What walker to buy

[tedjohnson]

Hi. I am considering buying a three wheel walker as the one I have is a heavy four wheel stannah which a friend lent me. Although I have a wheel chair I want to walk around the house as much as possible

Any he.p or advice would be appreciated

Regards Ted

[cocoa]

I went to Assured Mobility and actually bought a four wheel one because it felt more stable. They have a very good website ... it does help if you know what you want when you go to the shop. They have some items in stock but will order and their delivery is quick. The added bonus is that there is no VAT to pay.

My mother, who also had ataxia, was advised that her three wheeler wasn't safe.

[Litty]

I too have a Stannah 4 wheels which is great for stability but has useless brakes and does not really fold well. The seat and carry net are really useful. I use it downstairs but the brakes outside on our sloping, gravel drive are awful so I tend to use my wheelchair as a walker.

A friend gave me their Dad’s old 3 wheel walker. I use it upstairs and in my daughter’s little car because it is light, folds easily and has much better brakes. I put a carrier bag over the handle to carry stuff.

If you can get out and try stuff then I would. In a perfect world I would combine the 2 walkers. 3 wheels is not as stable as 4. Good luck : )

[FFNick in reply to Litty]

Be aware there are indoor and outdoor wheeled walkers. Some with crude brakes last seen on a stagecoach. Check the maximum height suits you. Some fold to carry in a car.

4 wheeled walkers may have a seat and carry area under the seat. The seat is a good platform to carry things on. Washing up bowls and plastic buckets are excellent trays. Wheels on a vinyl flooring are much easier than carpet. Larger diameter wheels will move easier.

Although you may initially want the walker for indoor use, do not be surprised when you use the walker outdoors. A 3 wheeled walker may be more compact when used indoors. You may end up using walker everywhere, in house and outside on smooth surfaces (pavements).

In UK, physioterrorist can supply max of 2, 2x wheeled walkers, free. Freecycle and Facebook sell and seek groups are also good sources. Got most of my aids through that path.

Using a walker takes all the challenge out of getting about as you have found

[sylviagreenhalgh]

I use a folding lightweight walker outside - it is helpful for short distances and it collapses so I can put it on the back seat of the car when I go out. I have also been given a powered wheelchair that can be used indoors and outside. I was not allowed to go outside on my own until I had been assessed by the OT at Queen Marys Roehampton wheelchair services. My son came back from Dubai and went out with me a lot to practise but when you live alone you cannot always find someone to come out with you but I passed the assessment and went out on my own on the hottest day of the year- it is hard work as you need to concentrate hard and then you have to have somewhere to park it and charge it up. I am still driving short distances- you just have to work out a solution that suits you as everyone is different- I cannot use my hands much so a regular disability scooter is not OK as I cannot manage the controls. everyone who sees my lightweight walker always asks where I got- I got it from Coopers of Stortford and it costs £ 39 and worth every penny- good luck- all the best Sylviax

[Cubsfan]

I like a 2 wheeled Walker. It gives me stability

[murcia]

Wouldn't buy 3 wheeled not stable enough

[Amynah]

Don't buy 3 wheel not safe. Buy 2 front wheel and 2 back legs. So Walker has ;4 legs. I f you have carpet at home then by Walker glides

[Floramac]

I have a few four wheeled walker by drive its called nitro...agree with above comment about three wheeler not being stable .

[celtic1888]

I too need walker in house. 3 wheeler in my opinion is far better than 4 wheeler. I recently got bought one from chemist (lloyds) which has small tray and basket on front which can be taken of to allow folding up or for getting round bed etc. Hope this helps u

[Kazkaz]

Hi, my husband using a "Days" walker. It is sturdy and has a seat if he wants to sit down. Plus it has a brake as well.

[wobblybee]

You can get indoor rollators with a tray attached, that would be handy🙂 It would be a good idea to try before you buy, what suits one etc.... Look online for a supplier near you😊xB