The Best Walkers for Seniors (2024 Reviews & Buyer’s Guide)

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.

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The 5 Top-Rated Walkers for Seniors

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. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do elderly people use walkers?

The primary reason elderly people use walkers is to enhance their mobility and ability to walk safely and independently. Walkers help users walk longer distances and ease the pains and discomfort that comes with walking in old age.

Some people also use walkers during recovery from leg, knee, or foot surgery to improve their balance.

Is it essential to measure for a walker?

A walker can serve its purpose best if it is built according to the needs and measurements of its intended user. People with extreme weakness, bone conditions or fractures especially need a well-fitted walker. 

We generally recommend that you consider the height of the handlebars, the width and depth of the seat (if present), and any other feature which you consider essential. This will ensure you can use your walker efficiently, actively, and independently.

You may wish to ask for the assistance of a physiotherapist or occupational therapist to get accurate measurements according to your body. Salespeople in medical stores can also, usually, assist.

That said – measurements are not always necessary! Most of our recommendations come with adjustable seats and height brakes so they should work for anyone!

How can you lock the brakes of your walker?

Most walkers with wheels have a brake lock, so you don’t have to place your hands on the brake grips continuously. 

Generally, you can lock the brakes by pushing the brake lever away from the handlebar and downwards until you hear a click. To release, you can usually simply pull the brake lever back up to its original position.

That said, all walkers and rollators are different, so make sure to check your operations manual for more extensive instructions.

Are walkers for seniors available online?

Yes, you can buy walkers online from a wide variety of outlets. This mode of shopping is especially useful for people who cannot visit the store physically due to their disability, injury, or mobility. 

For a start, try checking out Amazon.com. They stock a wide variety of affordable walkers and rollators – but always check the customer reviews of any product you’re interested in, to ensure you are fully informed.

If you have a higher budget or need more customer support, you can also visit 1800Wheelchair.com to buy a walker online. While their website has a smaller selection, their niche expertise is beneficial.

Should I use a standard walker or a rollator? 

The significant difference between a rollator and a standard walker is the wheels. Standard walkers usually don’t have wheels, while rollator walkers typically come with four. 

Whether you should choose a standard walker or a rollator is entirely up to your needs and preferences. If you have more weakness or lesser stamina, a rollator might be a better option as they allow the user smooth movement without lifting and a seat for resting. 

That said, walkers are typically easier to use in smaller indoor spaces. So if you or your elderly loved one will primarily be using the mobility aid indoors, a standard walker might be recommendable.

Best Walkers for Seniors (Our Top Picks)

Our Top Pick for Seniors: NOVA Vibe 6 Rollator Walker

Top Pick: NOVA Vibe 6 Rollator Walker

An excellent, comfortable, lightweight, rollator walker at a fantastic price-point. High quality and easy to use.

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From our in-depth research, the NOVA Vibe 6 Rollator Walker stood out as a clear overall winner. It provides fantastic quality, with hundreds of great reviews, at a very affordable price point. 

The things we liked most about the NOVA Vibe 6 is that it has a very user-friendly and effective braking mechanism and comes with a lifetime warranty. These two factors, alongside the impeccable build quality, make the Vibe 6 an amazing walker rollator for any older person looking for greater mobility and independence.

It is a cost-effective option with comprehensive features, including a padded seat and storage pouch. It is no wonder that it has received hundreds of excellent reviews on Amazon. It comes equipped with feather-touch brakes and four six-inch wheels for smooth and convenient movement.

The brakes are so good that when we tested them, we found they can be used effectively even by those with mobility issues in their hands and fingers. On top of this, the Vibe 6 has an incredibly robust body and frame that can support high body weights (up to 300lbs!) with ease.

While it may not be the most robust walker we reviewed, this issue is mitigated by its Lifetime Limited Warranty on the frame and five-year warranty on the brakes. This makes it a reliable, long-term choice, whether you intend to use it indoors or outdoors.

The Vibe 6 is a fantastic option for anybody looking to buy a rollator walker. Made by a reliable company, this is a device that you can’t go wrong with.

However, if you’re suffering from osteoporosis or severe muscle weakness, you might want to consider another option; the Vibe 6 is quite a heavy device compared to some of the others we reviewed.

NOVA Vibe 6 Rollator Walker Key Features:

• The frame has a Lifetime Limited Warranty
• The brakes have a five-year warranty
• User-friendly feather-touch hand brakes
• 2” thick padded seat for comfort
• Storage pouch for personal belongings
• Weight handling-capacity of 300 lbs

Best Light-Weight Walker: Hugo Mobility Explore Rollator

Best Lightweight: Hugo Mobility Explore Side-Fold Rollator Walker

A lightweight (15.4lbs!), mobile, maneuverable walker that embodies dependable quality at a reasonable price.

