How Does The Upwalker Lite Compare To The Original UPWalker?
Price: (Click here to check the price on Amazon.)
Pros: Lightweight at just 15.5 pounds making it easy to maneuver. Very well built and stable.
Cons: Only available in one size. The price.
Best For: When you want the best quality, lightweight, upright walker even if the cost is a little high.
Related: Best Upright Walkers of 2023
Overview
It was designed largely to address some of the criticisms the original UPWalker faced, namely that it was too heavy and bulky for the average senior to use.
They did an excellent job addressing these problems by creating this superior product and it clearly deserves our 4.7-star review.
The UP Walker Lite weight is 34% lighter and has a significantly smaller foot print than the original. It miraculously does so while maintaining the sturdy build and high quality of the first UPWalker.
Unfortunately at this time it only comes in one size. We are hoping that as the product becomes more popular, LifeWalker will start to introduce a wider range of sizes.
Other than that, price is really the only other criticism we have of the UP Walker Lite, with a recommended retail price at the top end of what you can expect to pay for an upright walker.
Overall the UP Walker Lite is a really great product!
Features
- UP Walker Lite weight limit: 300 LBS
- Approximate User Height: 4’11” – 5’10”
- Handle Height Adjustment: 34″ – 45″
- Overall Width: 24.8″
- Overall Length: 29″
- Storage Bag Dimensions: 17″W x 4″D x 11″H
- Seat Height: 21.5″
- Seat Dimensions: 18″W x 10″L
- Wheel Size: 8″ front, 6″ rear
- Product Weight: 15.5 LBS
- Folded Dimensions: 29″L x 40″H x 8.5″W
UP Walker Lite Video
Upright Walker Benefits
Before we look at the Upwalker lite specifically we would like to first look at the benefits of upright walkers in general.
Standard walkers are used by pushing them along in front of you while being slightly hunched over as you walk behind.
On the other hand upright walkers are designed for you to walk inside of the device standing in a more upright posture.
The article “Postural and Metabolic Benefits of Using a Forearm Support Walker” concludes that using an upright walker transfers some weight support to the forearms and away from lower extremities which consequently improves walking efficiencies and your gait in general.
This may take some pressure off of the lower back which is something that we all need.
Here is a list of some of the benefits of using an upright walker:
- Less lower back pain
- Better posture
- Increased mobility and becoming more active
- Generally improves social life
- Improves balance and overall confidence
Our Analysis
The original UPWalker was released in 2017 and back then it was the first truly upright walker to hit the market.
And while the people who loved it really loved it, there were plenty of elderly people who found it simply too large, heavy, and cumbersome to use… especially indoors.
Since then there have been dozens of upright walkers released by other companies which are smaller, lighter, and cheaper.
The UP Walker Lite is LifeWalker’s latest product aimed to address the problems seniors faced with the original, as well as compete with all the new products that have flooded the market.
On The Road
With a sturdy frame and good quality rubber wheels, the UP Walker Lite cruises along almost effortlessly on smooth flat surfaces.
Because the UP Walker Lite stands upright it takes a lot of pressure off your hands, wrists, and back. You do not have to stoop to use it which is really its best feature!
Throughout a full 24 hour test period we took it through it’s paces and had no trouble navigating normal everyday obstacles.
Thick carpet, slick tiles, transitions between surfaces, and a grass football field were all handled with ease.
Since your center of gravity is higher than with a traditional walker, you need to be aware of the terrain and try not to attempt tricky areas with all your weight on the walker because this can lead to losing your balance and potentially tipping over.
However the same caution applies to a standard walker as well.
Maneuverability
If you have used the original UPWalker then the first thing you will notice about the new Up Walker Lite model is how much smaller, lighter, and more nimble it is.
They have managed to shave 5 inches off the length and almost 8 pounds off the weight, both of which make the UP Walker Lite a whole lot easier to maneuver in tight spaces.
With the old model it sometimes felt like you needed to live in a mansion in order to turn it around, but with the UP Walker Lite walking aid – upright walker you won’t have any trouble walking around most average size homes.
Weight and Folded Size
Weighing just 15.5 pounds the UP Walker Lite lands at the upper limit of what we consider to be a lightweight walker.
(While there is no formal definition of “lightweight” when it comes to walkers, in our Lightweight walker comparison we used 15 pounds as the cutoff point for our review.)
This makes it almost 8 pounds lighter than the original and makes it much easier for the average senior to lift in and out of a car.
Folding the UP Walker Lite is as simple as pulling the handle on the seat.
The unit folds side-to-side and when compressed for transport or storage it measures just 29 inches long x 8.5 inches wide x 40 inches high.
This makes it small enough to fit in the trunk of most medium size cars, or on the backseat of a small car if you have four doors.
Seat
Equipped with a durable mesh that is fixed in place, plus a , sitting on the is surprisingly comfortable.
