Our bodies change as we grow older.
This causes us to have difficulty doing things as simple as walking, standing and sitting.
Fortunately, upright walkers for seniors can help your loved ones maintain their independence in moving around.
In this article, I’ll talk about the best upright walkers and how to choose the right one for the elderly in your life!
The 5 Best Upright Walkers for Seniors
Below are five of the best upright walkers for seniors with their specifications and notable features:
1. Nova Medical Phoenix Rise UP Rollator – Upright Rolling Walker
The Nova Medical Phoenix Rise UP Rollator has a dual brake system, hand grips, and lockable breaks.
I noticed that this makes sitting easier and safer for the elderly. That’s because it gives them a sturdy place to put their hands on when sitting down or standing back up.
It has a padded and adjustable backrest, so it’s comfortable to sit on for long periods.
Its front wheels are larger than the rear wheels, which I noticed makes it great for seniors to use both indoors and outdoor use.
This upright walker comes with a detachable bag where they can store their wallet and keys — and even some groceries! There’s an umbrella or cane holder too.
The aluminum frame has an overall design that encourages a natural walking gait.
Features:
- Maximum weight capacity: 300 lbs.
- Seat width: 18″
- Product weight: 20.5 lbs.
- Width between handles: 19″
- Approximate user height: 5’2″ to 6’0″
- Warranty: 5 years (hand brakes), 1 year (others)
- Front wheels: 10″
- Rear wheels: 8″
2. LifeWalker UPWalker Lite Folding Rolling Upright Walker (Weighs Only 15.5 lbs)
LifeWalker’s UPWalker Lite is 34% lighter than the original UPWalker, making it much easier to lift, maneuver, and transport. The reduced weight also makes it easier to move even in tighter spaces.
It’s more suited for rolling smooth indoors, but I noticed it could handle outdoor surfaces well.
Its front wheels are larger than the rear wheels, giving your loved one better stability and control.
Despite the lightweight aluminum frame, it can improve their upright posture and reduce pain.
The handles have adjustable height so your senior can stay in a standing position more comfortably. Its locking brakes also make it safe to sit on the breathable mesh seat.
This upright walker has three free accessories — a storage bag, cup holder, and backrest support. These are easy to attach to and remove from the walker.
Features:
- Maximum weight capacity: 300 lbs.
- Seat width: 18″
- Product weight: 15.5 lbs.
- Approximate user height: 4’11” to 5’10”
- Warranty: Lifetime (frame), 6 months (other components)
- Front wheels: 8″
- Rear wheels: 6″
3. LifeWalker Mobility UPWalker – Innovative Upright Folding Rolling Walker
LifeWalker prides itself on prioritizing safety through research — the product of its efforts is the Mobility UPWalker, which can be used outdoors and indoors.
This original upright walker is an ergonomic rollator walker that keeps seniors in an upright posture. In effect, it can lessen the pain in their legs, back, hands, wrists, and joints.
I’d say this is thanks to the extra padded armrests, height-adjustable handles, and multi-terrain wheels.
It also has a dual braking system, safely supporting your loved one as they sit or stand!
The Mobility UPWalker comes in different sizes to cater to as many elderly as possible. Just check their product specifications chart to find the right upright rollator walker for your senior.
It also comes with three free accessories. The company sends you the fully assembled walker with instructions for attaching the accessories.
Features:
- Maximum weight capacity: 350 lbs.
- Seat width: 16″ to 20″
- Product weight: 21 lbs. to 25.5 lbs.
- Approximate user height: 4’4″ to 6’4″
- Warranty: Lifetime (frame), 6 months (other components)
- Front wheels: 8″
- Rear wheels: 8″
4. Vive Health Lightweight Folding Upright Walker Rollator
This lightweight walker is still durable enough to support seniors in an upright posture.
It has soft padded armrests and textured hand grips to improve their mobility and comfort during use. It also has a padded seat and backrest for comfortable sitting.
It has easily-adjustable handles and seat height to suit a wide range of elderly. It can go as high as 6’1″ or as low as 5′ — which is A LOT more than other walkers I’ve seen.
