Manual Wheelchairs

How to Find The Right Mobility Aid: Buying Guide

What is a mobility aid?

A mobility aid is a device that helps people with movement impairments get around.

Where can I buy mobility aids?

Sam's Club sells a wide array of mobility aids.

What are mobility aids used for?

Mobility aids are devices used for moving around people with disabilities impairing them from easily moving under their own power.

Do you need a referral to use a mobility aid?

Most mobility aids can be purchased without a prescription or doctor's referral. If you seek to have your medical insurance or health care provider cover part or all of the purchase, then you may need a prescription.

What Are The Different Types of Mobility Aids?

Rollators

A rollator is a walker with wheels. Most have a seat and handbrakes.

Wheelchairs

Wheelchairs have a seat and wheels, allowing people who can't or shouldn't put weight on their lower limbs to get around.

Mobility Scooters

Mobility scooters are similar to wheelchairs, but typically have more wheels and are battery-powered. A mobility scooter might be a good option for someone who doesn't have the strength for a manual wheelchair.

Walking Canes and Extension Arms

Canes are common walking aids used to help take the weight off the lower body. Quad canes have "feet," which make them more stable. Forearm crutches have attachments at the top of the cane that help take body weight off the wrists.

Extension arms are generally the length of a cane but have a device at the tip for grabbing or manipulating objects. Extension arms can be useful for those who have trouble bending over.

Home Safety Aids

Home safety aids are products that protect movement-impaired people from hurting themselves when they're going about normal household tasks. Examples include a toilet seat with padded arms, special shower or bath stools, or wall-mounted aluminum bars to help you steady yourself.

Rollators and Walkers

What is a rollator?

A rollator is a walker with wheels. Most have a seat and handbrakes. They are generally both lighter and more heavy-duty than traditional walkers.

How much do rollators cost?

Sam's Club sells several rollators, ranging from $68 to $110.

How to choose a rollator

To choose a rollator, think about how often you plan to use it, and where. For instance, if you'll need to regularly pack your rollator in the trunk of your car, a model that folds up might be the best choice.

Important things to consider when choosing a rollator

• Wheels: Three-wheeled rollators offer greater maneuverability, while four-wheeled rollators are generally more stable.
• Brakes: Different rollators come with different kinds of brakes. Some have brakes similar to bicycles, while others have push-down brakes.
• Storage: Many rollators come equipped with accessories, like bags or storage built into the frame.

What brands of rollators does Sam's Club sell?

Sam's Club sells Medline brand rollators and Drive Medical knee walkers, which are an alternative to underarm crutches.

Wheelchairs

What is a wheelchair?

Wheelchairs have a seat and wheels, allowing people who can't or shouldn't put weight on their lower limbs get around.

How much do wheelchairs cost?

Sam's Club sells wheelchairs ranging from $68 to $175.

How to choose a wheelchair

Choosing a wheelchair depends on how often you plan to use it, and whether you plan to operate it manually, electronically or have a caregiver providing assistance.

Important things to consider when choosing a wheelchair

• Power source: A manually operated wheelchair will have large wheels, so you can propel yourself with your arms. A wheelchair designed to be pushed by a caregiver will have smaller wheels.
• Portability: For someone who has trouble getting around, but can still walk short distances, a folding wheelchair may be appropriate.
• Comfort: Some wheelchairs are built to be more ergonomically friendly than others.

What brands of wheelchairs does Sam's Club sell?

Sam's Club sells Medline and Carex wheelchairs.

Mobility Scooters

What is a scooter?

Mobility scooters, sometimes called power scooters, are similar to wheelchairs, but have more wheels and are usually battery-powered. They consist of a transport chair, base unit, wheels, drivetrain and chassis.

How much do scooters cost?

Sam's Club sells scooters ranging from $749 to $1,899.

How to choose a scooter

To pick the right scooter, consider comfort, adjustability, stability and the kind of terrain the scooter will be used on. To traverse rougher terrain, you will need a scooter with rear wheel drive.

Important things to consider when choosing a scooter

• Safety features: Some scooters have anti-tipping devices to promote stability.
• Drive train: A scooter with front-wheel drive only is primarily for indoor use. A scooter with rear-wheel drive will be better at navigating outdoor environments.
• Accessories: Separately purchased accessories like a shopping cart basket may be necessary.

What brands of mobility scooters does Sam's Club sell?

Sam's Club sells Drive Medical and Rascal brand scooters.

Walking Canes and Extension Arms

What is a walking cane?

Canes are walking aids used to help take the weight off the lower body. Underarm crutches are also considered a form of a cane.

How much do walking canes cost?

Sam's Club sells walking canes ranging from $15 to $40.

How to choose a walking cane

You should think about how much stability you need and how much body weight your wrists can support.

Important things to consider when choosing a walking cane

• Frequency: If you use the cane all the time, it may make sense to buy a folding model.
• Stability: If you need more stability, consider a quad cane.

What brands of walking canes does Sam's Club sell?

Sam's Club sells Medline, Carex and Unger brand canes, crutches and extension arms.

Home Safety Aids

What are home safety aids?

Home safety aids provide stability to people with disabilities and prevent falls. They are assistive devices that can range from wheelchair ramps to transfer boards.

How much do home safety aids cost?

Home safety aids at Sam's Club range from $4 to $400.

How to choose a home safety aid

Consider the room or activity that you'd like additional stability for and your upper and lower body strength.

Important things to consider when choosing a home safety aid

You should consider:

• Weight: Some assistive devices are lighter than others.
• Style: Many items come in different styles or colors.
• Space: For example, if you have a smaller shower or bath, a stool might make more sense for you than a chair.

What brands of home safety aids does Sam's Club sell?

• Carex
• Medline
• Riegel
• Drive Medical
• Atlas Safe Rooms

FAQ - Mobility Aids

Are mobility aids covered by the ADA?

Yes. The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) requires many businesses and other public places to accommodate mobility aids like scooters and wheelchairs.

Do I need a prescription to buy a mobility aid?

No.

Is a Segway a mobility device?

Yes, when it is operated by someone with a disability.

Does a mobility scooter need a number plate?

No.

Are mobility scooters allowed on pavements?

Mobility scooters are generally allowed wherever pedestrians are. However, you should check your state and local laws to be sure.

Are mobility scooters allowed on main roads?

Mobility scooter laws vary from state to state. Consult your state's DMV for more details.

Does Sam's Club deliver mobility aids?

Yes, many mobility aids can be shipped to your home.