American stunned after discovering you can rent robotic legs in China for $22 to help with hiking
Published on Sep 26, 2025 at 12:15 PM (UTC-4)
by Daisy Edwards
Last updated on Sep 26, 2025 at 12:15 PM (UTC-4)
Edited by
Ben Thompson
An American tourist found himself stunned after discovering you can rent robotic legs in China for $22 to help with hiking, climbing up hills, and even running.
Zhangjiajie National Park, China, is known for its towering sandstone pillars and dramatic peaks, but the most iconic mountain is Tianmen Mountain, or the Avatar Hallelujah Mountain, named after the hit film franchise.
A visit to the national park means a day of a lot of hiking, so tourists can rent a device straight out of science fiction: the Sport-Assist Robot.
It’s a robotic exoskeleton designed to make walking, hiking, and even running feel effortless, and it only costs $22 to rent for the whole day.
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American stunned by $22 robotic legs in China for hiking
Sometimes you stumble across a piece of tech that looks straight out of a sci-fi film.
These robotic legs that an American tourist discovered in China certainly fit the bill.
Zhangjiajie National Park in China is known for its vast peaks, and so a trip there often means you will end up doing some hiking.
In a viral video, this tourist is seen being fitted into the robot exoskeleton before taking his first steps, and quickly realizing how powerful the robotic legs really are.
These are extra special, though, because, as well as assisting with walking and hiking, they also assist with running.
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The potential is endless
The Sport-Assist Robot is a wearable exoskeleton that attaches around your legs and hips.
Once it’s powered on, it provides mechanical assistance with every step, reducing the strain of uphill climbs and long hikes.
Users can even adjust how much power the robot delivers.
At higher settings, the guy explains, it almost doesn’t feel like you’re walking because the robot does it for you.
He looks genuinely overjoyed by his experience with the robotic legs, but it begs the question about whether these could be available for everyday users who might be disabled and need assistance with walking.
For now, it’s a great way to enjoy the sights of Zhangjiajie National Park, but in the future, it could change people with physical disabilities’ lives forever.
Daisy is a technology and automotive journalist covering artificial intelligence, consumer tech, Apple news, cryptocurrency, emerging technologies, and transportation innovation. Since joining the team in 2025, she has reported on everything from AI-powered startups and major iOS updates to viral car stories and the latest developments shaping transportation and the digital economy. Drawing on her background in automotive journalism and a degree in History and Journalism from Goldsmiths, University of London, Daisy specializes in breaking down complex topics into clear, engaging reporting for a global audience. Her work spans cutting-edge technology, innovative vehicles, and the people driving change across both industries. Daisy has gained first-hand access to some of the world's most talked-about technologies and innovators, including meeting Tesla's Optimus humanoid robot during its first European appearance in London. She has also discussed the future of space exploration with an astronaut, bringing unique insights and real-world perspectives to her coverage of emerging technology.
