Unlike a standard walker, 2-wheel walkers operate differently. The users do not have to pick up the walker to move forward. With these types of walkers, the user will put their weight on the walker while they move. Because it uses 2 wheels and rubber tips on the back legs the walker will move forward when moving.
2 wheel walkers are designed to be ideal for terrain that is flat because of the smaller wheels. Unlike larger wheels that can move over grass, sand, and other types of terrain, 2 wheel walkers struggle. But there are some excellent design factors with the 2 wheel walker. They are compact and because of this can be easily folded for storage and transport making them easy to take with you pretty much anywhere you go.
Who should use a 2 wheel walker?
There is no set age as to who should use a walker or a 2 wheel walker as this will depend on each person’s situation. In general, anyone that starts to face challenges at placing full body weight on one or two legs could benefit from a walker that is sturdy and lightweight.
2 wheel walkers are geared for people that have limited mobility compared to that person using a standard walker. 2 wheel walkers can also help those who are slow when walking to move quicker because of the two-wheels and not have the need to lift the walker up like on a standard walker.
Difference between a standard walker and a 2 wheel walker
While a standard walker and a 2 wheel walker look the same there are some differences. Standard walkers are the most basic walker and consist of a frame that is typically made from metal and must be picked up the place down to move forward.
Two-wheel walkers have wheels that do not need to be picked and put down to move forward. These devices are easier to use than standard walkers that need to be picked up and placed down.
- Who should use a 2 wheel walker?
- Difference between a standard walker and a 2 wheel walker
- 4 Best 2 wheel walkers
- best 2 wheel walker comparison chart
- The 4 Best 2 wheel walkers
- 1. Blue Compact Folding Paddle Walker with Wheels
- 2. Drive Two Button Folding Walker
- 3. Red Walker with Folding Legs & Bags
- 4. Drive Clever Lite Walker with Seat & Brakes
- 2 wheel walker buying guide
- Walker width
- How portable is the walker
- Height adjustments
- Foldability
- Weight capacity of the 2 wheel walker
- Seat height
- Braking
- Pricing of the 2 wheel walker
- Related questions
4 Best 2 wheel walkers
Our Score | 2 wheel walkers | Our Rank |
---|---|---|
1. | Blue Compact Folding Paddle Walker with Wheels | 4.8/5 |
2. | Drive Two Button Folding Walker | 4.7/5 |
3. | Red Walker with Folding Legs and Bags | 4.6/5 |
4. | Drive Clever Lite Walker with Seat | 4.6/5 |
best 2 wheel walker comparison chart
Key Specs | Blue Compact Folding Paddle Walker | Drive two-button Folding Walker | Red Walker with Folding Legs & Bags | Drive Clever Lite Walker with Seat |
---|---|---|---|---|
Weight capacity: | 350 lbs. | 350 lbs. | 300 lbs. | 350 lbs. |
Product weight: | 6.8 lbs. | 7 lbs. ,7.5 lbs. | 8 lbs. | 7 lbs. , 7.5 lbs. |
Minimum handle height: | 32.5″ | 32″ | 29.5″ | 32″ |
Maximum handle height: | 39.5″ | 39″ | 37″ | 39″ |
# of wheels: | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
Recommended user height: | 5’5″ – 6″4″ | NA | NA | NA |
Front-wheel size: | 5″ | 5″ | 5″ | 5″ |
The 4 Best 2 wheel walkers
1. Blue Compact Folding Paddle Walker with Wheels
Editor’s Rating
4.8/5
Blue Compact Folding Paddle Walker with Wheels
Our number one choice for a two-wheel walker is the Blue Compact Paddle Walker with or without wheels. Users can use this device as a standard or two-wheel walker and it’s really lightweight making it ideal for travel and taking it with you wherever you go.
You’ll love the paddle folding mechanism that makes folding a breeze. It comes with 5″ wheels that can be used. The back legs will have rubber padding for easy use on most surfaces. Both front and back legs can extend up and down. It’s lightweight at only 6.8 pounds and folds tightly so travel is simple.
