What are mobility aids?

Mobility aids are devices to help you make everyday tasks or activities easier and safer. They help you move or walk more independently.

Mobility aids can help a wide range of people, including:

• older people
• people with disability
• people with chronic conditions
• people recovering from an injury

There are many types of mobility aids. Healthcare professionals can assess your mobility needs and suggest the best ones for you.

When might I need to use a mobility aid?

Mobility aids can help with everyday tasks. You might need one if:

• you have trouble walking or moving due to disability, chronic conditions or age
• you're recovering from surgery or an injury and need temporary help
• you fall often or have balance problems that make walking dangerous
• you have a medical condition, such as arthritis or joint pain, that makes it hard to walk or stand for long
• you need help to move around more independently at home and in public places
• you care for someone with disability, chronic conditions or an older person

How do mobility aids help?

Mobility aids can help you:

• move safely and more independently
• make everyday tasks, such as cooking, bathing and moving around, easier
• reduce stress on muscles and joints
• manage pain
• make caring for someone safer and easier

What types of mobility aids are available?

There are several types of mobility aids and tools available. Here are some common examples and how they can help you:

Walking aids

Walking aids give you extra support to help keep your balance and walk more easily. Examples are:

• canes
• crutches
• walking sticks
• walking frames

Wheelchairs and scooters

If you are not able to walk, or find walking painful or difficult, you might benefit from a wheelchair or scooter. There are several different types available:

• Manual wheelchairs help you move around when you can't walk far. You can wheel them yourself, or they can be pushed by someone else.
• Electric wheelchairs and scooters make it easier to get around. They can help you without having to use much energy.

Electric recliner chairs and beds

Electric recliner chairs help you sit down and get up more easily. They often have:

• adjustable heights to make sitting down and standing up easier
• supportive padding and reclining positions to make sitting comfortable

Electric beds make it easier for you to move and change your position. You can adjust the back, legs, and height. They can also make it easier and safer for healthcare providers and carers to take care of someone.

Car modifications

Car modifications are special changes made to vehicles to help you move or drive. They can help with:

• transporting your wheelchair without anyone needing to lift it
• getting in and out of your vehicle with or without a wheelchair
• being safely driven while sitting in your wheelchair

Special aids, such as hand controls, can help you drive if you can't use your legs. You may need a special driving test after modifications have been made.

Lifting aids

Lifting aids help move people who have difficulty moving by themselves. They are important for safety.

Examples include lifting machines or hoists. These are large devices that use a sling to gently lift you from one place to another. There are many ways they can help lift you, for example:

• from a bed to a wheelchair
• from the floor to a standing position

They are often used in hospitals and care facilities. They can and also be used in your home. Lifting aids make it easier and safer for both the person being lifted and the caregiver.

Orthopaedic supports

Orthopaedic supports give extra stability to injured or weak parts of the body. They may improve mobility and reduce pain. Examples include:

• braces
• belts
• corsets

Assistance animals

Assistance dogs and animals are specially trained to help people with disability. They help with daily activities. This makes it easier and safer for people to move around who:

• can't see well
• have mobility issues

How can I access mobility aids?

Some types of mobility aids can be expensive, and you may need to pay for them yourself. Other mobility aids can be rented or used for free for a short time. Some mobility aids can be paid for partly or fully by government programs.

How much a mobility aid costs depends on your age and why you need it. It depends, for example, on whether you have a long-term disability or a temporary injury.

Mobility aids can be prescribed by:

• occupational therapists
• registered nurses
• physiotherapists
• doctor (GP)
• specialists

After a thorough assessment, your healthcare professional can help you choose the best mobility aids and equipment.

Complications of mobility aids

It is important to use the right mobility aid for your condition and to get it fitted and installed safely. Mobility aids can be unsafe and cause injuries if not used correctly.

Using electric wheelchairs and scooters are helpful but there are some risks. Accidents can happen, such as:

• bumps and knocks, which may cause bruises, for example
• falls, which may cause fractures or limb injuries, for example

These accidents are more likely to happen if you haven't received proper training. Accidents may lead to injuries and long recoveries or legal problems. Good support and training can help keep you and others safe.

How to safely use mobility aids on public transport

There are ways to help reduce your risk of accident or injury when you use a mobility aid such as a wheelchair or scooter on public transport.

Tips for keeping safe include making sure your mobility aid is:

• the right size for the vehicle
• easy to move on and off the type of transport you use
• stable during travel

Not all transport options are set up for mobility aids. It’s a good idea to check in advance. Different options apply to trains, buses, ferries and coaches in different areas. Check your state or territory public transport authority for information on using a mobility aid on public transportation. Be sure to check specific details for your situation.

When waiting for your ride:

• stand in a safe spot where the driver can see you
• stay away from the platform edge
• apply your brakes if you are in a wheelchair

Resources and support

For more information on funding and applying for mobility aids:

• RAP National Guidelines explain how to apply for mobility aids through RAP.
• NDIS provides funding based on individual needs. Visit the NDIS website for more information on fundings or call 1800 800 110.

If you need to modify a vehicle:

• Speak to a licensed certifier before making modifications to a vehicle. NDIS offers guidance and a list of providers for vehicle modifications.

For more information on using mobility aids on public transport:

• The Australian Government offers information on accessible public transportation for people with disability.
• Independence Australia has information on public transport options for people with disabilities, with links to information for all states and territories.

For information on assistance animals:

• Disability Gateway offers information on assistance animals and availability in your state or territory.

Other languages

Health Translations has translated information on many health topics, including safe use and care of a manual wheelchair.