Vive Upright Walker  
Best All-Around  | Drive Medical Nitro  
Tallest | Carex Crosstour Budget Friendly  
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If you’re over 6 feet tall then you’ve probably struggled to find a tall rollator walker that you can comfortably use. It sure is not easy to find a good mobility aid for a tall person. When researching tall walkers for seniors we found that most common models do not extend enough for a tall person to use without having to hunch over. Others are simply too unstable when fully extended to use with confidence.
And if you’re 6’4″ or more your options are extremely limited. In fact, in all my research I found only two tall walkers suitable for someone this tall. There was one walker that was not included here because it was unstable when used on uneven surfaces. That is why it is so hard to find an extra tall walker because the wheel base has to increase for safety and stability the higher the upright walker. Then of course extending the wheel base can only go so far before you start running into narrow doorway issues.
Here’s what I discovered after 23 hours researching and testing different walkers and rollators designed for tall seniors…
Top Walkers for Tall People:
Vive Upright Walker
The great thing about using an upright walker is that it relieves tension in your neck and shoulders. Since you are standing upright and not slumped over you look forward while walking which makes your mobility journeys much more enjoyable!
Why we like it:
- Wide comfortably padded seat
- Able to safely service users up to 400 pounds
- Only needs minimal tool-free assembly
- For users from 5′ to 6′ 4″ tall
Drive Medical Nitro Euro Style Tall
- Tallest available rollator walker with a max hand grip height of 41 inches!
- Large 10 inch front castor wheels work great indoors and out. (Cruises over half inch bumps in the sidewalk.)
- Seat is surprisingly comfortable even if you’re at the max weight of 300 pounds.
- Removable zippered storage compartment.
- Brake cables are inside the frame so they never get caught on anything.
- Lightweight aluminum frame looks great and can be folded with one hand. (Plus it fits easily in the trunk of a car.)
What could be improved:
- When seated, the handles are a touch narrow, so if you’ve got particularly wide shoulders they might touch.
- The Drive Universal cup holder does not work with this model.
The bottom line was the best of the tall walkers we reviewed, and frankly the only suitable option for anyone 6’4″ and up.
Graham-Field Lumex Allura LX Rollator with Seat
This is truly a tall walker with a stylish design, making it a perfect marriage of form and function.
Why we like it:- Safer outdoor mobility because of the 8 inch wheels.
- tall walker with a seat
- The padded seat is 18 inches wide which is a little wider than standard rollators.
- for users between 6’2″ and 6’8″ tall
- It can support a person that weighs up to 300 pounds.
- Hand brake has a locked “parking brake” mode that are applied before sitting.
- The light tubular aluminum frame makes it easy to use and carry.
What could be improved:
- The cane holder should be improved to accommodate a heavy walking cane.
Drive Medical Deluxe Two Button Folding Walker
- Super lightweight and easy to transport.
- Good quality 5 inch wheels that don’t leave marks on the floor.
- One of the cheapest walkers on the market!
- Perfect as a second walker for around the house.
What could be improved:
- The rear leg sliders can drag a bit on some carpet so you might want to get some Ski Glides.
OasisSpace Heavy Duty Folding Walker
- Wide frame perfect for larger people or those with broad shoulders.
- Height-adjust from 31-39 inches.
- FDA approved.
- Heavy duty weight capacity up to 500 pounds.
- Vibrant color that does away with the old “recycled shower curtain rod” look of the past.
What could be improved:
- Some people have troubles with the ski glides falling out.
- The wider frame makes it a little tough to maneuver in tight spaces.
Carex Crosstour Rolling Walker Rollator
- Lightweight 14 pound foldable frame fits in the trunk easily.
- 8-inch wheels front (6 inch rear) go over cracks and bumps without jolting.
- Seat with backrest is quite comfortable for short sits.
- Water-resistant nylon pouch for safe keeping of personal items.
- Stays standing when folded.
What could be improved:
- The storage bag gets in the way when folding closed, especially if you have things in there.
- 38 inch handles means it’s only good for people up to about 6’4″ — if you’re taller check out the Drive Medical Nitro earlier in this article.
- Took about an hour of trial and error to put it together. (Pay special attention to how the cables and wheels are supposed to go!)
