A standard walker without wheels gives the most stability and can take more of your weight, but you lift it with each step. A two-wheel walker glides forward while staying stable. A rollator has three or four wheels, hand brakes and usually a seat, which suits people with better balance who tire on longer walks; it should not be used to bear heavy weight. Set handles at the crease of the wrist with arms relaxed.
The right walking aid depends on how much support you need and how far you want to go.
Compared
| Standard walker | Two-wheel walker | Three-wheel rollator | Four-wheel rollator | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stability | Highest | High | Moderate | Good |
| Weight-bearing | Most | Moderate | Light | Light |
| Speed | Slow | Moderate | Faster | Faster |
| Seat | No | No | No | Usually |
| Brakes | No | No | Yes | Yes |
| Best for | Recovery, poor balance | Steady walking with support | Tight indoor spaces | Longer walks, rests |
Fitting
- Handles at wrist crease with arms relaxed.
- Elbows slightly bent, about 15 to 20 degrees, when holding the handles.
- Seat height on a rollator that lets you sit with feet flat.
What to check
- Weight capacity.
- Folded size for the car.
- Brake type and ease of squeezing.
- Wheel size: larger wheels handle outdoor surfaces better.
- Accessories such as baskets, trays and cane holders.
Getting advice
A physical therapist can recommend the right aid and teach safe use, especially after surgery or a fall. Ask about coverage; see Medicare coverage.
For more support, see measuring for a wheelchair, and for less, canes and crutches. Make the home safer with grab bars.
Browse mobility aids.
Common questions
Is a rollator better than a walker?
Not for everyone. Rollators are faster and have a seat, but they roll and are less stable for people who need to lean heavily.
How should a walker be adjusted?
Stand upright with arms relaxed at your sides; the handles should line up with the crease of your wrist.
Can I sit on a rollator while someone pushes it?
No, unless it is a model designed as a combined rollator and transport chair. Standard rollators are not built to be pushed with someone seated.
Three-wheel or four-wheel rollator?
Three-wheel rollators are narrower and easier to steer indoors. Four-wheel rollators are more stable and usually have a seat.