We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Health

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What are the Best Tips for Buying a Walker?

By S. Reynolds
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 4,680
Share

Buying a walker is an important step for someone to regain mobility. Whether someone is rehabilitating an injury or simply has mobility issues, a walker can help restore a person's independence. When an individual is buying a walker, he or she should look for a sturdy device that is the appropriate height and width, and has a good wheel size. Quality is another important factor when making a decision, since not all walkers are created equal.

Height is one of the most important features that one should look for when buying a walker. The handles need to be at the height of the user's wrist when the arms are at the sides of the body. Someone who is constantly crouching over his or her walker has a device that is too short.

A shopper should also examine the width of a walker when comparing models. Wide walkers are more stable than narrow walkers, but they can be more difficult to maneuver or get through tight areas. Someone who needs a strong support system should look for wider walkers, which are typically more balanced.

When buying a walker, one should look for a brake system. Most brakes on four-wheeled walkers require the user to squeeze a hand trigger. This can be difficult for someone who has arthritis or strength problems. One should always test the brake system before buying a walker, because some of the brakes may be too stiff and difficult to enable.

An individual should also consider the wheel size of the walker. Large, thick wheels might be more difficult to push, but they can handle rough roads easier than small wheels. Small, narrow wheels can get stuck in cracks in sidewalks and roads. If the person is going to be indoors often, then smaller wheels might be more appropriate.

A walker should also fold for easy transportation, and be lightweight. If it has a seat, it should be soft and comfortable. The user should be able to sit comfortably on the seat while his or her feet touch the ground. Otherwise, the walker is too high and may be dangerous for a small person.

One should also compare several different models when buying a walker. The quality of an expensive walker might be comparable to a cheaper model. Testing different kinds is key when buying a walker. A particular walker may fit a small woman, but not a large man. The only way to find the best one is for someone to try various models and choose the one best suited to the needs of the individual.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
By anon126654 — On Nov 13, 2010

I have a four wheeled walker, although it is quite good for going on paved and flat surfaces. But I live in the country and have a wheelchair deck built and the inside of my house to use my walker with the wheels that came with it.

It is very hard to go onto the grass or the gravel driveway because the wheels are too small to accept the rocks or the twigs from the yard that I run into by chance.

But I found a girl whose walker has the bigger tires because she has a disability that requires her use one. Now what I'm wondering is my walker seems like it was designed for town use only but not everybody lives in town so we have to make changes where changes are do for the good of ourselves and people with our needs.

So can people with disabilities do for themselves when we can because we might be down but we aren't beaten. So please I want to get better with what I have so please let people like me do the best with what we've got left.

Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/what-are-the-best-tips-for-buying-a-walker.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.