Walkers and rollators provide great support for those suffering from conditions like arthritis, hip and back problems, balance or memory issues, and severe respiratory issues that impact endurance. But to maximize the benefits of a walker, you need to be sure you’re choosing the right one for you. It’s important to pick a walker that is safe and supportive for the issue you need its assistance to address, whether that’s weight-bearing, pain, balance, weakness, or endurance, says Ingrid Allstrom Anderson, PT, DPT, OCS, owner of Intown Physical Therapy in Georgia. To compile our list of recommendations, we talked to experts about choosing the right walker for your individual needs and then researched almost two dozen types of walkers. Using our experts’ insights, we selected walkers based on portability, adjustability, extra features, and intended use to identify the best walkers for seniors. Several different terms for walkers are sometimes used interchangeably, but according to Anderson, there are really only two types of walkers: standard and rolling (sometimes called rollators). Our Top Picks Best With Seat: Best Lightweight: Best for Travel: Hugo Mobility Explore Side-Fold Rollator Walker at Amazon ($221) Best for Limited Upper Body Strength and Mobility: Best for Outdoors: In This Article Types of Walkers What Healthcare Providers Want You To Know Our Picks How We Selected the Best Walkers for Seniors What to Look for When Shopping for Walkers for Seniors Our Experts Why Trust Verywell Health Pros Adjustable height Easy folding mechanism Budget-friendly Cons No seat or basket May not be large enough for some users Type: Standard walker | Weight Capacity: 350 lbs | Seat: No | Hand Brakes: No | Wheels: 2 | Warranty: Lifetime limited For most seniors, a basic two-wheeled walker is all that’s needed to get around easily and safely. With a simple yet durable design, the Drive Medical Trigger Release Folding Walker is our best overall pick for the majority of older adults needing extra support. David Chandler, RN, CFE, vice president of clinical services and business development at in-home senior care agency Senior Helpers, says his at-home care agency recommends two-wheeled walkers for seniors because they offer the most stability. This option is made of lightweight but sturdy aluminum and is capable of supporting adults up to 350 pounds. With a secure, two-wheeled design, seven inches of height adjustability, and a trigger release for folding, this walker prioritizes the basic features needed for safety. It also allows you to open and close the walker without taking your hands off the handles, so you can continue using your walker for support and balance while you’re getting it ready to use or stowing it away for later. Although Drive Medical says this walker can be used indoors or outdoors, its small wheels may still be somewhat limiting outside. Taller individuals may find the walker to be a bit small, and heavier users might not get the full stability they’re looking for. Pros Adjustable height Lightweight Cross frame for extra stability Cons Requires both hands to fold No seat or basket Type: Standard walker | Weight Capacity: 350 lbs | Seat: No | Hand Brakes: No | Wheels: 2 | Warranty: Lifetime limited The Drive Medical 2-Button Folding Walker is almost identical to our best overall pick with two exceptions. First, it's a bit more budget-friendly. Second, instead of a trigger release to fold and open the walker, it relies on a 2-button system for folding. In every other way, though, this walker is just as well-designed as our best overall pick: it’s made of lightweight but durable aluminum, features two five-inch wheels in the front and seven inches of height adjustability, and comes with a lifetime limited warranty. If you only need a walker temporarily or in certain environments, this is a simple but safe option. The 2-button release system for folding this walker requires the user to bear their own weight and use two hands, which could be difficult if you’re relying on the walker for stability. Pros Foldable memory foam seat Over 7 inches of height adjustability Backrest and organization accessories Cons Heavier than some other walkers Bulky and wide Type: Rollator | Weight Capacity: 300 lbs | Seat: Yes | Hand Brakes: Yes | Wheels: 4 | Warranty: Lifetime limited (frame only) If you’re looking for a rollator-style walker, we’re impressed by the versatility of the Medline Premium Empower Folding Mobility Rollator Walker. In addition to being a highly functional four-wheeled walker with a wide, memory foam seat, the Empower allows users to flip the seat up. You can also lean against the folded seat when a standing position is required, which offers a whole new level of support. Other features we appreciate are a cup holder for your drinks when you’re on the go, a cushioned backrest, and a removable seat storage bag. The memory foam seat, backrest, and