A 2015 survey of Disability, Ageing and Carers found that an estimated 250,000 people in Australia use a walking stick and almost 240,000 a Walking Frame. There is a substantial number using walking aids. Further, almost 15% of all people with a disability use some form of mobility aid.
There are many assistive technology (AT) aids on the market today to assist you with walking. The most common are canes, crutches, walkers, and rollators. This guide provides you with an overview and examples of these aids.
Canes & Walking Sticks
Standard Walking Stick
A standard walking stick consists of a wooden or metal shaft with a handle at one end that you can grip with one hand, and a tip at the other end that touches the ground. The handle can be straight, flat, curved, or offset. The grip on the handle can be smooth or have finger holds. A cane with an offset handle has a shaft that curves at one end, resembling the top of a question mark. Some standard walking canes have height-adjustable shafts and are also foldable—usually into four interlocking sections—for storage and transport when not in use.
The tip may be made of the same material as the shaft, or it may be made of metal or rubber. For some standard canes, a special tip may be added for additional traction or stability. For example, three- and four-pronged tips provide slightly more stability and allow the cane to stand upright when not in use.
Quad Stick
Quad sticks are canes with four (“quad”) small legs attached to a metal platform at the bottom of its shaft. They are designed to provide more stability than standard canes. Quad canes typically have an offset handle with a rubber grip and a height-adjustable shaft.
Airgo Comfort-Plus Adjustable Quad Cane Large Base
Are you looking for a cane that provides extra stability and support? Look no further than the Airgo Comfort-Plus Adjustable Quad Cane with Large Base. This revolutionary cane is designed with durability, longevity, and comfort in mind. The K-shaped rotating base swivels and locks into position to accommodate both right-handed and left-handed users, perfect for those who want more control over …
Combination Walking Stick and Seat
If you have difficulty standing for more than a few minutes at a time, you may ask your health care professional about a cane combined with a folding seat. These lightweight canes have one or two legs when used as a cane for walking support, and when folded out to a seat have three or four legs to support the weight of the individual when resting. They fold out easily into a chair with either a metal seat on three legs or a canvas seat on four legs. The height of the legs is usually adjustable.
Crutches
Underarm Crutches
Underarm crutches, also called auxiliary crutches, are used singly or in a pair and extend to the floor and are designed to bear your weight under your arms. They feature a grip for your hands and have rubber tips at the ends for traction with the ground. Underarm crutches are useful if an injury or surgery prevents you from putting weight on your leg or foot. Sprung Crutches are an alternative to standard underarm walking aids. They are designed to improve proper posture and relieve stress on your hands and wrists. They have a spring-assisted tip with a shock-absorbing power assist feature.
Forearm Crutches
Forearm or elbow crutches, also called gutter crutches, are designed to bear your weight on your forearms rather than your underarms. They also have a grip for your hand. While some have a small cuff on the top near the handle that allows the crutches to be secured to your forearms, others have elbow holders to rest your arm in instead of cuffs. Forearm crutches extend to the floor and their ends have a rubber tip for traction.
Knee Crutches
Knee crutches, designed to bear weight on your knees, are for lower leg, ankle, and foot injuries or disabilities. There are a number of different designs. For example, there is a hands free crutch, which is a short, adjustable, axillary-type crutch extending from the top of your leg to the ground. It has a platform to support your bent knee and a beam centred under the platform extending to the ground. Straps and clips are available to put around your thigh and knee to keep your leg secure.
Wheeled Knee Crutch
Wheeled knee crutches, or more commonly known as Knee Walkers, allow you to propel yourself with one leg, while you rest the other on a wheeled platform for support. These trolley, or scooter-like devices typically feature handlebars with a handbrake and padded platform. Use the platform to rest your knee that requires support, and use the handlebar and handbrake to assist you with maintaining stability, steering, slowing, or stopping.
Walking Frames
Walking Frames, also called Walkers and Zimmer Frames, provide more stability than a cane if you have a balance or gait disability. Most walkers are comprised of a foldable metal frame that has two U-shaped sides that curve into two adjustable legs extending to the floor. Each side has hand grips or handles. The frame is reinforced with sidebars and is joined in the front with one or more crossbars, forming a three-sided frame. It stands about the same height as a cane.
