| Walkers have come a long way from when the | | | | it more comfortable for the user. |
| only one available was a steel, non-folding, four | | | | |
| legged walker. While the four-legged folding | | | | Folding Capability and Weight |
| walkers are still available and are still needed, the | | | | These days there are many options with overall |
| introduction of wheeled walkers with a seat, | | | | weight of four-wheel walkers. From as little as |
| basket, and hand brakes give a safe walking | | | | 11lbs in weight, newer models are becoming easier |
| alternative to a large population. Four wheel | | | | to use, easier to transport and carry and easier |
| walkers increase the confidence of the user and | | | | to fold. Some models fold width-wise such as the |
| allow for a broader walking range. They also help | | | | Evolution Xpresso Walker and the Nexus Walker |
| with stability and were created to aid in fall | | | | versus the more conventional methods of folding |
| prevention. | | | | depth-wise such as the Evolution Piper or the |
| After many years of development, four-wheeled | | | | Dolomite Legacy. |
| walkers have substantially improved in quality with | | | | Brakes |
| a wide variety of models now available. With so | | | | More sophisticated braking systems have been |
| many choices, we hope this article will assist you | | | | introduced over the last few years. The |
| in making the correct choice. | | | | conventional braking system involving |
| Steel or Aluminum Frame | | | | ‘bicycle-type' brake cables have proven to be |
| The obvious benefit of an aluminum frame walker | | | | a time-tested method of braking for walkers |
| is that is it weighs much less than a steel-framed | | | | which is easy to adjust and replace if necessary. |
| four-wheel walker with a weight of between | | | | Many new four-wheel walkers have ‘rod-type' |
| 10-13 lbs. The steel counterparts weigh between | | | | brake systems which are hidden inside the frame |
| 18-21 lbs. One factor to determining whether a | | | | of the walker which is both more attractive and |
| steel or aluminum framed walker is chosen | | | | less likely to snag on passing objects such as the |
| involves the weight of the user. Aluminum walkers | | | | conventional ‘bicycle-type' brake cables. |
| typically have a user weight capacity of 225-250 | | | | Wheel Sizes |
| lbs while steel walkers typically have a user | | | | Here you have two choices, 8" diameter wheels |
| weight capacity between 250-350lbs with the | | | | and 6" diameter wheels. If you are using the |
| heavy duty models handling up to 400 lbs. | | | | walker both indoors and outdoors, the 8" wheel |
| Choosing the Correct Seat & Handle Height | | | | will give you the best performance. For individuals |
| Seat heights are an important feature as many | | | | using their walker mostly indoors the 6" wheels |
| people use the walker to sit down. It must be | | | | work great and makes for easier manoeuvring in |
| easier for the user to stand up from a seated | | | | tighter spaces. |
| position as well as comfortable to sit down. Most | | | | Accessories |
| four-wheeled walkers range from a low height of | | | | There are many additional accessories items that |
| 17" tall to 24" tall. The average seat height is 21" | | | | can be added to your walker that make its use |
| tall and is a good starting point to determine if the | | | | more convenient and practical. These items include |
| seat height needs to be adjusted lower or higher. | | | | canvas tote bags, cane holders, cup holders, |
| The seat height should allow the user to plant his | | | | trays, slow-down brakes (used to slow down |
| her feet flat on the floor at a seated position. | | | | walker so it doesn't run away on steep hills), and |
| Seat widths range from 16 1/2" for smaller | | | | curb climbers (foot levers attached to wheel that |
| walkers to 21" wide for wider/heavy duty models. | | | | make it easier to climb curbs) . |
| Most people want a seat width that is | | | | For comfort, many models of four-wheeled |
| comfortable, but is not wider than needed as | | | | walkers come with padded seat cushions and |
| narrower is better for overall width, getting | | | | padded back rests. |
| through doorways, and around in tight spaces. | | | | Maintenance & Adjustments |
| Some newer walkers include seats which flip up | | | | Most modern four-wheel walkers require little in |
| allowing the user to walk more inside the walker | | | | the way of maintenance, however it is our |
| improving gait & posture. | | | | recommendation that walkers be looked at |
| All the walkers come with height adjustable | | | | semi-annually at the very least. The brake cables |
| handles for correct hand positioning. The rule of | | | | used on the four-wheel walkers tend to stretch |
| thumb for correct handle height is to stand with | | | | over time and require re-adjustments to make |
| your arms straight at your side in a standing | | | | sure that the braking system is working optimally. |
| upright position and set the handles at the height | | | | In addition, all bolts and knobs should be tightened. |
| of you wrist, plus or minus an inch for individual | | | | Try Before You Buy |
| comfort. | | | | Make sure that you try out a four-wheel walker |
| Many four-wheeled walkers come with either a | | | | before you purchase. It is important you find a |
| flexible back or a rigid back. A flexible strap | | | | walker which is comfortable and the correct size. |
| comprises of a flexible plastic strap with or | | | | We carry a wide selection of new and used |
| without padding which acts as a backrest when | | | | four-wheel walkers and allow you to try in store |
| the user is in a seated position. The rigid back | | | | before you buy. You may also want to consider |
| option is a steel or aluminum tubing backrest | | | | renting a walker to see if it helps prior to |
| which usually comes with foam padding to make | | | | committing to a purchase. |