With a dual crossbar and fancy blue paint, this walker is an excellent choice for those looking for a model that can be used either as a standard or two-wheel walker.
Key Specifications
- Weight capacity: 350 lbs.
- Product weight: 6.8 lbs.
- Overall width: 23″
- Overall Lenght: 31″
- Max handle height: 39.5″
- Min handle height: 32.5″
- Number of wheels: 2
- Recommended user height: 5’5″-6″4″
- Height adjustable: Yes
Score: (4.8 / 5)
Pros
- Comes with an extra set of legs that can be used with or without wheels
- Dual crossbar
- Unique folding legs for simple travel or storage
- Height adjusts in 1″ increments from 32″ – 39″
- Latex-free
- Easy snap assembly
Cons
- May struggle on rougher surfaces because of smaller wheels
2. Drive Two Button Folding Walker
Editor’s Rating
4.7/5
Drive Two Button Folding Walker
The Drive Two Button Folding walker is a great folding walker for anyone that needs help in daily activities. This walker is lightweight but yet very durable and strong because of the aluminum material that the walker is made from.
We love the unique push-button mechanism that allows for simply easy folding that anyone can fold and unfold with ease. The U-shape frame offers excellent stability as well.
This walker uses 5″ wheels and rear glide caps that can be used over a lot of t terrains surfaces. This walker also uses adjustable height legs so fitting can be more precise.
Key Specifications
- Weight capacity: 350 lbs.
- Product weight: 7, 7.5 lbs.
- Overall width: 24″
- Overall length: 17.5″
- Max handle height: 39″
- Min handle height: 32″
- Width between handles: 17″
- Front wheel size: 5″
- Height adjustable: Yes
Score: (4.8 / 5)
Pros
- Easy push-button mechanisms
- Comes with wheels
- 1″ aluminum construction
- Vinyl hand grip
- Latex free
- Lightweight
Cons
- No pouch
- Might be difficult to use when surface is not flat
3. Red Walker with Folding Legs & Bags
Editor’s Rating
4.6/5
Red Walker with Folding Legs & Bag
The Red Walker with folding legs and bag is an excellent travel option in a two-wheel walker. We love that this walker can fold to 1/2 the size of a traditional walker so taking it with you when you travel or for storing is much easier.
And when you travel the two since storage pouches are excellent at storing wallets, keys, phones, and more so you can keep your hands free while using the walker. Made from aluminum it keeps the walker light yet strong at only 8 pounds.
It is also easy to get the right height because the height adjustment is a tool-free design. They have comfortable grips that will extend the life of your trips by keeping your hands fresh.
Key Specifications
- Weight capacity: 300 lbs.
- Product weight: 8 lbs.
- Overall width: 26.5″
- Overall Lenght: 20.5″
- Max handle height: 37″
- Min handle height: 29.5″
- Number of wheels: 2
- Height adjustable: Yes
Score: (4.8 / 5)
Pros
- Folding is simple
- Lightweight and excellent for travel
- Tool-free height adjustment
- Two storage pouches
- Aluminum frame construction
Cons
- May struggle on rougher surfaces because of smaller wheels
4. Drive Clever Lite Walker with Seat & Brakes
Editor’s Rating
4.6/5
Blue Compact Folding Paddle Walker with Wheels
Drive medical makes excellent mobility devices. The Clever Lite LS Walker with a seat and push-down brakes make an excellent device. The seat can be raised so you can still walk inside the frame. Folding the walker is easy and only needs to be folded with a dual lever side paddle release.
While this walker is heavier than other walkers in its class at 11 pounds it is extremely well built and strong. This walker uses 5″ fixed front wheels that can be sued over a lot of different surfaces.
We love the seat factor on this walker because if you or a loved one gets tired while walking you can rest and sit.
Key Specifications
- Weight capacity: 300 lbs.
- Product weight: 11 lbs.
