5 main types of mobility walking aids
Rollators
Rollators, also known as wheeled walkers, are walking aids with wheels on all four legs. They also usually have a padded seat, backrest, and hand brakes!
Rollators are an excellent choice for people who need extra support and stability while walking but also need to take the occasional break. Rollators are easy to manoeuvre and provide a stable support base for outdoor and indoor walking.
Rollators are best suited for people with good upper body strength and can use the hand brakes to control the movement of the rollator. They are also a good choice for people who find it difficult to carry items while walking, as the padded seat can be a resting place for bags and other essentials.
Products like the Days 100 Series Lightweight Rollator have a built-in seat, encouraging rests during lengthier walks and ergonomic hand grips for optimal control.
Tri-Walkers
Tri-walkers, or ‘three-wheeled walkers’, are walking aids with three wheels and a single handlebar. They are easy to manoeuvre and can be used indoors and outdoors. Tri-Walkers can be fantastic for people who need support while walking but like to move quickly and easily.
Tri-Walkers are best suited for people with good balance and can control the walker's movement with one hand. They are also excellent for people who need to navigate tight spaces, as the narrow design of the walker allows it to fit through doorways and around corners.
The Uniscan Triumph is a terrific example of a first-class tri-walker, with a lightweight frame that folds flat, a rest seat, a caddy with cover and a walking stick holder.
Walking Frames
Commonly called Zimmer frames, walking frames have four legs and no wheels. Their handlebars help reduce the risk of falls by providing a stable base of support for the user.
Walking frames encourage better posture and balance while walking, which can help to reduce pain and improve overall bodily function. The adjustable height also ensures that the walking frame is at the correct level for the user, further aiding balance and posture.
Depending on your needs and the model you choose, walking frames have carrying compartments, like baskets or storage departments: this is particularly helpful for people who need to carry items such as groceries or medical supplies while out and about.
Models like the Drive DeVilbiss Folding Walking Frame are made from a foldable, lightweight aluminium frame for maximum convenience. If you’re always moving, you can choose an easy-to-operate frame that provides sturdy support and can be transported to suit your needs.
Walking Sticks
Walking sticks are one of the most common mobility aids that help with balance, stability and posture.
The stick provides an additional point of contact with the ground, reducing the risk of falls and improving your general sense of stability: this is particularly helpful for people with balance issues or weakness in one leg or side.
Walking sticks also encourage better posture and balance. They help to redistribute weight away from the weaker leg or side, reducing pain and discomfort in the lower limbs and back.
As a popular mobility aid, the walking stick market is full of versatile products. Countless handles and grips are available to suit different health requirements: this allows for greater comfort and functionality, as the user can choose a handle that best fits their grip and hand size.
Crutches
Crutches can significantly boost the mobility of people with lower limb injuries or disabilities. By taking weight off the affected leg, crutches allow users to move around safely without putting unnecessary strain on the injury or disability.
They are a type of mobility aid typically used in short-term rehabilitation scenarios, where they can bring increased independence to those recovering from a surgery or mobility-reducing incident.
Crutches help to reduce pain in the affected leg or limb by taking weight off it while walking. Their strength can be particularly helpful during the recovery phase, as it means the injury or disability can heal without being further aggravated by weight-bearing activity.