If you have problems with mobility, you don't have to opt for a standard wheelchair if it doesn't fit with your lifestyle. Wheelchair alternatives can offer assistance with benefits you may not find in a standard chair. Depending on your condition, some options may work better than others. To make an informed decision, speak to a healthcare professional with knowledge of assistive technology to determine what makes sense for you.
Types
People with mobility issues have a number of options besides a standard push wheelchair. For those still able to stand and walk, mobility aids such as canes, crutches or pick-up, sliding or "rollator" wheeled walkers offer support and assistance. If you need a seated wheelchair alternative, try a power scooter. Aesthetically, scooters don't look like standard wheelchairs, and you can propel your scooter without upper body exertion thanks to the propelling motor. You may also want to consider an electric power wheelchair or a hybrid power-assist wheelchair that incorporates the manual functions of a traditional wheelchair with the electric functions of a power wheelchair.
Considerations
The United Spinal Association likens choosing a mobility aid to buying a car: you need to consider what you need the device for, where you want to go with it, how it can help you and how well it fits into your budget. Think about the terrain you usually encounter, and how the device would help or hinder your movement on sidewalks, gravel, dirt or other surfaces. Think about how you would maneuver around your home. With a scooter or power chair, you also need to consider how you'll safely get in and out of the chair and how you'll transport it. If the device you choose won't fit in your car, you'll have to use a van with a lift for transport, which may prove too expensive for some.
Suggestions
Depending on your personal mobility needs, you may find that using a combination of wheelchair alternatives suits your lifestyle. For instance, you may find that a scooter helps you travel longer distances, while a cane or some type of walker works for short distances around the house. If you need to use a chair permanently, using a manual wheelchair for shorter trips will allow you to keep up your arm strength, while transitioning to a power scooter for longer rides will keep you from overexerting yourself.
Emerging Technologies
New technologies in development and visionary ideas on the horizon offer future wheelchair alternatives more advanced than currently available products. The first prototypes of some new technologies for mobility --- such as motorized leg braces, joystick-operated "robotic pants" and hovering or walking chairs --- appeared in 2010. While still in the design and clinical trial phase, these emerging technologies point to a future full of cutting-edge options for those who need mobility assistance.
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