Mobility aids: free help first, then honest picks
About the links. Right now none of the shop links on this page earn us money. If that changes, each paid link will say (Ad) next to it. We only list things we think are useful. Always check the free routes first.
In short
- Ask for a free assessment first. Your council or the NHS may give you aids for free.
- If you do buy, you may not have to pay VAT. Ask the shop.
- Check size, weight limits and fit before you buy anything.
Free routes first
1. A free needs assessment
Your local council can check what help you need at home. This is called a needs assessment. It is free. Anyone can ask for one. (GOV.UK: Get a needs assessment)
An occupational therapist (OT) may visit you. They can suggest aids, like grab rails or a perching stool. The NHS says things like this are often free, or cheap, after an assessment. (NHS: Getting a needs assessment, NHS: Gadgets and equipment to make life easier)
You can also ask your council for equipment or home changes on GOV.UK.
2. The Motability Scheme
If you get the higher mobility part of a benefit, you may swap it for a car, scooter or powered wheelchair. (Motability Scheme) Read our Motability guide.
3. No VAT on many aids
If you are disabled or have a long-term illness, you may not pay VAT on products made for disabled people. Wheelchairs are one example. You must tell the shop in writing. The shop often has a form. You do not qualify if you are older but not disabled. (GOV.UK: VAT relief for disabled people)
4. Charity grants
Some charities give money for things you need. Turn2us has a free Grants Search to find them. (Turn2us: Applying for grants)
Honest picks
Prices below are rough. We saw them on real shop pages on 25 October 2026. Prices change. Some shops show prices without VAT.
Grab rails
Who it helps: people who need something to hold in the bath, shower, toilet or by steps.
Rough price: about £4 for a simple plastic rail. Up to £240 for a floor-to-ceiling pole.
Check first: suction rails are not as strong as screwed-in ones. Do not put your full weight on them. A screwed rail must go into a solid wall.
Look at: Complete Care Shop grab rails · Amazon UK grab rails
Walking sticks
Who it helps: people who are a bit unsteady, or need help on one side.
Rough price: about £9 to £30 for most sticks.
Check first: the height. The handle should be level with your wrist when your arm hangs down. Check the rubber tip is not worn.
Look at: Complete Care Shop walking sticks · Amazon UK walking sticks
Rollators (walking frames with wheels)
Who it helps: people who need more support than a stick, and like to stop and sit.
Rough price: about £50 to £80 for a light one. Some cost a lot more.
Check first: the weight limit, the brakes, and if it folds to fit your car. 4 wheels often have a seat. 3 wheels are narrower for indoors.
Look at: Complete Care Shop rollators · Amazon UK rollators
Wheelchair and scooter extras
Who it helps: people who already have a wheelchair or scooter.
Rough price: about £5 for a cup holder. About £27 for a basic cushion. Bags and rain covers are about £15 to £35.
Check first: it fits your model. For cushions, ask an OT if you are at risk of pressure sores.
Look at: Complete Care Shop wheelchair extras · Complete Care Shop scooter extras · Amazon UK
Car aids: swivel seat and handybar
Who it helps: people who find it hard to get in and out of a car.
Rough price: a swivel seat cushion is about £24. A handybar is about £8 to £16.
Check first: a handybar must fit the door latch of your car. Swivel cushions raise you up, so check your head room.
Look at: Complete Care Shop swivel car seat · Amazon UK handybar
Home aids: perching stool and reacher
Who it helps: a perching stool lets you half-sit while you cook or wash. A reacher helps you pick things up without bending.
Rough price: perching stool about £43 to £65. Reacher about £5 to £13.
Check first: stool height and weight limit. Reacher length and grip. An OT can often give you these for free.
Look at: Complete Care Shop perching stools · Complete Care Shop reachers · Amazon UK perching stools
Safety
If you fall a lot, or are not sure what is safe, talk to your GP or ask for an OT assessment before you buy.
Information only. This page explains official guidance in plain English. It is not legal or medical advice. Rules can change. For advice about your own case, contact Citizens Advice or another free adviser.
Where this applies: England. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have different rules.
Written by Social Care Made Easy. Last checked: 25 October 2026.