7 Best Narrow Walkers for Seniors to Get Through Any Doorway

By
reviewed
Reviewed by
Last updatedLast updated: November 10, 2020
SeniorFitness is reader-supported. We may earn a commission through products purchased using links on this page. Learn more about our process here

If you or someone close to you seems to be a bit wobbly on their feet and you’re concerned about them, it might be time to consider purchasing a walker. Choosing the right type of walker is not easy though, and if you thought all walkers for seniors were created equal, you’re in for a surprise.

To find the perfect walker for seniors, it’s important to consider multiple features, but the space you live in should be the first of them. The best narrow walkers for seniors are designed with flexibility in mind, being suitable for people who live in spaces with narrow halls or in areas where they have to deal with small elevators and narrow passageways.

We had a look at the best popular narrow walkers for seniors and considered essential features such as walker width and height, weight and material, weight capacity, and extra features such as wheels or seat. You can find the results of our research in the comparison table and reviews below.

Top 7 Narrow Walkers for Seniors Review 2024

?
Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 8847 people in the past 30 days
9.9
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
9.7
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
9.6
Features & Benefits
Product Review
9.5
9.9
1
Features
  • Width: 20.5–23.4 inches
  • Height: 30.3–37 inches
  • Weight: 6.5 lbs
  • Material: anodized aluminum
  • Weight capacity: 350 lbs

Other features: 1-click releasing design; foldable design; 19.6 inches between handles; walker ski and wheels

Boasting a compact and lightweight design, the OasisSpace Compact Folding Walker is an ideal choice for home use but also for traveling. This narrow walker for seniors is made from anodized aluminum and has a foldable design, which means that you can easily pack it up and take it wherever you go, even when traveling.

This FDA-approved narrow walker is very stable and has caster wheels for extra easy use and increased safety. It supports weights of up to 350 lbs. and the lightweight frame can easily be packed in a trolley if you want to take the walker on a plane. The OasisSpace Compact Folding Walker comes with ski fits that work well on most surfaces, including carpet, wood floor, and even grass if you want to enjoy outdoor walks.

The trigger release of this narrow walker for seniors allows you to release the walker with one action, so you don’t have to fiddle with it much after unpacking. The OasisSpace Compact Folding Walker only weighs 6.5 pounds, making it one of the lightest models on the market.

What we liked: The OasisSpace Compact Folding Walker is super lightweight and easy to fold an unfold. It’s an excellent choice for seniors who want a dependable and sturdy walker they can take with them when traveling.

What negatives must you be aware of? The OasisSpace walker doesn’t come with comprehensive instructions regarding the trigger release and attaching the skiers.

?
Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 5806 people in the past 30 days
9.7
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
9.2
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
9.6
Features & Benefits
Product Review
9.2
9.7
Features
  • Width: 23.6 inches
  • Height: 36.2 inches
  • Weight: 19 lbs
  • Material: series 7 aluminum alloy
  • Weight capacity: 300 lbs

Other features: 10-inch front wheels; 17.7-by-9.8-inch seat; carry bag; folding design; sensitive braking system

Seniors looking for a reliable, premium narrow walker are sure to be content with the OasisSpace Aluminum Rollator Walker, which comes with a wealth of features for easy and safe use. This narrow walker sports a frame made from aluminum alloy and can be easily fold and put in the trunk of the car. A very convenient feature of this walker is the fact that you can adjust the height to fit the narrow spaces you may need to pass through.

The OasisSpace Aluminum Rollator Walker has uses 10-inch front wheels for enhanced stability, and it comes with a soft and strong adjustment belt. It has a weight capacity of 300 pounds and uses ergonomic handles with a 1-click button to use the braking system easily and adjust the height.

Even though this is a narrow walker, it has a comfortable seat that’s wide enough for you not to struggle for more space. The ergonomic handles make the OasisSpace Aluminum Rollator Walker very easy to use, and the braking system can be locked when you don’t want to roll.

What do we love it for? The OasisSpace Aluminum Rollator Walker is a stylish and ergonomic walker that it’s also foldable and easy to transport. We also liked the painting technique used that makes it look similar to a bicycle.

