Narrow Walkways & Mobility Aids

You may have ransacked through the internet searching for the best mobility aid. You may also have found each mobility aid unique, highlighting its advantage. Despite this, you may still be wondering: If wheelchairs are convenient for transport, walkers helpful for balance, and rollators easier to maneuver – what is suitable for a narrow walkway?

If you have a narrow walkway in your house or narrow walkways are present in your day-to-day travel, this question may have worried you! However, worry no more, for this article covers all your queries. This article evaluates whether a wheelchair, walker, or rollator is better for traveling in narrow and confined walkways. 

Wheelchair for Narrow Walkways

A wheelchair is a mobility aid that has wheels attached to a chair. It is a means of transport for people unable to walk because of injury, old age, or health problems. There are mainly two types of wheelchairs: a manual and an electric one! Both of these have different advantages. If you are interested in purchasing an electric wheelchair, click here.

One problem that wheelchair users have to face every day is wondering whether their wheelchair will be able to pass through a doorway. There are multiple ADA accessibility requirements. One of them is that a doorway must have a clear width of 32 inches from the face of the door to the opposite stop. Unfortunately, not all doorways or corridors have the standard width size. Most doorways are of a width size of 27-30 inches. As a result, it becomes quite turbulent for wheelchair users to move swiftly.

The lack of proper width clearly shows how most places are inaccessible for wheelchair users.

Walkers for Narrow Walkways

A walker is a type of mobility aid that supports a person in maintaining their balance. It has four legs with a frame that needs to be lifted to move forward. Such a type of mobility aid ensures a reduced risk of falling. It is often used as a precaution for those who cannot walk properly without support.

Walkers come in many sizes. Therefore, before purchasing, it is up to you to contemplate what type of narrow corridors and doorways you have to go through. For instance, if the place you regularly frequent has many confined doorways – a slimmer walker is your best option! Walker, created with narrow doorways in mind, offers you great flexibility to move around in small and compact places.

Best Walkers for Small Spaces

There are multiple options in the walker available for you to use if you have to maneuver yourself around small spaces. A few of these options are as follows:

1. Two Button Folding Walker: This walker has wheels on its front two legs. Its height can also be adjusted. The name of the walker comes from its push-the-button feature. Such a feature allows the user to maneuver the walker with just the palm of your hand.
2. Side Style Hemi One Arm Walker: This walker is built differently. This is because it is designed for individuals who use the walker for only one arm. 
3. Standard Walker: This walker is normal, with no wheels or attachments. You can also move it around in small spaces. 

Rollator for Narrow Walkaways         

The rollators are quite similar to walkers. The only difference is the wheels. A rollator is a structure of (usually) four legs with wheels and built-in seats attached. These are far more convenient and help you move along uneven surfaces without picking up your walker.

1. The Nexus 3: It is one of the more compact walkers. It measures only 23 inches broad. The Nexus 3 is full of functions and has that European appearance. And it is available in three different versions, so it fits people who are 5′ 6″ and under well.
2. Escape Rollator Walker: It has high-end rollator capabilities and can also be utilized when folded. It takes up only 11 inches of space. The 25-inch-wide Escape can be folded down to 11 inches and placed on its substantial 8-inch tires. This can be done with a single pull of the discharge lever. This makes it possible to utilize the walker as support in small passages and via doors.
3. Nitro 3 Wheel Walker: This one is ideal if you need a walker on the thin side. You can move around in a variety of locations without needing a seat. This option is a relatively compact one, 23 inches wide. Click here to buy!

The Right Choice

Considering all the different types of mobility aids, including walkers, wheelchairs, and rollators – you must now question yourself. What type of narrow corridors do you have to squeeze yourself into, and what mobility equipment befits your daily requirement?