I’m also very happy that it takes less time for me to store this. The tall rollator walker folds easily and can fit in the trunk or backseat.
It comes with a cane holder and detachable shoulder bag that can carry up to 11 pounds.
Features:
- Maximum weight capacity: 300 lbs.
- Seat width: 17.5″
- Product weight: 20 lbs.
- Approximate user height: 5’2″ to 6’5″
- Warranty: 1 year
- Front wheels: 8″
- Rear wheels: 8″
5. Medline Simplicity 2 Upright Rolling Walker Rollator
The Medline Simplicity 2 has a reinforced frame with a sleek, sporty design made of durable steel.
But despite the metal frame, this walker weighs only 18lbs.
Height-adjustable padded armrests and smooth-rolling wheels make maneuvering easy and comfortable regardless of the terrain.
It also has an extra wide padded seat and flexible backrest (though the seat doesn’t have an adjustable height).
To use it as a seat, push down and lock rear wheels.
This folding walker opens and folds easily. It’s simple to assemble, too — I needed a screwdriver to attach the backrest!
Features:
- Maximum weight capacity: 300 lbs.
- Seat width: 17.75″
- Product weight: 18 lbs.
- Warranty: Lifetime
- Front wheels: 7.5″
- Rear wheels: 7.5″
What Are the Pros and Cons of an Upright Walker?
Upright rolling walkers are some of the best assistive devices for seniors.
I’ve listed some pros and cons for you to consider when deciding if an upright walker is right for your loved one:
Pros
Upright walkers are great! Here are reasons why:
#1 Supports Natural Posture
I’ve seen so many seniors STRUGGLING to walk with their backs bent. Fortunately, an upright rollator walker stops a person from slouching.
Aside from a straight back, their chest and shoulders are also in the right position. This is thanks to raised padded armrests, compared to keeping the wrists at hip level.
The armrests have an adjustable height, too, for a more customized fit.
#2 Reduces Pain
In my observation about seniors walking with bent backs, they also complain about pain in various parts of their bodies.
That’s because they’re putting unnatural strain on their bodies.
But if they’re in a natural posture, that means their body is in a neutral position too.
In that case, using an upright walker means they’re not experiencing any UNNECESSARY pressure that eventually turns into strain — particularly in the neck and wrists
It removes muscle tension, joint pain, and back pain. Their circulation also improves!
All these mean they can move forward comfortably.
#3 Encourages Confidence and Independence
I’ve noticed that an upright walker increases an elderly’s independence. After all, it’s easier to move around with less pain and better posture.
They’ll also be able to navigate their surroundings better thanks to a natural walking position.
I’ve even seen some seniors go on errands on their own with a storage basket! (But, of course, I still had to follow a few steps behind to ensure they were okay.)
#4 Convenient
Upright walkers have EVERYTHING your loved one needs to make their walks better.
An adjustable padded armrest and accessible hand brakes mean they can maneuver comfortably and easily. A padded seat and dual braking system make for comfortable and safe resting.
Additional features include a storage basket, cup holder, and umbrella or cane holder.
Cons
An upright walker has so many things to offer. Despite that, it has some downsides, too:
#1 Not Made to Bear Weight
Upright walkers will improve posture, but it’s also meant to help a person be active.
It might have good weight capacity when your senior sits down, but not when they’re meant to be walking.
I can warn you that it doesn’t take much for an upright walker to move.
An elderly I was in charge of once put too much weight on their walker, which rolled too fast. That was very dangerous, but they got out of that event unharmed.
I’ve learned that a good rule of thumb is that if a senior has to cling to me or anything else to stand up, it might be better to consider regular walkers first.
#2 Heavier Than Other Walkers
A standard walker weighs only five to six pounds. Meanwhile, an upright walker will weigh at least 15 pounds.
Even though there are lightweight versions, this may be a problem if your senior has to FREQUENTLY carry the walker — such as when maneuvering them on and off a step like on curbs.
This can be pretty bothersome for you if you’re putting them in and out of the car.
Choosing the Best Type of Stand-Up Walkers for Seniors
Here’s a quick roundup of the best upright walkers for seniors depending on their best features:
Stand-Up Walker With Seat
All the walkers above have seats. But if your senior prefers something comfortable, I’d say the best upright walker would be the Medline Simplicity 2.
