The foldable standard walker is a mobility device that offers seniors and the elderly an added storage benefit in addition to allowing them to maintain an active lifestyle.
Standard (basic) walkers are usually used to provide support for a broken bone or when there are balance issues and the selection process must consider safety.
This article only compares two walker types – the standard (basic or traditional) walker, and the two-wheeled walker.
Walker Types
There are three types of walkers used for enhanced mobility in seniors and the elderly. These are the standard walker (two types), the three-wheel walker or rollator, or the four-wheel walker or rollator.
The latter two types have been discussed in detail in previous articles on this site. Each type is designed to suit different needs.
One of the numerous studies – Luz et al (2017) show that older adults who experience falls at home do not have an assistive device with them when they fall, resulting in severe injuries.
Standard walkers may be a traditional or two-wheel rolling design.
The traditional standard walker is most helpful for seniors who have balance issues and an unstable gait that requires that they place a significant amount of weight on a walker.
The two-wheel rolling walker is beneficial to seniors who have an unstable gait and who do not need to place a lot of their weight on the walker while moving around.
Differences between the Standard and Two-Wheel Walker
The traditional standard walker does not have wheels. It has four non-skid legs with the tips protected with a flat rubber cap. This walker is not designed for rapid movement.
To move, the user must lift the entire device with almost every step which may be a challenge for some users and this type of walker may not be a good fit.
A standard walker with two wheels on the front legs of the walker is called a two-wheel walker and increases the speed of mobility.
The two wheels in front, however, are in a fixed position and prevent easy maneuvering because they cannot be rotated. The two-wheel design also means that the walker may be less stable, requiring that the user navigate safely.
Key Features to Consider for the Foldable Standard Walker
The following features should be checked before making a final decision on whether to purchase:
Level of Stability
This is the most important feature to consider as it affects safety. Full balance requires placing most of the body weight on the walker. In this case, the traditional standard walker is recommended.
On the other hand, lighter balance support not requiring exerting most of the body weight on the walker would favor the use of a two-wheel walker.
Weight Capacity of the Foldable Standard Walker
This should be the next important feature to check. Most walkers have a specified weight capacity. They are rated to use up to 300lbs or about 136 kg.
It is recommended that users with weights that exceed this capacity should use a bariatric model design to accommodate their weight.
The Adjustability of Foldable Standard Walker Height
The walker handles should be adjustable to accommodate different heights and allow the customization of the walker to suit the height of the user.
Options for the Handle Grips
Most walkers come with plastic grips which can begin to hurt the hands with use over time if the walker is used regularly. There are handle grip options (sold separately) that can be used instead and they come in different styles and materials.
Examples include memory foam, micro fleece, Sherpa fleece, washable or anti-microbial fabric.
Storage of the Foldable Standard Walker
If there is a preference for storage in smaller spaces, a foldable standard walker may be a feature to consider.
Optional accessories for the Foldable Standard Walker
Various accessories for assistive devices are reviewed in a previous article.
The Foldable Standard Walker Options to Consider – 7 Options
LUMEX Walker, Lightweight Foldable Standard Walker (2 Wheels)
The LUMEX Walker gives independence, balance and support when traveling, shopping or day-to-day activities. It is lightweight and easy to take anywhere.
A dual release folding mechanism allows each side to be folded independently or simultaneously for easy transportation and storage.
Its narrow design allows easy maneuvering around furniture and through tight spaces. Made from high-grade aluminum tubing material.
Product details – Unique Features
- Item Weight: 3.63 Kilograms
- Product Dimensions : 32 x 20 x 17 inches
- Color: 7 colors Black, Gold, Pink, Plum, Blue, Red and Silver
- Weight Rating: Supports up to 300 lbs (~136 kg)
- Handlebar: Padded
- Handle Height: 32 inches -39 inches accommodates wide range of users and heights
- Comes with glide tips that replace rear leg rubber tips to enhance walker movement.
- Solid 5″ Wheels
- Narrow and stylish design
PROS – Low budget price, the lightweight feature makes lifting easy
CONS – No pouch accessory
STANDER EZ Fold-N-Go Lightweight Folding Travel Walker
A foldable compact walker The EZ Walker folds three times smaller than average rollators making this walker portable and easy to store.
It collapses like an umbrella stroller with the touch of a finger to stash the walker in your car or shopping cart. Made from high-grade aircraft aluminum.
Product details – Unique Features
- Item Weight: 3.63 Kilograms
- Product Dimensions : 91.44 x 55.88 x 49.72 cm (Boxed)
- Color: 3 colors – Black Walnut, Regal Rose, Cobalt Blue
- Weight Rating: Supports up to 250 lbs
- No assembly required
- Handlebar: Padded
- Handle Height: 32 inches -38 inches
- Easy one-hand folding makes for simple storage.