Walking Frames (without Wheels)
Walking Frames without wheels have a rubber tip on the bottom of each of the four legs. To walk, you stand inside the frame, grasp the handles on each side, lift the walker, place it down a few inches in front of you, and then you step forward.
Walking Frames (with Wheels)
Walking Frames with wheels are similar to the four-legged walker described above, but they typically come with wheels on the front two legs. The wheels may be available as an accessory or an attachment to a standard walker. To move forward, stand inside the frame, grasp the handles, and push the walker forward; you do not have to lift the frame of the walker with wheels.
Hemi Walking Frame
Hemi-walkers are designed for those who cannot use a standard walker with both hands, but can only grasp the walker with one hand due to one-sided weakness from a stroke or similar condition. Like a standard walking frame, the hemi walker also has two U-shaped pieces, each curving into two adjustable legs that extend to the floor to provide four legged support with rubber tips for traction. Hemiwalkers may have hand grips or handles at two levels. They also have similar reinforced frames with sidebars and crossbars, but instead of forming a three-sided frame, hemi-walkers have a one-sided frame. To walk, grasp the handle with your hand, lift the walker forward to the side—similar to how you would move a cane— and take a step forward.
Rollators
Four-Wheeled Rollator
Rollators, also called seat walkers, provide walking assistance if you have sufficient balance but need additional stability. Four wheeled rollators have a metal frame with four shafts that extend to the ground with wheels on each shaft. They may resemble a standard walker frame and other walking aids, or have A-shaped sides with crossbars connecting the shafts on each side, or have shafts that extend to crossbars that connect to wheels for a more compact design.
Their bicycle-style hand controls are part of the hand grips or handles and lock the wheels when squeezed. The height of the handles, which is adjustable, is the same as a walker or cane. Rollators typically have crossbars in the front that support a seat, and a padded bar that connects the handles to serve as a back rest when seated. This allows you to rest while you are out, or if you need to sit while you wait. A seat in conjunction with walking aids can be very handy if needed.
Peak Ellipse SuperLite Carbon Fibre Rollator – Medium
The Peak Ellipse SuperLite Carbon Fibre Rollator (Medium Size) is the ideal solution for those who need support and mobility when travelling indoors or outdoors. This lightweight carbon fibre rollator has been designed to provide ultimate manoeuvrability with its great turning ability; making it ideal for navigating tight spaces in the home or outdoor areas. It also comes with a nylon bag that’…
Some rollators also feature attachable footrests so you can use it as a transport wheelchair with someone pushing you while you are seated.
Airgo Fusion Side Folding Rollator & Transport Chair
Mobility can sometimes be a challenge. But now, thanks to the Airgo Fusion Side Folding Rollator & Transport Chair, it doesn’t have to be. This innovative two in one side fold rolling walker and transport chair is designed to help you stay independent and live life to the fullest. Let’s take a closer look at it.
The Airgo Fusion was designed with your safety and comfort in mind. Its ligh…
Three-Wheeled Rollator
Three-wheeled rollators provide walking assistance in a smaller design than four-wheeled ones. Typically, the frame is comprised of two shafts that are connected to crossbars in a tricycle-style configuration. Like the four-wheeled rollator, there are hand controls attached to the hand grips or handles. There may also be a small storage bag and other convenience accessories. Three-wheeled rollators do not have seats, so it may not be as helpful as a four-wheeled rollator if you need to rest frequently when walking. Moreover, it may feel less stable to you since it has only three wheels instead of four. However, it may be a good option for you if you need something more lightweight with greater manoeuvrability than a four-wheeled rollator.
For More Information
Mobility Mate provides a wide range of information, features and specifications on walking aids. Browse walking frames, crutches, canes, sticks, quad sticks and rollators available in Australia and filter them to narrow down your options to a choice that will suit your needs. Wheelchairs, power chairs, or mobility scooters may also be an option for you if you can only walk short distances. You can learn more about wheelchairs in the Fact Sheet on Mobility Scooters and Fact Sheet on Power Wheelchairs.