What were we disappointed with? The OasisSpace Aluminum Rollator Walker is a bit difficult to install, and the brakes levers are somewhat flimsy.

RELATED: 6 Best Rollator Walkers for Rough Surfaces – No More Compromises!
?
Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 3501 people in the past 30 days
9.4
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
8.9
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
9.0
Features & Benefits
Product Review
8.9
9.4
Features
  • Width: 24 inches
  • Height: 32–39 inches
  • Weight: 7.5 lbs
  • Material: aluminum
  • Weight capacity: 350 lbs

Other features: two-button independent control on sides; 5-inch wheels; 17-inch inside hand grip

We chose to feature the Drive Medical 10210-1 Deluxe Folding Walker with 5-Inch Wheels as our budget choice because it’s a solidly built walker that offers great value for money. Made from aluminum and featuring two-button independent controls on the sides, this walker is sturdy and also easy to use, being suitable for the needs of most seniors.

Each of the sides of the Drive Medical walker operates independently so you can move easily through narrow spaces and get better stability while standing. The contoured hand grip of this walker makes it very comfortable to use, and the level of comfort is further enhanced by the adjustable height.

What are its best features? The Drive Medical 10210-1 Deluxe Folding Walker features push button mechanisms that can be operated by the palms, fingers, or side of the hand. It’s a simple to use and lightweight walker that suits seniors on a budget.

What could be improved? The manufacturer of the Drive Medical 10210-1 Deluxe Folding Walker recommends that the walker should not be used on stairs or in escalators, which may be inconvenient for some users.

RELATED: 5 Best Walkers for Tall People – the Perfect Adjustable Height Options!
?
Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 9089 people in the past 30 days
9.2
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
9.1
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
8.9
Features & Benefits
Product Review
9.0
9.2
Features
  • Width: 22.8 inches
  • Height: 31.9–39 inches
  • Weight: 6.9 lbs (without seat); 8.4 lbs (with seat)
  • Material: anodized aluminum
  • Weight capacity: 350 lbs

Other features: R-type rising auxiliary; seating; getting-up assist; wheels fit most terrains; soft non-slip grips; 3-year limited warranty

Seniors looking for a 4-in-1 walker are likely to be impressed by the Health Line Massage Products 4-in-1 Stand-Assist Folding Walker with Detachable Seat, which is a lightweight and portable walker that is also foldable. This is a combination walker, which allows seated users to gradually progress to the top of the handles.

This walker from Health Line has a trigger release mechanism that’s suitable for everyone, regardless of hand size. It’s very well built and ideal for seniors with limited hand dexterity. The wheels fi most terrains and the soft, non-slip grips make the walker super comfortable.

The Health Line Massage Products 4-in-1 Stand-Assist Folding Walker with Detachable Seat has durable frame made from anodized aluminum and comes with a 3-year warranty for extra peace of mind.

What do we love it for? The Health Line Massage Products 4-in-1 Stand-Assist Folding Walker with Detachable Seat is a versatile choice for seniors who want to have a seating option included.

What were we disappointed with? While the aluminum frame is solidly built, the overall build quality could be better.

?
Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 3600 people in the past 30 days
8.9
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
8.8
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
8.8
Features & Benefits
Product Review
8.4
8.9
5
Best for Foldability

Able Life Space Saver Walker

Features
  • Width: 24 inches
  • Height: 32–38 inches
  • Weight: 8 lbs
  • Material: high-grade aircraft aluminum
  • Weight capacity: 400 lbs

Other features: 3 colors; 5 by 7 inches when folded; 6-inch fixed wheels; easily maneuverable rear glides

If foldability is one of the most important features you’re looking for in a walker, the Able Life Space Saver Walker could be the perfect choice for the senior in your life. This folding walker fits just about any narrow passage way and requires no assembly at all.

The Able Life Space Saver Walker is travel friendly because it is super lightweight at just 8 pounds. Even though it is lightweight and easy to load and unload from a car, the walker is sturdy enough to support weights of up to 400 pounds.

