A walking assistance device applies a walking assistance force from an electric motor to a femoral part of a user. The device comprises a communication unit and an operation switch enabling unit. The operation switch enabling unit disables an operation switch of the walking assistance device until the communication unit receives a signal from an external device even when a power switch is turned on, and enables the operation switch when the communication unit has received a signal from the external device while the power switch is turned on. Thus, unauthorized use of the walking assistance device is prevented, and operation of the walking assistance device is supervised with control parameters suited for the particular user. Also, the walking assistance device can be shared by a plurality of users, and each user can use the walking assistance device with pre-selected control parameters that optimally suit the particular user.