If every step feels like a gamble, and you're tired of feeling unsteady, a walker might be the solution you've been searching for. The reality is, when arthritis flares up, injury recovery is slow or balance starts to waver, moving around can become a daunting task. However, mobility challenges are common and affect millions of people. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that more than 1 in 10 Americans have a severe mobility disability that hinders their ability to walk or climb stairs, with many more experiencing milder mobility problems that complicate everyday life.
Navigating mobility challenges can be tough, but the right walker can restore your freedom and peace of mind. David Chandler, vice president of clinical services and business development at Senior Helpers, says, "It's important to recognize and pay attention to the signs that indicate when a walker might be beneficial." This may include difficulty standing up, unsteadiness, increased fatigue, difficulty performing simple tasks like getting dressed and recent falls or near falls. If this sounds all too familiar, it may be time to consider a walker to give you a sense of security and independence, reduce the risk of falls and help you stay physically active.
Evaluating the many walker options can be overwhelming. To help you make an informed choice, we spoke with multiple medical professionals, including physical therapists and senior care experts, to learn their recommendations for the best walkers for seniors and to identify the most important features and benefits. We used these insights and in-depth research to compile a list of the top walkers for seniors in 2024.
Depending on your needs, there are several types of walkers to choose from. Consider the following common options:
Standard walker: This is the most basic and traditional type of walker. It has four legs with rubber caps to provide stability while walking. Because it doesn't have wheels, you must lift the walker with each step, which can become tiring or challenging over time.
Two-wheeled walker: Similar to a standard walker, a two-wheeled walker has two front wheels for easier maneuverability. It's best if you can partially support your weight and have good balance.
Three-wheeled walker: As the name suggests, this type has two back wheels and one front wheel, somewhat like a tricycle. It's typically narrower to make it easier to move around in tight spaces but may not be as stable as four-wheeled options.
Rollator: Considered the most advanced type of walker, a rollator has four wheels and usually includes extra features like a seat, backrest and hand brakes. It may be easier to use because you don't have to lift and lower it with each step, but it's not without its own potential drawbacks. Chandler says, "Walkers with wheels can roll unexpectedly, making it harder to control and they might get stuck on things like cracks or rugs, which could cause a trip and fall." He advises only using a rollator after having proper training and being comfortable with its use.
Knee walker: Also known as a knee scooter, this device has a padded platform to rest an injured or recovering leg. It's designed for conditions that prevent you from using one of your legs, such as a broken ankle or foot. It's often used as an alternative to crutches.
Hemi walker: Designed for people with limited mobility on one side of the body, this style of walker has a wider base on one side to provide more stability while walking.
It's crucial to choose a walker that provides stability and balance while walking. If you have pretty good balance, a two or three-wheeled walker may be exactly what you need. However, if you need more support or have trouble with balance, a standard walker without wheels or a rollator (with proper training) may be better.
Standard walkers don't have wheels, so they require you to lift and move the walker with each step. For stability purposes, this can be great, but depending on your overall health, it may be tiring or overly challenging, particularly for all-day use.
On the other hand, rollators have four wheels and require less upper body strength, making them ideal if your strength is limited or if your balance challenges are more distinct. They also usually have a seat and backrest, so you can rest when you feel fatigued. The hand brake also provides an extra layer of stability when navigating inclines or declines, or if you want to lean on your walker for more support while standing still.
It ultimately is a personal decision whether a wheeled or unwheeled walker is the better choice for you. "Wheels are easier to maneuver, but a walker without wheels offers more stability," says Devin Trachman, clinic director at Physical Therapy Central. Trachman advises giving thought to your balance and strength needs before purchasing.
"The best way to know whether a walker will offer you the stability and support you need is to try it out — give it a trial walk and see how it feels," she says. It's also important to read the reviews and recommendations on walkers based on users with similar mobility limitations. "Often, feedback from others can provide significant insight or point you in the right direction."
The amount of weight each walker can support differs based on design and construction. Generally, a standard walker can support 250 to 350 pounds, while some rollators can hold up to 500 pounds. Trachman says that it's essential to double-check the weight capacity before purchasing and consider any items you plan to transport with the walker, such as a bag or oxygen tank, as these add more weight to the walker's frame.
"It's important not to exceed the weight limit of a walker as it can compromise the structural integrity of the walker, increasing the risk of accidents or injuries," she says.
If you need something with a higher weight capacity, a few options support up to 800 pounds. Talk to your health care provider or a physical therapist to determine the best weight capacity for your needs.
Not all walkers are created equal. Some have fixed heights, meaning you can't adjust them to fit your body. A poorly fitted walker can lead to neck and back pain and may even increase your risk of falls.
