the type of floor walked on also means a lot as well. Check out clerks for example stand on padded flooring for a good reason.
For around the house walkers many times suffice unless the person can't take but a few steps. Being able to walk a few steps is one thing. Being able even with a walker to grocery shop is another.