Which Mobility Aid Is Right for Me?
There are so many mobility aids available today the choice can be overwhelming. However, once you find the mobility device or devices that help you get around more safely and independently, you'll be glad you put in the time to research the options.
If you're facing a new situation in life and are wondering "what mobility aid is right for me?", don't worry. This guide is your map to finding the right mobility aid to help you get back on your feet.
Mobility Aids by Physical Need
The first question to consider when choosing a mobility aid is "what are your specific mobility issues?" This will help you narrow down your options between the types of mobility aids available.
Balance Issues
Adults who suffer from balance issues are at a greater risk of a fall. The best mobility aids for balance issues are:
Canes. A cane is used on one side of the body and can support up to 25% of the user's body weight. Quad canes offer more stability than single-tip canes.
Walkers. Walkers help with balance on both sides of the body and can support up to 50% of the user's body weight. The user must have sufficient upper body strength to lift and put down the walker every few steps.
Rollators. Rollators or rolling walkers help with stability and balance and don't need to be picked up like a standard walker. They typically come with a seat for resting and an under-seat compartment for storage.
Grab bars. Grab bars are safety devices that are typically installed in the shower, next to the bathtub, and next to the toilet to provide stability when you get up or down.
When you're out and about, canes, walkers, and rollators can all be used to help you stand up from a seated position. If using a rollator to stand, make sure that the brakes are on so that the device doesn’t roll away from you while you’re getting up.
Weakness
Mobility devices for weakness include those mentioned above as well as wheelchairs and mobility scooters. The location and severity of the weakness will determine which aid would be most suitable in your case.
One weak leg. Consider a cane.
Some weakness in both legs. Consider a walker or rollator.
Moderate weakness in the lower body. Consider a manual wheelchair or mobility scooter.
Weakness in the lower and upper body. Consider an electric wheelchair.
Some people with conditions like multiple sclerosis and chronic fatigue might find that they feel stronger on some days and weaker on other days. With this in mind, having a few different mobility devices on hand ensures that you always have the right amount of support.
Pain and Surgery
Conditions like arthritis, a bad hip, a bad knee, or an injury can make it hard to walk long distances—even if your mobility is otherwise fine. If pain is your main issue, focus on mobility devices that take pressure off the affected area. If you've broken a bone or had surgery on your foot, ankle, knee, or hip, these devices keep the weight off while you heal.
Crutches. Crutches keep the weight off one limb by transferring it to your upper body and other leg. Underarm crutches sit under your armpits whereas forearm crutches have a forearm brace to support your grip. The advantage of crutches is that you can use them on stairs and uneven terrain. The disadvantage is that they are uncomfortable, which is why they aren’t recommended for long-term use.
Knee scooters. Knee scooters have a padded platform that supports one knee, keeping the weight off the lower leg while you walk on your good leg. These are great for travel and getting around after an injury or surgery to the ankle or foot. While knee scooters are more comfortable than crutches, you can't use them on stairs. Instead, use a crutch or cane to help you up and down the stairs, or consider renting a stairlift.
Wheelchairs. Wheelchairs keep the weight off both legs, which could be ideal if you are having surgery on both sides of your lower body or had an accident involving both of your legs. There are different kinds of wheelchairs that cater to different levels of mobility:
Transport chair. Transport chairs can easily be folded up to fit in the trunk of a car. Consider a transport chair if you will only need to rest temporarily and have someone who’s happy to push you around.
Manual wheelchair. Manual wheelchairs keep the weight off your legs while you propel yourself by pushing the rims of the large rear wheels. This is a great solution if you have good upper body strength and want to stay fit.
Electric wheelchair. Individuals who can't put weight on their legs and don't have much upper body strength can use an electric wheelchair or power chair. These devices are steered with a joystick and powered by a battery under the seat.
Mobility scooters. Mobility scooters are a bit like power wheelchairs except that they are steered with a tiller instead of a joystick and feel less like a mobility aid. The mobility scooters that we have at our Denver, Colorado showroom come in basic, mid-range, and top-tier models to cater to everything from light use to all-day, all-terrain driving.
Amputated Limb
Amputees who are missing all or part of a lower limb can use a manual wheelchair if they have good upper body strength or a power chair if they aren't strong enough to propel themselves. A mobility scooter isn't generally used in these cases because the seat offers less postural support and the user would be at risk of a fall.
Coordination Issues
Neurodegenerative conditions like Parkinson's disease can affect coordination as well as balance and stability. For milder cases, a walker or rollator might be sufficient. For severe cases, consider a power wheelchair.
Fatigue
People who can walk independently but tire easily have a few options when it comes to mobility aids.
A rollator has a padded seat where you can sit and rest when you need to.
A transport chair is ideal for resting when you tire on day trips and have someone to push you.
A manual wheelchair allows you to stop and rest when you need to while providing exercise for your upper body while in motion.
A motorized scooter is ideal for longer trips like grocery shopping and doctor visits.
Other Factors to Consider When Choosing a Mobility Aid
While the above suggestions provide a general guide, the right mobility aid for you might not be the right aid for someone else with exactly the same physical limitations. Why? Because there are other factors that come into play, including height and weight, pain level, activity level, environment, and family situation.
Height and Weight
Mobility aids have height and weight limits to ensure the device is strong enough for the user and won't cause him or her to scrunch or slouch. Tall users, for example, often enjoy the additional legroom on a three-wheel mobility scooter as opposed to a four-wheel mobility scooter. Likewise, heavier users will generally need a top-tier or bariatric device rather than a lightweight transportable option.
Pain Level
Perhaps you can walk long distances but it's painful for you to do so. In that case, you might prefer to level up your walking aid to one that allows you to rest or takes the weight off your joints altogether.
Activity Level
Your activity level also influences which mobility or walking aids would suit you best. If you don't go out much, home modifications such as grab bars and a stairlift combined with a walker might be sufficient. However, if you like to get out and about, a mobility scooter could provide the independence you need.
Environment
The environments where you will use mobility aids affect which ones would be the most appropriate.
Measure all of the doorways you want your aid to fit through and make sure it's not too big.
Make a list of the terrains where you are likely to use the device between your bed and your destinations—if the terrains include plush carpets, gravel, grass, or inclines, consider a mobility scooter for outdoor use which typically has rough-terrain or all-terrain tires. If you have stairs and only need a mobility aid short-term, consider crutches, a cane, or a stairlift rather than a device with wheels.
Family Situation
Do you live alone, or do you have someone to help you? If you live alone, you will need solutions that you can operate independently—such as a power chair and vertical platform lift. If you have someone who can help you, you can think about devices like transport chairs that can be pushed by someone else.
Seek Professional Advice
Before choosing a mobility device, go for an evaluation with your healthcare provider and a physical therapist to find out exactly what support you do (and don't) need. Then, make sure you are properly fitted for the device and receive training in its proper use.
Using a mobility device without the proper training or failing to follow the recommended maintenance schedule can cause accidents. However, when fitted and used safely, the right mobility aid can give you a whole new lease on life.