I’ve now seen three stories about Senator Tim Johnson’s re-election bid. They’re all very similar. They all have a picture of Senator Johnson in what is clearly a power chair, and they all say that it is a scooter. I guess “scooter” telegraphs less disability than “power chair” or “wheelchair”.
The stories:
USA Today, A year after hemorrhage, S.D. senator gets around
New York Times, Recuperating Senator Says He’ll Seek Re-election
Associated Press, Sen. Johnson Getting Back on His Feet

I like the Power Chair moniker!