As the name implies, walkers with wheels have wheels. The presence of wheel makes them completely different from the standard type of frames. The presence of wheels makes it easy to move them around, and the end user will not have to lift the walker up before he/she can move around; this will reduce discomfort when using the wheeled walker.
Some walkers have front wheels that swivel, while some other ones do not. The ones with wheels that cannot swivel still need to be lifted before they can be moved around, especially when the end user wants to turn in a different direction. While some standard walking frames do not have wheels, some other ones are fitted with wheels.
Some other walkers can also be folded for easy storage. Folding walkers can equally be transported easily without occupying too much space or creating storage problem while in transit. The folding types work via two different mechanisms, which are:
- Hinged front legs
- Side folding frame
Hinged front legs
You can activate the folding function of this walking frame by pulling a ball mounted on a string. The ball is pulled towards the end user, causing the brace bar located close to the bottom of the frame to slide up, while the front section also moves inward until the front and back legs meet. Consequently, the walkers with wheels can be folded up for easy storage in a store at home or your car’s boot.
Side folding frame
In this type of walkers, the frame will not narrow at the front but will have the same width at the front and the back. The user only needs to press the bar running across the front end of the frame to activate the locking motion. Consequently, both sides of the walkers can be folded to meet the front section. The walkers will then become completely flat and promote space efficiency.
Common accessories
The accessories fitted to walkers make them more useful than ever and make them applicable to both indoor and outdoor uses.
Some of the common accessories in walkers with wheels are:
- Apron bag provides space for three large pockets, which are waterproof and can bear letters, glasses, newspapers and such small items
- Net bag is attached to the frame for storing various items. It can be loaded and offloaded very easily.
- Buckingham caddy can be used for transporting foods and drinks everywhere you go.