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Posted by Francis Whitehead on July 2, 2024
Mobility aids are extremely valuable in maintaining your dignity and independent living. You may find that as you get older, your mobility, dexterity, and strength weaken due to aging or illness, which makes moving around anywhere a difficult task.
Luckily for you, we have written our Ultimate Buying Guide - Top 10 Mobility Aids for 2024, as chosen by our team of experts.
Mobility aids are devices designed to assist individuals with mobility limitations to get to where they need to be easily and safely. These can range from walking long distances, to getting in and out of your front door.
There are many reasons to use mobility aids in daily life, and here are just a few.
Mobility aids can empower individuals to perform their daily activities and participate in social engagements with greater ease and independence.
By providing stability and support, mobility aids help reduce the risk of falls and injuries, promoting a safer environment for users.
With the assistance of mobility aids, individuals can explore their surroundings, run errands, and engage in recreational activities without limitations.
Overall, mobility aids are invaluable tools that enable individuals with mobility limitations to lead fulfilling and active lives. By identifying your own needs and struggles with your mobility, you can make informed decisions to make a purchase that makes your independent living easy.
When considering which mobility aid is for you, it's essential to assess your specific needs and abilities. Factors to consider include the level of support required, the terrain you will be navigating (and the distance you’ll be travelling), and any other physical limitations you may have.
We recommend you consult with a healthcare professional that can help you determine the most suitable device for your situation.
Your budget is another factor to consider. Ability Superstore pride themselves on stocking a wide range of products in all categories, from economy to top of the range.
In most cases, a more expensive product will typically have more features, so it’s important to pay close attention to the product descriptions to see if it has everything you need.
So, without further ado, here’s our Top 10 Mobility Aids for 2024.
Steps, also known as step stools or raised platforms, are essential mobility aids designed to help individuals reach higher surfaces with ease and safety.
Ideal for use around the home, steps can be particularly beneficial in the kitchen, bathroom, or any area where reaching shelves or cabinets is necessary. By providing a stable and elevated platform, steps minimize the risk of falls and injuries, making daily tasks more manageable and safer for those with limited mobility.
For example, the Bamboo Step is perfect for getting in and out of the bath, with water filtering grooves that help keep the surface dry.
The Bigfoot Half Step is a very popular product of ours too, helping thousands easily and safely get in and out of their homes via the front door.
Bed rails are crucial for individuals who need extra support and safety while getting in and out of bed. These rails attach securely to the side of the bed and come in various designs, including full-length and half-length options.
Bed rails prevent falls during the night and provide a stable handhold for manoeuvring in bed. Some models also feature pockets for storing personal items, enhancing convenience.
For individuals with limited strength or balance, bed rails offer peace of mind and increased independence, ensuring a safer and more comfortable sleeping environment.
The Solo Bed Stick Grab Bar is a fantastic example of a bed rail that attaches securely to each side of the bed.
Alternatively, the Able Life Bedside Sturdy Rail can be easily attached to just one side, and its adjustable height makes it suitable for both beds and people of all sizes.
Grab bars and rails provide support and stability in areas where falls are likely, such as bathrooms, stairways, and hallways. Made from durable materials like stainless steel, these bars are securely mounted to walls and can support a significant amount of weight.
Grab bars come in various sizes and styles, including straight and angled designs, and are especially useful for individuals with balance issues or those recovering from surgery.
The Prima Outdoor Grab Rail is a popular offering of ours, helping users to get in and out of their homes (best paired with the Bigfoot Half Step!).
These Polished Stainless Steel Chrome Grab Rails are the perfect addition to your bathroom, seamlessly integrating with the décor.
The Suction Grab Bar is another excellent addition to your bathroom, with no screws or complicated installations. Simply secure to a flat wall surface.
Rising aids are devices designed to assist individuals in standing up from a seated position. These aids include riser recliner chairs, standing frames, and lifting cushions.
Riser recliner chairs are electrically powered and can be adjusted to lift the user gently into a standing position.
Standing frames provide a stable structure for users to pull themselves up, while lifting cushions can be placed on regular chairs to provide a lift when needed.
Rising aids are particularly beneficial for individuals with lower body weakness or joint pain, allowing them to rise with minimal strain and effort.
The UpEasy Lifting Cushion is a portable, lightweight rising aid that is easy to adjust to a user’s weight.
The EZ Stand & Go Rising Aid is an affordable rising aid that’s an alternative to more expensive riser recliner chairs.
Glide sheets are specialized fabric sheets used to assist in the repositioning of individuals in bed. These sheets reduce friction, making it easier for caregivers to move or turn patients without causing discomfort or strain.
Glide sheets come in various sizes and are typically made from low-friction materials like nylon. They are especially useful in hospitals, nursing homes, and home care settings. By facilitating smooth and effortless movement, glide sheets help prevent pressure sores and enhance the comfort and safety of both the patient and the caregiver.
Both the Transtex Reusable Tubular Slide Sheets and Economy Slide Sheet are affordable options and come in a wide array of sizes.
Walking sticks, also known as canes, are simple yet effective mobility aids that provide support and stability while walking. They come in various styles, including traditional wooden sticks, foldable models, and those with ergonomic handles for enhanced comfort.
Some walking sticks are height adjustable and often feature non-slip rubber ferrules for added safety. They are ideal for individuals with mild balance issues or those recovering from an injury. By providing a reliable point of contact with the ground, walking sticks help users maintain their balance and reduce the risk of falls.
