Even though drive folding walkers are simple and somewhat bland, they are very functional accessories that will prove to be useful if you are having problems with mobility.
Your mobility could be affected because of a wound, injury or surgery. They are also used for providing balance and stability to elderly people while walking. They are supportive, so they eliminate the need of getting help from third parties.
Their foldable design makes it easy for them to be stored and transported from one place to another. If you are shopping for a new walker, here is a list of the top 10 best drive medical folding walkers with wheels in 2018 to consider.
Drive Medical Dual-Pad Steerable-Knee Walker
If you have a loved one that is getting relief from foot surgery, sprains, breaks or amputation, buying them this walker will be a great thing to do. It features a durable steel frame that has a silver vein finish.
You can steer it for improved mobility. It is equipped with a removable basket that can come in handy when the user is walking outside and needs to buy some things. The walker can be folded easily for ease of storage and transportation.
Drive Medical Deluxe Two Button Folding Walker
If you are searching for a walker that can be an ideal solution for performing daily activities, you need to give this one a try. It combines durability and strength with ease of use and light weight. It has a unique push button mechanism that allows the user to fold it easily.
The frame is U-shaped to offer greater clearance. Its five inch wheels are perfect for use on different terrains and the adjustable height and contoured hand grip makes it easy to use.
Drive Medical Adult Knee-Walker Crutch Alternative
This knee walker is a great alternative to crutches. It features a lever lock that can be adjusted to allow either the right hand or left hand to be used. Converting it from right leg use to left use is absolutely easy.
You do not need any tools to do that. It comes with a lever brake that ensures safety and eight inch caster wheels that ensure a smooth ride on most types of surfaces. It is an ideal walker for use both inside and outside.
Drive Medical Trigger Release Folding Walker
There is a trigger release feature on this folding walker that allows the user to close it without necessarily removing their hands from the handle. This makes it an ideal walker for people that have limited finger dexterity.
The trigger release is composite and durable and can be reached with all hand sizes. It is resistant to cracking and breaking. Other features include the ribbed and soft contoured handgrips that relieve pressure on the hand of the user and the lightweight frame that ensures durability and maximum strength.
Drive Medical Side Style Hemi One Arm Walker
This walker is amazing. It is designed for individuals with the use of a single arm or hand. It is more stable compared to a cane and lighter than a walker. It is ideal for someone that does not need a walker but requires a wide base for support.
If you have got a loved one who just suffered the stroke and needs some stability, this one arm walker is will be the perfect choice for them. Walking in narrow spaces with it is absolutely easy.
Drive Medical Deluxe Clever-Lite Rollator Walker
This walker features front wheels that can be set in either fixed or swivel position to provide the smooth transportation over different surfaces. It allows the user to sit on it or use it like any other walker by stepping inside the frame after raising the seat.
It has the dual lever and side paddle release that allows the user to fold it with ease. The backrest is soft and comfortable to provide the user with stability and comfort while seated.
Drive Medical Deluxe Two Button Folding Universal Walker
This walker is made of sturdy anodized aluminum that ensures maximum strength while at the same time remaining lightweight. Its height can be adjusted in order to accommodate people of different heights. The side brace can also be adjusted in order to provide extra stability.
It comes equipped with an easy push button mechanism that the user can operate by fingers, side of the hand, or palms. Every side of the walker operates independently. This provides greater stability while standing and provides easy movement through narrow spaces.
Drive Medical 1239BL Two-Wheeled Walker
The support and comfort provided by this walker make it a great mobility aid for people that experience weakness in their legs or have problems keeping balance. It has a large swivel front that eliminates the need for picking up the unit in advance.
This allows for smooth and easy movement. This walker also comes with a convenient seat that has a comfortable backrest to allow the user to take a break wherever they go. If you need to stop the walker, it is very simple. You just need to press down the rear legs to the brake.
Drive Medical Deluxe Portable Folding Travel Walker
This is a nice walker that easily folds to half the size of a traditional walker without using any tools. It comes with a “ready to go” pouch that makes it easy to store.
Its legs come attached with elastic cords that make it absolutely easy to fold flat for ease of storage and transportation.
It has five inch wheels and rear glide skis that allow smooth transportation on all types of surfaces. It is much more durable, so it will be a great buy.
Drive Medical Lift Walker with Retractable Stand Assist Bars
This walker is meant for individuals that need assistance with sitting or standing on their own. It provides safe, convenient and assisted independence wherever and whenever it is needed.
It also provides the emotional benefit that arises when a person that is physically challenged and achieves a measure of independence in their day to day life.
It helps boost their self-esteem. Its retractable stand assist bars are very easy to deploy.
How to pick the best walker for your senior
Depending on the specific needs of the individual you should consider the following when doing your research:
1. Construction materials – Is it sturdy enough for the individual who will be using it. Some units are poorly made and will not provide the needed support when used. Look for heavier gauge aluminum and ensure the bolts and nuts do not work their way loose during use.
2. Does it fold up – Folding walkers are more versatile and easily put into use when they need to go to the grocery store. The design should allow the unit to fold, but also make it easy to collapse and unfold without much effort.
3. Does it have wheels or just rubber tipped legs. For maximum use, wheeled systems are more efficient in helping the senior move about the home or store. If it has wheels on the bottom, there will be hand brakes to help control the dev ice more effectively.
General Types of Medical Walkers
Nowadays, there are a myriad of designs, styles and features of medical walkers available in the market. They are different in their number of wheels, wheel sizes, frame material, frame sizes, folding systems, height adjustments, accessories and other features. Some of the more common types and designs are described here.
Standard Medical Walkers
Standard medical walkers consist of 4 legs held by a lightweight but durable and rigid frame. It is usually made of aluminum. Users need to have a certain level of upper body strength and movement coordination because they need to grip the handles of the walker, lift the walker and move it forward.
Rolling Medical Walkers
Rolling medical walkers are wheeled walkers. There are walkers with wheels only on the rear legs and there are walkers with wheels all on their 3 or 4 legs. The 3-wheeled or 4-wheeled walkers are more popularly known as rollators.
Because of their easier mobility, these rolling medical walkers are more popular than standard walkers with users who have lower levels of strength and balance. Users do not need to lift them. They just roll them and then walk.
There are also numerous designs and styles of rolling medical walkers. They are different in the designs of their braking systems, storage accessories, seating systems and handles.
Most rolling medical walkers are used with their frame in front of the user while walking. Some researchers however have recommended that children with disabilities are better helped by walkers with the frame behind them.
Hemi Medical Walkers
Hemi medical walkers are one-handed walkers and are used by persons who have limited or no dexterity with one hand or arm. These walkers have four leg extensions and are handled like a quad cane. These walkers also need a certain level of body strength and movement coordination because they need to lift the walker and then move it forward.
Reciprocal Medical Walkers
Reciprocal medical walkers are used by persons with higher levels of body strength and movement coordination. These have swivel joints that allow the user to move forward one side of the frame alternatively and independently of the other side.