Looking for the best 4 wheel walkers? With so many to choose from a such a wide range of features and prices, it can be hard to make a decision.
Walkers and rollators can be a very important purchase for many seniors, as they can significantly improve quality of life, allow for a more active lifestyle, and help regain freedom and independence.
There are various types of walkers to choose from, each with varying structural designs and features, and there are countless models within each group.
All of this variety can make it a challenge (or at least seem like one) to find the best walker or rollator, and this often leads to chaotically spending hours researching different types and models.
This guide will provide digestible information on exactly what a 4 wheel walker is, to useful tips and things to look out for when shopping for this particular type of rollator.
Let’s start with our top Four Wheel Walker picks.
- OUR TOP PICK
Medline Premium Empower Rollator Walker
Drive Medical Nitro Euro Style Red Rollator Walker
Essential Medical Featherlight Demi Four Wheel Rollator Walker
Overview
Exceptional Value
For under $200, this rollator from Medline is suitable for people from 4 foot 11 to 6 foot 2 tall and comes with various additional features, including a cup holder, a tray, and a removable storage bag.
It is designed with comfort in mind, featuring a comfy memory foam seat and cushioned reversible backrest.
This particular model weighs just 17 lbs and can support seniors who weigh up to 300 pounds.
Comfort +
This red ultra-compact collapsible rollator from Drive Medical has a lightweight aluminum frame.
It features built-in brake cables to prevent you from tripping over them or getting them caught in objects along the road.
It has a comfortable nylon seat, complete with back support, and has large front wheels for good ride quality.
Super Lightweight
This featherweight walker from Essential Medical Supply was specially made for petite users.
Specifically, people from the heights of 4′ foot 8″ to 5′ foot 4″ can use this particular model.
It comes with a basket and removable pouch and has easy to use loop-lock brakes.
Weighing just 14 lbs, it is one of the lightest four-wheel walkers you will find.
Features
- Comfy rollator walker retailing for around $186, featuring an easily foldable design
- Large and comfy memory foam seat with a cushioned reversible backrest
- Built-in Antimicrobial Product Protection
- Weighs just 17 lbs and suitable for persons up to 300 lbs
- Has a cup holder, tray and removable storage bag for added functionality
- Great, well-rounded rollator with a lightweight aluminum frame
- Large front wheels for improved ride quality and comfort
- Comes with a removable zippered bag
- Built-in brake cables for safety and convenience
- Has a comfy nylon seat and backrest
- Lightweight design and build, with many components made from reinforced aluminum
- Weighs just 14 lbs, specially designed for people between 4′ foot 8″ to 5′ foot 4″ tall
- Comes with a basket and removable pouch
Features loop-lock brakes and has a weight capacity of up to 250 lbs - Easily foldable and transportable
What is a 4-Wheel Walker & How Does it Compare to Other Walkers and Rollators?
First, let’s take a look at precisely what 4 wheel walkers are and how they differ from other popular types of walkers and rollators.
Simply put, a four-wheel rollator is a walker with a frame, a seat, handlebars, and four legs, each with a wheel attached. As this particular type of walker has wheels, you don’t need to lift it up and move it a few inches forward with pretty much every step as you would with a standard frame walker. So, it can be a much better alternative to wheel-less walkers for most seniors, especially if they have weak arms or very low endurance and get easily get fatigued.
Furthermore, as wheeled walkers easily roll along the ground, they are much quicker and allow you to cover much more ground in the same amount of time than a wheel-less walker.
The seats can be used to rest in, so this is another excellent benefit of a four-wheeled walker over three wheeled walkers (which don’t have a seat due to their different, smaller design) and wheel-less walkers, such as standard walking frames and Hemi-walkers.
Four-wheel walkers often have extra features to them for additional functionality. Such features include a basket, a phone holder, a cane holder, or secure storage for your valuables. Three-wheeled walkers may also have some of these features, though it is less common due to the size constraint.
It should be noted that four-wheel walkers are typically considerably more expensive than the aforementioned simpler designs and other wheel-less walkers. However, most seniors find the additional comfort and functionality to be well worth the money, especially as you will be spending countless hours using your rollator over the years.
The Benefits of 4 Wheel Walkers
They are easier to use than wheel-less walkers and are perfect for seniors with low endurance and low upper body strength.
As they have a seat, they allow seniors to rest in them as and when it is needed.
They are much quicker than wheel-less walkers, so they can significantly shorten the time it takes you to get from A to B.
Most models have numerous features, such as a basket or a cane holder, which significantly improves their functionality.
The Drawbacks of 4 Wheel Walkers
4 Wheel Walkers are considerably more expensive than wheel-less walkers, though you are likely to find it to be a worthwhile investment.
They are heavier, bulkier, and have less maneuverability than three-wheeled rollators.
Things to Look Out For
There are many different manufacturers and models of four-wheel rollators, and there is plenty of variation from model to model, even when they seem relatively similar and ultimately serve the same end purpose.
With this in mind, here are some of the things you should look for and consider when comparing different models of four-wheel walkers.
What Materials is it Built From?
The frames of four-wheel rollators are usually made of steel, but some have aluminum frames, which are lighter, stronger, and more durable. Rollator frames can also be made of carbon fiber, which is even lighter and more durable than steel (and aluminum), though it is also considerably more expensive.
If you have low upper body strength, then it is wise to spend a bit extra for a lighter four-wheel rollator, so it is easier for you to transport it when folded (into and out of your vehicle, for example.)
What Features Does it Have?
As mentioned, four-wheel rollators can have different features, such as cane holders, phone holders, baskets, bottle holders, and secure storage, among others.
You should look for models with specific features depending on how you’ll be using the rollator. For example, if you don’t have a carer and are planning on using your rollator when going shopping, then it makes sense only to consider models that have a built-in basket and sufficient storage.
Wheel Size & Weight-Bearing Capacity?
Larger wheels can deal with bumps and rough terrain more easily, so 4 wheel walkers with bigger wheels offer better ride quality and comfort.
If you are quite heavy (above 300 lbs), you should ensure the particular model you’re considering is strong enough to bear your weight.
How Much Does it Weigh?
As you are likely to need to transport your walker occasionally, it is worth keeping its weight in mind. Lighter 4 wheel walkers are easier to carry and are therefore preferable.
Can it Fit in My Home?
4 wheel walkers can vary by quite a lot in size, so it’s a good idea to measure your doors and walkways to make sure the model you’re looking to buy can fit into your property.
How Much Does it Cost?
This final point is rather obvious and isn’t specific to walkers and rollators, but it is nevertheless a crucial consideration of any large purchase. When it comes to buying 4 wheel walkers, you generally get what you pay for, so it is not advisable to purchase a cheaper unbranded model, as it is likely to be less durable and prone to getting damaged.
4 wheel walkers with extra features and those made of higher quality materials – such as aluminum or carbon fiber instead of steel – are usually more expensive, but are likely to be worth the extra dollars in the long run.