Frequently Asked Questions
When used as instructed in ADA-compliant areas, the LifeGlider will catch you and keep you from falling should you lose your grip or your footing. With continued and consistent use, LifeGlider users lose their fear of falling, walk more, and become stronger.
The LifeGlider uses the same principle that figure skating pairs use when the male partner lifts the female partner above his head while continuing to move: securing the center of gravity in both individuals. This takes incredible strength and balance in both individuals – and a lot of trust.
LifeGlider secures the user’s center of gravity at four points of contact — the hips and the Sitz bones — effectively ensuring balance and preventing falls.
Walkers either come with or without wheels. Those without wheels are picked up, move forward, and you follow behind it. Those with wheels are pushed.
The LifeGlider, in contrast, doesn’t require pushing – and so your hands remain free. It follows you rather than the other way around. And because the LifeGlider secures your center of gravity, you can stand and walk with confidence and without the fear of falling.
Walkers are often prescribed for those with stability and balance issues caused by any number of issues. But conventional walkers shift the body’s center of gravity away from its natural position, making people more likely to fall. In fact, according to the CDC, 87% of fall-related injuries resulting from walking aids are attributable to walker use.
LifeGlider secures the body’s center of gravity, so you retain your balance should you lose your grip or footing. It also frees your hands to do those things you’d normally do throughout the course of a day. With your center of gravity secure, you’ll be able to walk farther and longer. And that means exercise that will help you get stronger.
You may use the LifeGlider in any ADA-compliant location. Use the device as a rollator in other areas.
The LifeGlider retails for $799 in the United States. Please contact your local distributor or dealer for pricing if you live outside of the USA.
LifeGlider was designed for people who can stand and walk but need walkers or canes to address balance and mobility issues. If you spend most of your time in a wheelchair and can only take a few steps at a time, LifeGlider might not be ideal for you right out of the box. But with therapy or assistance, you could be. We recommend discussing the LifeGlider with your doctor to see if it’s safe for you to use it.
The LifeGlider is available in three sizes: Small, Standard, and Tall. You will need to measure your inseam for the best fit.
There are two ways to measure your inseam if you don’t have someone to help you:
1. Measure a pair of pants that fits you perfectly, where the legs are just touching the floor when you’re barefoot. Use the diagram as the guide.
2. You may also use the same technique used for sizing people for bicycles. Here’s an easy-to-follow instructional video that shows you how you can take the measurement yourself: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wGUTPmnrRJM
While your doctor can prescribe the LifeGlider, it does not qualify for Medicare. While it qualifies as Durable Medical Equipment (DME), the product is not enrolled in Medicare.
As for insurance, coverage varies from company to company. Some insurance companies will provide reimbursement when LifeGlider is prescribed by a doctor. We recommend checking with your insurance company; we are happy to provide proof of purchase and other documentation you might need.
We do not process insurance claims, but we can provide you with documentation you need.
There is a learning curve – more for some than others. The biggest adjustment is in your body – your brain and muscles may need time to get used to a new way of moving. If you are not accustomed to extended periods of upright mobility, consider starting with short periods, e.g., 15 minutes, and gradually increasing your time in the LifeGlider.
There may be help available from the national organizations that focus on your condition. The National Multiple Sclerosis Society, for example, has a program where they will pay for a portion of the cost of buying a LifeGlider. Contact them directly for more information.
In California, children may be able to get a LifeGlider for use in schools; this requires petitioning the school with the recommendation of a physical therapist. If you’re outside California, contact your local school district to find out if similar programs exist.
The LifeGlider padded seat is designed specifically to hold your center of gravity; changing it will compromise the design’s integrity. Changing the seat will also invalidate your warranty.
The LifeGlider seat is intended to support standing and walking, rather than serving as an actual seat. It was designed to provide support while you’re adjusting to using the LifeGlider and becoming stronger. Over time, most customers find that they become less and less dependent on the seat for weight support.
That said, there is an adjustment period in using the seat for weight support; it’s no different than the adjustment required for first-time bicycle users.
Make sure it is secured under the navel and above the hipbone; the belt will slip if buckled on the belly.
The LifeGlider is easy to fold for storage for transportation; it fits in a standard-sized trunk. It also fits in the foot wells behind the front seats. Watch the Transporting the LifeGlider video to see how easy it is to fold up.
The LifeGlider comes in three sizes: small, standard, and tall. You’ll order based on your inseam size and your height. Once you’ve received your LifeGlider, it will need to be adjusted to the proper height that works best for you. This can be done with the help of a family member, but if you have special needs or unusual challenges, we recommend having a physical therapist help you. Watch the Setting Up & Using the LifeGlider video.
The LifeGlider comes pre-assembled. It will require setup and adjustment. A user guide comes with the LifeGlider, or you can also watch the Setting Up & Using the LifeGlider video.
The LifeGlider is intended for use in ADA-compliant interiors and pathways. Ideal surfaces are dry, flat, smooth, and free of obstacles.
Under no circumstances should the LifeGlider be used on or near stairs or steep inclines. It should also not be used to walk over curbs. Users need to be able and prepared to lift the front wheels to go over discontinuities on walking surfaces, i.e., bumps and other obstructions on otherwise flat surfaces. Additionally, the LifeGlider is NOT intended for use on slippery or icy surfaces, snow, sand, or water.