- Front Locking solid 6″ Wheels for indoor and outdoor use; rear glides
- Option: Choose fixed or swiveling wheels
- Accessories: Nylon pouch
- Narrow and stylish design
PROS – Low budget price, the lightweight feature makes lifting easy
CONS – Comes with a nylon pouch to store personal items
MEDLINE Compact Folding Paddle Walker
This standard walker has a unique paddle folding mechanism. The walker can be easily transported by folding or pulling up or pushing down on the padded ergonomic paddles.
It is designed to fit average height to tall users. Made from high-quality thickened stainless steel material.
Product details – Unique Features
- Item Weight: Light (Not provided by the manufacturer)
- Product Dimensions : 32.5 x 21.25 x 17inches
- Color: Blue
- Weight Rating: 350 lbs (approx 160 kg)
- Handlebar: Padded
- Accommodates users from heights of 5.5″ – 6.4″
- Handle Height: Adjustable heights from 32.5 inches – 39.5 inches
- No Wheels; Equipped with glides
PROS – Sturdy and stable; flat folding; Heights accommodate taller users
CONS – Manufacturer did not provide the width dimension of the walker; No accessories
SIGNATURE LIFE Folding Elite Travel Rolling Walker with 2 Wheels
The Signature Life Elite Travel Walker folds 4 times smaller than average walkers and rollators making this walker portable and easy to store.
The walker can be easily collapsed like an umbrella stroller at the touch of a button, making it easy to stash in the car, shopping cart, or overhead plane compartment.
The design is lightweight and is therefore easy to load and unload from a vehicle but it is also sturdy enough to safely support up to 400 pounds and keep personal items in the organizer pouch and storage basket.
There are two size models. One is a standard size with an adjustable height from 32 inches to 38 inches and is more suitable for users with heights between 5’6″ and 6’3′.
A short size model fits users between 4’11” and 5’7″ with adjustable height from 28″ – 33″.
Product details – Unique Features
- Item Weight: 3.63 Kilograms (8 lls)
- Product Dimensions : 32″x 25.5″ x 21.5″
- Color: Two-tone, black and grey
- Weight Rating: Supports up to 400 lbs (~181 kg)
- Handlebar: Padded
- Handle Height: 32 inches -38.5 inches
- Front Locking solid 6″ Wheels for indoor and outdoor use; rear glides
- Option: Choose fixed or swiveling wheels
- Accessories: Nylon pouch and mesh storage
- Narrow and stylish design.
PROS – Sturdy and stable; flat folding; Heights accommodate short and taller users
CONS – Has a higher budget price because of the enhanced features
NOVA MEDICAL Designer Folding Walker Package with Cane and Accessories
The NOVA Medical Designer Walker is stylish and lightweight. It has a two button release, providing great security. It is suitable for user heights of 5’4″ to 6’2.
Product details – Unique Features
- Item Weight: 3.18 Kilograms (~7 lbs)
- Product Dimensions : 32.5″x 23″ x 17″
- Color: Blue or Pink
- Weight Rating: Supports up to 400 lbs (~181 kg)
- Handlebar: Padded
- Handle Height: 32 inches -38 inches to
- Solid 5″ Wheels for indoor and outdoor use; rear glides
- Option: Choose fixed or swiveling wheels
- Accessories: There are 4 accessories – an offset cane, a black folding Walker bag, walker glide skis and a cane holder
- The cane only weighs 1lb and is made from lightweight aluminum. weighs only 1lb, handle height adjustments: 28 – 39 ( approximate user height: 4’11 – 6’5)
- The cane holder fits 7/8 diameter canes. It snaps on to the walker quickly and easily with no tools required.
- A folding walker bag attaches securely to the front of the walker. Has three front mesh pockets ideal for holding personal belongings.
- The glides attach easily to the folding walker (no tools). Glides easily over different surfaces.
PROS – Sturdy and stable; flat folding; Heights accommodate short and taller users
CONS – Has a higher budget price because of the enhanced features
NOVA MEDICAL Heavy Duty Bariatric 2-Button Walker With Front Wheels
Product details – Unique Features
This two-wheel bariatric walker design is for people with reduced mobility. It is a heavy duty folding walker that has a lightweight aluminum frame, 5 inch fixed wheels, and a two button release for great security.
The walker folds to 4 inch in width for easy transport and storage.
Product details – Unique Features :
- Item Weight: 3.84 Kilograms (~8. 45lls)
- Product Dimensions (Max): 29.25″ x 22.75″ x 39.5″
- Color: Blue or Pink
- Weight Rating: Supports up to 500 lbs (~227 kg)
- Handlebar: Padded
- Handle Height: 30.75 inches -39.5 inches
- Solid 5″ Wheels ; rear glides
PROS – Sturdy and stable; Two modes of fixed walking; Weight capacity up to 440 lbs.
