It seems like seniors and walking devices go together like salt and pepper, or peanut butter and jelly. But that is actually far from the truth. Not every elderly person requires a device to assist him or her with mobility. The fact is that only about 16 percent of seniors use a cane; 11 to 12 percent use a walker; 6 percent require the use of a wheelchair, and just over 2 percent rely on a mobility scooter. Our concern for this review is the 11 to 12 percent that rely on a walker.
There are hundreds of different designs and manufacturers of these devices. Most of these devices are constructed of light metal frames with four adjustable legs that allow the walker to be adjusted to the optimum height for the individual user. That is all well and good for people of average height, but what if you are a taller individual? What is the best upright walker for tall seniors?
If you are 6 feet tall or taller, you will need a walker that doesn’t require you to bend over and hunch your back when using it.
- WINLOVE Upright Rollator Walker
- ELENKER Upright Rollator Walker
- OasisSpace Heavy Duty Rollator Walker
- BEYOUR WALKER Upright Walker
- NOVA Phoenix Rise UP Rollator Upright Walker
- Healconnex Upright Rollator Walker
Best Upright Walker for Tall Seniors 2022 – Top Picks:
| WINLOVE Upright | ELENKER Upright | OasisSpace Heavy Duty | BEYOUR WALKER | NOVA Phoenix | Healconnex Upright | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 |  |  |  |  |  |
|
| User height | 5’10” to 6’5” | 4’8” to 6'4” | 4’10” to 6’5” | 5’ to 6’ | 5’2” - 6’0” | 5’ to 6’ |
| Weight capacity | up to 300 lbs | up to 350 lbs | up to 450 lbs | up to 300 lbs | up to 300 lbs | up to 300 lbs |
| Front Wheels size | 10" | 8" | 10" | 10” | 10” | 10” |
| Rear Wheels size | 8" | 8" | 8" | 8" | 8" | 8" |
| Material | Aluminium, Nylon | Aluminum, Foam | No data | No data | No data | Metal |
| Unit weight | 18.9 lbs | 30 lbs | 25 lbs | 22 lbs | 25.25 lbs | 22.4 lbs |
| Price | Find on Amazon | Find on Amazon | Find on Amazon | Find on Amazon | Find on Amazon | Find on Amazon |
Important Features of the Best Upright Walkers for a Tall Person
Adjustable height: The handgrips should be adjustable so that they can be correctly set for your exact height. Having you hands positioned too high or too low can affect your balance. It is also helpful if the seat position (if there is a seat) is adjustable. Being able to position the seat will make sitting and then standing back up much easier.
Wheel size: The wheel size is important when it comes to maneuvering on different types of floor surfaces. The wheel diameter should be at least 8 inches, with 10-12 inches preferable.
Weight capacity: Taller people generally weigh more than average or smaller sized people. To ensure that the walker will not collapse when your body weight is applied, check its maximum weight rating before using the walker.
Width of the Walker: Your walker’s width should not be narrower than the width of your hips. That said, you also need to consider the width of any hallway or door opening that you will need to navigate through.
Customer ratings and reviews: It is obvious that the more 5-star customer reviews the walker has, the more it has been evaluated by actual users. Still, take any online review with a grain of salt.
WINLOVE Upright Rollator Walker
Steerable armrests set this WINLOVE walker apart from the crowd. The adjustable armrests pivot with you as you negotiate around any turns or obstacles in your path. It has 10-inch, all-terrain PVC front wheels that provide great stability when crossing uneven ground.
It will enable people up to 6’5” tall to walk without stooping over. It is foldable to fit into most vehicle trunks or behind the front seats. Included is a cane or umbrella holder and a zippered storage bag for carrying personal items, leaving your hands free to control the walker.
The braking system will lock both rear wheels for extra safety and the walker will support weights up to 300 pounds. The entire walker is lightweight, weighing in at just under 19 pounds.
Pros
- Lightweight, only 18.9 lbs.
- Steerable armrests
- Rolls easily on 10-inch front wheels
Cons
- Center of gravity too far forward, easy to tip over
- No assembly instructions included
- Walker’s total width may not be compatible to smaller spaces
ELENKER Upright Rollator Walker
If you are over 6 feet tall (5 feet tall for women) and weigh 300 pounds or less, the ELENKER Upright Rollator is a good choice for you. It has soft padded armrests angled to keep your arms in a comfortable position and stress away from your back and shoulders. The arm and leg tubes have several easily adjustable levels to ensure a personalized fit. It is constructed with a reinforced aluminum frame.
This walker weighs only 23 pounds, so it is light enough to easily be folded up for storage or transportation. It comes with a detachable storage bag and detachable cane holder for added convenience. There is a breathable mesh sea with a backrest if you need to sit down. The rear wheels (8-inch wheels front and rear) lock so there is no chance of the walker moving while you are resting.
