The quality of your life depends a lot on your moving ability. Injuries and pain resulting from tension on weight-bearing limbs when moving can cause bariatric patients to lose mobility. Moreover, along with it, their quality of life is also hampered.
So, what is the solution for such bariatric patients? The answer is bariatric walkers. If you’re looking for the greatest walkers, look no further. We compared all of the major companies’ products in detail for the final battle.
We analyzed quality, comfort, usability, seating and distilled the results into this brief evaluation. Selecting the perfect rolling walker for your needs need not be a hassle since we’ve already done all the legwork for you.
We have your back – Whether you are searching for a walker that is only a touch more sturdy than regular or the greatest bariatric walker available. Please continue reading to learn about our top selections for your budget and needs.
So, without any further delays, let us just dive right into it!
What is a Bariatric Walker?
Bariatric equipment, to put it simply, are tools that have been specifically created for persons who are overweight or obese. They are much more durable, sturdier, and wider than standard mobility aids.
A bariatric walker is a lightweight, extra-sturdy, waist height, wide metal frame. It sports four height-adjustable legs. These legs might have two or four wheels or none at all. They are made to cater to larger people who may require extra stability or balance whilst strolling.
Such walkers are also available in extra-wide and extra-tall sizes. A standard walker, for instance, may only hold 250 pounds, whereas a bariatric model may handle around 600 pounds.
The term “bariatric” is derived from the Greek terms “baros” (weight) as well as “iatrics.” ‘Iatrics’ Implies medical treatment. There aren’t any precise weight capacity requirements for bariatric gear.
However, the majority of assistive devices in this area will handle 400 pounds or beyond.
Who Can Benefit from Bariatric Walker?
When strolling, a walker provides you with a larger support base, which improves your stability and balance. Weight-bearing too is aided by such mobility assistance. By pressing down on your walker with arms, you can take considerable pressure off your legs.
This relieves leg stiffness and soreness while also improving gait and pressure. A walker may greatly enhance your mobility, muscle strength, and endurance while using very little energy to address balance concerns.
It is especially advantageous if you have respiratory problems, heart illness, or tire easily. Individuals choose a bariatric walker over a conventional type for three reasons:
- You want the sturdiest rolling walker one can find.
- You desire a wider, better cushioned seat with extra legroom.
- You have a weight of more than 300 pounds. (Most normal walkers have a maximum weight of this amount.)
Irrespective of the sort of bariatric rollator users purchase, your cherished one will gain the following features:
- Greater mobility—It is a great mobility tool and exponentially increases the user’s quality of life.
- Easiness—Bariatric rollators and walkers provide people with a seat to utilize whenever they become fatigued. It’s particularly useful in communal places like hospitals and shopping malls, where there might be a shortage of seats.
- Portability—In contrast to wheelchairs, which are difficult to move, any wheeled walker allows folks to move swiftly. Four or three-wheel walkers are easily folded to accommodate in the car trunk. Since they can be folded, these walkers are simple to keep at home or in public places.
- Independence—Adults who use these bariatric rollators can now go around sans the aid of a caregiver or nurse. There’s no issue with asking someone to keep the users’ belongings for them. Bariatric rollators include storage bags wherein elders may place their smartphones, keys, water bottles, and other items.
A Glance of Top Five Bariatric Walkers
Not being able to move optimally is one of the greatest impediments in life. The patients see the impacts of restricted movements due to old age or severe injuries as a daily struggle.
Even though suffering is an inevitable part of everybody’s life, as humans, we have the power to at least reduce the friction that life confers on us.
For bariatric patients, walkers become their greatest ally. From improving the quality of movement to enhancing the quality of their lives, patients and senior citizens can live a life of reduced struggle regularly.
After thorough research through numerous products, we’ve compiled the top five bariatric walkers that will assist you in the best way possible.
- Best Overall: Medline Premium Rollator Walker, Black.
The product manufactured by Medline is a solid one. It covers everything from large and strong wheels, cushioned backrest, extra-wide seat, and greater walking space.
If you’re looking for a bariatric walker that’s lightweight and easy to carry, this is the one. With a weight of only 15.4 pounds and a side-folding frame design, it caters to all bariatric needs.
- Budget-Friendly: Lumex Walkabout Lite Rollator With Seat.
