Rolling Walker

Important: This page was created to provide general information regarding commonly used and/or recommended devices and equipment. Some of these items might not be required initially but may be appropriate at a later stage, based on medical/rehabilitative team advice. Please continue to rely on the recommendations provided by your medical and rehabilitative team. Inappropriate use of equipment can lead to falls and/or injury.

Mobility Device: Rolling Walker

Category: Walkers

Height Range: 5’5” to 6’6”

Weight Range: generally, between 200lbs. to 300lbs, depending on the manufacture

Insurance Coverage: Yes, Flexible Spending Account (FSA) eligibility

Availability: Medical stores, Amazon, Major pharmacies (CVS, Walgreens) (When purchasing equipment from Amazon, be sure to read the manufacturers return policy as medical equipment might have different policies)

Parts of a walker

- Handles or handgrip

- Release/Folding mechanisms – pushing down on these pins, one at a time will help fold the walker for ease of storage. Some variations have one middle pin for folding the walker

- Two front wheels – to allow for easy in mobility and continuous forward movement

- Two standard back legs – to help control movement

- Adjustable pins - All legs have pins to adjust the height of the walker, making it taller or shorter based on specific needs/heights

- Rubber tips - the back wheels have rubber tips which are prone to wear and tear. These can be replaced.

Critical Information

In some situations, due to the rubber tips, it might be hard to walk on uncarpeted level surfaces like hardwood floors, tiles etc. causing a break in movement or also needing more force to push the walker. There are additional parts that can be added to the back legs to help manage this.

Insurance Coverage

Yes! Insurance pays for one mobility device every 5 years. In situations where 2 devices might be required like a cane and a rolling walker, getting the walker covered by insurance is usually advised since that is a more expensive device, and the cane can be paid out of pocket. There might be a small amount that you will be responsible for. If you have a Flexible Spending Account (FSA), you can use those funds to help cover for multiple devices.

Unfortunately, some of the “add-on” parts will not be covered by insurance and/or FSA.

Height Adjustment

To adjust the RW, pushing down on the adjustable pins to extend or shorten the legs will increase or decrease the height. Ideally, it is recommended that the level of the handles be at the level of the wrist when the arms are relaxed by the side.

Other considerations

1. Junior Walker: For adult height ranging from 4’10” to 5’5”, weight limitations: 250lbs – 300lbs

2. Heavy Duty Walker (weight): up to 500lbs

3. Extra tall walkers (read manufacture recommendations)

4. Extra tall with heavy duty walkers (read manufacture recommendations regarding height and weight)