Mobility Aids
Most people with cerebral palsy have mobility challenges. Mobility aids such as walkers, canes, and standers are helpful for moving around in daily life.
Types of Mobility Aids
Some people with cerebral palsy may be able to walk without assistance, while others may be more limited or need occasional help. There are many different types of mobility aids and assistive devices that help those with cerebral palsy to increase their mobility.
Depending on the level of assistance needed, aids can be custom fit for individual height, weight, and movement ability. Examples of different mobility devices include:
Orthotic Devices
Orthotic devices are braces that are worn around different areas of the body to help improve stride length, balance, and reduce the energy needed for movement, especially in children with spastic cerebral palsy.
The type of orthotics needed depends on the area of mobility issues the individual has. A licensed orthotist or physical therapist can help determine which kind of brace your child needs. Orthotics can be bought at sporting goods stores and pharmacies. Many online retailers also have braces that can be custom-made for each person.
Different types of orthotics include:
- Ankle-foot orthotics
- Foot orthotics
- Knee orthotics
- Knee-ankle orthotics
- Hip-knee-ankle orthotics
- Trunk-hip-knee-ankle-foot orthotics
- Spinal orthotics
Many doctors and physical therapists will determine a child's mobility aid needs by first evaluating their physical capabilities. Oftentimes, this is based on where they fall within the Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) rating, a five-level scale that categorizes and describes the severity of cerebral palsy.
Quick Fact: Although orthotics don't require a prescription, it's important to follow up with physical therapists or specialists to reassess progress of how the child's body moves after growth spurts or extended use. Outdated orthotics can have lever arms that deteriorate and introduce negative effects such as weight imbalances or improper gait.
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Walkers
Walkers help children to balance and build leg and bone strength by allowing them to put more weight on their legs. There are many different kinds of walkers available depending on the mobility assistance needed such as:
- Non-wheeled walkers - These are basic frame walkers with no wheels. The child must lift and place the walker with each step, which helps with strength and stability.
- Two-wheeled walkers - These have two front wheels and two rear posts that stay on the ground. They allow for slower, smoother forward movement and are helpful for children with more severe walking difficulty. Some even have a built-in seat for when the child needs to sit and rest.
- Four-wheeled walkers - Equipped with four wheels (often with hand brakes), these walkers glide across the ground more easily.
- Chest-support walkers - These provide a wrap-around chest support and often trunk straps and pelvic harnesses. Best suited for children with limited torso control to help them stand and move.
- Gait trainers - A gait trainer is a specialized walker with harnesses, pelvic supports, and adjustable components for upright walking practice.
- Suspension walkers - These walkers use an overhead suspension system with a harness, often mounted to a track or freestanding frame. They help to offload some body weight while allowing for stepping practice.
Like orthotics, the type of walker a child uses depends on their level of walking ability and is best selected by a licensed physical therapist. Recent advances in technology have helped children at different levels of mobility integrate things like dynamic suspension and even robotics to help their movement progress.
Canes
Canes are a lightweight and portable support option mainly for children with hemiplegia or mild diplegia who can walk but need balance assistance. The most common type of cane used by those with CP have rubber ends to prevent slipping. Some even have foldable or retractable handles for easy transportation and storage.
Crutches
Similar to canes, crutches allow children with walking difficulties to balance better. Unlike underarm crutches used to recover from leg injuries, those with cerebral palsy will typically use forearm crutches to help with stability while walking.
Standing Frames (Standers)
Standing frames help children with CP to stand for short or long periods of time. They support body weight while standing and using them can offer many benefits such as:
- Improved hip stability
- Higher muscle development and strength in legs
- Better bowel and bladder function
- Reduces risk of developing osteoporosis (weak and brittle bones)
- Allows for stretching of hips and hamstrings
- Better social inclusion by being eye-level with peers
- Increases alertness and stimulates motor control development in the brain
Wheelchairs
Wheelchairs assist people with cerebral palsy who are unable to walk. There are two types of wheelchairs:
- Manual wheelchairs - Self- or caregiver-propelled chairs, often lightweight or folding for transport
- Power wheelchairs - Motorized, battery-operated chairs controlled by joystick, switches, or head/chin arrays for those with limited motor control
The kind of wheelchair needed will depend on factors such as:
- Type of cerebral palsy
- Costs and financing
- Weight of the wheelchair
- How it will be used: (daily activities, outdoor/indoor use, sports, etc)
- Where it will be used: (at home, school, work, travel, etc)
- How it will be transported: (smaller wheelchairs can easily fit inside most vehicles, while larger models will need a transport lift)
- Customization needs: (armrests, leg/footrests, seat adjustment, size/width, cushioning, tire size, etc)
- How frequently it will be used: (battery type, time to charge, and battery duration)
Mobility Scooters
Mobility scooters (also known as power scooters) can be a more cost-effective alternative to power wheelchairs. However, there are differences between them and some drawbacks depending on the patient's needs.
Mobility scooters come in different sizes and range from small and compact to large and heavy. The kind needed depends on a few factors similar to choosing a power wheelchair.
- Small, compact scooters are designed primarily for travel and easy transport
- Mid-range scooters are best suited for regular indoor and outdoor use
- Large, heavy scooters can withstand rougher outdoor environments
Compared to wheelchairs, mobility scooters can be slightly easier to operate for children with less upper limb strength and can reduce social stigmas in certain settings (due to social perceptions of wheelchairs and disabilities).
Did You Know? Recent studies show that early wheeled intervention (earlier use of wheelchairs or mobility scooters) improved wheeled mobility, social activity and participation, and quality of life for children and young people with cerebral palsy.
Where to Buy Mobility Aids
Note: It's important to have a doctor or licensed physical or occupational therapist evaluate your child's condition and mobility needs before making a purchase. They can help with choosing the right type of aid, customization needs, and selecting reputable technology.
Most assistive devices can be purchased in specialty stores or from online retailers. Mobility aids that require customization for a child's specific needs may have to be special ordered or customized by a qualified physician or therapist.
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Mobility Aids FAQs
Written and Medically Reviewed by:
Cerebral Palsy Hub Team
Cerebral Palsy Hub was founded to help support children and their families with cerebral palsy and to create a safe space for those affected. We strive to provide the most accurate, up-to-date information, and tools to help give your child the life they deserve.
Last Updated: September 27, 2025
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