The product manufactured by Lumex is a great budget-friendly bariatric ally you can get home. The walker is equipped with a wide padded seat and a padded backrest for comfort.
- Foldable: Drive Medical Two Button Folding Walker.
If your goal is to have a walker that’s foldable and convenient, the Drive Medical Folding walker is a great choice. The walker offers great stability and is suitable to manoeuvre through narrow spaces. The aluminum construction makes the walker sturdy and reliable.
- Travel-friendly: The Space Saver Walker By Able Life.
If you are a frequent traveler and confined to a walker, the Space Saver Walker by Able Life is a profound product. The walker is equipped with a pair of wheels and is compact and easy to fold. Its 19-inch base makes it easy to fit in narrow spaces.
Top Five Bariatric Walkers: Reviews
By all means, a bariatric walker will amplify the experience of life through seamless mobility. However, there are certain features to keep in mind before buying a bariatric walker.
Patients who are going through hip and back problems, arthritis, respiratory issues, or severe injuries need a bariatric walker without fail. It is unrealistic to expect a life without a bariatric walker. However, not all bariatric walkers are reliable. There are cases where walkers have caused accidents.
So, it is important to make an informed decision before making a decision.
Medline Premium Rollator Walker, Black
Medline’s Premium Rollator Walker is one of the most highly recommended bariatric walkers out there. The walker has all the features you’re looking for in a walker.
The bariatric walker is equipped with 8-inch large wheels and an extra-wide swing-up foam seat that confers more walking space to the user. It has a locking brake system and other essential features like a removable cup holder, a cushioned reversible backrest, an under-seat storage bag, and well-marked adjustment points.
The rollator bariatric walker is suitable for any individual between the height range of 4’11 to 6’4. It also has an excellent load-bearing capacity of 300 pounds, which is optimal.
The seat’s dimensions are 16 by 14 inches, and the height of the seat can be adjusted between 21 to 25 inches.
The walker also has antimicrobial protection, which is Micro Ban technology disables the growth of odor, stain, mildew, mold, and bacteria.
Pros
- An extra-wide foamed seat, which folds for extra walking space
- Micro Ban technology for antimicrobial protection
- Flexible height adjustments
- A cushioned reversible backrest
Cons
- Four wheels can at times be risky
- A plethora of features overwhelm older people
Hugo Mobility Explore Side-Fold Rollator Walker with Seat
The Hugo Mobility Side-Fold Rollator is the lightest bariatric walker you can get. The weight of the walker is merely 15.4 pounds. The pearl black version of the product simply enhances the overall look.
The bariatric walker is also convenient to carry as it immediately folds with a strap pull on the side. Once folded, it can smoothly fit in a car trunk or be hand-carried since it’s pretty light. The walker is equipped with a padded seat and a full-fit contoured backrest, making it a comfortable mobile walker.
The product is excellent for maintaining your posture since the full-fit contoured backrest does the work. Especially, patients who suffer from hip and back problems will find the product helpful.
The walker has ergonomically designed handgrips and handles bars that can be adjusted according to your height. You’ll also find a storage bag under the seat. The walker has an optimal load-bearing capacity of 300 pounds, making it a strong and sturdy companion.
Pros
- It is easy to store because of its folding system
- The walker is lightweight, only 15.4 pounds
- It has a load-bearing capacity of 300 pounds
- The walker is equipped with padded seats and a full-fit contoured backrest
Cons
- The walker can be problematic for tall users
- The wheels’ durability is doubtful for outdoors
Lumex Walkabout Lite Rollator with Seat
Budget-friendly bariatric rollers are a great choice if you’re looking to keep an emergency walker in handy.
Graham-Field manufactures this bariatric walker, and the Champagne color is the best seller. The total weight of the walker is 17 pounds. However, it is constructed with aluminum which is a good indicator for durability.
The Lumex Walkabout Lite Rollator is a good budget-friendly product out there. The bariatric walker is not any less than other rollators out there. However, its durability can be doubtful.
The walker has a loop braking system and stops on-demand swiftly. The manufacturers have paid close attention to varying user heights and have designed handles ergonomically. The seats are 14 inches wide and are padded, making usability comforting. The walker also comes with a storage basket, which can be connected in the front or under the seat.
The wheels are durable and strong for both indoor and outdoor usage.
