Last Updated: June 8, 2021
It's disheartening to ask for assistance constantly because your legs aren't as strong as they were.
The first thing that pops up when asking for help is, "Am I becoming a burden?"
No, you're not.
Nevertheless, as others assist you where they can, a walker will help you even more. It'll reassure you that you're still in control.
Therefore:
We listed the best walkers for seniors to make it easier for you to find one as soon as possible. From the list, we chose Drive Medical Four Wheel Walker as the best overall. The section below explains why.
The Best Walkers For Seniors: 9 Top Picks
1. Drive Medical Four Wheel Walker - Best Overall
It's our top pick because this walker functions in uneven terrain, which gives you the liberty to go anywhere irrespective of the fact that you have mobility issues.
If you'd prefer to stay indoors, the Drive Medical Four Wheel Walker will serve the purpose too, and without leaving markings on the floor.
Though it has a handle height of 31 to 37 inches, you can adjust it to a handle height that's comfortable for you. That's one feature that makes this rollator unique.
Lastly, it's easy to assemble since you only attach the handles and the foldable basket.
Pros
- Big wheels suitable for all-terrain
- Lightweight for easy loading into your car
- A braking system for extra safety
- Handles are high to support you when you stand
- The seat cushion folds up
- Easy to assemble
- Maneuvers small spaces with ease
Cons
- The handles are tight, so you may require help in adjusting them to the desired height.
- The basket is too open, and it's small.
Takeaway
This rollator is lightweight for you to lift into your car. Plus, it's sturdy to offer firm support when you sit on it.
2. Elenker Upright Walker - Best Upright Walker
The first feature you notice about the Elenker Upright Walker is the wheels, which have a 360-degree swivel to maneuver any setting, indoors or outdoors. On top of that, it has dual-hand brakes for easier control.
To use these brakes without tiring your hands, rest your arms on padded armrests about 38 to 45 inches from the ground. That way, you can stay in an upright posture to prevent straining your shoulders or back.
The Elenker Upright Walker will serve you for a long time because its aluminum frame makes it durable. When it's time to rest, there's a padded seat and backrest on it, and the rear wheels lock to prevent the walker from rolling.
This walker may look huge, but it weighs 23 pounds only.
Finally, this is one of the few walkers for seniors that suit people of different heights. Thus, if you're between 5 feet and 5' 11", you'll walk erect without bending your back.
Pros
- No tools needed to assemble it
- Has a cane holder
- Padded armrests for extra comfort
- Rear wheels lock when you rest
- Adjustable hand grip to reduce its length and angle
Cons
- Anyone over 5'11" will stoop a little
Takeaway
The Elenker Upright Walker allows you to walk upright indoors and outdoors while giving steady support to your arms so that you don't strain your back. Furthermore, this walker has a cane holder, so it suits a diverse group.
3. Drive Medical Deluxe Walker - Best Standard Walker
The last thing you want is a walker that is too heavy. The Drive Medical Deluxe Walker is lightweight, about 6 pounds in total, which is manageable. Additionally, its simple design won't give you a headache trying to figure out how to assemble or fold it.
That being so, it is the best walker for seniors in recovery from an ailment. At such times, you need a simple walker without a complex brake system or one that scratches walls as you maneuver small spaces.
If you're curvier, you may have to check the width first to ensure it's not too narrow for you.
Pros
- Very stable and firm grip on the surface
- Folds easily
- No assembly required
Cons
- No seat to rest in between walks
- Very lightweight, it's easy to knock over
Takeaway
Sometimes, simple designs go a long way. This Deluxe Walker has the main features you need for stability. Plus, it's sturdy even if you weigh up to 350 pounds.
4. Aluminum Rollator Walker - Best Rollator
One benefit of a rollator instead of a standard walker is that it has a seat. If you get tired while going about your activities, you have somewhere to rest, a spot from where you can rise without assistance.
You'll love that the Aluminum Rollator Walker has a padded seat for extra comfort, and it supports up to 300 pounds. The aluminum frame is sturdy; hence, it'll support you as you stand up.
When it's time to fold the rollator up, the backrest folds up too. It weighs about 16 pounds, which is only a few pounds heavier than a standard walker. Hence, it's easy to load into a car.
