Quick answer: Get assessed first by a physiotherapist or occupational therapist so you get the right aid at the right height. The NHS can lend some sticks and frames, and wheelchairs come through your local wheelchair service after an assessment. Mobility scooters are not generally available on the NHS. Class 2 scooters go up to 4mph on pavements; class 3 go up to 8mph, can use roads and must be registered with DVLA.
Checked on 11 October 2026 against the NHS guide to walking aids, wheelchairs and mobility scooters and the GOV.UK rules for mobility scooters and powered wheelchairs. Prices quoted are the NHS's published ranges and change over time. We have not tested or reviewed any products, and there are no affiliate links.
A mobility aid can help you stay active, reduce pain, improve balance and keep doing the things that matter, from walking to the shops to a day out with family. Choosing the wrong one, or using the right one at the wrong height, can make things worse. This guide explains the main types of aid, how to get one through the NHS or council, what to look for if you buy, and how to stay safe. It does not rank brands.
Before you choose: get assessed
A physiotherapist or occupational therapist (OT) can assess how you walk, your balance, your strength and your home, and recommend the right type of aid and the right height. The NHS says you can speak to a GP, physiotherapist, occupational therapist or hospital staff about borrowing a walking stick or frame. In many areas you can also refer yourself to NHS community physiotherapy or musculoskeletal (MSK) services.
Getting assessed matters because:
- the wrong aid can increase strain on other joints, such as wrists, shoulders and hands
- an aid at the wrong height can affect your posture and make pain worse
- some aids are better indoors, others outdoors
- exercise and strength work may be needed alongside the aid, not instead of it
Walking sticks
The NHS says a walking stick can give you extra support, help you balance, give you confidence and make walking less painful.
Getting one
You can borrow some types of walking stick from the NHS, possibly with a small deposit. You can also buy them online or from mobility shops. The NHS gives a price range of £15 to £50.
What to think about
The NHS suggests considering:
- Height: the stick must be the correct height for you, so ask for advice when you get it. Physiotherapists usually check that your elbow is slightly bent when you hold the handle.
- Base: whether you need one that stands up on its own, with 3 or 4 feet.
- Handle: whether it needs to be right- or left-handed. With hand or wrist arthritis, a wider, moulded or padded handle can spread pressure. Ask an OT or physio.
- Seat: whether you need a seat so you can rest.
- Steps: whether you need advice on using it on stairs. The NHS says to speak to a physiotherapist.
Which hand?
For a painful hip or knee, physiotherapists usually advise holding a single stick in the hand opposite the painful side. Check with your physiotherapist, as this depends on your situation.
Folding or fixed?
Folding sticks are handy for travel but can be less sturdy. Adjustable sticks are useful while you work out the right height, but check that the locking clip is secure every time.
See our guide to choosing a stick or a frame.
Crutches
Elbow crutches are often used for a short time, for example after surgery or an injury, and are usually provided by the hospital with instructions. Using crutches long-term can put strain on hands, wrists and shoulders, which matters if these are affected by arthritis. Ask your physiotherapist before using them for long periods.
Walking frames and rollators
The NHS says a walking frame gives you more support than a walking stick.
Getting one
You can borrow a frame from the NHS, possibly with a deposit, or your local authority may provide one free after a needs assessment. You can also buy them. The NHS gives a range of £40 to £200.
What to think about
The NHS suggests considering:
- whether it is the correct height for you
- whether you only want to use it indoors, where frames without wheels are best
- whether you are strong enough to lift a frame without wheels
- whether you want to get out and about, where frames with wheels are better
- whether you need a seat, basket or tray
- whether you need to fold it to fit in a car
Extra points for arthritis
- Brakes: on a rollator, check you can squeeze and lock the brakes comfortably. Some designs need less grip strength than others.
- Weight: check you can lift it into a car or up a step.
- Handles: padded or shaped handles may be easier on painful hands.
