How Much Do Walkers Cost: A Guide on How Elderly Walkers Function


If you have mobility issues, you may need a walker. But how much do walkers cost? Read this guide to learn more about walkers and how much they cost.

Walkers are one of the most popular mobility products and are widely available for the elderly or anyone recovering from an injury. But how much does a walker cost?

A standard walker can cost $30-$100 or higher, while rollator walkers can go for $60-$700. Other factors like the frame and material of the walker can drive up the cost even further.

Many factors determine the price range of walkers: type, features, weight capacity, and more.

What Are the Factors That Affect How Much a Walker Cost?

A photo of walker with four wheels and brakes

This quick guide will cover what determines a walkers price and how to choose the best type of walker. Don’t let stability issues get in the way of your independence!

A walker’s price can increase if it has specific features like brakes, wheels, and foldability. For example, folding walkers can cost $20 more than a standard walker.

There’s also the question of parts. A standard walker can be picked up at a low price because it’s a simple frame with four legs and a grip.

However, a rollator walker can have wheels, brakes, and sometimes a seat or basket for holding items. All these added features lead to an increase in price.

When comparing the price of different walker models, ensure you compare them as evenly as possible. For example, standard walkers shouldn’t be compared to knee walkers.

What Are the Different Types of Walkers?

Here we’ll cover the different types of walkers, from traditional walkers to walkers with special features. You can also check out different walkers here.

Standard Walker

A standard walker has four static legs and handlebars, but other types are available depending on the user’s needs.

Standard walkers are an excellent choice if you want something stable and low-cost.

Since a standard walker is a sturdy frame, you’ll be looking at a lower cost. You can also get a foldable model, but note that these tend to cost more.

It’s recommended to mainly use a traditional walker indoors and only for short distances because they require the user to lift the whole device to move.

an image of standard walker with four legs

This makes movement tedious, especially for senior citizens with joint issues. However, standard walkers tend to be lighter to prioritize mobility.

Rollator Walker

An image of rollator walker  with four wheels

Rollator walkers can be either four-wheeled or three. A rollator walker can be considered a portable chair on wheels and lacks the legs of previously-mentioned models.

They’re different from wheelchairs because they don’t require another person’s assistance and pushing yourself or someone else is not recommended if they’re in a rollator walker.

Rollator walkers have a wide price range of $60-$700 because they come with extra features like a seat and wheels, plus brakes for safety.

Three-Wheeled Walkers

With a narrow frame, three wheels, and often a basket for storing items, three-wheeled walkers can cost anywhere from $70-$500, depending on the model.

Four-Wheeled Walkers

With four wheels, a seat, and a backrest, these are among the most common kind of rollator walkers and also the most comfortable. They can cost $80-$600.

Despite having chairs, these walkers aren’t meant to be used as wheelchairs. Only use the seat when at a full stop.

Wheeled Walker

An image of two front wheeled walker

A wheeled walker is different from a rollator walker because they’re equipped with only two wheels instead of four or three. Wheeled walkers can go from $50-$250.

Their design features two front wheels that make movement easier but don’t provide as much support as standard walkers.

The wheels can be locked in case you need to come to a stop.

These are ideal if you have manageable balance problems because they lack the stability of standard walkers.

Take care when using wheeled walkers, especially if you need a more solid frame. These two-wheeled walkers are better suited for outdoor use because they can maneuver over uneven terrain.

If you or your loved one likes walking outdoors, this is the ideal walker for them. It provides greater mobility at the cost of stability, so we recommend this model for more active seniors.

Knee Walkers

An image of three wheeled knee walker with brakes

This is one of the more unique types of walkers because it’s 3-wheeled and more closely resembles a scooter.

They’re typically priced at $100-$250, but higher-end models can go for more.

Seniors with only 1 injured leg can forego four-wheeled walkers for these scooters, which feature 1 sturdy front wheel.

How Much Do They Cost?

So, let’s get into the big question: How much does a walker cost? The question of money is important to many seniors because their main source of income is typically limited to their pension.

Depending on the type of walker you need, you’ll be looking at a price range between $30-$800.

The most basic walkers will be rigid frames purely for support, while the more advanced models will have wheels and handbrakes and may have accessories like baskets.

Which Walker Is Best for You?

Infographic of what is best walker for you

A walkers price may increase if they’re equipped with specific features, which we’ll discuss further below.

Don’t get caught in your walkers price; you’ll also need to know where to buy one. If you’re having trouble finding the right walker, here are some features to help you decide.

  • Weight Capacity – Bariatric seniors will need a walker with a higher weight capacity to support them while walking.
  • Walker Material – Standard walkers often have lightweight frames to make movement easier, but ensure that it’s sturdy enough to handle your weight.
  • Number of Wheels – Not every rolling walker is the same, and the number of wheels will affect the price and stability of any given model.
  • Height – Everyone has different heights, so there’s no one-size-fits-all walker. Ensure that your walker has an adjustable height in case the default setting is uncomfortable.

Apart from these tips, remember to speak with your physical therapist or doctor to see whether you. You can also check out this guide on best walkers for old people for more ideas on finding the best type of walker.

What Are the Advantages of a Walker?

If your physical therapist determines that you need a mobility aid, here are some of its benefits.

Greater Freedom of Movement

The greatest advantage a walker provides is mobility. Seniors who need walkers typically have trouble moving independently, but a walker can offset this.

Helps With Physical Therapy

A walker is also a source of exercise and physical activity for seniors. Regular walker usage can help the elderly maintain their strength and blood flow.

What Are the Disadvantages of a Walker?

Despite being useful for seniors and anyone in recovery, walkers have some downsides too.

Various Features Add Up in Price

We’ve mentioned this earlier, but a walker becomes more expensive the more features it has. This means they’re less suited for seniors with a limited income.

Bulkiness

Even if you get a foldable model, a walker will still take up much more space than a cane or a pair of crutches. They’re also more difficult to transport if you travel frequently.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

If you’ve more questions than “How much do walkers cost?” then head here for more answers!

Does Medicare Pay For Walkers?

Walker prices can seem unattainable, especially if you’re searching for higher-end models. Fortunately, if your loved one has insurance, they can offset the price significantly.

Medicare insurance covers Walkers as Durable Medical Equipment (DME), but only under strict conditions. Talk with your doctor and ensure that a walker is medically necessary for your mobility.

You’ll also need to ensure that your doctor and walker supplier is enrolled under Medicare. If they are, you can either rent, buy, or choose whether to rent or buy a walker.

What Can I Use Instead of a Walker?

Walkers aren’t the only mobility aids that senior citizens can use. Talk with your physical therapist or doctor and see if you can get by with a cane or crutches instead.

If you plan on walking frequently, canes are a great choice, and they’re more maneuverable through tight spaces than standard walkers. You can get adjustable canes, but these aren’t as stable as static canes.

Crutches are similar to canes but with added support around the forearms. These are useful if you have wrist mobility issues and can be adjusted for your height or folded up for easy storage.

Conclusion

Walkers and other mobility aids have become vital in helping the elderly retain their independence and freedom of movement safely.

If you or your loved one have mobility issues, talk with your doctor and ask if you’ll need a walker for support. Walker cost can cover a wide range, so ensure you have a set budget.

That said, you won’t have to shell out too much money for a good quality walker, especially if you only need the standard features.