The Days Standard Adjustable Walking Stick is a prime example of a durable, long-standing and affordable aluminium stick with adjustable height features.
For those that might require extra stability, this Tripod Adjustable Stick has 3 legs at the bottom, complete with non-slip rubber ferrules for more contact with the ground and weight support.
If you don’t think you’d need to use a walking stick all the time, this Adjustable Folding Walking Stick is an ideal option, as it allows you to easily fold it up and store away in your handbag.
For more information, take a look at our Ultimate Buying Guide for Walking Sticks.
Rollators and walkers are designed to provide maximum support and stability for individuals with significant mobility challenges. Walkers are typically lightweight frames that the user lifts and moves forward, while rollators are equipped with wheels and brakes, allowing for smoother movement and increased independence.
Rollators often feature built-in seats, storage baskets, and ergonomic handles. Both devices are ideal for use indoors and outdoors, providing a reliable support system for individuals who need assistance with walking.
The 100 Series Four Wheel Rollator/Walker is one of our most popular and affordable offerings, complete with 4 easily manoeuvrable wheels, locking loop wheels and a seat and backrest.
The Let's Fly Rollator/Walker by Trustcare is an extremely lightweight and portable rollator, perfect for taking with you as a travel companion, available in 4 colours.
Another fantastic offering is the Nitro Rollator/Walker, suitable for use in tight spaces as it has a caster fork design that enhances turning, as well as a zip storage bag.
We also stock a great range of Tri-Walkers, which come with three wheels. This Three Wheel/Tri Walker With Seat is a versatile example, suitable for indoor and outdoor use.
For more information, check out our Ultimate Buying Guide for Rollators.
Wheelchairs are essential mobility aids for individuals who cannot walk or have severe difficulty walking. They offer a comfortable and convenient mode of transport both indoors and outdoors. Self-propelled wheelchairs are propelled by the user using the larger rear wheels, while attendant propelled wheelchairs are propelled by another person using the elevated handles at the back of the seat.
Wheelchairs come in various designs, including lightweight, foldable, and heavy-duty models, catering to different needs and preferences. They provide mobility, independence, and improved quality of life for users, allowing them to engage in daily activities with ease.
The Days Escape Lite is a popular wheelchair offered in both Self-Propelled and Attendant Propelled varieties, the main difference being the size of the wheels.
The Self-Propelled Days Escape Lite is available in Wide and Narrow varieties for users of all sizes.
The Attendant Propelled Days Escape Lite is also available in Wide and Narrow sizes.
Mobility scooters are electric vehicles designed to aid individuals with mobility impairments in traveling longer distances comfortably and independently. These scooters come in three or four-wheel designs, offering stability and ease of manoeuvrability. Features often include adjustable seats, armrests, and storage options.
Mobility scooters are ideal for outdoor use, allowing users to navigate through parks, shopping centres, and urban environments. They are particularly beneficial for individuals with limited stamina or strength, providing a convenient and reliable means of transport while promoting an independent and an active lifestyle.
The Scout 4 Wheel Scooter features a quick rechargeable battery, puncture-proof tyres and automatic electromagnetic brake system for your peace of mind, making it a fantastic choice.
For those that want an appealing alternative, the Sport Rider Scooter is a stylish offering that most certainly looks the part. If you’re not a fan of how conventional mobility scooters look, this is for you!
Powerchairs, also known as electric wheelchairs, are advanced mobility aids that offer superior manoeuvrability and comfort for individuals with significant mobility impairments. Unlike traditional wheelchairs, powerchairs are equipped with powerful motors and sophisticated control systems, allowing for precise and effortless movement in various environments.
They are designed for both indoor and outdoor use, providing a high level of independence and enhancing the user’s ability to perform daily tasks and participate in social activities. They represent the pinnacle of mobility aids, offering unmatched convenience, comfort, and functionality.
The Airfold Powerchair is a prime example, with its lightweight and foldable frame made from tough and durable carbon fibre, it’s rife with features that can make any journey you make an accessible one, including: a USB port for charging small devices, an aerated backrest that provides deluxe comfort, a lap belt for added safety and security and more, making it the perfect companion.
In conclusion, there is a wealth of mobility aids to choose from, all tailored to different needs and preferences. The important thing to know before making a purchase is which one is best for you.
Everything you’ve seen here is available here on our website, and if you have any questions about any products featured please feel free to get in touch. We will be more than happy to guide you in the right direction! With our team of experts, you can be sure to receive trustworthy experience and guidance.
Kate Makin, OT
Kate Makin qualified as an occupational therapist (OT) in 2001 with a BSc (Hons) in Occupational Therapy. She is a member of the Royal College of Occupational Therapists (RCOT).
As a registered occupational therapist (OT), Kate is a science degree-based, health and social care professional, taking a “whole person” approach to both physical and mental health and wellbeing. This enables individuals, of all ages, to achieve their full potential and lead as independent life as possible.
For Kate’s registration with the Health and Care Professions Council, click here.
Throughout her career, Kate has worked in many different clinical settings, in both the public and private sector. Kate has been running her own independent occupational therapist business since 2009. She is passionate about disability aids and adaptations, with a specialist interest in postural management and seating.
As Ability Superstore’s resident OT, Kate is on hand to offer professional advice and answer any queries.