"The height adjustment of a walker affects its use and effectiveness by helping the user achieve proper body alignment, walk with optimal form, increase safety and stability and use energy efficiently," says Trachman.
Models with adjustable handles usually have buttons or pins you press to slide the handles up or down. Read the manufacturer’s guidelines to learn how to properly adjust the walker for your height. And if needed, consult with your doctor or physical therapist to make sure your walker is correctly fitted for your stature.
If you plan to use your walker at home and outside, consider purchasing a model that folds easily for storage and transport. Standard walkers are smaller than rollators and don't have wheels to fold, so they are easier to store and transport. However, many rollators also fold up easily.
Also, consider the weight of each model if you aim to transport it frequently. A lighter option weighing less than 10 pounds, like the Able Life Space Saver Roller Walker, may be best if you need something highly portable. Rollators have larger dimensions and usually weigh more, often up to 20 pounds. If you have the physical strength or the assistance from a friend or family member to lift and transport a heavier walker, this may not be an issue. But if regularly maneuvering a 20-pound walker is going to be a challenge, it's likely best to stick with a lighter option.
Most rollators come equipped with hand brakes to help you slow down or stop when needed. Standard walkers without wheels do not have braking systems, so you’ll need to lift and move the walker with each step. Some rollators also have a parking brake for an extra layer of protection when sitting or standing in place.
"Brakes are particularly important for people who rely on their walkers for balance and support," says Christopher Norman, a geriatric nurse practitioner with the National Council on Aging. "Brakes help control the walker on slopes or uneven ground and can lock the walker in place when needed, like when stopping to rest or sit."
When considering braking options, keep in mind your hand strength and dexterity. If you have limited hand function, look for models that offer easier-to-use brakes or allow for adjustments to accommodate your needs.
The cost of walkers ranges from about $30 to over $500, depending on the brand, features and accessories. High-end rollators with advanced features, or bariatric models with higher weight capacities cost more than standard, no-frill models. Consider your budget and which features are most important when making a purchase. Remember to factor in any additional accessories or attachments that may be useful for your needs, such as extra storage or a cup holder.
To select the best walkers we first consulted with physical therapists, geriatricians and other health care professionals specializing in mobility aids. Their expertise helped us narrow the list of walkers by focusing on critical aspects such as ergonomics, safety features and suitability for different mobility levels and strengths. Their insights also helped us understand each product’s potential benefits and limitations.
We then analyzed customer reviews and feedback. Understanding the experiences and opinions of real users provides an invaluable perspective on each walker’s overall quality and effectiveness. We carefully considered both positive and negative reviews to get a well-rounded view of each product. We also paid close attention to comments about durability, ease of use and stability.
After hours of reviewing and assessing some of the most popular models and pulling together expert opinions and customer feedback to create a list of the best walkers on the market, we narrowed down our list of the best walkers for seniors based on their features, performance and overall value.
"Walkers benefit those with mobility issues by providing support and stability, reducing the risk of falls," explains Brittany Ferri, an occupational therapist with the National Council on Aging.
"They allow those who cannot walk without help to be more independent and safe, and they promote a more upright walking posture — as long as they are adjusted correctly," says Ferri. This helps alleviate strain on the back and legs commonly caused by poor walking posture.
"Using the wrong height can lead to poor posture and strain on the body, especially on the back and arms," says Norman, who explains that a health care professional can help you determine the best height for your walker. "A good rule of thumb is that when you’re standing as straight as you can with your arms outstretched and hands on the walker, there should be a slight bend in your elbows," says Norman. "This will help you gauge how close or far to stand when using your walker."
Most experts recommend against using a walker on stairs, as it increases the risk of falls. Some walkers are more cumbersome to maneuver, adding to the danger. A cane or stair lift may be safer if you have stairs in your home.
A walker is typically a lightweight frame with four legs and no wheels. Its design requires you to lift and place the walker in front of you with each step. On the other hand, a rollator has four wheels that move without lifting or dragging the frame. It also has handlebars with hand brakes for added stability and control when walking. Rollators are often easier to maneuver but have more safety concerns than standard walkers.
Every insurance plan is different. Many plans, including Medicare and Medicaid, cover the cost of a walker if your doctor deems it medically necessary. However, in some cases, your plan may only cover the rental of a walker, not the outright purchase. Private insurance may also have specific criteria for coverage, such as requiring a prescription or a specific medical condition. If you’re in the market for a walker, call your insurance company or Medicare/Medicaid to learn more about your coverage options and requirements.
Devin Trachman, clinic director at Physical Therapy Central
David Chandler, vice president of Clinical Services and Business Development at Senior Helpers
Brittany Ferri, an occupational therapist with the National Council on Aging
Christopher Norman, a geriatric nurse practitioner with the National Council on Aging