Pros
- Recommended for heights of 6 feet and above (5 feet for women)
- Light weight – 23 lbs.
- Angled, padded armrests
- Mesh seat with backrest
Cons
- Wheel traction lacking on slippery surfaces
- Frame welds subject to breaking
OasisSpace Heavy Duty Rollator Walker
The OasisSpace Heavy Duty Rollator is capable of supporting weights of up to 450 pounds and adjusts for heights up to 6’5”. The front wheels are 10-inches and rotate 360°, the rear wheels are 8-inches. This makes for easy and stable maneuvering both indoors and out. Braking is accomplished with a smooth squeeze on the handgrips. Once stopped, the handgrips can be pushed forward to lock the parking brake.
It has a memory foam seat and a removable backrest for when you need to stop and rest. The overall width of the walker is adjustable for times when you need to navigate narrow spaces, hallways, or aisles. When it is time to transport the walker, the front wheels fold flat and the rear wheels can be removed for an easier fit into the backseat or trunk of your car.
Pros
- 450 lbs. weight capacity
- Adjusts for heights between 4’10” and 6’5”
- 10-inch front wheels for stability and control
Cons
- May be too heavy for some users to push
- Requires contracting the sides to fit through smaller door openings
BEYOUR WALKER Upright Walker
Equipped with 10-inch wheels, you can depend on this BEYOUR walker to roll smoothly both indoors and out on any type of surface. The adjustable handlebar makes fitting it to your exact size easy and convenient. It has a dual braking system, so when you want to stop moving all you have to do is squeeze the handbrakes to lock the rear wheels.
The armrests are also adjustable for height and holding angle to decrease strain on your wrists and forearms. Folding it for storage requires only one hand and the walker comes with a convenient storage bag for transport when it is not being used. The maximum weight capacity of this BEYOUR walker is 300 pounds.
One consideration, or a word of caution, concerning this walker is its slightly forward center of gravity. Because of this design feature, the walker has a tendency to tip forward when it contacts ground flaws (wider cracks) or when transitioning between slight flooring level changes, say from vinyl flooring to carpeting. Care must be taken.
Pros
- Maximum weight capacity of 300 pounds
- Easily adjusting handlebar to reduce back hunching and pain
- Includes a storage bag
Cons
- Can be slightly difficult to fold up
- Forward balance point may allow for tipping if rolled over surface obstructions or changes in flooring heights
NOVA Phoenix Rise UP Rollator Upright Walker
The NOVA Phoenix Rise Up walker has 10-inch front and 8-inch rear wheels. The handgrips have a 4-inch range of adjustment, making it easy to custom fit the walker for the end user.
This walker has a wide footprint, so consideration should be taken as to where it will be used the most. It might not be a good choice for maneuvering in tighter spaces and doorways. It weighs 20 ½ pounds and its weight adds to its overall stability.
The seat is somewhat narrow, especially for heavier individuals. The addition of two lower handles near the seated position makes standing back up easier. Included is a large storage bag for personal items like a purse or cell phone.
Pros
- Competitively priced
- Locking hand brakes
- “Sit to Stand” handles
- Easily folds for storage or transport
Cons
- Narrow seat, 9” deep by 18” wide
- Braking cables tied to the front instead of embedded in the design
Healconnex Upright Rollator Walker
The Healconnex walker has adjustable armrests for height and holding angle. This will allow the walker to be better custom adjusted for the individual that uses it, relieving back and shoulder strain. Another great feature of this walker is its 10-inch, 360° swivel front wheels, that guarantee stability and ease of movement over many types of surfaces including grass.
It has a dual braking system; pull the hand brake up to slow down, push down to lock the rear wheels. The backrest is adjustable for comfort and it has a weight capacity of 300 pounds. With a sturdy aluminum frame, the walker weights less than 23 pounds, making it easy to fold up and store away. In addition to a cane holder and storage bag, it also comes with a removable storage basket to carry items so your hands remain free. And it comes with a 2-year warranty for workmanship.
Pros
- Maximum weight capacity 300 lbs.
- 10-inch front wheels
- 2-Year warranty
Cons
- Seat is wide, but shoulder width could be wider
- Harder to maneuver indoors
- Brakes are questionable on slopes
Conclusion
Upright walkers are not just for tall seniors, they greatly aid anyone who needs assistance walking in an upright position. These upright versions can help maintain independence, safety, and relieve the discomfort of walking hunched over. Care must be taken when evaluating the areas they will be used most often: are the spaces and hallways narrow and cramped or wider and spacious? Always test out several different walkers before you buy so that you will feel comfortable using it.