A cane or similar walking aid incorporates a concealed electrical self-defense device having electrodes located at the tip region of the cane, and may also incorporate an annular light source to aid the user. A grip is attached to a support shaft which terminates in a tip that is fabricated of an elastomer and incorporates electrodes for the electrical deterrent. The tip electrodes can be fabricated from a conductive elastomer to avoid scratching or marring floor surfaces as well as to provide resistance to slipping. When the shaft has both tip electrodes and side electrodes positioned along the exterior surface of the support shaft, the separation of the side electrodes can be adjusted to provide preferential arcing between the side electrodes to provide a visual and audible deterrent and to avoid premature deterioration of the conductive elastomer tip electrodes.