Lightweight three wheel walkers. What's the best?

[dewne]

Mum finally accepted defeat and will use one, but the one we had for my dad is quite old and I think probably quite heavy. She needs one that she could fold easily to put on the bus. Preferably one with a seat.
is anybody chuffed to bits with their parents one?

You should get one prescribed by an occupational therapist. Don't just buy one. OT, either private or NHS will come and assess the patients needs, set it to the right height etc.

If you want more choice and want one this year, just buy one!

Thank you

Well that's true, might go to one of those special shops you know that are good with walking sticks and adaptations

I thought you had to do that anyway! That’s what I did when I bought one for a friend. It would have never occurred to me to get one prescribed by an OT!

Not 3 wheeled - and expensive - but Saljol was really light and folded down easily and was so easy to manoeuvre, the one we got has a seat and a basket.

ETA we got from a branch of The Mobility Store - the handles were adjustable height which made a difference for a tall or short person. Currently £500 ish without VAT.

I think my mum got hers from here but I'm not sure which model. It's lightweight and folds easily to go in the car, but doesn't have a seat.

https://www.careco.co.uk/walking-aids/tri-walkers/

You can't get them prescribed by an OT, they have to be privately bought unfortunately! Only indoor mobility aids are supplied by nhs/social services OTs. (I am one).
I wouldn't buy a 3-wheeled one unless recommended by a qualified professional (they do suit some people who have parkinsons as helps with mobility when 'freezing'). I've had a patient with a fractured neck of femur after it tipping at the dropped curb approaching a pedestrian crossing and a few others who have fallen when using them as they caught the wheel/tipped over. 4 wheel ones have more stability.

Is there a reason why you think a three wheel walker would be better? I feel more stable with a 4 wheel walker. I use a lightweight walker it has a seat and shopping basket, folds up easy for bus, planes etc. I looked at quite a few I like the Rehasense Space LX range, lots of lovely colours and designs and they look smart and modern, I am only in my 50’s but I have mobility issues due to Multiple Sclerosis. The best thing you could do is go to a mobility store preferably an independent, with you parent and try some out. Honestly the best purchase I have made, absolutely love my walker.

https://www.careco.co.uk/iconnect-stealth/
my mum got this one. It’s made a massive difference to her. It’s very light and manoeuvrable but expensive.
We went to a care co shop where she was able to try out quite a few and the assistants were very helpful.
She was advised by the assistant that a 4 wheeler was more stable but she wanted one that she was able to lift over her steps at the front of the house. I have no concerns about it being unstable and neither does my db - who is a physio. She is reasonably good at walking for her age though - just have a sore back without the walker. So it does depend on individual circumstances

I would second getting a private OT recommendation for one. Whatever you end up with make sure the handles are high enough that she is pushing it standing upright and not bending forwards to push it. Lots of walkers encourage bad posture.
I would look for one with a seat on it too so she can rest when she needs to

3 wheel walkers can be very unstable so I prefer a 4 wheeled one for extra safety and stability.

The best lightweight walker that I have owned is called "Let's Go Out" made by a company called Trustcare. They are lightweight, can be folded easily and have larger front wheels that means they roll easily over cracks in the pavement and uneven surfaces.

The best overall walker I have owned is the Trionic Walker - it is a bit bigger than the trustcare walker but inflatable tyres and bigger wheel means in rolls over really uneven ground and kerbs etc. Bigger seat means more confort when sitting and there is a good sized basket for stuff. They make a series of walkers and velopeds for different terrain - the 12 inch wheel is ideal for most things but I bought 14" for a trip to Iceland 8 years ago and it took me over the rocks to the famous Dettifoss waterfall
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/LCTZVCbfCQw

A couple of additional tips - don't buy walkers with small wheels as they get stuck very easily on cracks, gravel, stones, kerbs, rough terrain - and some bounce back and give you bruises! You need minimum 10-12 inched

Never, ever buy a walker called "Carl Oscar" - really heavy, hard to fold, clanky and the physio banned me from trying to bring it indoors