The six-inch fixed wheels of the walker provide extra security and stability and you can customise the worker with a front organiser pouch that comes in very handy when shopping or just getting out and about.

What we liked: The Able Life Space Saver Walker is a highly versatile walker that’s available in multiple cars to suit your lifestyle and personality.

What are the flaws? The wheels of the Able Life Space Saver Walker are not replaceable, and the walker has no brakes.

?
Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 4837 people in the past 30 days
8.8
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
8.5
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
8.6
Features & Benefits
Product Review
8.5
8.8
Features
  • Width: 22 inches
  • Height: 32 inches
  • Weight: 6 lbs
  • Material: aluminum
  • Weight capacity: 350 lbs

Other features: 17 inches inside hand grip; easy push-button mechanism

The Drive Medical 10200-1 Deluxe Two Button Folding Walker stands out from thanks to the easy to locate red button release system that you can easily operate with the side of the hand all your fingers. With a weight limit of 300 lbs., this walker is super lightweight at just 6 pounds, and is made from durable aluminum that is bound to last for years to come.

This walker is super easy to fold so you can store it away neatly when not in use.  It is made entirely from aluminum and even though it doesn’t have wheels, it makes it super easy for seniors to move around and enjoy their day-to-day activities.

What we liked: The Drive Medical 10200-1 Deluxe Walker is very easy to fold so you can take it with you everywhere.

What are the flaws? Because it is so lightweight, it might be easy for some people to knock the Drive Medical 10200-1 Deluxe Walker over.

?
Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 3330 people in the past 30 days
8.6
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
8.1
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
8.4
Features & Benefits
Product Review
8.4
8.6
7
Best Side Arm Style Walker

Carex Folding Hemi Walker for Seniors

Features
  • Width: 13 inches
  • Height: 30–35 inches
  • Weight: 3.5 lbs
  • Material: aluminum
  • Weight capacity: 300 lbs

Other features: folds flat; non-slip rubber tips and grips

If you’re interested in purchasing a one-handed walker, the Carex Folding Hemi Walker for Seniors is an excellent choice. This model is super light at just 3.5 pounds, and it folds flat, so it’s very easy to store away when not in use. Even though it is very lightweight, the walker has a weight capacity of 300 pounds.

This small walker is a good choice for seniors who don’t need the full support of a regular walker and for those who find it difficult to handle the weight of a standard walker. It is manufactured by Carex, a leading brand in the industry that has been produced mobility walkers for over three decades.

What makes it stand out? The Carex Folding Hemi Walker for Seniors is a good replacement for a cane and is incredibly lightweight, being suitable for both seniors and disabled individuals.

Which disadvantages must you keep in mind? The walker is not tall enough for some individuals, and reviewers mentioned that it may feel a bit flimsy at times.

Things to Consider

Choosing the best narrow walkers for seniors is not an easy task simply because there are numerous models available in the market, and each senior has their own requirements. If you’re looking for a quality walker that would work great for someone who lives in a small space, narrow walkers are an excellent idea. They are generally smaller than standard walkers and easy to maneuver through small spaces. We put together a buying guide to help you find the best narrow walker for seniors who find it difficult to navigate around areas with limited space.

What walker can be considered narrow?

7 Best Narrow Walkers for Seniors to Get Through Any Doorway

Narrow walkers are deliberately designed with a small frame in order to help seniors and disabled people navigate through small spaces. They are ideal for seniors who need to deal with small entrances, small elevators, and narrow walkways frequently, and they cannot use regular sized walkers for their day-to-day life.

Moreover, narrow walkers are also suitable for seniors who are shorter and who may experience pain when using a standard size walker. To be considered a narrow walker, a model should generally have the capability to fit through small doors and very narrow passageways.

Features to consider before you buy a walker for seniors

There are multiple features to consider when shopping for the best narrow walker for seniors, with some of the most important including dimensions, obviously, but also material and durability, weight limit, the existence of wheels, extra functionality, and price.

Width and height

When choosing the dimensions of the walker, it’s important to take into account where, how, and for how long you or your loved one intends to use the walker. This will help you determine whether you actually need a narrow model.

