Once we hit a certain age, we think that our lives are all downhill from there. It’s only going to be a matter of time before we are sitting in the old folks home, sipping on prune juice and watching day time talk shows.
That doesn’t have to be the case at all! You can enjoy your golden years right at home, even if you have mobility issues. How? By having the best walker available.
Of course, the best walker doesn’t have to mean only seniors can use them! Why, if you’ve suffered from an injury, the best rolling walker can benefit you, too!
In this guide, we are going to talk to you about what you should look for when choosing the best walker for elderly folk (or anyone with mobility problems) and then we are going to give you three mini-reviews of our top choices.
*Notice: On mobile devices, scroll right to see entire table.
Product Name | Our Rating | Check Price |
|---|---|---|
Best Walker | ||
Best Rollator Walker | ||
What Is The Difference Between A Walker And A Rollator
A walker is your basic 4-legged device that helps the user maintain stability and balance. It is going to provide them with additional support while they are walking.
Your rollators are walkers with three or four wheels. These wheels allows you to push the walker instead of lifting it as you would with a traditional walker.
What To Look For In The Best Walker
Before you purchase any old walker, you will need to take some things into consideration so that you can purchase the best walker that will suit your needs. The important factors to consider include:
- Ease of Assembly: If you live on your own and have mobility issues, you aren’t going to want to fuss with a walker that is difficult to put together. Read customer reviews to get an idea of how easy the walker is to put together.
- Ease of Transportation: You’re probably not going to want to stay cooped up in the house forever, so you’re going to want to make sure the device you choose is capable of folding up, but it is also to actually do that.
- Safety Features: You might not think your walker needs safety features, but they do—especially if you choose a rollator. You will want to find a walker that has brakes that are easy to reach, easy to activate, and they work.
- Size: Not all walkers or rollators are going to be for everyone. You want to take into consideration the overall size of the device. Is it adjustable so it will be comfortable for your height? Is it strong enough to support your weight? All of these things are going to play a role in how well the unit works for you.
- Walker or Rollator: Deciding which option is best for you can be tricky. Check out our guide on how to decide whether a walker or a rollator is best for you, here.
- Accessories: Walkers and rollators have a bunch of accessories that you can choose from. Depending on your needs, you can find seats (these are generally included with a rollator), baskets, pouches, oxygen tank holders, and more. You can also find things like cup holders, trays, and walking stick holders.
With all of these things in mind, let’s take a look at three of our favorite walkers. We are going to talk about the features of the walkers, but we’re also going to provide you with a brief summary of what customers had to say about their purchase.
Best Walker
Here's our recommendation for the best walker:
Deluxe Two Button Folding Walker with 5-Inch Wheels
When it comes to the best walker for seniors, you don’t have to spend an arm and a leg for a walker. The Deluxe Two Button Folding Walker with 5-Inch Wheels is a cost effective option that is going to be able to get you from point A to point B, safely.
The moment you grip down on the vinyl hand grips, you can rest assured in knowing that this lightweight aluminum walker is going to be comfortable to use, but it is also going to be quite sturdy.
Notable Features Of The Folding Walker
- Comes with wheels and a vinyl contoured hand grip
- Each side operates independently for easy movement through narrow spaces
- Easy push-button mechanisms may be operated by fingers, palms or side of hand
- Newly designed rear glide cap allows for walker to slide easily and smoothly over most surfaces
- Sturdy 1 inch diameter aluminum construction ensures maximum strength
This easy to assemble, U-shaped walker features independent buttons that controls each side. These buttons make folding the walker into a compact unit that much easier. The design of this walker isn’t going to leave you feeling closed in, as everything is nice and open, and you have a full 24 inches of space in between the sides.
Thanks to the cross-frame design, this walker is capable of supporting up to 350 pounds.
Our Rating
When looking at what people had to say about the Deluxe Two Button Folding Walker with 5-Inch Wheels, they had great things to say. Customers reported that they really liked how easily this walker assembled.
They also commented that they appreciated the independent buttons that controlled either side. Some have said they were able to go almost anywhere with this walker, with no problems.
At the other end of the spectrum, there were some customers who were not happy with their purchase. Many wanted to return the walker, but they learned that the walker was nonreturnable, which as you can understand, is a big disappointment.
Other customers felt that this walker was not sturdy, and when they tried using it, it would wobble, shake, and squeak, causing them to stop using the walker completely.