Pros
- The walker has adjustable handles
- Wheels are 6 inches
- The product is lightweight, below 15 pounds
Cons
- Foldability is an issue
- Brakes can be challenging for users with a weak grip strength
Drive Medical Two Button Folding Walker
Drive Medical’s two-button folding walker is a classical bariatric walker and is an excellent go-to product if you’re indecisive.
The standard bariatric walkers are hard to find in the era of rollator walkers. However, this one product is a semi-rollator walker.
Drive Medical’s bariatric walkers are known for their strength and durability. Additionally, it comes with the comfort of a lightweight and two-button folding system.
The bariatric walker comes with two sturdy wheels and hand grips contoured with vinyl. Each side of the walker functions independently, allowing smooth movement, especially through narrow spaces.
The swift push-button mechanism makes it easier for a user to fold the walker when not in use. Foldability is of great merit, making the product easy to store anywhere inside the house. The aluminum-constructed body also imparts excellent strength to the walker.
Pros
- Ergonomically designed handles
- Two-button folding mechanism
- Aluminum-constructed body
Cons
- Seatless walker
The Space Saver Walker By Able Life
If you’re an avid traveler, here is a bariatric walker that suits you best.
The Space Saver Walker by Able Life is a smart product built for those who travel frequently. A heavy and robust walker causes inconveniences. However, this walker can fit easily in tight spaces.
The Space Saver Walker manufactured by Able Life is the smallest bariatric walker in the world. All it takes is lifting a tab for the walker to coil itself into a six-inch diameter.
The bariatric walker is also the lightest, weighing 6 pounds. It is a delight to carry it on flights and drives. You can also adjust the height of the walker with the touch of a button.
Note: The product is good if used only when traveling. Its usability is doubtful for rough daily use.
Pros
- It is the smallest walker in the world
- The walker weighs only 6 pounds
- It has a single-button mechanism for adjusting the height
- Easy to fit in tight spaces
Cons
- A seatless walker
- Wheels cannot rotate 360 degrees
Things To Consider Before Buying A Bariatric Commode: a Buyer’s Guide
Here are some things to think about while selecting the best bariatric walker for your loved one:
The User’s Weight Limit
People weighing around 500 pounds can always use bariatric walkers or rollators. When selecting a unit, cross-verify the equipment’s weight capacity for confirming that it corresponds to the user’s weight.
This will ensure that you buy the proper model. It will greatly lessen the chances of the user falling. We’d say that the weight capacity is perhaps the most important aspect to know, particularly if it’s intended for overweight people.
You wouldn’t want to be left with such a bariatric rollator walker that cannot support the user’s weight. It will be inconvenient for the user. Moreover, it will also be dangerous because the walker may break down while in use.
Where Will You Use It
If you want to use your walker mostly inside, a lightweight aluminum version will suffice. Nevertheless, be certain it can hold the weight properly. For walkers intended for outdoor usage, high-strength ought to be a major priority.
A regular walker is suitable for indoor use, while a two-wheeled variant is preferable for outdoors. If the user is going to use the rollator indoors, go for one which has smaller wheels. You must make sure the wheeled walker goes through house doors.
Moreover, it must be maneuvered easily into rooms and down the hallways. Choose a rollator having wheels that are around 8 inches wide for outdoors.
Comfort
If you’re going to buy a four-wheeled rollator, make sure it includes a backseat and padded seat. It will make sitting on the bariatric equipment comfier for the occupant.
User’s Requirements
Inquire if your loved one if they require a portable seat. If they answered yes, you must consider purchasing a four-wheel bariatric rollator.
If they respond negatively, a three-wheeled model will suffice.
Braking System
Push brakes, Loop brakes, and Rollator brakes are the most common brakes found in bariatric rollator walkers. The ones with Push down brakes bag the title of best type out of these three options.
The remaining two take some muscular strength to help the walker to a full halt. On the other hand, push-down brakes merely ask the person to apply light pressure on their walker while bending forward.
However, the style of brake to choose is based on your personal preferences and what the user is comfortable with. Just ensure that the quality is top-notch. They used to be reliable enough to avoid accidents at all times.
Handles That Are Height-Adjustable
The handle’s level ought to be changeable to accommodate the patient’s height. Your loved one slouching while moving the bariatric walker is something you don’t want to encounter.