Days Bariatric Adjustable Walker | Great for users up to 6′ 10″ tall
What To Look For in a Tall Walker
Height-adjustable
Rollators usually have adjustable handles, while standard walkers have adjustable legs. Either way you’re looking for something with at least 38 inches of reach from the floor to the handles. Most walkers average just 36″ which means if you’re over about 5’10” you have to hunch to use them, which is not only uncomfortable but bad for your back/neck and potentially dangerous because it puts you in an awkward position.
Large wheels
Without getting too deep into a physics lesson, tall people have a higher centre of gravity than shorter people. This makes them more susceptible to falls. And small wheels are more likely to get stuck on rocks, thick carpet, or cracks in the road. So you want the largest wheels possible. For a rollator, look for wheels at least 8 inches. And for a front-wheel walker, don’t go any smaller than 5 inches.
Sufficient weight-bearing capacity
Tall people tend to be heavier than their shorter counterparts, so it’s important to pay attention to the weight limit of the products you’re looking at. 250-300 pounds is pretty standard but if you’re heavier you might need to look at a heavy duty or bariatric walker.
How to fit yourself for a walker – Infographic
How To Fit Yourself For a Tall Walker
You can measure yourself for both a walker and a rollator in the same way:
- Put on your regular walking shoes.
- Stand upright with your arms hanging naturally at your sides.
- Have someone measure from the ground up to your wrist.
- This measurement (in inches) is the correct handle height for you.
- Choose a walker with a handle height that is one inch below and one inch above this measurement.
Types of Tall Walkers
There are several different types of tall walkers available for seniors, each with their own unique features and benefits. Some of the most common types include: Standard tall walker: This is the most basic type of tall walker, and typically features four legs, a crossbar for support, and a set of handgrips. They are often adjustable in height and can be folded for storage and transportation. Rolling tall walker: Also known as a rollator, this type of tall walker has wheels on the back legs, which makes it easier to navigate over uneven surfaces. It also often includes brakes and a seat for resting. Heavy-duty tall walker: This type of tall walker is designed for larger individuals or those with a higher weight capacity. It has a wider base and is made with stronger, more durable materials. Bariatric tall walker: Similar to the heavy-duty tall walker, this type of tall walker is designed for individuals who are bariatric or have a higher weight capacity. It has a wider base and is made with stronger, more durable materials. Transport tall walker: This type of tall walker is designed to be easily transported and stored. It often has smaller wheels and a more compact design than other types of tall walkers. Folding tall walker: This type of tall walker is designed to be easily folded for storage and transportation. They can be adjusted to the appropriate height for the user and include brakes for extra safety It’s important to note that these are some of the most common types of tall walkers and that features can vary depending on the manufacturer and model. It’s always best to consult with a healthcare professional or physical therapist before making a decision.
In Summary…
There really are only a few good walkers available designed for people 6 feet tall and over. In short: (pun intended!)
- If you’re looking for a rollator (or are 6’4″+) then the Drive Medical Tall Nitro is king of the hill with it’s 41″ max handle height.
- If the Nitro is out of your budget for a rollator then the Carex Crosstour is a solid runner up.
- If you just want a basic walking frame then the Drive Medical Deluxe represents good value for money with a 39″ max handle.
- Or if you’re on the heavy side and need a heavy duty walker then the OasisSpace HD gives you a maximum 39″ handle height and can support up to 500 pounds.
Let me know which one you choose!
FAQ
Tall walkers are relatively easy to maintain, they typically only require regular cleaning and checking the wheels, brakes and other moving parts for proper function. It’s important to refer to the manufacturer’s guidelines for specific maintenance instructions.
Some tall walkers are designed to be easily folded for storage and transportation, making them suitable for travel. However, it’s always best to check with the airline or other mode of transportation regarding their specific guidelines for traveling with a tall walker.
Most tall walkers are not designed to be used on stairs, and using them to climb stairs can be dangerous. If a senior needs to use the stairs, it is recommended to use a stair lift or to have someone assist them.
The weight capacity of a tall walker can vary depending on the model and manufacturer, but most standard tall walkers have a weight capacity of around 300 lbs. However, some heavy-duty or bariatric models can have a higher weight capacity of up to 500 lbs. It’s always best to check the manufacturer’s specifications or consult with a healthcare professional or physical therapist before making a decision.
The main benefit of using a tall walker is that it provides additional support and stability for seniors, which can help them maintain their independence and mobility. Tall walkers also help to reduce strain on the back, shoulders, and arms by allowing the user to adjust the height of the handgrips to the appropriate level for their body.
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