handles also have antimicrobial technology to protect against bacteria, mold, and mildew buildup, which are known to cause unpleasant stains and odors. The brakes are easy to activate right from the handles, and the walker folds flat for storage. Because of some of its extra features, the Empower is both heavy and somewhat bulky. Though it folds flat, it takes up a bit of space when it’s opened, so make sure it can fit through your doorways. Pros Folds down compactly Weighs less than 8 pounds Variety of colors Cons Wheel design is limiting No seat or extra features Type: Standard walker | Weight Capacity: 400 lbs | Seat: No | Hand Brakes: No | Wheels: 2 | Warranty: 1-year limited If you’ve ever wished your walker was as easy to carry around as an umbrella, the Able Life Space Saver Walker is exactly what you need. At only 8 pounds, this walker is considerably lighter than most, plus it folds into a compact form that’s just 5 inches wide by 7 inches long. A simple tab-lift collapses the walker in seconds, allowing you to quickly and efficiently store it in your car, closet, or even the overhead compartment of a plane. Designed for stress-free travel and storage, this walker is extremely lightweight for easy loading and unloading but it can also support up to 400 pounds of weight. When unfolded, it has a 19-inch base, can fit through tight spaces, and includes two fixed 6-inch front wheels to help you glide across all different types of surfaces. The stability and reliability of the Able Life Space Saver Walker, despite how lightweight it is, makes it an easy choice for anyone needing a walker they can grab and go. The wheel design on this walker is different from most: Instead of removable or adjustable wheels, the two front wheels are fixed in place. This means you can’t take them off for maximum stability or turn them in for a narrower profile when using the walker in tight spaces. Pros Easy to store Lightweight for travel Foot pedal for navigating curbs and uneven terrain Cons More expensive than some other options Hard plastic wheels Type: Rollator | Weight Capacity: 300 lbs | Seat: Yes | Hand Brakes: Yes | Wheels: 4 | Warranty: 3-year limited (frame), 1-year limited (all other parts) The lighter-than-it-looks Hugo Mobility Explore Side-Fold Rollator Walker with Seat is an ideal walker to carry on the go. Although it’s just 15.4 pounds, the Hugo Mobility Explore packs many features without adding too much extra weight. These include a padded built-in seat, contoured backrest, and under-seat storage. Meanwhile, its ergonomic, comforting hand grips create easy access to the brakes, the height-adjustable handlebars help you maintain proper posture, and a foot pedal helps you lift the walker up onto a curb without getting stuck. But let’s talk about the folding mechanism, which is pretty unique: The sides of this rollator collapse inward, allowing the whole unit to fold down into a convenient transport size. The folding mechanism can also be operated with just one hand, leaving your other hand free for stability. Though we like how the Hugo Mobility Explore has large, 8-inch wheels that allow it to be used indoors and outdoors, the wheels are solid, hard plastic instead of rubber ones filled with air. This does make them a bit trickier to maneuver over some terrain, and they don’t have as much traction as rubber wheels. Pros Supports upper body weakness Adjustable at several points Folds for travel Cons May be too tall for shorter users Wide and large in its opened position Type: Upright walker | Weight Capacity: 300 lbs | Seat: Yes | Hand Brakes: Yes | Wheels: 4 | Warranty: 1-year The OasisSpace Original Upright Walker has many of the same features as a rollator, but it can still be used by people with upper extremity weakness or pain. Since you need to be able to grip the handles and bear weight through your wrists, elbows, and shoulders to use a standard walker or rollator, says Anderson, an upright walker—which can be steered with your forearms—is a good alternative for someone with reduced strength or mobility in their upper body. We like that the OasisSpace Original offers comfortable features for users, like padded armrests attached to hand brakes, as well as a lot of adjustability. The rollator has 7 inches of height adjustability and the option to adjust both the length and angle of the armrests to fit your body. It includes a large storage pouch and, despite its standing size, can still be folded down for easy travel. An upright walker like the OasisSpace Original is also good for people with back pain or posture issues since it promotes spinal alignment rather than a hunched-over position. This is a larger rollator overall; it’s heavier and bulkier than some other types of walkers, making it a little tougher to move around. And it's both taller and wider than many alternatives. It’s a good choice if you need an upright walker, but may not be a good