But when it comes to buying an outdoor walker, you should keep a few factors in mind. Don’t just buy a walker that promises a lot of features – it is important that you feel safe and comfortable while using the walker. Most importantly, you should consult with your therapist or doctor regarding the type of outdoor walker that your body requires.
Features To Consider While Buying Outdoor Walkers
The best outdoor walker is one that makes you feel supported and steady while walking. With tons of options available, here are some of the features that you should keep in mind while buying an outdoor walker:
Weight and Portability
Are you able to carry the walker around while walking? That’s the first thing you should check before buying the walker. For seniors, it is best to buy a lightweight walker that offers mobility and freedom of movement. Heavy walkers become cumbersome and you will feel tired after walking a few steps.
Walker Width
The best way to judge a walker’s width is to measure the width of the doors in your house. The walker should pass through the doors easily. Think that you will use the walker to around your home? Make sure the walker will go through your bathroom door. Compare the stated overall width of the walker to the narrowest doorway of your home.
Weight Capacity
Most walkers have a 300 lbs. weight capacity which is usually suitable for most seniors. But, if you are heavier than that, make sure you get a walker that will support your weight. Don’t risk a device failure or a fall by using a walker that isn’t rated for your weight. There are many models that can support up to 500 lbs. or more.
Foldability
Don’t forget to check how the walker folds. Buy one that folds easily so that you don’t have to bend forward. If you travel frequently or don’t have enough space in your room to keep an open walker, choose one that folds flat so that you can keep it by the wall or under your bed.
Wheel Size
If you know you will be using your walker outdoors, look for one with large wheels – at least 6″. Larger wheels roll easier and more smoothly over rougher terrain like sidewalks and gravel. This will stabilize the user better reducing the chance of a fall.
Best Outdoor Walkers
Here are some of the most versatile outdoor walkers for seniors:
Nova Vibe 6S Steel Rolling Walker
The Nova Vibe 6S Steel Rolling Walker by Nova Ortho-Med is an ideal walker for both indoor and outdoor use. It’s equipped with 6” wheels, a padded seat, carry pouch plus bicycle style brakes mounted on ergonomic hand grips.
The NOVA Vibe 6 Rollator Walker tops the chart because of its effective braking mechanism and lifelong warranty. Its build quality is another factor that sets the walker apart from its competitors. This walker comes with a padded seat and also a storage pouch. If you feel tired after walking, you can sit down and rest. Unlike most walkers, this one has wheels so that they can glide the walker whenever you want instead of lifting it up.
Additionally, the brakes work instantly, making it a safe outdoor walker for seniors. The robust body frame and rubber grips allow you to walk without thinking of falling down. On top of that, you get a five-year warranty on the brakes and a lifetime limited warranty on the entire frame. This makes it an ideal choice for seniors.
Key features:
• Five-year warranty on brakes.
• Lifetime limited warranty on the frame.
• 2-inch thick padded seat.
• User-friendly feather touch hand brakes.
• 300 lbs weight handling capacity.
Hugo Elite Rollator Rolling Walker
The Hugo Elite Rollator Walker has four large stabilizing wheels with a built-in seat for a rest stop wherever you need a break. The patented ergonomic handles feature a unique bump that fits naturally into the palm of your hand and even helps absorb vibrations!
The Hugo Elite Rollator is a user-friendly and portable outdoor walker for seniors who want to roam around independently when the caregiver isn’t around. Its frame weighs only 15.4 lbs, making it ideal for seniors with mobility, agility, or muscular weakness to move around easily. In addition to being lightweight, you can also carry this walker anywhere you go. Just fold it and carry it in your car.
Apart from its portability and lightweight frame, the Hugo Mobility Elite Rollator is also popular for the built-in seat. If you are using the walker for hours, you may want to sit and take some rest. The contoured and adjustable back seat offers sufficient trunk support so that you can rest your back and legs.
Key features:
• User-friendly and portable.
• Compact size makes it easy to carry, store, and fold.
• Comfortable cushioned seat.
• 8-inch large wheels for traversing through rough surfaces.
• Contoured backrest for sitting comfortably.
• Weight capacity of 300 lbs.
Nova Traveler 3-Wheel Walker
The Nova Traveler Rolling Walker is a very light and maneuverable rollator. The solid 8″ tires will never puncture and provide a smooth ride on any terrain. Great for the person who does not require the stability of a 4-wheeled walker. Smaller and lighter than many other walkers making it simple to transport.
NOVA is undoubtedly one of the best in the market right now when it comes to outdoor walkers. As the name suggests, this walker has only three wheels unlike the other walkers that have four. The unique design allows you to maneuver this walker through tight spaces easily. It can go through doorways, kitchens, bathrooms, bedrooms, and hallway without any problem. Like the previous NOVA model, this one also has 8-inch tires.
This is also one of the easiest walkers to assemble. It comes with straightforward instructions that help you put the walker together in no time. The frame is slightly smaller than other walkers but you won’t have a problem. It also has a basket, zip pouch, and a tray to keep your mobile phone.
Key features:
• Five-year warranty on brakes.
• Lifetime limited warranty on the frame.
• Easy to operate brakes.
• Large 8-inch wheels.
• Weight capacity of 250 lbs.
• Multipurpose storage facility with tray, basket, and pouch.
Walkabout Lite Four-Wheel Rollator
This lightweight outdoor rollator weighs just 14.5 lbs. and is equipped with a set of ergonomic hand grips and “quick stop” loop brakes. It even comes with a padded, curved backbar with easy release pull knobs and is height adjustable, customizable from 32″ to 37″ high. Large wheels make navigation over varied terrain much simpler.
If you don’t have the budget to buy a high-end outdoor walker, you should go for Lumex Walkabout Lite Rollator. It is an affordable and reliable outdoor walker that just about does its job. It has a lightweight aluminum frame. But that doesn’t mean the entire walker fails to live up to the durability test. It is quite robust and can last for years if you maintain it properly. There is a cushioned seat and bucket also.
The backrest allows you to sit comfortably after walking for a while. It doubles up so that your caregiver can push you if necessary. There is a safety lock at the bottom to prevent you from tripping. The brakes work instantly and the wheels fold inside, allowing you to make the walker smaller so that it doesn’t take much space while storing it in your house.
Key features:
• Easily adjustable height.
• 6-inch foldable wheels.
• Weight capacity of 300 lbs.
• Padded and adjustable backrest.
• Most affordable outdoor walker with tons of features.
Vive Mobility Folding Walker
The Vive Mobility Folding Walker is a more basic walker for those who need a little support while walking. The lightweight aluminum frame supports up to 250lbs and features a two-button foldable design that allows you to quickly fold for travel or storage. It includes an attachable walker bag and two five-inch rubber sport wheels that are removable.
This is a robust outdoor walker that comes with detachable wheels. Its design is slightly different from the ones mentioned above. This outdoor walker is ideal for those who want to improve their mobility because of their age. One of the best things about this walker is the detachable front wheels. You can attach them if you want to move around and faster than you usually do. On the other hand, if you want to practice walking after a surgery, you can take the wheels out.
This lightweight and robust walker folds and becomes small for easy storage. It can support weights up to 250 pounds and has adjustable height facility.
Key features:
• You can use it with or without wheels.
• There is a dual-button release mechanism that helps you fold the walker easily.
• Non-slip, contoured, and soft handgrips.
• Weight capacity of up to 250 lbs.
Wrapping Up
Any of these walkers will do well when being used both inside and outside the home. Research what features you think you will need, make sure the walker will fit in your doorways, and choose one with brakes and large wheels. These features make using a walker outdoors much easier – and safer – for our senior and elderly loved ones.