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The Hugo Mobility Explore Side-Fold Rollator Walker is a highly portable and user-friendly walker perfect for seniors to use independently and without assistance. Its frame is so light (only 15.4 lbs) that even those with, or developing, agility, mobility, or muscular weakness issues should be able to use and move it with ease. 

Not only is it very lightweight, but it’s portable too. The side-folding frame allows this walker to be folded up quickly by the user and carried, transported, or stored with minimal effort. It easy to get in and out of a car, on and off public transport, and through customs at an airport.

While it’s lightweight frame and portability were our top reasons for recommending this walker, these aren’t the only things that it does very well. It comes with a comfortable, built-in seat that is great for resting in if you’re using the walker for extended periods. In addition, the contoured, adjustable, backrest, provides adequate trunk support.

A few final things worth noting are that the wheels are 8 inches, making them larger than those on a standard rollator and better for traversing over different types of terrain. The handgrips are comfortable to use and built from sturdy material – they feel safe and secure when you’re using the walker.

Finally, because the wheels are not offset, it’s easy to maneuver this walker through small doorways and other tight spaces.

Hugo Mobility Explore Side-Fold Rollator Walker Key Features:

• Large 8” wheels for traversing rough surfaces
• Compact size that is easy to fold, store, and carry 
• Portable and user-friendly
• Storage pouch
• Comfortable cushioned seat
• Contoured backrest 
• Designed especially for users 5’-6’2”
• Weight capacity of up to 300 lbs

Best Narrow Walker: NOVA Traveler 3 Wheel Rollator Walker

Best Narrow: NOVA Traveler 3 Wheel Rollator Walker

A unique, super slim, 3 wheeled rollator walker that is great for getting around tight-spaces indoors.

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The unique thing about the NOVA Traveler 3 Wheel Rollator Walker, as its name suggests, is that it only has three wheels. It is this design choice that allowed NOVA to create a walker that is incredibly narrow and able to maneuver through the tightest of spaces. It handles doorways, hallways, passages, kitchens, bathrooms, and bedrooms with ease.

Like the previously mentioned Hugo Mobility walker, the NOVA Traveler has durable 8-inch tires. Even though we found it to be most effective indoors, it didn’t have any troubles outdoors either. It was able to traverse pavements, road, and gardens without any issues.

Other things of note are that of all the walkers we reviewed this one was one of the easiest to assemble, with straightforward instructions. Also, despite its small frame, it still packs a zip pouch, a basket, and a tray for storage and convenience. Although we reviewed the standard model, we understand that the storage options are customizable, and this walker is compatible with a range of accessories and add-ons.

In terms of getting around, the NOVA Traveler 3 Wheel Walker is easy to use and feels of high quality. The brakes are effective and user-friendly, and they, along with the rest of the walker, are covered by NOVA’s standard warranty.

That said, this walker rollator might not be for everyone for the simple fact that it doesn’t have a seat! We understand why this is; it would’ve been challenging to make this device so compact and easy to fold if it had one. However, if this is important to you, or if your elderly loved one doesn’t have the most significant stamina, this walker is probably not a preferred choice. 

Nova Traveler 3 Wheel Rollator Walker Key Features:

• Large 8-inch wheels
• Easy to operate hand brakes
• Brake Parts have a 5-Year Warranty 
• Frame has a Lifetime Limited Warranty 
• Multi-purpose storage basket, pouch, and tray
• Suitable for users 5’4”-6’2”
• Weight capacity up to 250 pounds

Best Budget Walker: Lumex Walkabout Lite Rollator

Best Budget Pick: Lumex Walkabout Lite Rollator

A reliable rollator walker with all the standard features for those on a tighter budget.

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The Lumex Walkabout Lite Rollator is by no means the best walker we’ve reviewed, but it is a reliable and affordable choice for those looking for something high quality on a tighter budget.

The aluminum frame is lightweight and dependable; despite its simplicity, the Lumex Walkabout feels well made and robust when you use it. It comes with a comfortable, cushioned seat that feels safe and stable even when the walker is moving. The backrest is sturdy and doubles up as an easy way for a caregiver or family member to push their elderly loved one if necessary.

Whilst it doesn’t come with all the frills and features some of our other top picks do, it still provides everything you’d come to expect from a basic walker. This includes a storage basket, easy to use brakes, four durable wheels, a folding mechanism, and a safety lock to protect the user from tripping.

Coming in at under $100, this walker rollator is a great choice for any senior looking for an excellent product at an excellent price that gets all the basics just right.

Lumex Walkabout Lite Rollator Key Features:

• 6” wheels
• Cushioned 14” seat
• Padded and removable backrest
• Built-in under-seat storage basket
• Easily adjustable height
• 300 pounds weight capacity
• Can be found for under $100!

