Four-Wheeled Walker Options

Age or certain medical conditions may cause impaired mobility. An impaired individual may need support to walk properly. Canes or walkers can be used for this purpose. These have a disadvantage in that they need to be lifted off the ground with each step. This proves to be cumbersome and difficult for many people. This led to the development of four-wheeled walkers as an alternative.

Wheeled Walkers

• A wheeled walker, also called a rollator, is a walker with wheels. It has an adjustable frame that can be adjusted at a comfortable position for your height, and wheels at the base. The main advantage of the wheeled walkers is that they do not have to be lifted. You can push them to get adequate support to move forward. They do not have any batteries or engine. You can control the pace and movement of the walker with your muscle power. You can use the walker as per your requirements -- for supporting or stabilizing -- by controlling the force with which you push the walker.

Wheeled Walker Options

• Wheeled walkers are available with three wheels as well as four wheels. Three-wheel walkers are easier to maneuver, but are less stable as compared to four-wheel walkers. Four-wheel walkers are easy to push especially if it has larger wheels that swivel. If you continually need to lean against the walker frame for support, it is best to choose a four-wheel walker that has the option of a "step lock." In this walker, the locks engage between steps, ensuring that the walker frame does not run away when you lean on it.

Essential Features

• An important feature for a four-wheel walker is that it should be lightweight itself while supporting adult weights. Usually, aluminum is used for making the walker frames as it is a lightweight material. In case of people weighing over 250 pounds and requiring a wheeled walker, it is recommended to opt for walkers with stainless steel frame. These are heavier but offer better support. The brakes on the walker are also essential to enable the user to have a sense of control on the walker. The four-wheel walkers may have hand brakes to stop movement or spring-loaded brakes that become effective on pushing down with weight. Such brakes are preferred in users who do not have adequate motor dexterity to squeeze the hand brakes.

Special Features

• The four-wheel walker should be designed to be practical as well as durable. Several walkers are available that can be folded for convenient storage, when not in use. This also ensures that the walker can be carried in cars or vans, when the user is traveling. Other walker features include a removable or folding basket that can be used for storage. Certain walkers also come equipped with seats for users to rest when fatigued.