Mobility for the Big and Tall

Mobility and Access for Larger People

Both big and tall people have unique needs when assisted mobility is concerned. High weight capacity devices or devices that allow for more leg room or longer reach are important in getting properly fitted for a mobility aid.

Driving for the Big and Tall


Although we cover automobiles on a different section, mobility access and driving are overlapping concerns. If you have a need for a mobility aid, then more than likely you will qualify for disabled parking status under state law. The governmental agency in your state that issues license plates (sometimes this is different from the agency that issues you actual driver’s license) is the department that should be contacted in these cases. In most cases there will be a form that both you and your physician have to complete and it may need to be notarized (most doctors have a notary on staff). Once the form is completed, you will return it to the agency (and you might have to pay a nominal fee) and the placard or license plate is issued. The process may take some time, but the time invested pays off in great dividends. Advantages and benefits such as closer parking spots, less walking, and more room to get in and out of your vehicle turn going out and running to the store from an agonizing chore into a pleasant experience .

Heavy Duty Wheelchairs

Wheelchairs come in two categories, manual and electric. If you have a permanent disability, it may be beneficial to have both. One for performing everyday tasks and one for exercise. The manual wheelchair is powered by the user pushing or pulling rails on the wheels to move in forward or reverse. This can prove tiresome and may require assistance when going up inclines. There is usually a manual hand brake on the wheel to prevent motion when the user needs to be stationary. This is a great option for exercise or a short term need. However, if you have a disability that will confine you to a wheelchair, the electric wheelchair may be the one for you. Electric wheelchairs come with hand controls in most cases. They tend to be powerful enough to get up most standard inclines and can even come in models that are meant for rougher terrain if you happen to live in a rural area or to allow the user access to unpaved areas. Electric wheelchairs run on batteries and usually need to be charged when not in use.

Heavy Duty Scooters

Sometimes a wheelchair may not be quite what is needed. In these cases there is the option of the electric scooter. Electric scooters come in several varieties depending on the user’s needs and come in either 3 or 4 wheeled versions. They can be designed specifically for indoors or for both indoor and outdoor use. Scooters are quite versatile as they have a variety of accessories that are either factory installed or can be purchased as aftermarket options such as headlights, taillights, directional lights, and swivel seats to allow the user to pull up to desks and tables without leaving the scooter. Much like an electric wheelchair, electric scooters also run on batteries and must be charged when not in use.

Purchasing a Heavy Duty Mobility Device

Whether you choose a wheelchair or a scooter, consider these factors:


  • Look at weight limits. If you exceed the manufacture limits for the device you choose, at minimum you risk decreased performance, at worst you risk injury.
  • Insure proper fit. Comfort has to be a huge consideration as you may be spending several hours a day in or on this device. Make sure you can fit in the seat properly (width and height for back support), that there is enough room for you to turn (in the case of a scooter) with enough clearance for your body to avoid contact with the handles, and enough leg room to avoid hunching and to be able to reach the foot brake (if there is one) without issue.
  • Consider your surroundings. If you have narrow areas to maneuver in on a consistent basis, purchase a device that will accommodate that. Sometimes simplicity is best.
  • Look for deals. The mobility market is competitive. Deals and specials are particularly prevalent in the electric scooter market.
  • Develop a payment strategy. Companies that sell these devices generally work with insurance as well as Medicaid and Medicare. Also, if you have a flexible spending account, you can use it to purchase these devices. Some companies will also give “self-pay” discounts if you are not using any type of insurance. Financing may be an option as well; the American Association of Persons with Disabilities (AAPD) has a loan program to help with such issues.
  • Look for extras. Some companies will offer free accessories or even more importantly vehicle attachments to help you travel with you device. If not, the AAPD also has loans for vehicle modifications as well.
Size Friendly Canes and Walkers

Canes and walkers are often overlooked, but vital part of mobility. Canes come in many different styles, designs and sizes. Materials canes are usually constructed of include wood or metal. Wood canes can be made of a variety of trees, including oak, walnut, hickory and cherry among others. Metal canes generally are aluminum, but steel, titanium and other materials can be found. Metal canes provide the advantage of being adjustable in most cases, compared to wood which is often static. Metal canes also provide a choice of a single base, a tripod or a quad-pod base, which can provide more stability and higher weight limits, however, the more legs on the cane, the more cumbersome it can be to use.

Walkers can be made out of a variety of metals and generally have wheels in the front to assist with movement (some come with all wheels and handbrakes). They are usually adjustable and can be accessorized with seats, tray tables and baskets. Both canes and walkers are sold in both foldable and non-foldable options.

Canes and walkers are generally covered under most insurance plans including Medicare and Medicaid and can also be purchased with Flexible Spending Plan Accounts. Check with the company you are purchasing from to find out what they accept for payment.