It passes through doors without scratching surfaces as it's narrow, and you can make sharp turns and remain steady.
Pros
- Easy to fold and store
- Sturdy design for use outdoors
- Assembles in a short time
- Supports up to 300 pounds
Cons
- The wheels are thin, not suitable for bumpy or uneven pathways.
- Unfolds when loaded into a car.
Takeaway
The Aluminum Rollator Walker has a comfortable, padded seat. It’s a sturdy rollator, one that supports up to 300 pounds. On top of that, it’s lightweight for easy folding and storage. You can use it in tight spaces as it’s narrow.
5. Dual Pad Steerable Walker - Best Knee Walker
When it's one foot that needs extra care, you need a knee walker instead of cumbersome clutches. You can use the Dual Pad Steerable Knee Walker after surgery, a sprain, or even when you're suffering from foot ulcers.
The only place you should avoid is an incline that's over 15 degrees. This knee walker has a small basket to carry your phone, water bottle, and other personal items.
Lastly, when watching television or preparing a meal, you can turn this scooter into a footrest for your injured foot. That's something your clutches can never do.
Pros
- Locking brake system to keep the scooter in place
- Adjustment settings to suit your height
- The wheels don't leave markings on floors
- More efficient than clutches
- A basket to carry small items
Cons
- Slightly cumbersome on grass or other surfaces that aren't as firm as a concrete floor.
Takeaway
Clutches tire your arms, yet your mind has more to worry about because you have an injured foot. Hence, a knee walker eases your hands and mind as your foot heals.
6. Deluxe Two Button Walker - Best Foldable Walker
A walker should pass through any doorway, or it'll be limiting your stability. For that reason, the width of the walker matters. This Deluxe Two Button Folding Walker won't leave marks on the walls and furniture because its overall width is 24 inches.
More so, it's a U-shaped walker to fit through narrow doors. Nonetheless, its shape doesn't cause discomfort as its width inside back legs is 20 inches.
This walker has an adjustable height to prevent back problems that may arise when it's too high or too low.
Pros
- Lightweight, 7.5 pounds
- Push button to help you fold it
- Adjustable height
- Budget-friendly
Cons
- The rear gliders may drag on a carpeted floor.
Takeaway
Since you'll use your walker daily, you may want to prevent markings on doors and furniture by getting a narrow walker. This walker promises to glide through doorways without leaving a mark.
7. Nova GetGo - Best Lightweight Walker
Standard walkers are light; however, they don't have all the features you need. For instance, they don't have a seat. Therefore, getting a rollator is a good idea. The Nova GetGo will give you a comfortable walker seat with a firm backrest. It's also a lightweight, narrow rollator.
It comes in three sizes to suit different heights, thereby serving a diverse group with a height of 4' 10" to 6' 1".
Pros
- Lock system for easy storage
- Lightweight
- Three sizes available
- Various color options
- Firm seat with backrest
Cons
- The rollator's seat is smaller than the basket underneath.
Takeaway
Getting a rollator that suits people with different heights is almost impossible until you see a Nova GetGo rollator. It's lightweight, it's foldable, and has three size options.
8. Invacare Bariatric Rollator - Best Heavy Duty
One feature to love about the Invacare Bariatric Rollator is the wide flip-up padded seat you can use for hours and still feel comfortable in it. If walking through narrow pathways, this rollator won't get caught as it's only 27 inches wide.
Furthermore, its wheels are over 7 inches to withstand different terrain, thereby not limiting you to specific destinations. If some of the places you visit are wet or moist, don't worry as it's waterproof. The steel frame is durable and sturdy, and you can adjust the height of the walker.
Its heavy-duty design supports up to 500 pounds, which is 250 pounds more than the standard walkers. Do you know what that means? It might be studier than standard walkers.
Pros
- Heavy, sturdy wheels
- Durable steel frame
- A tote bag to carry your stuff
- Wide, comfortable seat
- Supports up to 500 pounds
- Easy to fold and store
Cons
- The height limit is 5' 8" tall.