Best Rollator Walker
Here's our recommendation for the best rollator walker:
Winner: Drive Medical Aluminum Rollator Walker
The Drive Medical Aluminum Rollator Walker was designed to be both versatile and adaptable. It is the perfect solution for those who have difficulty getting around, but they don’t want to lose their freedom in the process. This light-weight aluminum rollator features an adjustable seat that goes between 18 to 22 inches in height.
You can also adjust the height of the handle bars between 29.5 inches to 38 inches. Because it have a wide range of adjustment capabilities, anyone can use the rollator, regardless of how short or tall they may be.
Using the rollator is a breeze, too! The unit features four 6 inch rubber wheels that allows you to trek across pavement and concrete, but you can also traverse gravel, grass, and a little bit of sand, too.
Notable Features Of The Rollator Walker
- 6 inch casters are ideal for indoor and outdoor use
- Removable, hinged, padded backrest can be folded up or down as necessary
- Handles are adjustable in height
- Comes with padded seat with zippered pouch under seat
- Easy to use loop locks, comes standard with pouch
You can utilize the brakes on the handles to keep the rollator in place while you use the seat or are rummaging around for something in the storage space under the seat. Along with being highly adjustable so you can get the perfect device for your needs, the whole unit collapses for easy storage.
When looking at what people had to say about the Drive Medical Aluminum Rollator Walker, they had great things to say. The majority of customers raved about easy it is to maneuver tight spaces with this rollator.
Our Rating
They report that the wheels swivel perfectly and the braking mechanism works well. Some people did say that the brakes were a little hard to use, but with a little bit of lubricant, it should work beautifully.
Of the critical reviews, customers were most disappointed in how wide the rollator was. One person pointed out that not everyone who needs one of these devices is large, and because the rollator is rather wide, it doesn’t fit through some doorways.
Others reported that when you fold it up to put in the trunk of the car, the rollator doesn’t stay closed, thus opening and causing some minor scratching to the person putting it in the car.
Runner-Up: Hugo Elite Rollator Walker With Seat, Backrest, And Saddle Bag
Whether you are 4’3” or if you’re 6’2”, you’ll find that getting around with the Hugo Elite Rollator Walker is a breeze. The large 8 inch, all terrain wheels swivels easily so that you can travel both indoors and outside with no hassle.
Whether you’re a walker or you want to speed walk for extra exercise, this rollator can help you do that. Should the device get away from you, you can squeeze the lock control mechanism to slow yourself down.
What about if you get tired while walking and there aren’t any benches nearby? Never fear! You can push out on the brake handle to lock the wheels. Once the rollator is securely in place, you can carefully sit down on the padded seat and relax against the backrest.
Notable Features Of The Elite Rollator Walker
- 2 inch height adjustable built-in seat with backrest that provides a perfect place to sit and rest
- Includes a convenient under seat storage bag and additional saddle bag
- Adjustable handle bars for proper posture and ergonomic hand grips
- Tool-free assembly
- Weight Capacity: 300 lbs
- Extra Large 8 inch wheels give you reliable stability
If you’re on the go and you have some items you need to store, you can tuck your valuables safely in the pouch under the seat.
When looking at what people had to say about the Elite Rollator Walker with Seat, Backrest, and Saddle Bag, they had great things to say. The majority of customers who have used this rollator raved about the device.
Our Rating
One customer said that they were able to walk “twice as fast” and stand “twice as straight” in comparison to when they would use a cane.
Several customers said that with this unit, they were able to walk their dogs, walk around the mall, or just enjoy going from one room to the next without needing someone’s assistance. Customers report that the overall construction of the rollator was very solid and they felt confident when use it.
While there were an overwhelming amount of praise for this rollator, there were some causes for concern that are worth mentioning. A couple of people reported that their rollator was missing a few key pieces, which caused them to not be able to use the unit right away.
Others have said that the rollator doesn’t fold very easily and that could be a challenge for the elderly or those who aren’t strong enough to fold it on their own. People feel that the steel construction is too cumbersome and heavy, which could by why it is difficult for them to fold the rollator.
Our Recommendation
When you are finding it difficult to move as much as you’d like, it’s a stark realization that some kind of mobility aid. We recommend that you consult a doctor to see if you do need a mobility aid before you pick up a device.
With that said, all three of these devices are a terrific option to help you reclaim your freedom. However, we feel that the Drive Medical Aluminum Rollator Walker is the best option.
Source: drivemedical.com
Not only is it a sturdy little device, but you can walk for longer periods of time, maneuver tight areas, and even take a seat (with storage underneath!) should you need (or want) to take a break.
