I'm not confined to a wheelchair so I don't have a lot of information concerning bedsores. Is your friend able to enter into an assisted living program, where a nurse maybe able to help him resituate himself throughout the day? Or does he have someone who can help him?

Also what sort of cushion is he currently using, if any? If it's just the standard seat cushion that came with the scooter you could try for a cheaper alternative with a sheepskin cover for the cushion. It's not as ideal as the gel or air pads but should help to give some relief.

Unfortunately the only way to eliminate bedsores, really, is to move, either by your own power or the power of someone else moving you. Even if you have one of the active air cushions.

Also does his scooter allow for different positions? Can he recline? Or elevate his legs? Does he sit exclusively in his scooter when not in bed or is he able to transfer to a chair?

If he's able to transfer, places like the Salvation Army, Goodwill, or Habitat for Humanity Restores, may offer recliners in decent shape for little to no cost (SA will offer no cost furnishings and items to disabled persons) which your friend can sit in to take a break from the scooter.

I might also suggest calling the MS society hotline and see if they can offer some more information. I know you can get discounted cooling vests and such through a few of their programs, they may be able to assist your friend in finding a discount program for his mobility needs that works with his insurance (or lack there of).

Churches are another place that maybe able to assist. I'm not sure what, if any, religious affiliation you or your friend may have. But often times if you ask your pastor, priest or minister, they maybe able to ask the religious community for donations to provide assistance. (Or at least in the Catholic church, that's what happens and I've heard of it in other church groups just haven't been witness to them.)

Failing religious affiliation, if your city or town has a community center that maybe another place which you could turn to for assistance.

Hope some of these ideas help.