It’s always a good idea to take some measurements of the doors in the house or of the passageways and store entrances that you are often frequenting in order to decide the width and height you need for your walker.

As a rule of thumb, you should expect narrow walkers to have an average width of 20 to 25 inches.

Walker weight

The weight of the walker is not only important for day-to-day use, but also when it comes to loading and unloading the walker in a car. Many of the narrow walkers for seniors we reviewed our super lightweight and they shouldn’t pose any problems when it comes to using and transporting them. For example, the Able Life Space Saver Walker with Organizer Pouch weighs just 8 pounds, and the Drive Medical 10210-1 Deluxe Folding Walker with 5-Inch Wheels is even lighter at 7.5 pounds.

Materials and durability

Most narrow walkers are feature a metallic frame that is often made from high-grade aircraft aluminium like in the case of the Able Life Space Saver Walker with Organizer Pouch.

Some models are made from anodised aluminium, like the Health Line Massage Products 4-in-1 Stand-Assist Folding Walker with Detachable Seat, for example, and you can also find walkers made from aluminium alloy, with an example being the OasisSpace Aluminium Rollator Walker.

No matter what type of aluminium a walker is made from, you should make sure it is sturdy and durable enough to sustain seniors over the years.

Weight limit

The weight limit is an important factor to take into account, but in the majority of cases this shouldn’t be a problem for users, because most models sustain weights of up to 350 pounds and even more. The Able Life Space Saver Walker, for example, can sustain weights of up to 400 pounds.

Type of walker and extra functionality

7 Best Narrow Walkers for Seniors to Get Through Any Doorway

The type of walker you choose should reflect the needs of the person using it, with choices including foldability for easy transport and feature such as seating. For example, the Health Line Massage Products Stand-Assist Folding Walker with Detachable Seat is a versatile choice for seniors who want to be able to sit and rest, while the Able Life Space Saver Walker with Organizer Pouch offers extra storage space that comes in handy when shopping.

With or without wheels

Some models come with wheels, which generally make it easier for seniors to work on a variety of surfaces, ranging from pavement to grass. The dimensions of the wheels vary from one model to another, and you can get models with large 10 inch wheels for extra stability, like in the case of the OasisSpace Aluminum Rollator Walker.

Price

The price you should expect to pay for a narrow walker for seniors varies according to the brand of the manufacturer, build quality, and any extra functionality it may have. The price of our selected walkers, for example, varies from around $30 for the Best Value model to around $165 for the Premium Pick.

FAQ

When you’re not using your walker, you don’t need to take any precautions except for keeping it out of the way and avoiding leaving it in humid places where it can become susceptible to rust. If the model you have is a folding one, you should always store it folded so it doesn’t get in your way.

In the vast majority of cases, you should be able to fold a walker by yourself, particularly if you opt for a lightweight model that has a one-click trigger that makes it super easy to fold and store it.

Yes, narrow walkers are comfortable to use, generally even more so than their standard dimensions counterparts, because they are lightweight and easy to manoeuvre.

Our Verdict

After reviewing the best narrow walkers on the market, we came to the conclusion that the OasisSpace Compact Folding Walker is the best all-around choice for seniors. Featuring a compact and lightweight design, this walker is easy to pack up and take it with you everywhere you go.

In second place, we have the OasisSpace Aluminum Rollator Walker, a premium narrow walker that comes with large 10-inch front wheels for extra stability, as well as other features such as a carry bag and sensitive braking system.

Finally, if you’re looking for the best narrow walker for seniors on a budget, the Drive Medical 10210-1 Deluxe Folding Walker with 5-Inch Wheels is a perfect choice that’s solidly built and very comfortable to use.

References

1.
How To Make A Home Much More Friendly To Seniors Using Wheelchairs Or Walkers | Kaiser Health News
Experts say key steps can make a home much more accessible to seniors who can have trouble getting around in wheelchairs or walkers.
2.
Walkers for Seniors and Medicare
Walkers for seniors are common. Learn more about when walkers for seniors are covered under Medicare and how Medicare can help with payments.
Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *