Walking Frames & Accessories

A walking frame is a mobile metal frame which provides support to someone as they walk.

They have a box-like construction, with handles at the top and four ferrule-capped feet at the bottom.

Walking frames offer mobile support as someone moves from A to B.

People who have difficulty walking unaided often use walking frames.

This may be because of a specific injury, illness, disability or while they recover from injury.

Walking frames for elderly people are standard mobility aids for people in the UK.

They are available with or without front wheels.

There are also kits available enabling you to fit wheels to a compatible non-wheeled frame.

Most frames come with simple height adjustment mechanisms in each leg.

This allows each leg to be lengthened or shortened to the desired size.

The frames do come in different sizes, so check the height adjustment range of the model you are interested in before choosing.

Yes, there are 'bariatric' walking frames which have a user weight limit of 35 stone.

These are larger and much stronger than standard lightweight aluminium models.

The standard weight limit for 'hospital' walking frames or regular zimmer frames tends to be 25 stone.

It is important to check the details of the product description before choosing one.

Almost all walking frames are made from aluminium because of its rigidity, strength and weight.

They do require some strength and coordination to operate safely.

If you have narrow doorways or halls to negotiate, you may need to consider a narrow walking frame.

The ultra-narrow walking frames at Essential Aids may be a suitable choice.

With a width of 9cm (19.5 inches) at the maximum leg extension (the legs splay wider, the more they extend) it is narrow enough to be used in tight spaces.

Regular light-weight aluminium walking frames are the silver looking models you will be used to seeing.

Some versions have small wheels at the bottom of the front legs, while the standard frames have plastic or rubber feet (called ferrules) capping each leg.

This type of frame is typically used indoors, over relatively short distances.

Rollators (often called wheeled walkers) are more substantial and robust.

While many people do use them indoors, they are best suited for outdoor use.

They are larger than regular walking frames, have bigger wheels, brakes and in some cases seats and baskets or bags.

Rollators with three wheels are common, as our four-wheeled models.

The latter tend to be less manoeuvrable but slightly more stable than three wheelers.

Both kinds can be folded up, so they can be easily stowed away for transportation or storage.

While both types of walking aid assist in walking from A to B, a rollator is more suited to outdoor use, like trips to the shops.