What walker can be considered narrow?
Narrow walkers are deliberately designed with a small frame in order to help seniors and disabled people navigate through small spaces. They are ideal for seniors who need to deal with small entrances, small elevators, and narrow walkways frequently, and they cannot use regular sized walkers for their day-to-day life.
Moreover, narrow walkers are also suitable for seniors who are shorter and who may experience pain when using a standard size walker. To be considered a narrow walker, a model should generally have the capability to fit through small doors and very narrow passageways.
Features to consider before you buy a walker for seniors
There are multiple features to consider when shopping for the best narrow walker for seniors, with some of the most important including dimensions, obviously, but also material and durability, weight limit, the existence of wheels, extra functionality, and price.
Width and height
When choosing the dimensions of the walker, it’s important to take into account where, how, and for how long you or your loved one intends to use the walker. This will help you determine whether you actually need a narrow model.
It’s always a good idea to take some measurements of the doors in the house or of the passageways and store entrances that you are often frequenting in order to decide the width and height you need for your walker.
As a rule of thumb, you should expect narrow walkers to have an average width of 20 to 25 inches.
Walker weight
The weight of the walker is not only important for day-to-day use, but also when it comes to loading and unloading the walker in a car. Many of the narrow walkers for seniors we reviewed our super lightweight and they shouldn’t pose any problems when it comes to using and transporting them. For example, the Able Life Space Saver Walker with Organizer Pouch weighs just 8 pounds, and the Drive Medical 10210-1 Deluxe Folding Walker with 5-Inch Wheels is even lighter at 7.5 pounds.
Materials and durability
Most narrow walkers are feature a metallic frame that is often made from high-grade aircraft aluminium like in the case of the Able Life Space Saver Walker with Organizer Pouch.
Some models are made from anodised aluminium, like the Health Line Massage Products 4-in-1 Stand-Assist Folding Walker with Detachable Seat, for example, and you can also find walkers made from aluminium alloy, with an example being the OasisSpace Aluminium Rollator Walker.
No matter what type of aluminium a walker is made from, you should make sure it is sturdy and durable enough to sustain seniors over the years.
Weight limit
The weight limit is an important factor to take into account, but in the majority of cases this shouldn’t be a problem for users, because most models sustain weights of up to 350 pounds and even more. The Able Life Space Saver Walker, for example, can sustain weights of up to 400 pounds.
Type of walker and extra functionality
The type of walker you choose should reflect the needs of the person using it, with choices including foldability for easy transport and feature such as seating. For example, the Health Line Massage Products Stand-Assist Folding Walker with Detachable Seat is a versatile choice for seniors who want to be able to sit and rest, while the Able Life Space Saver Walker with Organizer Pouch offers extra storage space that comes in handy when shopping.
With or without wheels
Some models come with wheels, which generally make it easier for seniors to work on a variety of surfaces, ranging from pavement to grass. The dimensions of the wheels vary from one model to another, and you can get models with large 10 inch wheels for extra stability, like in the case of the OasisSpace Aluminum Rollator Walker.
Price
The price you should expect to pay for a narrow walker for seniors varies according to the brand of the manufacturer, build quality, and any extra functionality it may have. The price of our selected walkers, for example, varies from around $30 for the Best Value model to around $165 for the Premium Pick.