The key to using the LifeGlider safely is to ensure you do not significantly alter your center of gravity. For example, you should not wear a heavy backpack or carry heavy objects. Avoid hanging bags on your device, but if you do, ensure that you’re doing the same on the other side to maintain balance.
The LifeGlider is intended for use by people who struggle to walk securely and confidently. It eliminates the fear of falling and the exertion caused by focusing on trying to maintain balance. By securing the body’s center of gravity, the LifeGlider encourages upright posture, helps restore proper gait, and reinforces the user’s sense of balance and confidence. It alleviates weight from the legs, making it possible for individuals with limited strength to walk and carry out daily activities. We have helped people with cerebral palsy, ataxia, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s, Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, and other diseases that cause mobility impairments.
The LifeGlider can also be used as part of a physical therapy or rehabilitation program. As required, a caregiver or physical therapist can assist the user in getting into and out of the device.
The current LifeGlider models were intended for use by individuals who:
- Are at least 4’6″ tall (1.37m) and are no more than 6’4″ tall (1.93m). The combined weight of the user, clothing, and any items carried on the device as well as by hand cannot exceed 200 lbs. (91kg) for the Small size or 275 lbs. (124.7kg) for the Standard and Tall units.
- Can stand long enough to fasten the security belt, approximately one minute.
- Possess sufficient cognitive function to follow instructions and use the device safely.
Anyone experiencing a loss of vision or motor coordination, severe side effects of medications, or severe cognitive or profound intellectual disabilities that require close supervision should not use the LifeGlider. We recommend talking to your health care provider if you’re unsure whether the LifeGlider is appropriate for you.
The LifeGlider must be adjusted to your height. When properly adjusted, the padded seat should be positioned comfortably just beneath your tail bone.
You’ll need to adjust one leg at a time by pressing firmly on the adjustment button, then sliding the leg to the desired height. Repeat the process on the other three legs, ensuring that they’re all set to the same height. Watch the Setting Up and Using the LifeGlider video to learn how.
You may download the User Guide.
The brake is designed to give you added control in certain situations, e.g., walking down a ramp to slow yourself down as you’re adjusting to using the device. Otherwise, because the LifeGlider is less than 20lbs. your feet alone will be sufficient in stopping. Once you’ve become comfortable using the LifeGlider, you’ll get in and out more quickly, and you’ll also find you’ll rarely need the brake.
The LifeGlider was designed for ADA-compliant areas. You must be capable and prepared to lift the front wheels to go over discontinuities on any surface. If you find yourself in situations where there are small changes in elevation, or you come across cracks and bumps on your path, move more slowly and with caution, just as you would with any other device.
The LifeGlider is made with steel. Like all steel products, it will rust if subjected to excessive water – and that means it’s not a good idea to shower with it OR to leave it outdoors where it can be subjected to the elements.
If you and your LifeGlider do get caught in the rain, it’s a good idea to dry it immediately.
We accept American Express, Mastercard, and Visa. Purchases valued over $695, including tax and shipping can be paid in either six (6) or twelve (12) monthly installments, depending on the total. Financing is provided by Klarna. If you do not already have an account with Klarna, you will be required to complete an application.
We offer a ONE (1) year warranty against defects in materials and workmanship when used in accordance with the LifeGlider User Guide, beginning from the date of receipt of product from Core Mobility Solutions, Inc., mylifeglider.com, or from an authorized reseller. The warranty does not cover unintentional damage caused by normal, day-to-day use.
The following will void the warranty:
- Any modification to the unit (frame included), including replacement of parts not purchased from Core Mobility Solutions.
- Damage caused by use other than as intended.
- Damage caused by abuse or mishandling of the unit by a baggage handler, for example, or being run over by a car.
You can return your LifeGlider or accessories within 30 calendar days of receiving them if you’re not satisfied. Contact customercare@mylifeglider.com to request a Return Merchandise Authorization and a prepaid return shipping label. Once we receive and inspect the item, we’ll refund your original payment method, minus the cost of return shipping. Refunds may take 4-6 weeks to process, depending on your bank’s policies. Refurbished items are not eligible for return.
Whether or not you can benefit from using the LifeGlider, temporarily or long-term, will depend on your particular condition. While LifeGlider isn’t right for everyone, in general, depending on the individual, the LifeGlider can help those who have arthritis, cerebral palsy, balance issues, multiple sclerosis, muscular dystrophy, and those who are recovering from an injury.
As a benefit to our customers, we offer payment plans through a third party; when checking out you can select the payment plan option. Klarna payment options will then become available. Purchases totaling $299-$798.99 are eligible for 12 installment plans or 6 months of deferred financing. Purchases with $799+ are also eligible for deferred financing programs.
Please note that Klarna will require a credit application and these terms are subject to change without notice. Details are provided directly by Klarna. We are not involved in any way with the credit approval process and therefore cannot provide status. Please contact Klarna directly for any information once you’ve completed the checkout process.
LifeGlider was designed for ADA-compliant surfaces and pathways. If you decide to use it on surfaces other than ADA-compliant ones, you do so at your own risk.
We do not sell direct to consumers outside the USA. However, the LifeGlider is currently available in Singapore, Hong Kong, Malaysia, and Taiwan. It is available for purchase online in Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom. For contact information, please go to the Where to Buy section.
If you live elsewhere, please contact your local distributor of walkers to see if they might order one for you.
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