How to Measure for a Walker
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All walkers are not created equal. Depending on the ailment or injury, you need a specific walker to fit your needs. Most, if not all walkers are height adjustable. Walkers typically weigh anywhere from 8-18 lbs, depending on the style or accessories that you add. Folding walkers are the most common walkers available. There are other types of walkers out there, such as, knee walkers, pediatric, adult, and bariatric walkers. Accessories such as wheels, skis,trays, and bags can be added for additional comfort and convenience. In the DME ( Durable Medical Equipment) business a walker with a seat is commonly called a rollator ( ROLL-ater). You have probably seen them...a walker with hand breaks, a seat, and a basket underneath. A lot of people prefer these to the traditional walker because they can have a seat if they were to become tired. Most people that we see use these rollators are people with conditions such as COPD ( chronic obstructive pulmonary (PULL-mun-ary) disease, which is a progressive disease that makes it hard to breathe. Other conditions include asthma, bronchitis, edema, diabetes, or even amputees. There are several walkers and rollators on the market so make sure you are well informed before you make a decision
Most people are comfortable with the walker handles just below the waistline. Handle height preferences are usually within the adjustment range of the walker. For starters, walkers typically are classified like this:
- Adult Walkers (fits most 5' 2" - 5'11")
- Tall Walkers (fits most 5' 11" - 6'4")
- Junior Walkers (fits most 4' 8" - 5' 2")
- Petite Walkers (fits most 4' 8" - 5')
- Pediatric Walkers (toddler - youth sizes, Posterior and Anterior, Gait Trainers, Standers)
- Heavy-Duty Walkers (up to 500-lb weight capacity)
- Bariatric Walkers (up to 1000-lb weight capacity)
Here is how you measure for a walker or rollator:
1.Stand behind the walker with your arms and hands hanging at your sides and both feet in line with the rear wheels.
2.Adjust the height of the walker handles so that they are even with your hip joint.
3.When you stand straight and grip the handles, your arms should be slightly bent at your elbows (approx 20 to 30 degrees).
Keep in mind this is a "general measurement guide" since there are all kinds of users. Most rollators have a 4"-6" handle adjustment and walkers have about the same. Junior size walker and rollators work well for users 4" 8" up to 5'2" and have a 250lb-300lb weight capacity. Standard Adult-size walker and rollators work for 5'3" up to 5'11". Tall-size walker and rollators will fit 5'11" - 6'4". Some rollators offer Tall handlebar extensions if needed. Seat sizes range from 13" to 18" for Standard Adult sizes and up to 22" for heavy-Duty and even wider for Bariatric rollators.
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