Weight/Size
The equipment’s weight can influence its portability, as bulkier options are more difficult to move. Furthermore, large options might not even fit within your vehicle’s trunk, particularly if you own a Mini Cooper. A bariatric walker must not weigh more than 30 pounds.
Seat’s Height
This is especially true if you are purchasing the four-wheel model. The seat height must be variable to ensure the user does not sit too near to the floor. If an individual’s seat is extremely low, it might be hard for them to rise.
Seats on conventional walkers are typically 17 inches wide. Hence, it is a tad on the short side for an average-sized person. Moreover, every inch may play a huge role in terms of convenience and maneuverability into or out of the walker’s seat.
Handles
The finest bariatric rollator ought to have ergonomically constructed handles. Your beloved will utilize the bariatric rollator for longer lengths of time this way.
Storage Bag
Essentials, including smartphones, handbags, wallets, and caps, must all have sufficient room inside the storage container.
Wheels
Large wheels are recommended. It would allow the rollator to travel easily, even on uneven ground, which would be very useful outside. The walker’s wheels simply aren’t there to push it around.
In addition to sufficient friction plus agility, the wheels must be of good quality and durable. After all, the user’s weight would ultimately fall on them once they sit. However, aside from strength, the correct wheels ought to handle any terrain, wet or dry.
When purchasing a bariatric rolling walker, consider the condition of the equipment’s wheels. Indoors, these wheels should be safe and not destroy hardwood floors or even other kinds of flooring.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Now we hope you all have become experts in bariatric walkers! But don’t worry. If you still have certain lingering questions, we are not going to turn on you. Here are some commonly asked questions which might help you immensely.
Answer: Bariatric walkers have been meant to be broader than regular walkers as they are heavy-duty tools. Hence, they are wider than the conventional walkers. Certain bariatric walkers have a width of 23 to 28 inches.
Answer: The two terms are sometimes misunderstood. Though both are designed to make it easier for the aged to move, there is a significant distinction between them. When walking with walkers, you must lift them with each step, and they do not have wheels.
Rollators, however, is fitted with wheels and thus require only pushing while moving.
Answer: If your feet are shaky or you have trouble maintaining your postural stability, a walker may help. A cane, however, can be useful if stiffness or discomfort on one side of the body makes it difficult to walk or maintain balance.
The decision between a cane or a walker is finally based on a number of considerations, like your strength, fitness level, and balance. It’s advisable to talk to a physiotherapist before deciding on a gadget that’s right for you.
Answer:
1-Read the instructions to walk effectively with your rollator.
2-Standing near to the rollator & gripping the handles is a good idea. Make absolutely sure you’re centered and positioned between both the back wheels.
3-Walk properly and in a regular pattern. It’s best to place much of the body weight on the legs. However, maintain your arms just on handles and utilize the rollator as necessary for assistance.
4- Hold the rollator near to you and traveling at a regular rate by using the brakes.
5-To turn, pivot your body in tiny steps, retaining the walker in front. The walker would follow you around the corner. Only use one side of the brakes for sharper corners. When turning right, for instance, apply the right brake while releasing the left one.-
Answer: When compared to any conventional size Rollator, the heavy-duty one is wider. Due to its restricted pound weight capacity, the conventional rollator is not really a suitable fit for many obese and large users.
Heavy-duty bariatric walkers get created with the weight capabilities of large persons in consideration. Such heavy-duty walkers have a weight capacity of over 500 pounds.
The distance between the two handles is indeed exceptionally wide to make it easier for consumers with larger to maneuver.
Final Words
A bariatric walker is a great way to improve the quality of your life. If an individual incurs a severe injury or if we consider older people, life without external assistance becomes unrealistic.
Following are the key takeaways.
- A bariatric walker is an assistance mechanism for people who suffer from old age, arthritis, obesity, severe injuries, or hip/back problems.
- Bariatric walkers are primarily of three types: a standard bariatric walker, a semi-rollator bariatric walker, and a rollator walker.
- Before buying a bariatric walker, it is important to consider various factors like seating, braking system, handles, wheels, load-bearing capacity, and beyond.
- There are multiple purposes that bariatric walkers serve, like foldability, budget-friendliness, lightweight, travel purpose, emergency purpose, and much more.
Our top pick is the
Medline Premium Rollator Walker, Black
Continue reading:
Elenker Knee Walker Review and Guide