Stay Active and Independent: These Are the 8 Best Walkers for Seniors (2024)

Stay Active and Independent: These Are the 8 Best Walkers for Seniors (1)

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.

Types of Walkers

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).

  • Standard walkers have either two wheels in the front or no wheels at all and are used as a lightweight frame to provide some support. These walkers are better for people who require more support while walking or who have limited mobility, says Cara Dobbertin, PT, DPT, a physical therapy specialist with Practitionr.
  • Rolling walkers have either three or four wheels and often include a seat as well as storage baskets or pockets. These walkers work better for people with good mobility who need balance support or the option to take a break by sitting in the built-in seat.

What Healthcare Providers Want You To Know

  • Ensure fit and adjustability are correct: An incorrect fit can lead to unsafe use and poor posture, says Anderson, so choose a walker that’s adjustable. To fit yours correctly, she recommends standing up straight, letting your arms hang to your side, and adjusting the walker so the middle of the handle is even with the bone that protrudes from the pinky finger side of your wrist.
  • Consider balance issues: A standard walker is often considered safer than a rollator because the user has more control over its movements, but this isn’t always the case. If you have balance issues and need a walker that glides evenly over surfaces, a rollator can be a safer choice because it’s less likely to get stuck and cause you to fall.
  • When to opt for Medicare coverage: Medicare often covers the cost of a walker for seniors, but you may need a prescription from a healthcare provider (and you should always double-check your specific coverage). Another thing to note: Ileana Howard, MD, physical medicine and rehabilitation specialist, says Medicare often only allows for coverage of one mobility aid per lifetime. So, if there’s a chance you may need a wheelchair later on, you might want to pay for a less expensive walker out-of-pocket rather than use up your benefit.
  • Choosing a walker vs a wheelchair: If a walker can be used safely, it’s usually the better choice, says Howard. But people at a high risk of falls should opt for a wheelchair instead to be on the safe side. She advises seniors with weakness in the arms or legs, numbness, pain, or memory loss or other thinking impairments to use a wheelchair instead of a walker.

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

Key Specs

Type: Standard walker | Weight Capacity: 350 lbs | Seat: No | Hand Brakes: No | Wheels: 2 | Warranty: Lifetime limited

Why We Recommend It

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.

Keep In Mind

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

Key Specs

Type: Standard walker | Weight Capacity: 350 lbs | Seat: No | Hand Brakes: No | Wheels: 2 | Warranty: Lifetime limited

Why We Recommend It

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.

Keep In Mind

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

Key Specs

Type: Rollator | Weight Capacity: 300 lbs | Seat: Yes | Hand Brakes: Yes | Wheels: 4 | Warranty: Lifetime limited (frame only)

Why We Recommend It

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.

Keep In Mind

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

Key Specs

Type: Standard walker | Weight Capacity: 400 lbs | Seat: No | Hand Brakes: No | Wheels: 2 | Warranty: 1-year limited

Why We Recommend It

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.

Keep In Mind

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

Key Specs

Type: Rollator | Weight Capacity: 300 lbs | Seat: Yes | Hand Brakes: Yes | Wheels: 4 | Warranty: 3-year limited (frame), 1-year limited (all other parts)

Why We Recommend It

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.

Keep In Mind

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

Key Specs

Type: Upright walker | Weight Capacity: 300 lbs | Seat: Yes | Hand Brakes: Yes | Wheels: 4 | Warranty: 1-year

Why We Recommend It

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.

Keep In Mind

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

Key Specs

Type: Rollator | Weight Capacity: 300 lbs | Seat: Yes | Hand Brakes: Yes | Wheels: 4 | Warranty: 1-year

Why We Recommend It

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.

Keep In Mind

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

Key Specs

Type: Rollator | Weight Capacity: 250 lbs | Seat: No | Hand Brakes: Yes | Wheels: 3 | Warranty: Lifetime limited (frame), 5-year for brakes

Why We Recommend It

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.

Keep In Mind

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.

How We Selected the Best Walkers for Seniors

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:

  • Portability: Most people don’t only use their walker at home; if nothing else, a walker should be able to fold up so it can be taken wherever you’re going.
  • Adjustability: Unless you’re exceptionally tall or short, you should be able to buy a standardized walker and adjust it to your individual height.
  • Extra features: Not everyone wants a lot of bells and whistles, but some features—like ergonomic hand grips, folding seats, and storage baskets—can make one walker more useful than another.
  • Intended use: We included a variety of walkers, for both indoor and outdoor use, as well as walkers with varying numbers of wheels to ensure that there is a walker for every potential user on our list.

What to Look for When Shopping for Walkers for Seniors

  • Weight Capacity: Most walkers have a capacity of at least 300 pounds, but it can vary. If you need one to support more than that, look for a heavy-duty or bariatric walker (and double-check the listed weight capacity).
  • Wide, Padded Seats: You’ll want enough room to comfortably sit without feeling cramped. A padded seat will allow you to rest without flaring up other conditions like arthritis or sciatica.
  • Soft, Ergonomic Grips with Brakes: You’ll be using your hands to support yourself and direct your movement when using your walker, so the hand grips should be comfortable and the braking mechanism should be easy to operate. Brakes are a must-have component of any rollator, especially if the user is unstable on their feet, so don’t neglect this safety feature.
  • Ease of Use: Most people using a walker need extra support when walking, let alone when making more complex movements, so make sure your walker is lightweight and folds easily. It could be a safety hazard if you need to wrestle your walker into position with both hands or struggle to move it around.
  • Location of Use: Different walkers have different features, some of which make them better for use in the home versus outside the home. Outdoor walkers, for example, should have larger wheels made to accommodate uneven surfaces, and walkers needed for travel should be lightweight and compact.
  • Additional Features: You probably don’t need every possible extra feature, but it’s a good idea to choose the ones that will make getting around more convenient for you, personally. This might be storage for a cane or other supplies, shock absorption for rough terrain, or a seat that can flip up to support you while standing.

Our Experts

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:

  • David Chandler, RN, CFE, vice president of Clinical Services and Business Development at in-home senior care agency Senior Helpers
  • Ingrid Allstrom Anderson, PT, DPT, OCS, owner of Intown Physical Therapy in Georgia
  • Cara Dobbertin, PT, DPT, a physical therapy specialist with Practitionr
  • Ileana Howard, MD, physical medicine and rehabilitation specialist

Why Trust Verywell Health

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.

Stay Active and Independent: These Are the 8 Best Walkers for Seniors (2024)
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