- Seat width: 18.7″
- Front rear wheel size: 5″
- Overall width: 27″
- Overall length: 21″
- Max handle height: 39″
- Min handle height: 35″
- Height adjustable: Yes
Score: (4.6 / 5)
Pros
- Glide push-down brakes
- Flip-up seat with built-in carry handle
- Anodized aluminum construction
- Easily folds
- Can sit when tired
Cons
- Heavier than other walkers
2 wheel walker buying guide
There are many options available when choosing a walker but none are more important than making sure the one you choose fits your body and style and your individual needs. Because of this, you need to know what features to look for when making a purchase. Here are some important factors to come to mind when choosing a walker for a loved one or yourself.
Walker width
The width of the walker should allow you to easily get through a doorway of your home. A lot of walkers are used indoors and because of this, the width becomes important. For those that are using the walker outdoors, the width does not become as critical. When a seat is in play you want to make sure the width will allow you to seat comfortably and not cause friction or squeezing when sitting.
How portable is the walker
Walkers are meant to be portable and lightweight. Most of the walkers we review are under 11 pounds with many being 6 to 7 pounds so transport is easy. Walkers can and should be easy to fold so they can be stored and transported in cars, planes, or other transportation devices.
A lot of these devices use a lever paddle release or push-button mechanisms to fold. Making it super quick and easy to fold and take with you.
Height adjustments
User Height and Handle height: Depending on the height of the user that will determine the height of the handle height of the walker. In order to achieve this calculation, you need to measure the distance from the wrist of the person using the walker to the floor while he or she is standing. Remember that most 2 wheel walkers are height adjustable.
Height | Handle Height |
---|---|
Under 5′ | 25″ – 30″ |
Between 5′- 6′ | 30″ – 35″ |
Over 6′ | 35″ + |
Foldability
Most walkers are very easy to fold and store. These types of devices are easy to bring along almost anywhere you go because of this. But not all walkers close as easy as others. If you are into traveling a lot it is important to get a model that can close quickly and easily and open up just as easily. For travels pick a walker that is easy to close and compact for best results.
Weight capacity of the 2 wheel walker
Every walker has a maximum weight capacity that the walker can safely hold. The walkers we reviewed all have a weight capacity from 300 to 350 lbs. that they can safely handle. If you are at the weight limit or over the maximum weight limit we recommend that you find a higher capacity weight limit walker so you can feel safe when using the device.
Seat height
If your walker has a seat then the seat height will be a factor when making a purchase. if the seat is too low it can be hard to get up from the sitting position.
Braking
Not all walkers have braking systems but some do. Devices like the Drive Clever Lite Walker have rear glide push-down brakes that help you stop when you need to. It’s important to understand that standard walkers typically will not have breaks but wheeled walkers and rollators that have all 4 wheels typically always have brakes. They work by squeezing a lever-style handle.
Pricing of the 2 wheel walker
Pricing plays a part in everything we do. Walker’s pricing is not terribly expensive in terms of other types of mobility aids. Most walkers will be priced from $55.00 up to $200.00. This price range should get you a high-quality 2 wheel walker for your needs.
If you are looking for a 2 wheel walker we suggest you budget around $150.00 to make sure that you can find the right walker for your needs. You should also look into Medicare Part B for payments if you qualify as it is considered a medical necessity and would be partially covered.
Related questions
Will a walker is covered by Medicare Part B? Yes. These devices are considered a medical necessity for some and will be covered by Medicare Part B if you qualify.
Should you measure for a walker? Yes. You should always fit a mobility device as closely as possible to your needs and body size. For a walker, you should measure the height of the handlebars, width, and depth of a seat if the walker has one. A lot of walkers can be adjusted by the legs so you can get even a better fit.
Should I buy a standard walker or wheeled rollator walker? The major difference between the two are one has wheels and one does not. Standard walkers do not have wheels. Those who are weaker should be considered wheeled walkers. Those that are still strong enough but just need some stability may want to choose a standard walker.
Do all walkers come assembled? No, but if you purchase from 1800 Wheelchair there walkers at the time of this writing all come assembled. But you may need to adjust the legs. It is a simple push-button adjustment.
Are regular walkers the same as pediatric walkers? No. Pediatric walkers are designed for children and while they may look the same they are smaller and designed for a child. Learn more about the best pediatric walkers in our in-depth guide.