It has a padded seat width of 17.75 inches. It has an adjustable backrest, too, so your loved one can be more comfortable.
To use the seat, all they have to do is push it down. They can also lock rear wheels for extra security when sitting down.
High Rise Walker
When talking about a tall walker, I’d recommend the Vive Health Lightweight Folding Upright Walker Rollator as the best upright walker.
It can accommodate the elderly up to 6’5″ tall. But with adjustable height for the handles, this walker can also be adjusted to suit those with a height of 5’2″.
Taller people can be assured that this upright rollator walker is made of a durable aluminum frame that can keep them stable while walking.
It also has a compact and foldable design for easy storage and transport.
Heavy-Duty Upright Walker
LifeWalker is big in the upright walker world. It won awards from Orthopedics This Week and HME Business magazines.
As the original upright walker in the marketplace, much research has gone into creating its products — including the LifeWalker Mobility UPWalker.
It’s a heavy-duty upright walker with features integrated directly into the aluminum frame.
For one, the padded armrest rests on forearm supports that put the person’s weight on the wheels. Another is that the brake cables are hidden, so your senior doesn’t accidentally snag them.
Additionally, it has a higher weight capacity than other rolling walkers for seniors — reaching up to 350lbs.
This upright walker has all-terrain wheels so it can be comfortably used anywhere.
Upright Walker With Wheels
Just from the “Phoenix Rise UP” part of the name, you can expect NOVA’s upright walker to keep a person on their feet comfortably.
The NOVA Medical Phoenix Rise UP Rollator has wheels that can handle uneven flooring or grassy terrain.
The company released bigger wheels (particularly front wheels, compared to the rear wheels). Alongside that, the walker has a frame with an extended forward design, helping improve the user’s stability.
The dual brakes ensure that the upright walker doesn’t move when your senior is sitting or simply wants to stand in place. Its brake cables are tied in front, so they’re out of the way.
There’s some space between the seat and where they stand, so they’re not hitting their knees on it when they walk. This ensures a more natural walking experience.
What to Look for When Buying the Best Upright Walkers for Seniors
Upright walkers might look the same at first glance. But it’s important that you carefully consider several aspects of it when choosing the best upright walker for your senior:
#1 Quality
Quality should be the FIRST thing you check.
This mainly involves the frame of the walker. The walker can have a metal, aluminum, or rugged frame.
However, aluminum might be the best option since it’s lightweight compared to a metal frame. It’s also exceptionally durable.
The quality of the wheels is essential too.
Check if they’re all-terrain or if they’re strictly for just the outdoors or indoors.
Other upright walkers are mostly made for the indoors, but some can still handle the outdoors to an extent.
Some companies outright list the materials their walker is made of. For instance, NOVA puts the material for their walker’s seat, hand grip, and others.
If you don’t see it, you can try to ask the company or the distributor.
#2 Safety
Safety should also be another priority when looking for an upright walker.
Part of this is feeling how stable it is. As we grow old, our bones and muscles naturally weaken, which increases our need for good support.
An excellent upright walker should have comfortable gripping handles. An extended forward design in the frame also helps maintain stability by distributing the user’s weight to a wider foundation.
A dual brake system means the equipment has locked rear wheels so your senior can safely sit and stand.
I’ve found this braking system to be VERY useful since the elderly I take of don’t accidentally crash into things since the brakes are easily within reach.
Anti-skid wheels make them safe to use on any terrain too.
You should also consider the weight capacity of the walker to ensure that it can hold your seniors well when they sit down.
#3 Convenience
Convenience is important for the elderly, especially those with more trouble moving around.
As such, you should check how convenient a walker is for your senior.
One thing to look at is how collapsible it is. Is it a simple folding rollator walker? Or will you need to pull a screw before folding it away?
The weight of the walker is also part of the convenience.
This isn’t a problem when your loved one is walking. But how much effort do they need to make when going up a step or carrying the walker to and from the car?
Also, check if it is easy to lock rear wheels before they sit down.
