Narrow Walkers for Seniors / Ultra Narrow Walkers

Why Narrow Walkers Are Often Used Indoors

In order to accomodate a standard wheelchair, a doorway must be about 36 inches wide. However, most regular doorways are significantly narrower than that. Although this can be problematic at times, there is a solution to this issue: Narrow walkers for adults, which have two-button folding features that help them to get through tight spaces. Since both sides are individually collapsible, it allows the user to simply collapse one side by clicking one button at a time to get the side of the walker in the doorway. The most common narrow adult walker type is the 2-button folding walker.

Another thing to notice about many narrow mobility walkers is that they often don’t have the exact same widths as many standard walkers. Even narrow walkers with wheels often have smaller-than-standard widths, usually anywhere between 25 inches and 29 inches on the outside. The larger widths are typically more common in bariatric models.

Narrow Walkers for Seniors: Things to Consider 

There are many things that a person needs to consider when they’re buying a narrow walker. A focus on safety is imperative, but convenience and portability are also critical factors. Here are some other crucial considerations to keep in mind when searching for the narrowest walker on the market:

Maximum Width

The maximum width is one of the most important things to consider when purchasing one of these walkers. It’s important to know that a person using the walker will be able to walk between doorways and walkways yet still maintain both their mobility and stability.

Weight Capacity

Weight capacity is the most important thing to look for when purchasing any walker, but with narrow walkers, it is just as important as the width. Many walkers can withstand weights up to 300 pounds on average (although some are available at 250 pounds). For heavier users, a bariatric walker that offers the necessary amount of weight bearing capacity needs to be purchased. Most of our bariatric walkers can hold anywhere from 400 to 500 pounds.

When pontificating about the weight limit of a walker, it’s important to ponder about how every single attachment is going to add weight to the walker and, ergo, subtract from the amount of body weight it will be able to hold. Wheels and glides don’t add to the walker’s weight capacity, but if a person isn’t careful, they can actually decrease the weight capacity of the walker if they put wheels on their device that aren’t compatible with the walker itself (such as attachable wheels). Either way, one must make sure that the combination of their own weight plus the weight of their accessories and carried items won’t be higher than the weight capacity of the narrow walker itself. If problems occur to a unit whose weight capacity has been exceeded, the warranty on a device may be voided by the manufacturer, and therefore the user is held liable since they didn’t follow the recommended instructions.

Portability Options: Two-Button Folding is Best

One of the great things about narrow walkers is their ability to fold. While some walkers do feature a smaller width, not all of them are as convenient as 2-button models. As mentioned above, 2-button folding walkers are the best narrow walkers for seniors because they are extremely lightweight and they can get into tighter spaces than standard folding walkers. However, they still provide exceptional mobility since they don’t have to completely fold. Along with this, 2-button models also have the ability to be folded completely so that they can be taken just about anywhere when travelling. Some narrow walkers can be compacted down to less than 24 inches wide for portability and storage.

Wheels or No Wheels?

One major question to think about is whether a walker that is being purchased is going to have wheels or not. Having wheels improves a lot of mobility, to be sure. Wheels can make the walker much faster for use, so the user can even walk at a more natural pace – but there is a sacrifice to some stability.

Just like with rollators, a walker with wheels is going to have the capability to move forward more easily, preventing the user from having to lift it as much. However, this also means that the walker may slip out if the user is not careful. Many falls that occur due to switching to a rolling walker take place because the user is used to lifting the walker up completely, which could cause loss of balance. Therefore, until they get accustomed to using a wheeled walker, it’s important that they take it slow.

Dependably Durable

One thing that is certain is that walkers are extremely resilient. It’s amazing to think that a metal alloy can be made to withstand up to 500 pounds, but this is possible. However, right along with weight capacity, the walker’s material is important as well. Most walkers are made of aluminum, but some walkers are made of stainless steel tubing. This product has its own unique benefits, but also its weaknesses.

Stainless steel is an exceptionally sturdy material, but it may be subject to the elements during use. Although the coating that protects the legs is meant to prevent or reduce the possibility of rust, it can corrode and deteriorate over time from exposure to moisture. When this occurs, rust often makes itself welcome. Many people choose rust resistant aluminum because of this reason alone. Aluminum is more lightweight in terms of materials (at least in many cases), and it has more resistance to the elements. 

Very Friendly Prices

Depending on the type of model or what features that are included, walkers can sometimes be quite inexpensive. However, ones that can hold larger amounts of weight are often on the costlier end. Narrow walkers with wheels may also cost a little more, depending on the brand, materials, and size. While most walkers range anywhere from just above $30 up to around $130 at the highest, all of our narrow walkers are less than $100. We understand that many people who need these walkers live on a fixed budget, and splurging means getting in the red. For this reason, we only offer affordable narrow walkers.

Check out our line of narrow walkers for seniors! We stock some of the most popular ultra narrow walkers, and we have a customer service team who cares about your needs and your health! If you have any questions, comments, or concerns, you can always feel free to call us at 1-877-813-7799 during our business hours, and speak to one of our professional representatives today!