Mobility aid

Mobility aid is a tool designed to assist walking or otherwise improve the mobility of people with a mobility impairment. There are various walking aids which can help people with impaired ability to walk, and wheelchairs or mobility scooters for more severe disability or longer journeys which would otherwise be undertaken on foot. For people who are blind or visually impaired the white cane and guide dog have a long history of use. Other aids can help with mobility or transfer within a building or where there are changes of level.

Types of mobility aids

Walking aids

Walking aids include walking sticks, crutches and walkers. As appropriate to the needs of the individual user, these can help maintain an upright gait, reduce the load on one or both legs, provide additional points of support or improve balance.

Wheelchairs

Wheelchairs come in a wide variety of formats to meet the specific needs of their users. They may include specialized seating adaptions, individualized controls, and may be specific to particular activities, as seen with sports wheelchairs and beach wheelchairs.

Mobility scooters

A mobility scooter is a motorized assist device, but because it is steered by tiller with handle bars, it requires upright posture, shoulder and hand strength, and some upper body mobility and strength.

Other aids

Other mobility aids include patient lifts, specially designed bathroom equipment like shower chairs, and technology such as stairlifts and ceiling lifts to move from one floor to another.

See also

• Assistive technology
• Mobility training
• Prosthesis
• Orthotics
• Durable medical equipment
• Aging in place

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