Mobility aids are tools that help people move through the world. This page centers disabled people's expertise in choosing, obtaining, and using mobility aids, and addresses the practical, financial, and social aspects of mobility aid use.
¶ Understanding Mobility Aids
Mobility aids include any device that helps with movement:
Walking aids:
- Canes (single point, quad, folding)
- Crutches (underarm, forearm/Lofstrand, platform)
- Walkers (standard, rolling/rollator, knee walker)
- Gait trainers
Wheeled mobility:
- Manual wheelchairs (rigid, folding, sport, ultralight)
- Power wheelchairs
- Scooters (3-wheel, 4-wheel, travel)
- Power-assist wheels for manual chairs
Other mobility devices:
- Prosthetic limbs
- Orthotic devices (braces, supports)
- Standing frames
- Adaptive bikes and trikes
People use mobility aids for many reasons:
- Physical disabilities affecting walking or balance
- Chronic pain or fatigue conditions
- Heart or lung conditions limiting endurance
- Age-related mobility changes
- Temporary injuries
- Variable conditions (may use aids sometimes)
You don't need to "look disabled enough" to use a mobility aid. If it helps you, it's for you.
Many people use mobility aids part-time or situationally:
- Using a wheelchair for long distances but walking at home
- Using a cane on bad days
- Using a scooter at large venues
- Switching between aids based on activity
This is normal and valid. You don't have to use a mobility aid all the time for it to be legitimate.
Questions to consider:
- Where will you use it? (home, community, work, outdoors)
- How far do you typically travel?
- What surfaces will you encounter?
- Do you need to transport it in a vehicle?
- What are your strength and endurance levels?
- Will your needs change over time?
- What's your living environment? (stairs, doorway widths, flooring)
Who can help:
- Physical therapists (assess needs, train on use)
- Occupational therapists (fit mobility aids to your life)
- Rehabilitation engineers (complex seating and positioning)
- Assistive technology specialists
- Wheelchair seating specialists
What a good assessment includes:
- Understanding your daily activities
- Trying different options
- Considering your preferences
- Planning for your environment
- Addressing transportation needs
Canes:
When to consider: Mild balance issues, one-sided weakness, occasional support needs
Types:
- Standard cane: Basic support
- Quad cane: Four-point base for more stability
- Offset cane: Ergonomic handle
- Folding cane: Portability
Fitting: Handle should be at wrist height when standing with arm relaxed
Crutches:
When to consider: Need to keep weight off one leg, more support than cane
Types:
- Underarm: Traditional, good for temporary use
- Forearm (Lofstrand): Cuff around forearm, more control
- Platform: Support forearm, good for limited grip
Walkers:
When to consider: Need bilateral support, balance problems, endurance issues
Types:
- Standard walker: Lift and move, most stable
- Two-wheel walker: Front wheels, easier to move
- Rollator: Four wheels with seat, brakes, basket
- Knee walker: Scooter-like, for non-weight-bearing on one leg
Manual Wheelchairs:
When to consider: Can't walk distances, have upper body strength to self-propel (or have pushers)
Types:
- Folding: Easier to transport, heavier, less efficient
- Rigid: Lighter, more efficient, frame doesn't fold
- Ultralight: Maximum efficiency, often custom-fit
- Sport: Activity-specific designs
- Transport: Lightweight, pushed by others
Key features: Seat width, seat depth, backrest height, armrests, footrests, wheel type, cushion
Power Wheelchairs:
When to consider: Can't self-propel manual chair, need to travel distances, conserve energy
Types:
- Rear-wheel drive: Stable, good outdoors
- Mid-wheel drive: Tight turning radius, good indoors
- Front-wheel drive: Good over obstacles
- Travel/folding power chairs: Lighter, more portable
Key features: Drive configuration, seat functions (tilt, recline, elevate), range, controls
Scooters:
When to consider: Can walk some but not distances, need seated mobility, good trunk control
Types:
- 3-wheel: Tighter turning, less stable
- 4-wheel: More stable, larger turning radius
- Travel scooters: Disassemble for transport, shorter range
- Full-size: More features, longer range, harder to transport
¶ Insurance and Funding
United States:
Medicare:
- Part B covers "durable medical equipment" including wheelchairs, scooters, walkers
- Must be ordered by physician
- Must be "medically necessary"
- Uses competitive bidding suppliers
- Power wheelchairs require face-to-face exam and documentation
- Complex rehabilitation technology has specific requirements
Medicaid:
- Coverage varies by state
- Often covers mobility equipment
- May have different supplier requirements
Private insurance:
- Coverage varies widely by plan
- May require prior authorization
- Appeals possible for denials
Other funding sources:
- State vocational rehabilitation (if needed for work)
- Veterans Affairs (for eligible veterans)
- Workers' compensation (for work injuries)
- Charitable organizations
- Crowdfunding
Canada:
Provincial programs:
- Each province has assistive devices program
- Coverage and eligibility vary
- May cover portion of cost
Other sources:
- Private insurance
- Veterans Affairs Canada
- Workers' compensation boards
- Charitable organizations
United Kingdom:
NHS:
- Wheelchair services provide basic wheelchairs
- Assessment through local wheelchair services
- May have long waits
- Limited options through NHS
Motability:
- Scheme for powered wheelchairs and scooters
