Over 50 Chinese Mountain Scenic Areas Launch Exoskeleton Rentals for National Day

During the National Day holiday, Zhang Heng climbed Mount Tai and was most impressed not by the endless steps or the lush greenery, but by tourists trying on exoskeletons at the Zhongtianmen service point. Vendors said the rental costs 80 yuan for three hours, with fully charged batteries, and the device can be worn in just over ten seconds, helping visitors climb the Eighteen Bends with less effort.

The scene was not unique to Mount Tai. This National Day, more than 50 mountain scenic areas across China launched lower-limb exoskeleton rental services. On the steps of Mount Tai, Mount Hua, Mount Huang and Mount Emei, visitors could be seen with mechanical legs strapped to their limbs. The devices assist lower-limb movement and reduce the physical burden of climbing. The rental option lets tourists test the technology without buying equipment.

Ministry of Commerce data showed that sales of exoskeleton assist devices on key platforms rose 12.8% year on year from October 1 to 6, outpacing the 10.4% growth of outdoor sports equipment over the same period. The category has entered daily life ahead of humanoid robots, underscoring the potential of consumer-grade exoskeletons in outdoor recreation. With rental models spreading across major scenic spots, exoskeletons are moving from laboratories and industrial applications into mass-market leisure use.