I noticed that bigger wheels could make it easier to maneuver the walker outdoors. But some companies enlarge the front wheels to give more balance to the user both indoors AND outdoors.
#4 Accessories
Accessories are extras but also improve a user’s experience using the upright walker.
Companies tend to already give accessories for free when you buy a walker. These are typically the detachable polyester storage bag and backrest support.
But you can also look online for more add-ons.
For instance, one of the elderly I took care of getting a removable shopping bag, which is a much bigger storage bag than the regular compact storage.
You can also get a flashlight, cup holder, or smartphone holder.
If the accessories go with your upright walker, they most likely come with instructions on how you can attach them.
But if you’re getting them separately, it’s best to check if they’re compatible with the walker you have first before buying them.
#5 Brand
Brand loyalty can be high with upright walkers.
That’s because you’ll very rarely need a new one. As such, you’ll most likely get the same walker your loved one used since it’s what they’re already familiar with.
Popular brands can ensure reliability since they’re the industry standard and the go-to of both new and old users.
But since brands have different characteristics, you should also get a walker aligned with the traits YOUR SENIOR will benefit from the most.
For instance, LifeWalker can be called the forerunner of upright walkers. Its product has patent-protected features that would appeal to many elderly.
But if your senior’s priority has a walker with good seat space, then the Medline Simplicity 2 might be a better fit.
#6 Customer Reviews
You can get other people’s opinions on upright walkers too.
The best people to ask are current elderly users. These people can give you more insight that you won’t get from the product’s marketing pitches.
You can also ask those who bought the elderly their upright walkers to find out what made them decide to buy a certain brand.
You can learn both the good and bad sides of a walker with the help of customer reviews.
Knowing what other people say about a product can make or break what you and your senior think about it too.
Is an Upright Walker Better Than a Rollator for Seniors?
Yes, an upright walker is better than a rollator.
A rollator will give your senior great mobility. But an upright walker will give them mobility while also improving their posture.
That’s because a rollator has its handle at hip level, which can cause the user to stoop or slouch. This will make it difficult for your senior to navigate their surroundings since their head and eyes are naturally tilting down.
Additionally, I noticed that seniors would need to lean towards the rollator to push forward, which can put pressure on their back and joints.
Meanwhile, an upright walker has handles that are at elbow level. This keeps your senior’s back straight, removing unnecessary pressure from their body parts.
In doing so, they can comfortably walk and look forward.
But though the two devices are different, an upright walker is also called an upright rollator walker.
However, an upright rollator walker is different from a wheeled walker.
That’s because wheeled walkers only have front wheels. Meanwhile, upright rollator walkers have four wheels. Additionally, they also have bigger wheels.
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are more related questions to help you decide if an upright walker is the best option for your loved one.
Who Should Use an Upright Walker?
I would recommend an upright walker to anyone with mobility problems. This includes patients undergoing treatment for health disorders such as those involving:
- Cardiovascular system
- Nervous system
- Pulmonary system
For the elderly, I’d recommend an upright walker if they want to stay active but have back problems that make it difficult. It’s also a good option, even if they need extra support and stability when walking.
An upright walker is also suitable for seniors to improve their posture.
They’re also a great alternative to other mobility devices — especially if the elderly feel pain in their muscles, back, and joints when using them.
Who Should NOT Use an Upright Walker?
Though I would go on and on about upright walkers to people I’d recommend them to, the sad reality is that they aren’t the best option for everyone.
Suppose your senior has mobility difficulties that make it hard to control their movements. In that case, I’d say an upright walker might not be a good choice.
That’s because upright walkers can be pretty agile. Not to mention they’re made to provide extra support rather than being the primary support itself.
For instance, ataxia is a disorder that involves poor muscle control. This can cause difficulties in walking, coordination, and fine motor tasks.
People with ataxia might find it hard to maneuver an upright walker since they deal with those difficulties. For them, a regular walker might be better.
An upright walker isn’t a good option if the elderly must rely on something else to stand.
As mentioned, upright walkers provide only extra support. Additionally, it’s easy to move them.
If your senior relies on something to stay standing, they need to lean on them. Doing so to an upright walker will only make them speed forward more, which can cause them to fall.