Best Standard Walker (Without Wheels): Vive Folding Walker

Best Standard Walker (Zimmer-Frame): Vive Folding Walker

The Vive Folding Walker is a well-built, simple walker with detachable wheels. A great choice for those seeking greater mobility with age.

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The Vive Folding Walker is a high-quality, and surprisingly affordable, standard walker (Zimmer frame) that also doubles up as a 2-wheel walker with two 5″ detachable front wheels. These wheels can be added and removed from the frame as needed, making the Vive an excellent choice for those who desire a simple walker that gets the job done.

The frame is straightforward, and the walker serves primarily the key purpose of providing balance and stability for getting around – but the things it does, it does well.  

Despite its low price, the Vive Folding Walker is very well made and feels premium. In terms of mobility, it is light-weight and easy to fold, making it a great choice for those that need assistance with their mobility and balance in pursuit of greater independence but don’t need all the features a rollator or wheelchair can provide in later years.

Durable and sturdy, this device can handle weights of up to 250 pounds and is height adjustable between 33″ and 30″ inches. If you want a walker without wheels, cost-effective and primarily for balance, this is a great choice.

Vive Folding Walker Key Features

• Easy to assemble
• Can be easily used either with or without wheels
• Soft, durable, non-slip, contoured handgrips
• Available with a removable bag for storage
• Dual-button release mechanism facilitates easy folding
• Narrow frame allows free movement through small hallways and doorways
• 250 lbs weight capacity

Other Walkers We Reviewed For the Elderly

Outdoor Rollator Walkers

Medline Premium Empower Rollator

The Medline Premium Empower Rollator Walker has many unique features that make it stand apart among the other rollator walkers. It comes with a cupholder to allow you to enjoy your coffee or any other drink on the go. It also has a thick, cushioned backrest for comfort and a removable under-seat storage bag for convenience.

The memory foam seat of this rollator has Microban antimicrobial technology to guard it against mold, mildew, and bacteria. This makes it an excellent choice for those seniors with weaker immune systems.

This rollator is stable and can move easily on all surfaces, including carpets, grass, tarmac, and more. This makes it a great outdoor choice.

Finally, in our tests, this walker folded up very easily for transportation and storage purposes.

Medline Premium Empower Rollator Key Features:

• 8” wheels for enhanced mobility
• Extra-wide memory foam seat – a comfortable option
• Foldable chair for storage space
• Backrest, seat, and handles
• Microban antimicrobial technology to prevent odors and stains
• Designed for users with a height of 4’11”-6’4”
• Weight capacity of 300 lbs

Drive Medical Aluminum Rollator Walker

Functionality and durability make the Drive Medical Aluminum Rollator Walker a solid option for outdoor use. Its non-marring six-inch wheels give it better mobility to move indoors and outdoors smoothly.

The serrated-edge brakes offer the best possible safety for users. The walker comes with a padded and hinged backrest for optimal comfort for those in old age. Seniors who need to use their walker for extended periods can particularly benefit from these features.

If you need to store this walker to place away or for transportation, it is straightforward to fold. You don’t need to use any tools, and you should be able to do it even if you have limited physical mobility.

An under-the-seat pouch with zip lock provides secure and reliable storage for possessions. This bag is a built-in feature of this model.

However, because of all these features, this rollator walker is quite heavy – so bear this in mind.

Drive Medical Aluminum Rollator Walker Key Features:

• 6” wheels for enhanced and easy mobility
• User-friendly loop locks
• Smooth-grip tires paired with non-marring casters
• Hinged and removable padded backrest for the maximum comfort
• Cushioned seat for comfort
• Secure under-seat zippered pouch for storage
• Easily adjustable handle height
• Weight capacity up to 300 pounds

Heavy Duty Walkers

Medline Heavy Duty Rollator Walker

The Medline Heavy Duty Rollator Walker comes with a unique steel-reinforced frame feature. This extra strength allows the walker to handle weights of up to 500 pounds – and this is supported by large, 8″, smooth wheels that for independent movement.

This rollator comes with a broader frame than other typical rollators, to accommodate larger people. Despite this, the seat is still fully cushioned and comfortable for users.

This rollator is, by far, one of our highest recommended bariatric models. It holds up under pressure, and it feels high-quality and robust.

That said, it’s worth noting that the extra width of this walker restricts its movement through passages and doorways indoors.

Medline Heavy Duty Rollator Walker Key Features:

• 8-inch wheels
• Steel reinforced, heavy-duty frame
• Wide, comfortable cushioned seat
• Bariatric friendly
• Built-in under-seat storage pouch
• Highly adjustable height ranging from 31.5″ to 37.5.”
• Wide frame (may not suitable for all doorways)
• Weight capacity up to 500 lbs!

