Mobility Aid Product Quiz

Need help selecting the right mobility aid type? We've got you covered. Our mobility aid quiz will help guide you to the perfect type of mobility aid based on your needs and preferences.

A Breakdown of Each Mobility Aid

Walking Canes

Walking Canes

Walking canes sit at the top of the continuum of mobility in the “active” category. This means they have a healthy range of mobility and need minor assistance. These are very universal in use as they can be used in unison with other mobility aids. For example, someone using a rollator may benefit from a walking cane when they have the strength/endurance to use one. Or, they can be used to assist one with standing up.

Who should use a cane:

• Need minor assistance with walking and balance
• Only one side of their body needs support
• Need help standing up

Who should not use a cane:

• Need major mobility assistance
• Require support from both sides of their body
• Are a major fall risk

Crutches

Crutches

Crutches are great for those with a leg injury. They sit under the arms and allow users to keep weight off the injured leg. They’re great for someone with a good mobility level but in need of temporary support. Crutches should not be used by those who are going to be on the move frequently as they can be tiring to use for long periods.

Who should use crutches:

• Need minor temporary assistance with walking and balance
• Have a lower leg injury
• Have decent upper body strength
• Will not be on their feet for long periods

Who should not use crutches:

• Need a long-term mobility aid solution
• Struggle with walking and balance
• Will be moving around frequently

Knee Scooter

Knee Scooters

Knee scooters are a great alternative to crutches as they’re more comfortable to use. They allow users to keep their weight off the injured foot without standing. They’re much easier to move around on and don’t require the user to use their hands at all times compared to crutches. Knee scooters are a more long-term solution than crutches.

Who should use a knee scooter:

• Have a lower leg injury
• Are on the move frequently throughout the day
• Don’t have the upper body strength for crutches

Who should not use a knee scooter:

• Have a mid or upper leg injury
• Need mobility assistance for longer periods

Lifting Seats

Lifting Seats

Lifting seats are an excellent aid for those who struggle to sit or stand. They’re on the “coping” category of the continuum of mobility but can be used at various levels of mobility. For example, someone who doesn’t need a mobility aid but struggles with weakness in their legs may benefit. Or, someone who needs a cane may use a lifting seat to stand or sit. Lifting seat should not be used on wheelchairs or other rolling objects as this poses an injury risk.

Who should use a lifting seat:

• Have weakness in their lower body
• Have joint pain or arthritis in their legs
• Have poor upper body strength
• Recovering from surgery

Who should not use a lifting seat:

• Have very little to no use of their legs

Rollators

Rollators

Rolling walkers are a more advanced and supportive form of traditional walkers. These devices feature three to four wheels that allow them to be pushed. They’re great for those who can’t pick up a walker. Many have a seat which is great for those who tire easily.

Who should use a rollator:

• Have significant balance or stability issues
• Are a high fall risk
• Recovering from surgery/injury
• Have poor upper body strength, unable to pick up a walker

Who should not use a rollator:

• Are on the “struggling” category in the continuum of mobility (can’t walk or barely can walk)
• Cannot use both hands

Transport Chairs

Transport Chairs

Transport chairs offer a temporary mobility solution for those with more severe mobility difficulties. These mobility aids are designed to be easier to transport compared to wheelchairs. However, they do require users to be pushed by another person.

Who should use a transport chair:

• Cannot propel themselves
• Have difficulty walking or can’t walk
• Need a portable mobility aid for short trips and traveling
• Are recovering from injury/surgery

Who should not use a transport chair:

• Do not have another person to propel them

Walker

Walkers

Walkers are on the “coping” category of the continuum of mobility. They’re great for those who need support on both sides of their body, have balance issues, or are recovering from an injury/surgery. These mobility aids do require the use of both hands which means some level of upper body strength is needed.

Who should use a walker:

• Have significant balance or stability issues
• Are a high fall risk
• Recovering from surgery/injury
• Have adequate upper body strength

Who should not use a walker:

• Have very poor upper body strength
• Cannot use both hands
• Need a mobility aid on uneven terrain (grass/gravel)

Wheelchairs

Wheelchairs

Wheelchairs sit at the bottom of the continuum of mobility in the “inactive” category. These are for those who have more severe mobility issues, and either cannot walk or barely can walk. They are more of a permanent solution compared to transport chairs as they can be self-propelled.

Who should use a wheelchair:

• Have significant mobility issues and either can’t walk or barely can walk
• Are recovering from injury/surgery

Who should not use a wheelchair:

• Cannot propel themselves

Helpful Mobility Aid Resources

Mobility Aid Buyer's Guide

The Continuum of Mobility

About the Author

Brandon Landgraf is the Digital Marketing Manager for Carex Health Brands. He finds passion and fulfillment in creating content that enhances, improves, and enlivens others' quality of life. All of his written work is formulated to not only offer essential advice and tips but back it with proven studies and experts. His mission is to connect with readers and provide steps to make their lives better.

You can connect with him on LinkedIn here.

About Carex Health Brands

Carex is your one-stop shop for home medical equipment and for products that assist caregivers with providing the best possible support and care for their loved ones. Carex Health Brands has been the branded leader in in-home, self-care medical products for over 35 years. Our goal is to improve the lives of our customers by bring them quality products that bring dignity back to their lives. With our three nationally distributed brands, Carex Health Brands serves national, regional and independent food, drug and mass retailers along with wholesalers, distributors and medical dealers.

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