- Uses mobility portion of PIP/DLA
Other:
- Private purchase
- Charitable grants
Australia:
NDIS:
- Covers mobility aids for eligible participants
- Reasonable and necessary test
- Can include complex equipment
Other:
- State equipment programs
- Private insurance
- Charitable organizations
Steps to take:
- Get written denial with reason
- Review your coverage and criteria
- Gather supporting documentation
- Request peer-to-peer review (physician to insurance physician)
- File formal appeal
- Request external review if available
- Contact state insurance commissioner if appropriate
- Consider legal assistance for wrongful denials
Documentation that helps:
- Detailed physician letter explaining medical necessity
- Therapist evaluation and recommendation
- Functional assessment showing need
- Home evaluation if relevant
If you're paying yourself:
- Consider used equipment (disability equipment exchanges, Facebook groups)
- Compare prices across suppliers
- Know what features matter for your needs
- Consider refurbished equipment
- Check return policies
Get training:
- Physical or occupational therapy
- Supplier training
- Disability organization classes
- Peer mentorship from experienced users
Skills to develop:
- Basic operation and maneuvering
- Navigating different surfaces
- Handling obstacles (curbs, ramps, doors)
- Transfers (getting in and out)
- Transportation and storage
- Maintenance
¶ Maintenance and Repairs
Regular maintenance:
- Clean regularly
- Check tire pressure (pneumatic tires)
- Lubricate moving parts
- Tighten loose hardware
- Check brakes
- Inspect for wear
When repairs are needed:
- Contact supplier or manufacturer
- Some repairs covered under warranty
- Medicare/Medicaid may cover repairs
- Learn basic repairs yourself
- Find reliable repair services
Backup plans:
- Know what you'll do if equipment breaks
- Keep loaner options in mind
- Maintain relationships with suppliers
Air travel:
- Airlines must transport wheelchairs and mobility devices free
- Power chair batteries have rules (lithium vs. sealed lead acid)
- Request gate-check or planeside return
- Document equipment condition before flight
- Know your rights under Air Carrier Access Act
Ground transportation:
- Accessible vehicles and taxis
- Public transit accessibility (see Public Transit Rights)
- Paratransit services
Hotels and venues:
- Request accessible rooms
- Confirm accessibility features
- Check charging availability for power equipment
¶ Social and Emotional Aspects
Starting to use a mobility aid involves adjustment. Common experiences:
Positive:
- Increased independence
- Less pain and fatigue
- Ability to do more
- Liberation from fighting your body
Challenging:
- Changed self-image
- Others' reactions
- Learning curve
- Logistical adjustments
What helps:
- Connecting with other mobility aid users
- Giving yourself time to adjust
- Focusing on what you can do now
- Customizing your aid to reflect your personality
Staring and comments:
People may stare, ask intrusive questions, or make assumptions. Strategies:
- Prepare responses that feel comfortable to you
- You don't owe explanations
- Decide when to educate and when to ignore
- Find humor if that helps you
Assumptions:
People may assume you're more or less capable than you are. Be clear about what you need and don't need.
"Inspiration":
Being told you're "inspiring" for existing in public is a common annoyance. Respond however feels right.
Mobility aids are tools of liberation, not symbols of limitation. Many mobility aid users develop pride in their equipment:
- Customizing chairs with colors, accessories
- Decorating canes and walkers
- Embracing the freedom mobility aids provide
- Connecting with wheelchair sports and culture
- Rejecting shame about needing assistance
¶ Wheelchairs and Seating
Seating and positioning matters:
Poor wheelchair fit can cause:
- Pressure injuries
- Pain
- Postural problems
- Reduced function
- Fatigue
Getting proper seating:
- Seating specialist evaluation
- Trial of cushions and positioning components
- Regular reassessment as needs change
Key seating considerations:
- Cushion type (foam, gel, air, hybrid)
- Backrest support
- Positioning accessories
- Seat dimensions
- Tilt and recline functions
Power wheelchairs can be programmed for:
- Speed settings
- Acceleration and deceleration
- Turning speed
- Sensitivity of controls
- Multiple drive profiles
Work with your supplier or therapist to optimize settings for your needs.
¶ Children and Mobility Aids
Key principles:
- Children benefit from mobility at all ages
- Powered mobility can be introduced young
- Mobility aids support development, not limit it
- Children should have input on their equipment
- Fun and personality matter too
Considerations:
- Needs may change over time
- Upper body strength may decrease
- May transition from manual to power mobility
- Reassess regularly
- Plan for future needs
¶ Equipment and Funding
- ABLEDATA (assistive technology database)
- State assistive technology programs
- Equipment lending libraries
- Disability equipment exchanges
- United Spinal Association
- Paralyzed Veterans of America
- National Council on Independent Living
- Disability-specific organizations
¶ Sports and Recreation
- Wheelchair sports programs
- Adaptive sports organizations
- Local recreation centers
What's your experience with mobility aids? What resources should be listed? What questions should be answered?
Share through our [contribution form] or email [email protected].
Last updated: November 2025
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