For most people with mild to moderate mobility problems or for those that just need a bit of support while walking a three wheeled walkers is a great option. They are designed to be very easy to maneuver and turn, and they are great for smaller spaces where the larger two or four wheeled square shaped wheeled walkers may be difficult to use.

Three wheeled walkers may not provide enough support for those with very significant mobility problems. Often individuals that will need to take frequent breaks and may have difficulty in body movement may find the additional stability of a two wheeled walker a better option. The best way to decide is to test drive different models of walkers to determine which one works best for the individual. Try them both indoors as well as outdoors to determine the model and type that is most suitable for the patient.

What types of accessories are available for wheeled walkers?

One of the most common accessories for wheeled walkers includes different sizes and types of wheels and glider attachments. Just like any type of tire or wheel the ones on a walker can become old, plus gliders can become rough or even wear through with continual use. Both wheels and gliders are very easy to change out and are low cost accessories for the wheeled walker.

Pouches and tote bags that hook over the cross brace on a folding or wheeled walker can also be a wonderful accessory to help with transporting purses, purchases and other items. These pouches may be covered or open and can have several compartment or pockets for easy organization and storage. Baskets, which are typically wire or durable plastic, provide a solid type of pouch that makes carrying even heavier objects simple and easy. Like the pouches they are designed to hook onto the cross brace of a two and four wheeled walker or a standard folding walker without wheels.

What is a knee walker and what is it used and designed for?

Knee walkers are unique in that they feature a four wheeled type mechanism that is slightly modified. The front wheels are fairly narrow in spacing when compared to a standard walker and the real wheels are very close together. There is a knee height platform that allows the user to rest one leg on the platform, either right or left, while still using the other leg for mobility. A knee wheeled walker replaces the need for crutches that can cause sores, back pain and general discomfort with extended use.

Wheeled walkers such as knee model of walker can also be adjusted to different heights. Just like standard wheeled walkers they have brakes in the hand grips for safety and also are durable, lightweight and easy to transport. Wheeled knee walkers are an important consideration for those recovering from any type of lower leg or foot injury, surgery or other type of mobility problem.

Virtually all models and styles of rolling walkers have several different adjustments that can be made to accommodate for different heights. With that being said there are still some very definite issues that need to be addressed for those that are above average height and weight and those that are petite in size. Generally most rolling walkers and standard walkers will come in two basic sizes, youth and adult. Youth sizes are typically for individuals between four feet four inches and five feet three inches and adult sizes go up to six foot three. Different manufacturers may have slightly different sizing options. Typical rolling walkers can support people between 250 and 300 pounds, again depending on the specifications of the individual model. Using a rolling walker if you are over or under the size specifications can pose a safety issue. This is because the handlebars or grip bar and the seat can only be adjusted so high or low to maintain the stability and safety of the walker.

What is the basic difference between a two, three and four wheeled walker?

Two and four wheeled rolling walkers have four legs and a square to rectangular shape of frame. Two wheeled models only have wheels on the front two legs, allowing for a very stable, secure walker that is easy to move yet very easy to control. Four wheeled walkers have wheels on all four legs, making them easier to maneuver and walk with over longer distances. Both two and four wheeled rolling walkers have hand brakes that are similar to brakes on a bicycle, operating easily from the hand grip position to lock the wheels and prevent the walker from rolling forward when not required. Most two and four wheeled rolling walkers also have a flip up seat, some have a backrest and even additional padding on the seat for comfort.

Three wheeled rolling walkers look like a tricycle on the base. The front wheel typically swivels for easy turning and cornering even in very small spaces such as bathrooms and elevators. Three wheeled rolling walkers may or may not have seats depending on the model and design. Three wheeled walkers, like the two and four wheeled models may also come with additional features such as carrying baskets, totes and water bottle holders. They also have adjustments for height on the handles plus those with seats do have adjustment for the heights of seats as well.

Some two, three and four wheeled rolling walkers can also be folding walkers, making them easy to transport and move about with on public transportation. All rolling walkers from reputable manufacturers will also have warranties from the company, typically which include manufacturer's defects on the frame as well as limited warranties on the brakes and other features of the walker.