A walker is a cost-effective, safe solution to help you maintain your independence. If you struggle with mobility issues, a walker allows you to continue to enjoy the things you love — attending events, visiting neighbors, moving freely about your house, and more.
When it comes to finding the best walkers for seniors, you'll want to assess your needs, activity level, strength, and balance. While many walkers can be purchased on Amazon, you might want to shop for a walker in person so you can see which models fit you best and feel most comfortable.
Below, we'll help you decide which walker is best for you and recommend a few popular models. However, please note that this post is for informational purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice. Before purchasing a walker, we recommend speaking with your physical or occupational therapist to find the one that's right for you.
Different Types of Walkers for Seniors
A walker is a four-legged, metal device that provides extra stability. For some older adults, a walker can be the difference between living independently in your home and moving to assisted living.
As you begin your search for a walker, you'll need to assess the type of walker that's best for you. Here are the common categories of walkers:
1. A Standard Walker
If you're searching for your first walker, a standard walker might provide the stability and support you need. By using a standard walker, you are more equipped to do household chores, go on errands, or even stand and socialize following meetings with your religious group.
This basic walker comes with four legs fitted with non-skid, rubber tips at the base. Since it doesn't come with wheels, you will need to pick up the walker and set it back down again to move forward.
For this reason, a standard walker is best for balance, stability, and moving short distances. (If you need to travel longer distances, such as while running errands or attending your religious group, you might want to select a walker with wheels, for easier mobility.) If you have ever fallen forward, a standard walker can prevent you from doing so in the future.
2. Two-Wheel Walker
If you enjoy socializing and need mobilization to help you get from place to place, a two-wheel walker is an excellent option. With a two wheel walker, you have the freedom to move easily about a room, whether it’s around your church, community club, or even while walking into your weekly chair yoga class.
A two wheel walker has two front wheels fitted to the front legs, with rubber tips fitted to the back legs. It still offers some weight-bearing support, like the standard walker, but moves much more easily. If you are searching for your first rolling walker, this might be your best fit.
3. Three-Wheel Walker
A three-wheel walker is an excellent tool for turning freely and easily. If you wish to continue to grocery shop or go to the pharmacy on your own, a three-wheel walker would navigate tight aisles nicely.
A three-wheel walker provides some weight-bearing support, like the standard and two-wheel walkers. However, three out of four legs are fitted with wheels (or in some cases, three-wheel walkers may only have three legs, like a tricycle).
Three-wheel walkers are best used for turning covers or maneuvering around tight spaces. If you live in an apartment, this might be a good choice for you.
4. Four-Wheel Walker
If you wish to move about sporting events, parades, game nights, and other activities, the four wheel walker helps you do so independently.
With a four-wheel walker, each leg is fitted with a wheel. While this model moves freely and easily, it is not suited for those with severe balance issues.
Unless a four-wheel walker is fitted with hand brakes and locking capabilities, you should not use it if you are prone to falls. Instead, choose a two-wheel walker, where the two rubber tipped legs will provide traction and resistance, preventing you from falling forward.
Walker Accessories To Consider
You can customize any walker to your unique needs through various accessories, or shop for a model that comes with accessories included. Below, you'll find several walker accessories that will help fit your walker to your lifestyle:
Baskets and pouches: Finding a walker with a storage pouch allows you to carry your phone (with your Snug app installed, of course), keys, or purse without loosening your grip.
Padded seats: If you cannot stand or walk for long periods of time, find a walker with a foldable seat. This transforms your mobility aid into a transport chair, allowing you to sit down during sporting events, community functions, or outdoor parades.
Hand brakes: While many people are attracted to a three- or four-wheel walker because they move more freely than other models, they worry about losing balance or control. Finding a walker with lockable wheels and hand brakes gives you maneuverability and stability with each use.
Folding walker: Finding a walker that folds up allows you to easily store and transport your walker. Folding walkers can be tossed in the trunk of a vehicle to accompany you to a different location.
Trays: If you live alone, having a tray to carry food, laundry, or other household items can help you accomplish your household chores.
Ergonomic handles or padded grips: For your comfort and safety, try to find a walker with an ergonomic grip. This allows you to get a stronger (and more comfortable) grip on your walker, which can prevent you from falling.
6 of the Best Walkers for Seniors
Always speak to your physical therapist or physician when searching for a walker that's right for you. A walker that works well for a neighbor or loved one might not meet your needs, so assess different models based on their durability, mobility, and comfort.
Here are a few models to consider:
1. Drive Medical Four Wheel Rollator With Fold Up Removable Back Support
Price: $69.24
This incredibly durable aluminum rollator walker comes with padded hand brakes, a convenient storage bag, and a built-in seat and backrest. For your safety and comfort, it features deluxe loop locks and ergonomic handles, which expand between 31–37 inches.
2. Medline Heavy Duty Rollator Walker With Seat
Price: $123.30
This walker comes with an incredibly sturdy, steel frame with a weight capacity of 500 pounds. The 8-inch wheels offer extra traction, making this walker ideal for indoor and outdoor use. And it's foldable so it can easily be tossed into a car or storage closet.
3. Drive Medical Nitro Euro Style Rollator Walker
Price: $189.99
This sophisticated walking aid comes with an aluminum frame and a comfortable, padded seat. The large swivel wheels allow you to turn with ease, giving you the freedom to move about your home. The built-in brakes give you extra protection.
4. Hugo Mobility 770-260 Hugo Adjustable Folding Walker
Price: $59.57
This folding walker features an adjustable height frame, fitting anyone with a height from 5'1" to 6'4". It's incredibly lightweight, and features a convenient cup holder and saddle bags. It comes with an extra set of 5-inch wheels and grip handles in case you need more comfort or stability.
5. Able Life Space Saver Walker
Price: $210.80
This high-quality walker is three times smaller than the average walker, making it incredibly convenient and transportable. The frame is height adjustable, allowing you to fit the handlebars or seat height to your unique frame. This lightweight walker is known for its maneuverability, allowing you to travel easily through tight spaces.
6. Nova Traveler 3 Wheel Rollator Walker
Price: $99.95
This three-wheel walker rollator turns with ease, allowing you to maneuver about your home. Equipped with large wheels, padded hand grips, braking system, an adjustable handle height, and a convenient storage basket, you'll find this walker to be incredibly comfortable. It comes with a lifetime warranty, keeping you protected throughout your years.
Find a Walker Based on Your Needs and Lifestyle
A walker can help you maintain your independence as you age. These walking aids allow you to keep your balance, move freely and easily, and even stop and rest when you need it (if it comes with a padded seat).
When shopping for a walker, find one that fits your balance, strength, mobility, and body type. There are plenty of cost-effective solutions available, including walkers that come with wheels, brakes, ergonomic hand grips, and even storage space. Plus, some walkers come with add-on accessories or height adjustments, allowing you to customize your walker to fit your lifestyle and frame.
Purchasing a walker is a wonderful step towards fall prevention — but it isn't the only step you should take. To help maintain your safety (as well as your independence), be sure to install the Snug app on your phone. If you miss a daily check-in, Snug will notify your emergency contact to come check on you.