(2023 Reviews & Buyer’s Guide)
Written By Mobility Expert Margaret Sellars, for Mobility Deck
For senior citizens and elderly people suffering from mobility or balance problems due to aging (and the complications that come along with it!), walkers and rollators can provide a simple way to stay mobile and active.
However, like with other mobility devices, suitable walkers must be chosen carefully. You want to choose a walker that works for you. In light of this, if you have particular needs, it is generally advisable to consult with a medical professional or physiotherapist before selecting a walker.
But for everyone else, we reviewed dozens of walkers for seniors to identify the best ones on the market for specific types of users. We’ve considered a wide array of essential features, styles, and brands to bring you our comprehensive guide to walkers for the elderly. We hope our guide facilitates you in choosing the best one according to your budget and requirements.
Top Pick: NOVA Vibe 6 Rollator Walker
An excellent, comfortable, lightweight, rollator walker at a fantastic price-point. High quality and easy to use.
In This Article
- The 5 Top-Rated Walkers for Seniors
- When Should an Elderly Person Get a Walker?
- Important Features to Consider When Choosing a Walker or Rollator
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Best Walkers for Seniors (Our Top Picks)
- Our Top Pick for Seniors: NOVA Vibe 6 Rollator Walker
- Best Light-Weight Walker: Hugo Mobility Explore Rollator
- Best Narrow Walker: NOVA Traveler 3 Wheel Rollator Walker
- Best Budget Walker: Lumex Walkabout Lite Rollator
- Best Standard Walker (Without Wheels): Vive Folding Walker
- Other Walkers We Reviewed For the Elderly
The 5 Top-Rated Walkers for Seniors
| Editor’s Picks | Walker | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Best Overall Walker for Seniors | NOVA Vibe 6 Rollator Walker | 4.6/5 |
| 2. Best Lightweight Walker | Hugo Mobility Explore Side-Fold Rollator Walker | 4.5/5 |
| 3. Best Narrow Walker | NOVA Traveler 3 Wheel Rollator Walker | 4.5/5 |
| 4. Best Budget Pick | Lumex Walkabout Lite Rollator | 4.5/5 |
| 5. Best Standard Walker | Vive Folding Walker | 4.7/5 |
When Should an Elderly Person Get a Walker?
There is no set age at which a person can be expected to buy a walker; this will entirely depend on users’ personal circumstances. However, generally speaking, with age, once a person begins to face difficulty placing their full body-weight on one or both of their legs a walker or other type of mobility aid is recommendable.
A walker can also be useful after knee surgery or a hip replacement. While recovering from these procedures, a mobility aid of some sort will likely be recommended by your doctor or physical therapist, and a walker or rollator can be a great choice for providing independence and support during recovery. It is worth researching before you undergo any surgery so that you are prepared after the procedure.
Finally, if you suffer from any mobility or balance issues at all, a walker can be a reliable, affordable option for maintaining your ability to move around with ease. Whether you need assistance indoors or outdoors, a walker can facilitate movement and freedom for those who need it.
Important Features to Consider When Choosing a Walker or Rollator
The best walker for you is the one that is comfortable for your body and fulfills your individual needs. There are endless options available, so it’s a good idea to understand the critical feature to be looking out for. Here are some points you should keep in mind when choosing a walker for yourself or an elderly loved one:
1. Weight and Portability of the Walker/Rollator
While walkers are generally a lot lighter than wheelchairs, there is still a fair amount of variance in the weight of the options on the market.
Generally, for seniors, we recommend choosing a light-weight option that supports mobility and freedom rather than hindering it. While you may be able to operate a heavier walker, it will become cumbersome if you intend to travel with it. Light-weight walkers are usually easier to fold, store, and carry around.
2. Walker Width
The most appropriate width for a walker is one that allows you to move through all the doorways of your home with ease. You need to make sure the walker you’re considering is going to work for you indoors. This consideration is less important if you intend to primarily use your walker outdoors. However, even if you are going to be an outdoor user, you will still want to ensure that the width of the seat (if applicable) will allow for a comfortable ride.
2. Seat Height
Almost all four-wheeled rollator models come with built-in cushioned seats. So, if you do choose a rollator walker, you want to find one that has a seat that is either adjustable or suitable for your height. Most of the walkers on our list have extensive product descriptions that include dimensions, so you should be able to measure your height and cross-reference this.
3. Braking System
Standard walkers don’t tend to need brakes, but wheeled rollators understandably will. Most models of rollators are available with loop brakes that work by the user squeezing a lever. While this is standard, it can cause difficulties for those suffering from hand weakness as loop-brakes are usually quite tight.
To address this, some models of walker rollators have introduced push-down brakes that are incredibly easy to use and require very little force. If hand dexterity is something you or your elderly loved one has trouble with, the braking system is something worth considering.
4. Weight Capacity
All walkers and rollators have weight limits.
Whilst most are rated for up to around 300 lbs, suitable for most seniors, some users will weigh more than this and require something different. Make sure you check this before buying a walker as using a device that is not built to support your weight can be dangerous. If you do require a bariatric model, we suggest considering the Medline Heavy Duty Rollator Walker that supports weights of up to 500 lbs. We review this rollator later in this article.
5. Foldability
Most walkers are foldable, but some are easier to fold than others. If you intend to travel a lot, or you want to be able to store your walker in a compact space, it is important to choose a model that is fit or these purposes. The best choice in these circumstances is a walker that is compact and easy to fold.
6. Price
Finally, it’s worth considering the price.
Most walkers and rollators are available from $80 to $200. Once you start looking at devices above this range, unless you have particular requirements, you will be looking at diminishing returns in terms of quality and usefulness.
Our suggestion is to set a budget of around $180 to ensure you find a high-quality walker with all the features you need. On a separate note, if your healthcare provider considers a walker to be a medical necessity for you, it should be covered by Medicare Part B.