How to choose an exoskeleton: the buying guide
The consumer exoskeleton market is expanding rapidly, and the technical specifications are starting to look identical. Yet, most purchase disappointments stem from a mismatch between intended use and actual use, not from equipment defects. This guide provides the criteria that matter, in order, along with the questions to ask before ordering.
1. Start with the usage, not the spec sheet
The first question isn't "which model?" but "what for?". The three families of exoskeletons are not interchangeable: medical models are for supervised rehabilitation, industrial models are for workstations, and consumer models are for daily mobility. Details are available on our exoskeleton page.
If your need is to walk longer distances in daily life or while hiking, that falls into the third category. If your need relates to a medical condition or a care pathway, that is a medical matter, not an online purchase.
2. The weight carried
This is the number one reason for abandonment, even before price. Heavy equipment ends up in a closet. As a benchmark, the ExoBlue V-X1 weighs 2.4 kg. Beyond a certain threshold, the weight negates the effort saved by the assistance.
3. Battery life, read honestly
Stated battery life is always based on favorable conditions. Ask what the value is based on and at what level of assistance. Actual battery life varies depending on the terrain, elevation changes, the weight carried, and your pace.
Also check the charging time—2 hours 15 minutes for the ExoBlue V-X1—and whether it is possible to add a second battery if your outings exceed the stated battery life.
4. Adjustability and body type
A poorly adjusted exoskeleton is uncomfortable and less effective. Check the range of sizes covered: the ExoBlue V-X1 is adjustable from 1.55 m to 1.95 m. Also check the number of adjustment points and the time required to put it on—equipment that takes a long time to put on is equipment that will rarely be used.
5. What the equipment does not do
This is the most revealing criterion, and the one that product sheets avoid. A salesperson who cannot tell you what their product does not do does not know their product. A mobility exoskeleton is not designed for competitive racing, impact sports, technical trail hiking, or carrying heavy loads, and it is not a substitute for a cane or a prescribed medical device.
6. The opportunity to try it out
This is by far the most reliable criterion, and the most neglected. Twenty minutes of trying it out tells you more than three hours of comparisons: the sensation of assistance is difficult to imagine without having experienced it. If a trial isn't possible, check the withdrawal period—14 days for online purchases in France—and the return policy.
7. After-sales service
An exoskeleton is an electronic and mechanical object that wears out over time. Before ordering, check the warranty period (24 months for parts and labor for the ExoBlue V-X1), the availability of spare parts, and the ability to replace the battery separately.
The five questions to ask before ordering
- On what terrain and at what level of assistance was the stated battery life measured?
- How long does it take to put on and adjust it yourself?
- What happens when the battery runs out during use?
- Is the battery replaceable separately, and at what cost?
- Can I try it out, or under what conditions can I return it?
When it is better not to buy
A mobility exoskeleton is not the right answer if your need relates to a balance disorder or a medical condition—that is a matter to be addressed with a healthcare professional. It is also not the right choice if your typical route far exceeds the stated battery life, or if you are primarily looking to go faster: in the latter case, an electric-assist bicycle better meets the need.
The ExoBlue V-X1 is not a medical device. It can assist some users in their movements by providing motorized support for movement. In case of balance disorders, medical conditions, or doubt regarding usage, medical advice and a prior trial are recommended.
Frequently asked questions
Which exoskeleton should I choose for daily walking?
A lightweight, consumer-friendly model that is simple to put on and whose battery life comfortably covers your typical route. See our exoskeleton for walking page.
Is a prescription required to purchase an exoskeleton?
No for a non-medical consumer exoskeleton, which can be purchased freely. Medical exoskeletons, however, fall under a different framework.
What should I budget?
The budget depends entirely on the equipment family. Details regarding price criteria can be found on our exoskeleton price page.
Can I try it before I buy it?
Yes at ExoBlue: free 20-minute trial, by appointment, at 10 rue Geoffroy-Marie, 75009 Paris, with no obligation to purchase.
Ready for a trial
See the ExoBlue V-X1, its price, and its features — or book a free trial in Paris, about 20 minutes, no obligation.