Using a wheelchair or other mobility aid isn’t giving in to multiple sclerosis (MS) — it’s a way to stay safe, active, and engaged in your home and community.

Some MyMSTeam members were hesitant to start using a wheelchair due to stigma. “I had too many trips to the emergency room after a fall, and I would become exhausted walking a little way. I went from ‘I don’t want to end up in a wheelchair’ to complete relief after getting one,” wrote one member.

Another member shared that they recently switched to a power wheelchair to help maintain their quality of life: “We love traveling, and I still want to do my own chores and hobbies. I’ve learned not to let my MS define me.”

Everyone’s mobility needs are different. You may benefit from one mobility aid or a combination of aids, including a wheelchair.

In this article, you’ll learn about the main types of mobility aids, especially wheelchairs, and what to consider when choosing one. This information can help you and your healthcare team decide whether a wheelchair may be the right choice for you.

Which Types of Mobility Aids Can Help People With MS?

Different mobility aids offer different levels of support. The right choice depends on your symptoms, daily activities, and mobility needs. Below is an overview of the main types of mobility aids and who may benefit from them.

Canes

A cane provides the least support of any mobility aid. It comes in several styles, and in general, a wider base offers more stability. A cane may be appropriate for people with mild balance issues, weakness, or discomfort when standing or walking.

To use a cane safely, you need enough grip strength and coordination. If you have significant lower-body weakness, pain, or fatigue, you may need a mobility aid that offers more support.

Crutches

Crutches provide more support than canes and can help reduce weight on a painful or weak leg. You may use one or two crutches, depending on your needs.

However, crutches require upper-body strength and coordination. They may not be the best option for people with significant weakness or severe fatigue.

Walkers

Walkers have a wide base and provide moderate support for people with balance problems, fatigue, or lower-body weakness. There are three main types:

• Standard walkers — Have no wheels and are the most stable option, but must be lifted and moved with each step
• Rolling walkers — Have two front wheels and glide forward more easily
• Rollators — Have four wheels and are easiest to maneuver, often coming with handbrakes, a built-in seat, and storage, but provide less stability than other walkers

Standard and rolling walkers require sufficient upper-body strength to grip and move the device. Rollators require good control so they don’t roll too far ahead of you, and it’s important to lock the handbrakes before sitting. Learning how to use any walker correctly can help reduce the risk of falls.

Mobility Scooters

Mobility scooters can make it easier to get around in the community, such as while running errands, attending events, and traveling longer distances. They may be a good option for people who don’t have the stamina or leg strength to walk long distances but can safely steer the scooter.

Scooters are different from wheelchairs. They generally provide less trunk support for staying balanced during sharp turns or on uneven ground. They’re also less customizable for people with more advanced mobility needs, such as those with hand or finger weakness.

Wheelchairs

Wheelchairs provide the highest level of mobility support and can be customized for a wide range of needs. They may be recommended for people who don’t have enough strength, balance, or stamina to walk safely at home or in the community.

There are two main types of wheelchairs:

• Manual — A self-propelled wheelchair (you move it by pushing the wheels) or a transport chair pushed by another person
• Power — A wheelchair operated with electronic controls, usually located on the armrest

Wheelchairs can be customized to fit your body and mobility needs. A physical therapist or an occupational therapist can help you choose the right size and features.

How Do Therapists Evaluate Wheelchair Options and Features?

According to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, physical and occupational therapists consider three main factors when recommending a wheelchair and its features.

Physical Ability

Your strength, coordination, and activity level determine which type of wheelchair may work best for you. Upper-body strength and hand dexterity (the ability to make precise hand and finger movements) are especially important.

People with good upper-body strength may be able to propel a manual wheelchair themselves. However, if your symptoms are progressing quickly, a power wheelchair may be a better long-term option.

Your healthcare team will also consider your hand and finger coordination. Different joystick or button controls may be easier to use, allowing you to move safely and confidently.

Sitting Balance

If your core muscles are weak and you have trouble sitting upright, you may need additional trunk support. For example, your physical therapist may recommend a higher backrest that’s slightly tilted to help support your posture. They may also adjust the armrests to the right height to prevent slouching.

Skin Health

People who sit in one position for long periods are at risk of pressure injuries (damage to the skin and underlying tissue caused by prolonged pressure or friction). This risk is higher if you have reduced sensation or can’t easily shift your position.

Proper cushioning can help relieve pressure on areas that bear the most weight, such as your buttocks. Some power wheelchairs also recline or tilt, allowing you to change positions and reduce pressure on vulnerable areas.

What Resources Can Help Pay for a Wheelchair?

Once you’ve chosen the wheelchair that best fits your needs, it’s time to consider the cost. Wheelchairs can be expensive, and there may be additional costs to consider.

For example, if you use a power wheelchair full time, you may need home modifications to make your living space more accessible. You may also need a wheelchair-accessible vehicle. It’s also a good idea to have a backup mobility plan in case your primary device needs repairs, such as a manual wheelchair or mobility scooter, depending on your needs.

Because MS symptoms can change and progress, your mobility needs may change too. You may eventually need a new wheelchair or new features to better support your mobility.

Many health insurance plans cover wheelchairs and may replace them every five years, although coverage varies by plan and can change over time. Unfortunately, home modifications are not usually covered by insurance.

Some local community programs help cover out-of-pocket costs. For example, Lifeway Mobility offers a directory of local funding resources.

Join the Conversation

On MyMSTeam, people share their experiences with multiple sclerosis, get advice, and find support from others who understand.

Do you use a wheelchair for your MS? If so, do you need any specific features? Let others know in the comments below.