While it is obviously not designed to lounged around on, it is perfect for taking short rest stops whenever needed.
Both the and fold with the unit so you don’t have to worry about removing them before traveling.
The seat measures 18 inches wide x 10 inches deep and sits 21.5 inches off the floor.
Our test pilot weighs 200 pounds and fit snugly between the handles.
If you are closer to the 300 pound UP Walker Lite weight limit you might find either the seat or handles a little too narrow to make the seat useable for any extended period.
Standing up from the seated position is made easy with the addition of its “sit-to-stand” handles.
The has two extra handles located lower down on the , right where your hands are when seated.
This gives you a sturdy and comfortable place to push up with your hands to assist you when standing back up.
If you have weakness or pain in your legs, back, or hips then these handles are a godsend.
Before long you will see that these nice touches will cause you to love this well built giving you the freedom that you truly deserve.
Wheels
High quality rubber wheels are fitted on all four corners of the UP Walker Lite. Large 8-inch wheels are on the front, while smaller 6-inch wheels adorn the rear.
They roll smoothly, grip reassuringly, and barely make a sound as you move along.
We would have liked to seen 8-inch wheels all around like on the original UPWalker, but in all honesty you won’t even notice the difference when walking around on most everyday terrain.
As is standard with most walkers, the rear wheels are locked in place while the front wheels can swivel 360 degrees.
The rear provides stability while the front allows for quick turns and maneuverability in tight spaces.
Brakes
Fitted with dual-action ergonomic , you have full control over the speed of the walker with just a light touch of your fingers.
The pull on the hand grips and the brakes are applied independently to the rear wheels.
This allows you to brake each side of the walker separately, which is extremely useful for performing extra tight turns.
The front wheels are not braked to help avoid “going over the handlebars”.
Push the hand grips forward and you apply the parking brakes which are essential when sitting and very handy when standing still on uneven terrain or hills.
The brake cables are hidden away inside the frame of the walker which is not only more pleasing to the eye but it is also an important safety feature preventing the brake cables from getting caught on anything.
Storage
When you purchase this walker on Amazon you get a free suitable for keeping your belongings safe and secure.
The bag is a good size and measures 16.5″ wide x 6″ deep x 12.5″ high. More than enough room for your purse, wallet, keys, a good book, and even some groceries.
It is made of a high quality polyester, secures your items with dual zippers, and simply snaps on and off the frame of the walker when you need it.
Also included for free is the handy cup holder for easy access to your water bottle.
Well Built and High Quality
The stand UP Walker Lite was designed and developed in the United States with high manufacturing standards and great attention to detail.
Some walkers have a tendency to do a Bill Haley (“shake, rattle and roll”) when moving around, but the UP Walker Lite is smooth and quiet even on bumpy surfaces.
All the components look solid and feel like they will last a lifetime.
The frame comes with a lifetime warranty and other components such as the wheels, brakes, seat, handgrips, and armrests come with a 6-month manufacturer warranty.
We can confidently say that this model is one of the best stand up walkers for seniors.
UP Walker Lite Price
The Up price is one of the few small criticisms we have with the unit.
The recommended retail price is more expensive than most of the other upright walkers on the market.
(It is however cheaper than the which is a positive.)
So where does the extra money go?
This is definitely a much higher quality than most other products, and small touches like the “sit-to-stand” handles, free storage bag and are very handy as well.
When you factor in the UP Walker Lite price compared to other products over the lifetime of the walker we’re talking about a difference of a few cents per day, which is a small price to pay to get the best money can buy.
What We Liked
- ISO Certified for Indoor/Outdoor Use
- Lightweight upright walker weighing just 15.5 pounds
- Keeps your back naturally straight with no stooping over
- Easy to maneuver in tight spaces.
- Better suited to indoor use than the original UPWalker.
- Comfortable seat with backrest.
- Storage bag and drink holder are both very handy.
- Very well built and stable.
What Could Be Improved
- Only available in one size.
- One of the more expensive upright walkers.
What assembly is required to start using the UP Walker lite?
The up walker lite comes fully assembled.
Easy instructions are included to help you adjust your new upright walker and immediately start using it.
Does the UPWalker Lite fit in most car trunks and back seats?
Yes, the Upwalker lite is very easy to fold up and is 34% lighter than the original Upwalker.
It easily fits into the back seat or trunk of most cars.
Conclusion
Thank you for reading our up walker lite review.
The UP Walker Lite is technically a fantastic product with a lightweight frame, comfortable seat, and excellent indoor maneuverability.
Whether you have become aware of the newer UP Walker Lite walking aid from word of mouth or from seeing it featured in the UP Walker Lite commercial there is no doubt that this mobility product is seeing an increasing demand.
The UP Walker Lite original upright walker is a high quality product that is an investment that will give you many years of joy and mobility freedom for many years to come.
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