fit otherwise. Pros Large, air-filled wheels Curb lift for easy maneuvering Smart features for time spent outdoors Cons More expensive than some other options Tires may need a lot of upkeep Type: Rollator | Weight Capacity: 300 lbs | Seat: Yes | Hand Brakes: Yes | Wheels: 4 | Warranty: 1-year Just because you rely on a walker doesn’t mean you’re restricted to the indoors—the Comodità Tipo All Terrain Rollator is made for safe, well-supported outdoor adventures. The most notable feature is the four-wheeled design, which features two 12-inch wheels in front and two 10-inch wheels in back, both of which are pneumatic (or air-filled) for compatibility with many different types of terrain. There’s also a convenient lever called a “curb climber," which easily lifts the front wheels to clear a curb. The Comodità Tipo checks off all the boxes that Chandler recommends looking for in an outdoor walker: adjustable height settings, soft grips for prolonged use, a built-in seat for taking breaks, reflective elements for extra visibility, and a large storage bag for carrying essentials. Plus, it even has a combination cup or cane holder, allowing you to spend as much time as you want outdoors with your walker without leaving anything behind. While we think this walker can handle almost any outdoor terrain you throw at it thanks to its unique tire design, there are a few downsides. You may find the tires slide on indoor flooring like tile, and the tires may need to be refilled frequently. Pros Slimmer and easier to transport Extra accessories like a basket and pouch Comfortable, ergonomic hand grips Cons Less height adjustability than competitors Tips over more easily than four-wheeled walkers Type: Rollator | Weight Capacity: 250 lbs | Seat: No | Hand Brakes: Yes | Wheels: 3 | Warranty: Lifetime limited (frame), 5-year for brakes The NOVA Traveler 3 Wheel Rollator Walker is a great option for people who want the benefits of a rollator but a slimmer profile; with three wheels instead of four, the NOVA Traveler is easy to maneuver through doorways, hallways, passages, and other tight spaces. Although most effective when used indoors, NOVA Traveler’s 8-inch rubber wheels are extremely durable and make for a smooth, stable ride when walking across roads or lawns. Like a traditional rollator, the NOVA Traveler includes easy-to-operate hand brakes, comfortable hand grips, and a removable basket, tray, and pouch, making it adaptable and user-friendly. It also folds into a pretty slim profile, making it easier to transport than many four-wheeled walkers. The Traveler is height-adjustable, but less so than some other walkers (you have between 3 and 4 inches of adjustability). It also poses more of a tipping hazard than standard walkers and four-wheeled walkers since it only has three stability points, so users with balance issues may want to avoid this style. After speaking with our experts, it was clear that a few things were especially important to keep in mind when selecting a walker. As we researched many popular brands and styles of walkers, we prioritized the following attributes: We asked several experts to share their insights on shopping for a walker, including what to look for, what to avoid and how to know which type you need. To narrow down our list of the best walkers, we drew upon the expertise of: Sarah Bradley has been a freelance writer since 2017, creating health commerce articles, product reviews, and shopping guides on everything from dry skin moisturizers and wart removers to menstrual cups and toothbrushes for braces. She has written about senior care products many times, and understands how important it is for seniors to have access to safe, reliable, and well-vetted product recommendations. Types of Walkers
What Healthcare Providers Want You To Know
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Why We Recommend It
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Best With Seat
Medline Premium Empower Rollator Walker
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Why We Recommend It
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Best for Travel
Hugo Mobility Explore Side-Fold Rollator Walker
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Why We Recommend It
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Best for Limited Upper Body Strength and Mobility
OasisSpace Original Upright Walker
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Why We Recommend It
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Best for Outdoors
Comodità Tipo All Terrain Rollator
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Best Three-Wheel
NOVA Medical Products Traveler 3 Wheel Rollator Walker
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How We Selected the Best Walkers for Seniors
What to Look for When Shopping for Walkers for Seniors
Our Experts
Why Trust Verywell Health
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