- Feels heavy
Takeaway
If you're looking for a sturdy walker that can hold a weight of about 500 pounds, you've found it.
9. Nova Traveler Walker - Best 3-Wheel
Three wheels are not the conventional style for most walkers, but on this walker, they work perfectly. They make it easier to navigate small spaces indoors or outdoors. The rubber wheels are durable to withstand the wear and tear of a walker.
Additionally, the Nova Traveler Walker has a touch brake that engages with very minimal energy. It takes a few seconds to fold it, and when you do, it stays in that position until you open it again.
For extra carriage, it has a basket with a tray on top and a pouch. If you don't need the basket, you can detach it.
But, most walkers have a weight limit, so you'll find one if this one doesn't suit your body weight. Compared with the Invacare Bariatric we discussed above, this one caters to a height between 5' 4" and 6' 2".
Also note, the Nova Traveler Walker has several color options, whether you'd like a black, red, or blue rollator.
Pros
- Easy hand breaks
- Tray and basket for extra storage
- Wheels for use on all-terrain
- Lightweight making it easy to park or store
- Large zippered pouch to carry personal items
Cons
- The axle caps may scratch doors and furniture.
Takeaway
The Nova Traveller 3-wheeled walker has sturdy wheels for use indoors and outdoors. Further, it's easy to fold it, and it's lightweight.
We've looked at nine top-rated walkers that may serve your need, so let's turn to some of the burning questions you have about rolling walker vs standard walker.
Popular Questions About Walkers For Seniors
What Should I Look For In The Best Senior Walkers?
The Quality Of The Seat
First, check the seat's width; a wide seat is more comfortable as you won't feel squeezed into it. Further, the walker's seat and the backrest should have thick padding. Another factor to check is the handgrip's height from the walker's seat and the support it can give you as you stand.
Storage Space
Have space for a few items you carry when going out to reduce the burden on your shoulders or back as you walk. A closed pouch is better than an open basket if you're carrying personal items like electronic gadgets.
Wheels or No Wheels?
Wheels glide over a surface instead of you having to lift the walker with each step. For that reason, a walker with wheels suits you if you have prevailing health conditions that lifting a walker may exacerbate. If, however, you want more stability, go for a walker without wheels for a firm grip on the floor.
Your Height
The width between the two handgrips can cause you to bend if the walker is too short. Additionally, the seat's height matters because your feet will dangle if it's too high, and you may fall as you try to stand.
On the other hand, if the walker's seat is too low and you have long legs, you'll feel uncomfortable. It is ideal to use tall walkers for seniors.
The Price
Standard walkers have a lower price than other types of walkers for the elderly. If you're thinking about how much do walkers cost, the average cost of these walkers is $20 to $40. If you'd like a walker with more features like a seat and a backrest, such rollators can cost under $100.
On the other hand, the more sophisticated rollators cost over $100, and the best upright walker average $200. Further, specialty walkers like knee scooters cost between $240 and $370.
Which Walker Is The Best For The Elderly?
Standard walkers are the best walkers for the elderly. Since this type of walker doesn't have wheels, it's more stable than other walkers. Additionally, this type suits people in need of a walker that supports a significant weight.
Watch this guide in choosing the best walker for seniors.
What Is The Safest Walker For The Elderly?
Features that determine safety are the braking system, sturdiness, quality of wheels, and weight capacity. Therefore, a standard walker is safe as it's easy to operate the two buttons, it can support up to 350 pounds, and it has rubber feet that grip the floor to enhance stability.
On the other hand, since a standard walker doesn't have a seat, a rollator like the Nova GetGo in this review can serve the purpose. It has an efficient locking system, all-terrain wheels, and it's lightweight.
We can conclude by saying...
The Verdict
Walkers come in all shapes and sizes, and you'll have to look beyond the make to see the features therein. The Drive Medical Four Wheel Walker stood out because of its features. It has a sturdy padded seat at a handle height that's comfortable to support you as you stand.
Moreover, its wheels have a braking system for your safety indoors or outdoors. It also has sufficient storage.
In contrast, the Drive Medical Deluxe Walker is a standard walker with no seat or storage space. But, it's budget-friendly, stable, and easy to assemble or fold.