Ultimate Guide for Choosing Walking Aids

If you have limited mobility, a walking aid can give you the confidence to move around without the need to rely on other people. Various designs meet different needs to help you get around your home safely, go shopping or meet friends. A walking frame, trolley walker or rollator can open up new horizons. Here are some points to consider when buying one:

Walking Frames (also called Zimmers)

Rigid Walking Frame	Folding Walking Frame	Wheeled Walking Frame

These walking aids provide stability and balance, giving users assurance and improved mobility. They come in various sizes and are usually adjustable. Rigid and folding frames are both available with or without wheels. View all walking frames here.

WALKING FRAMES WITHOUT WHEELS

Frames with a wider base are generally more stable, however, if you want one for indoor use, measure your doorways to make sure you choose the right size for your home. When used outdoors, this kind of frame is best suited to level surfaces. Whatever width you choose, it’s important to get the right height so it is comfortable to use and provides the right support. You can find the right height similar to how you would for a walking stick, simply measure from the ground to your wrist bone with your arms at your side. Another thing to bear in mind is that rigid frames need to be lifted with every step you take to move forward. So if you tire quickly, a wheeled frame, which can be pushed forward, may be a better option.

WHEELED FRAMES

Two-wheeled walkers have wheels on the two front legs and rubber feet on the back legs. You move forward by lifting the back feet off the ground. This makes them easier to use than non-wheeled walking aids where the whole frame needs to be lifted up. There is no brake on the frame, but the back legs act as a brake when you put your weight on the frame.

FOLDING FRAMES

You can get foldable zimmer frames in both non-wheeled and wheeled versions. Both different types either have a draw string folding mechanism allowing the frame to fold front to back or alternatively the sides fold-in. This makes both easy to store and transport.

Trolley Walkers

Outdoor Trolleys	Indoor Trolleys	Folding Trolleys

You can choose an indoor trolley or outdoor trolley with or without wheels or brakes. Trolleys are made to give you support whilst walking as well as giving you some space to transport food or other items around the house or outside. View all trolleys here.

INDOOR TROLLEYS

An indoor trolley with non-slip plastic trays can help you carry meals, drinks or other items from room to room. Many of the trays clip on and are easily removed for cleaning. These versatile trays can also be used as a table to eat off or for hobbies. You can also get trolleys that can be folded and stored away.

OUTDOOR TROLLEYS

These usually consist of larger wheels and better storage to protect what you are carrying around from the weather. Outdoor shopping trolleys are very useful when bags are too heavy to carry and you need a bit of assistance getting your shopping home.

Rollators

Three Wheel Walkers	Four Wheel Walkers	Heavy Duty Rollators

These three and four-wheeled walkers are designed to be pushed and can be used indoors and out. The three-wheeled walker, also known as a tri-walker, has a single front wheel that swivels and two fixed rear wheels. Walkers with four wheels are wider and more stable, however, there are smaller designs more suitable for indoor use. Both designs have easy-to-steer wheels and brakes making them a good option for people with mobility issues who like to get out and about. A rollator with seat is great for when you need to take a breather while out walking. They come with stylish accessories, including bags and baskets. View all Rollators here.