CONS – No accessories
Conclusion – The Foldable Standard Walker
When looking to buy a walker, many seniors and the elderly would like to compare various models of the foldable standard walker using similar specifications and features.
The foldable standard walker is especially useful when traveling, running errands or doing activities around the house.
This round-up comparison of six models of standard walkers looks at the unique features of each model in terms of general product specifications and functional design features.
These include the product dimensions, stability, weight capacity and adjustability.
Leave a comment below if you find the article informative or if you have a question.
Related Articles
- How to Choose a Rollator. Safety Tips You Must Consider
- Walker Vs Rollator – How to Know the Difference
References
Standard Mobility Walkers https://mobilitybasics.ca/walking-aids/walkers-standard
Hey Ceci, I remember my father in his later years was too stubborn to use a walking frame like one that you are showcasing here, and totally hindered his freedom and made life so difficult.
It’s great to see a site like this that is there to help the older end and the backbone of our countries which unfortunately are forgotten about when they get to a certain age.
I know some people don’t like them but life is too short to worry about what others think, and if these walkers are the difference between going out into the fresh air or staying inside then I know what I would do.
My mother is at that age now and finds it difficult to walk properly, so what I will do is show her your review and see what she thinks.
Looking at the prices and they do seem very reasonable too.
Thank you for sharing and I will bookmark your website.
Thanks so much for the read and comment Mick. You will observe that there are more stylish walkers to overcome the anti-aging mindset – and some even come in different colors as well than we had a couple of years ago. This will encourage folks who need them to actually buy them.
Ceci
Hi Ceci! These look like great simple solutions for seniors to use a foldable standard walker. It looks easy to put in the car, travel with and getting around the house. I will highly recommend to my mom.
Thanks Alyse!
This is such an important and equally useful article on mobility walkers! I loved how beautifully laid out all the information was in this post- from product specification to functional design features! Oh, and you even included a pros and cons mini section! This is great because it helps to compare the four walkers in order to make a great informed decision.
As far as the walkers are concerned, I really like the EZ Fold-n-Go walker because of its ease of folding capability, as the name suggests. Also, I like that it is lightweight and has two wheels. However, I am not too much of a fan of its nylon pouch. I am wondering if I can get a different one with a different material to add to this walker? I would also look into a memory foam or anti-slip handle grip. my mom’s aunt is always complaining about her current walker and now i can get the EZ Fold-n-Go for her!
Thanks so much, Ceci for such an awesome article!
So delighted that you found benefit in this article Sasha! The nylon pouch is removable and can be easily replaced with a preferred option. There is another article that discusses accessories if you are interested. Here is the link https://metamorphosishub.com/how-to-choose-a-rollator-features-and-accessories/
Ceci
Ceci,
This is great information. My father had a walker that had a seat built into it since he had a really hard time standing for any period longer than 10-15 mins. Just before he passed last year, we ended up having to make quite a few adjustments to the house so that he could get his walker around and be able to move from the living room, to the bathroom, to his bedroom. It definitely made things a little difficult when he couldn’t get his walker around.
He had taken a pretty bad fall days before passing, and so he relied heavily on the use of his walker. I was only glad we were able to make space for him, otherwise I think he wouldn’t have been able to get around at all.
Thanks for sharing this useful information. I really enjoyed this.
Katrina
Thank you so much for the read Katrina! If you know the criteria (must haves) before you go shopping for a walker, you will cut to the chase and find one that is suited to your needs as you did for your father.
Ceci
Hi,
Looking at the Nova Medical Designer and it is sold out. Obviously a popular walker.
The Medline, although about 1/3rd of the price looked ok, but It doesn’t seem to be as well made as the others.
The top two Signature and Standard look to be really well made, and are probably worth the money being asked.
The Nova medical Heavy Duty doesn’t appeal,
Looking for something that’s fit for my purpose, and I have added my details to be informed when the Nova Medical Designer is back in stock.
Thanks for the detailed reviews. This is very helpful.
Hi Michael,
Delighted that you found value in this article. You are quite right, the Nova Medical Designer is a popular walker . There are now so many of them that it is getting easier to find one that you love. Smart move to request to be notified when it comes back!
Ceci
Hi Ceci,
What a great website! Your descriptions are great. I haven’t shopped for walkers, but I never knew their were so many different styles, and varieties in accessories. I am impressed with the Nova Medical because it includes a cane and has a large pouch to carry necessary items, like a phone and eyeglasses!
I noticed that some have glides while others have a rubber foot. I wondered which would be the most secure for balance?
Thank you for helping our senior community.
Hi Chas,
The traditional standard walker is most helpful for seniors who have balance issues and an unstablle gait that requires that they place a significant amount of weight on the walker. The 2-wheel rolling walker is particularly helpful for seniors who have an unstable gait and who do not need to put a lot of weight on the walker while moving around.
Ceci