If this is the case for your loved one, a traditional walker would be safer.
Are Upright Walkers Safe?
Upright walkers are very safe if they’re the right mobility device for your senior.
They have four wheels and a base designed to be stable. Additionally, the dual braking system is easy to use.
The user can also lock rear wheels to stay in place, whether sitting down or standing safely.
How Much Does the UPWalker Cost?
UPWalker comes in three sizes — and the price depends on the size you’re getting.
- Standard and Small – $695
- Large – $745
These prices are inclusive of shipping and handling fees.
Moreover, you get several free accessories — backrest support, a cup holder, and a detachable polyester storage bag.
Meanwhile, if you’re choosing the UPWalker Lite, it costs $595. This is also inclusive of shipping and handling fees.
It comes with the same free accessories as the regular UPWalker. But, you also get armrest pads. I always put these on the padded armrest to give the elderly extra comfort.
According to LifeWalker, getting any of their UPWalkers can save you around $100.
Does Medicare Cover Upright Walkers for Seniors?
Yes, Medicare (specifically Medicare Part B) covers upright walkers, whether you’re buying or renting them.
Medicare Part B covers only a part of necessary in-home medical equipment — including upright walkers.
Medicare can also cover repairs that your walker needs, including the replacement of any parts.
However, there are a few catches to getting Medicare to pay for the walker:
- The walker should be medically necessary. This means you’ll need to get a doctor’s written prescription to get one.
- The walker must be prescribed for use in your home. Medicare doesn’t cover devices that will be used only outside the house.
- The prescribing doctor must be enrolled in Medicare.
- The supplier of the walker should also be enrolled in Medicare. If you’re getting the walker repaired, you should also get them fixed at Medicare-approved suppliers.
If you don’t pass all the above points, Medicare will NOT pay any claims that the doctor or suppliers will submit.
Should I Buy an Upright Walker Online or In-Store?
This depends on your preference since both in-store and online buying have advantages.
In-Store
If you’re thinking about buying your loved one’s walker in-store, these are some things you can expect:
- You can test the walker – An upright walker is a big purchase since it’s something your senior will use for a long time. Because of that, it’s worth the extra time and effort to see and see if the product is the perfect walker for them. This also makes it easier to compare products.
- More personalized experience – Aside from being able to feel the walker, a sales associate can help you choose the right product for your senior. These people are highly familiar with the products, so they can make personalized recommendations to guide you to the right walker.
- Instant gratification – Buying in-store means you immediately get what you pay for — you might even let your senior use the walker on your way out of the store. You won’t need to pay for shipping either.
Online
If you prefer to buy online, you can expect the following:
- Convenient – Convenience is the first perk of buying online. You can scroll through shops at any time and reach out to customer service by messaging them. Then after you’ve checked out your walker, you’ll just need to wait for it to be delivered to your front door.
- More choices – Physical shops will have walker choices that are limited to their shelf space and retail agreements. There are fewer restrictions when it comes to online shops. Additionally, you’re not limited to shops in your area either. You can look through local or international shops. (But if you’re after Medicare privileges, it’s best to stick to local shops).
- Promotions – Online shops tend to have more promotions and discounts than physical shops. This also means you can buy your walker at the best possible price.
- Easier to research – It’s easier to research a walker when shopping online. There are articles that do roundup reviews of various brands so that you can see the pros and cons of each walker at a glance. Customer reviews also give you unfiltered feedback on products.
Where you choose to buy your loved one’s upright walker depends on what kind of experience you want to have.
So if you prioritize convenience, online shops can give you that. But if you want your senior to use a walker immediately, you should visit a physical store.
How Should I Clean an Upright Walker?
Cleaning an upright walker is easy. Just follow these steps:
- Wipe with a damp cloth and mild cleanser.
- Immediately dry with a lint-free cloth.
However, remember that you should NOT use abrasive cleaning agents since these can damage the walker.
Conclusion
The best upright walker depends on the person. You need to check several things when buying your loved one’s walker — from its quality to what customers say about them.
But regardless of which one you get, it will surely increase your senior’s independence and confidence!
