A 5,000-yuan rehabilitation robot is now available for rent at just 200 yuan per month, while an imported ventilator priced over 10,000 yuan can be leased for 1,300 yuan over three months. Would you be interested in renting high-end assistive devices at an affordable cost?

On December 1, the latest 2025 edition of the *Shanghai Community Rehabilitation Assistive Devices Rental Service Catalog* (referred to as the *Catalog*) came into effect. The updated list includes 61 products from 52 companies, featuring multiple new smart assistive devices.

At the Rehabilitation Assistive Devices Experience Center on Jiaozhou Road, the newest additions to the rental catalog are already available. Among them is an exoskeleton robot showcased at the Changhai Road Street Community Rental Point in Yangpu District—marking the first time such smart devices have been included in the program.

During a visit to the center, a group of residents was exploring the newly listed products. "Take a look at this robot—it was just added to the updated catalog yesterday, and renting it is a great deal," a staff member explained, pointing to a multi-functional smart training system developed by local firm Rushen Robotics. The AI-guided device allows users to engage in gamified exercises for post-rehabilitation or daily fitness, making it particularly suitable for seniors.

"While this robot retails for 5,000 yuan, starting yesterday, the monthly rental fee is only about 200 yuan, with subsidies available," the staff noted. Another newly listed product is a ResMed imported ventilator, priced at 10,000 yuan for purchase but available for rent at 870 yuan for two months or 1,300 yuan for three months.

The latest *Catalog* features a diverse range of products beyond smart devices, including electric nursing beds, powered wheelchairs, non-invasive ventilators, multifunctional bathroom chairs, ultrasonic therapy devices, and anti-decubitus mattresses. These items span six categories: prosthetics and orthotics, personal mobility aids, daily living and protective aids, home adaptations, communication and information aids, and personal medical aids.

According to the Shanghai Civil Affairs Bureau’s Disability Welfare Division, this year’s product selection introduced innovations, such as adding communication and information aids as a new category, expanding the catalog from five to six major classifications.

The newly included devices emphasize three key aspects: addressing essential needs (particularly for elderly individuals with disabilities or cognitive impairments), integrating smart technology (such as exoskeleton robots and intelligent care robots), and ensuring high quality by featuring both local and international premium products.

Since its pilot launch in late 2019, Shanghai’s rehabilitation aids rental program has established over 220 community rental points, achieving full coverage across all 216 subdistricts and towns.

**How to Apply for Rental Services** Applicants can check available products at their local rental service centers. Online applications are accepted via platforms like "Yi Wang Tong Ban" and "Suishen Ban," while offline applications can be submitted at designated community rental points. Those with mobility challenges may authorize relatives, rental service staff, or consultants to apply on their behalf.

**Eligibility for Subsidies** Shanghai residents meeting the following criteria may apply for rental subsidies: 1. Seniors aged 75 or older. 2. Individuals aged 60–74 with a Level 2 or higher care rating under Shanghai’s Elderly Care Needs Assessment. 3. Low-income or低保 (subsistence allowance) recipients aged 60 or above.

**Subsidy Details** - Seniors aged 75+ or those aged 60–74 with Level 2+ care needs receive 50% of the rental cost. - Low-income seniors qualify for a 70% subsidy. - The maximum annual subsidy per person is capped at 3,000 yuan.