Drive Medical Trigger Release Folding Walker

The Drive Medical Trigger Release Folding Walker is specially built for the users who have limited finger mobility. The trigger release feature of this walker allows the user to close it without releasing their grip from the handle.

This walker is very light-weight. Its portability makes it an ideal choice for the users who have to travel around frequently. Despite its lightweight, it has a heavy-duty weight capacity of up to 350lbs!

The handgrips of this walker are very soft and comfortable to hold for even more extended periods. These grips are ribbed and contoured to ensure efficiency while using this walker and preventing any possible slips.

Drive Medical Trigger Release Folding Walker Key Features:

• 5-inch front wheels
• User-friendly trigger release
• Contoured and soft hand grips
• Easily adjustable height between 32″-39″
• 350 lbs weight capacity

Lightweight Walkers

Hugo Elite Rolling Walker

The Hugo Elite Rolling Walker is a great lightweight choice for seniors who are less than five feet tall, as it can accommodate people as short as 4’3″. The 8-inch swivel wheels offer smooth mobility on all types of indoor and outdoor surfaces.

The padded backrest and seat ensure the highest level of comfort while sitting and resting in this rollator. The backrest is also helpful for reducing any back and neck strain.

Assembling this rollator walker requires no tools and is completely hassle-free. The same goes for its folding, which is also a piece of cake.

Hugo Elite Rollator Walker Key Features:

• 8-inch wheels
• Hassle-free assembly
• Padded backrest and seat
• Highly efficient handles and user-friendly brakes
• Includes a saddlebag and an under-seat storage bag
• Suitable for users 4’3”-6’2”
• 300 lbs weight capacity

Drive Medical Side Style Hemi One Arm Walker

This walker is one of our top lightweight picks for its ease of use. Even elderly people with severe mobility issues can operate it with only one arm or hand! This makes it a great, portable option for those that don’t require a full size (and full weight) standard walker or rollator.

This walker has adjustable height and can be folded easily in a tool-free way. It is easy to assemble and disassemble and very compact for easy transportation.

If your mobility problems are mild, and you want a lightweight, portable option, the Hemi One Arm Walker from Drive Medical is a great choice.

Drive Medical Side Style Hemi One Arm Walker Key Features:

• No wheels
• Can be operated using only one hand
• Weighs only 4 lbs, offering a high level of portability
• Can handle the weight of up to 300 lbs

Vaunn Medical Two-Button Folding Walker

The Vaunn Medical Two-Button Folding Walker is a highly portable option due to its light-weight. It is designed explicitly for seniors who like to travel or who are required to move frequently, as it folds easily and into a very compact form.

The dual-button fast-push release system makes this walker a user-friendly option for the people suffering from hand mobility issues. It gives the users optimal independence, whether they need full support or just something to start walking.

Its back glider caps and 5″ front wheels allow for stable movement on a variety of surfaces including tiles and carpets.

Vaunn Medical Two-Button Folding Walker Key Features:

• 5-inch front wheels
• Detachable sides to ensure easy disassembly and storage
• Lightweight! Only 6 pounds
• Contoured vinyl handgrips
• Dual-button system for easy folding
• Easily adjustable height
• 300 pounds weight capacity

Honorable Mentions

Drive Medical Nitro Euro Rollator Walker

Although the Drive Medical Nitro Euro Style Rollator Walker is among the most expensive walkers on our list, it still offers excellent value. The turn radius of this rollator walker is increased by the large front wheels.

The back support and height of the handle are easily adjustable to give a custom-fit feeling. The adjustable handle’s height also allows the user to use this rollator without straining their bodies.

No extra help is required by the user when it comes to putting this rollator walker away. You can fold the walker using only one hand to pull the handle on the seat.

We previously wrote a full review of this 18 inch wide rollator walker, and it was highly recommended.

Drive Medical Nitro Euro Rollator Walker Key Features:

• Rolling comfort and optimal steering is possible with large 10” front casters
• Adjustable and removable back
• Easy-to-clean nylon seat
• Storage pouch at front included
• Ultra-compact, foldable design
• Highly adjustable handle height
• Weight capability: 300 pounds

Medline Three-In-One Stand Assist Walker

This walker is another solid option that offers support for users who need help moving from the sitting to standing position. The multi-level handles of Medline Three-In-One assist users in gradually elevating.

Furthermore, because of these handles, it can be used as a bathroom safety frame. The firm grip and feet prevent the walker, and the user, from slipping on watery surfaces.

This walker comes with no wheels, ensuring the model feels safe and secure on the ground all times.

Medline Three-In-One Stand Assist Walker Key Features:

• No wheels
• Multi-level handles offer support while standing and sitting
• Multi-purpose – also serves as a bathroom support frame
• Smoothly adjustable height for the users 5’5 to “6’4”
• Can manage weight up to 300 lbs