Smallest Folding Walker | Light & Narrow | Best Budget |
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Abel Space Saver | ProBasics Rollator | Drive Medical Aluminum |
Table of Contents
Best Narrow Walkers for Seniors
Why does a narrow walker matter anyway?
Until you’ve actually used some of the regular walkers on the market you don’t realize just how big and heavy some of them are. They barely fit through a normal-size doorway. They’re difficult for an elderly person to lift into a car. You’ve got to rearrange the furniture just to get where you need to go. And forget about turning around in a small bathroom. So even though they work extremely well, they can be inconvenient to use at the best of times. A narrow walker on the other hand is small and light enough that it fits right into your daily life without any inconvenience. 
Why get one?
Here are some of the reasons to get a narrow walker or rollator:
- You want a second walker just for using around the home. (Helps you navigate smaller rooms and get around furniture easily.)
- You want a travel walker you can take anywhere, knowing it’ll never get in the way or be a nuisance.
- You want more support than a cane but aren’t yet old enough to need a big bulky rollator.
- You need a mobility device that is convenient to store.
- You need a narrow walker for small doorways
- When a senior person has a weak grip or is recovering from an injury, the narrow walker is easier to maneuver.
Top Narrow Walkers For Seniors Reviewed
Able Life Space Saver Walker
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- Just 22 inches wide at the wheels when fully expanded.
- It’s a narrow walker with wheels!
- You can make it narrower as you walk and it still supports you.
- Folds down to a staggering 4 inches with a simple pressure on the handle! (Fits in the overhead compartment on an airplane.)
- The wheels and gliders will get you over cracked sidewalks, rubble, and shag carpet with ease.
- Stylish minimalistic design barely feels like you’re using a walker.
- Weighs only 7.5 pounds so it’s light enough to take anywhere.
What could be improved:
- The ultra compact form means there’s no storage or seat.
- Depending on your gait the crossbar might get in the way of your knees.
Overall this is our #1 pick if you’re looking for the most compact lightweight walker.
Drive Medical Four Wheel Aluminum Rollator
- Total width of 23.5 inches easily fits through a small 24 inch doorway.
- Lightweight aluminum frame weighs just 17.9 pounds.
- Weight capacity 300 pounds
- Padded seat which doubles as a handy place to store shopping bags or your plate at the buffet!
- 7.5 inch castor wheels make easy work of rough terrain, grass, or carpet.
- Small zippered pouch under the seat suitable for personal items.
What could be improved:
- Cup holder is available as an add-on but really should be standard.
- Doesn’t stand when folded.
ProBasics Transport Rollator
- Only 24 inches wide at the wheels. (11 inches when folded.)
- Small walker with padded seat
- Weight capacity 250 pounds or less
- Doubles as a sit down transport chair so you can be pushed if you get tired.
- Large 8 inch wheels that will handle even the roughest cobblestone streets.
- Lockable hand brake
What could be improved:
- You have to remove the basket to fold the rollator.
- It’s not very stable when collapsed and can tip over when not in use.
- The basket is a little flimsy.
If you’re looking for a narrow rollator and think the transport chair feature might come in handy then we definitely think it’s worth the extra money.
Vive Folding Walker
Why we love it:
- 23 inches at the widest point and weighs just 6 pounds to get through narrow passageways.
- Adjustable height in one-inch increments between 33″ to 40″ making it suitable for a wide range of people.
- Comes with a small storage bag for personal items.
- 5 inch wheels included so you can turn it into a front-wheel walker for extra mobility.
What could be improved:
- Only comes with a 60-day guarantee.
- Some people report it can be a little difficult to close. (We didn’t have any trouble.)
- The handgrips can get a little uncomfortable after extended use.
Zler Aluminum Walker
Why we love it:
- Weighs just under 6 pounds (2.7 Kg).
- Comfortable contoured hand grips for extended use
- Can support someone up to 300 pounds.
- Has 5-inch wheels for extra stability and mobility.
What could be improved:
- Only comes with a 60-day guarantee.
- A small number have reported it to be a little wobbly.
Walker or Rollator?
As you can see, this list includes standard walkers, front-wheel walkers, and 4-wheel rollators. Which one is right for you? A standard or front-wheel walker is going to be the smallest and lightest option, but they require a little more strength and coordination to use. Whereas a rollator gives you a lot more support at the expense of more bulk. If you’re still not sure what type of walker is right for you, be sure to check out our Best Walkers For Seniors.
Any Negatives?
The main drawback to a narrow walker is you give up a little stability over their wider counterparts. (Generally speaking the wider the gap between the legs of the walker the more sturdy it’s going to be.) And by focusing on making the product smaller and lighter there is obviously less room for storage and accessories. But as you can see from the products we’ve reviewed, there are some really great options that manage to largely overcome these potential negatives.
6 Reasons to get a Narrow Walker – Infographic
Wrapping Up
There you have it — our picks of the best narrow walkers for seniors. As for which product you should choose, this really comes down to you and how you’ll be using the walking aid. As a general guide:
- If you’re looking for the smallest and lightest walker that folds down to about the size of two canes, then the Able Life is the best choice.
- For those wanting a full-featured rollator just with a smaller footprint than normal, then you can’t go past either the ProBasics or Drive Medical options.
- Or if you’re on a budget and can get by with a basic walker, then you might want to check out the Vive.
Happy walking!
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