- Seat: only sit on a rollator seat with the brakes locked, and never be pushed while sitting on it unless it is designed for that.
Wheelchairs
A wheelchair can help if walking is difficult or you can walk only short distances. Some people use one only for longer trips. See our guide to using a wheelchair for distance.
NHS wheelchair services
The NHS says you need an assessment by your local wheelchair service before you can get an NHS wheelchair. Ask a GP, physiotherapist, OT or hospital staff to refer you, or check whether you can refer yourself by contacting your local wheelchair service or integrated care board (ICB). The service helps you decide if you need a wheelchair and what type.
In England, you may be eligible for a personal wheelchair budget, which lets you pay towards a different type of wheelchair. Our guide to the local wheelchair service explains more. In Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, wheelchair services are run by NHS boards and health and social care trusts, and referrals usually come through your GP, physiotherapist or OT.
Borrowing and hiring
The NHS says you can sometimes borrow an NHS wheelchair for a short while, for example after an operation. Red Cross branches often hire wheelchairs weekly, and some shopping centres have a Shopmobility scheme where you can borrow a wheelchair, usually at low cost or free.
Buying
The NHS gives a range from about £150 for a manual wheelchair to around £2,000 for a basic electric wheelchair. The Motability Scheme allows some people to use their mobility benefits to hire or buy an electric wheelchair.
What to think about
- whether you will push yourself or be pushed. Self-propelling can be hard on arthritic hands and shoulders
- how often you need it, and whether indoors, outdoors or both
- comfort, including the cushion and backrest
- weight and folding, if it needs to go in a car
- maintenance and repair costs
The NHS advises asking to try different types before you decide.
Mobility scooters and powered wheelchairs
The NHS says mobility scooters can be useful if you struggle to walk, need to travel longer distances, and can get on and off easily. They are not generally available on the NHS. The NHS gives a price range from £500 to more than £5,000. You might get a grant or charity help, and the Motability Scheme can help some people hire or buy one.
What to think about
The NHS suggests considering how often you will use it, whether on roads or pavements, whether it needs to go in a car, where you will store and charge it, maintenance costs, and whether you can steer it. It notes that some scooters have special steering levers if you have arthritis in your hands.
The rules
GOV.UK sets out the rules:
- Who can use one: you can only drive a mobility scooter or powered wheelchair if you have trouble walking because of an injury, physical disability or medical condition (with a few exceptions, such as taking it for repair).
- Class 2 vehicles have a maximum speed of 4mph and can be used on pavements and pedestrian areas.
- Class 3 vehicles have a maximum speed of 8mph, can also be used on the road, and must be registered with DVLA. On the road they need features including lights, indicators, a horn and a rear-view mirror. You cannot use them in bus lanes, cycle lanes or on motorways.
- On pavements, the maximum speed is 4mph, and you must give way to other people.
- Eyesight: for class 2 and 3, you should be able to read a car's registration number from 12.3 metres (40 feet).
- Tax and insurance: you do not pay vehicle tax if it is registered with DVLA as a mobility scooter or powered wheelchair. Insurance is not required for class 2 or 3 but is recommended.
Our guide to mobility scooters has more detail. Driving Mobility centres offer assessments and advice on mobility options, including scooters.
Buying an aid: criteria and red flags
Look for
- adjustable height that locks securely
- handles that suit your hands
- a maximum user weight that is right for you
- good rubber ferrules (tips) on sticks and frames, which can be replaced when worn
- the chance to try it before buying
- clear returns, warranty and servicing terms
Be wary of
- buying a scooter or powered wheelchair without trying it on the routes you will use
- pressure selling, especially at home
- second-hand items without checking brakes, tyres, batteries and frames
- products that are not adjustable or come in one size only
If you are disabled or have a long-term illness, GOV.UK says you will not be charged VAT on products designed for disabled people for your own use, including wheelchairs. See our guide to choosing arthritis-friendly products for VAT relief and returns rights.
Using your aid safely
- Check height and fit regularly, especially if your shoes change.
- Check ferrules and replace them when worn or smooth.
- Check brakes on rollators and wheelchairs.
- Clear your home of trip hazards such as loose rugs and trailing wires.
- Take care in wet or icy weather.
- Charge batteries as the manufacturer advises.
- Keep exercising. An aid supports you, but strength and balance work helps you stay mobile. Ask your physiotherapist for exercises.
Getting used to a new aid
- Practise at home first, then on short, familiar routes.
- Ask your physiotherapist to show you how to use it on steps, kerbs, slopes and stairs.
- Expect some aches in your hands, wrists or shoulders at first. Tell your physio if this does not settle.
- Review your aid if your condition changes, after surgery, or if you are using it more than before.
Travelling with a mobility aid
Plan ahead when you travel. Railway companies offer free Passenger Assist, which you can book in advance. Airlines and airports must provide free assistance for disabled passengers and carry mobility equipment, so tell your airline when you book. Check the size and weight limits for scooters and powered wheelchairs, and the rules for their batteries. Folding sticks and lightweight rollators can make travelling easier. Our guide to flying with arthritis has more detail.
Feeling self-conscious
Many people put off using an aid because they worry about how it looks or feel it means "giving in". An aid that lets you walk further with less pain can help you stay active and independent. You might use one only on bad days or for longer trips. Talk to your physiotherapist or OT about options that suit your lifestyle.
When to get medical help
See your GP or physiotherapist if walking is getting harder, you are falling or nearly falling, or your aid no longer feels right. Get urgent help if you fall and are hurt, cannot get up, or cannot put weight on a leg. Call 999 if you have a serious injury.
Frequently asked questions
Can I get a walking stick on the NHS?
You can borrow some types of walking stick from the NHS. Speak to a GP, physiotherapist, OT or hospital staff. You might pay a small deposit.
How do I get an NHS wheelchair?
You need an assessment by your local wheelchair service. Ask a GP, physio, OT or hospital staff to refer you, or check whether you can refer yourself.
Can I get a mobility scooter on the NHS?
Mobility scooters are not generally available on the NHS. You might get help through the Motability Scheme, a grant or a charity.
Do I need a licence or insurance for a mobility scooter?
Not for class 2 or 3 scooters, although insurance is recommended. Class 3 scooters must be registered with DVLA.
Which hand should I hold my stick in?
For a painful hip or knee, usually the opposite hand. Check with your physiotherapist.
Is a rollator better than a stick?
A frame or rollator gives more support than a stick. Which is best depends on your balance, strength and where you will use it. Get assessed.
Do I pay VAT on a wheelchair?
Not if you are disabled or have a long-term illness and it is for your own use. Confirm this in writing with the supplier.
Sources and further reading
- NHS: Walking aids, wheelchairs and mobility scooters
- GOV.UK: Mobility scooters and powered wheelchairs: the rules
- GOV.UK: VAT relief for disabled people
- Driving Mobility
- Motability Scheme
- NICE NG226: Osteoarthritis in over 16s
Educational information for people in the United Kingdom, not personal medical, legal or financial advice. NHS processes, rules and prices change, so check the linked official sources and speak to your GP, specialist team or pharmacist about your own situation. Charity no. 1218461. Pending clinical review. If you feel very unwell, call 999 or go to A&E. For urgent advice, contact NHS 111.
Continue with related help
- Using two walking aids — when one is not enough
- Indoor walking frames — at home
- Wrist arthritis and walking aids — protecting hands
- Choosing shoes for arthritis — fit and support
- A falls plan if you live alone — staying safe
- Motability Scheme and Arthritis: Who Can Join, How It Works and What It Costs (UK) — the Motability Scheme
- Balance Training for Arthritis: Safe Exercises to Stay Steady (UK Guide) — balance training