Walkers can be customized with accessories to improve their safety and operation, comfort, and ability to transport items. Walker accessories may also add fun and personalization. Let’s break down some options into categories of safety and operation, comfort, transporting items, access, visibility, and just for fun.
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Customize your walker for safety and operation
For safety and operation modifications, consulting a physical or occupational therapist is highly recommend.
1. Walker Skis
Walker skis are typically made of a durable plastic material and have a smooth gliding surface. They are used in conjunction with 2 wheeled (also called front wheeled) walkers and make walkers easier to move over smooth surfaces. Other options for smooth gliding include balls and coasters.
2. Walker Forearm Platforms
Forearm supports can be added to one or both sides of a 2 wheeled walker. Often they are used with dual wheels on each walker front leg to improve stability. They help people with limited upper body strength, limited arm range of motion, and/or neurological conditions to walk safely. Walker platforms such as this one offered by Performance Health offer the following benefits:
Reduce fatigue and pain by transferring weight from the hands to the forearms.
Improve stability by providing a wider base of support.
When properly configured for a unique user, improve walker tracking.
Enhance comfort by providing a padded surface for forearms.
3. Stability Tape For Handles
Various tapes and non-skid material can be added to walker handles to improve hand stability. Tennis racket grip from Wilson or tacky bicycle bar tape from Jenson USA may be just the ticket for gripping without slipping. See our blog post on Stabilizing Materials For Daily Living Aids and Items for more ideas.
Black grip tape (such as tennis racket tape) can be wrapped over or in place of existing walker handles. Image by cris180 from Getty Images4. Reflectors and Lights
Cycling lights and reflectors may be added to improve safety with night time mobility. The Buglit Rechargeable Micro Flashlight by Nite Ize is quite versatile with its Gear Tie legs that can wrap around any part of a walker.
Walker Comfort Accessories
5 Padded Grips
Gel or foam padding over the handles can improve comfort for users with arthritis and other hand conditions. Padded Walker Hand Grip Covers by Crutcheze and Gel Walker/Crutch Handle Covers by Gel Ovations are a couple great examples.
6. Fans Compatible with Walkers
Portable fans aren’t typically marketed toward walker users, so some creative shopping is needed. Clip on or wrap around fans advertised for strollers are aplenty and are likely to work with walkers.
Transporting Items With Walker Accessories
7. Walker Trays
Trays attach to the front of a walker and provide a flat surface for carrying lightweight items. This is the best option for transporting meals. Tray options include fixed position or fold down. Walker trays are not “one size fits all,” so be sure to check tray and walker compatibility before purchasing.
Fixed Position Walker trays
Fixed position trays like the Drive Medical E-Z Walker Caddy are more stable for carrying items but necessitate the walker to be further out while pushing it, which could increase the risk of falls.
Fold Down Walker Trays
Fold down walker trays like this one from Performance Health are less stable for carrying items and more prone to breakage due to articulating parts, but enable safer walking when the tray is folded down.
8. Walker Baskets
Baskets offer more storage space than trays. Basket composition varies from vinyl coated wire like the Walker Basket from Rehabilitation Advantage, to plastic like the No Wire Walker Basket from Mobility-Aids.com, to durable fabric like the FINPAC Walker Tote.
Blue rollator walker with basket9. Walker bags
Walker bags typically zip up for concealment of items. They come in various sizes, colors, and configurations. Some feature multiple compartments to organize items. The Walker Bag by Vive Health is highly rated with several features.
10. Beverage Holders
Beverage holders can attach to your walker via velcro or clamps. Many options exist for bikes, strollers, and mobility devices that can also work with walkers. Or consider universal bottle holders like the Journey Health and Lifestyle Universal Bottle Holder.
Beverage holder. Image by David Hanson from Getty Images11. Devices to Transport Reachers and Other Long Items
Reachers, shoe horns, dressing sticks and other long items may be clipped onto a walker or placed in a long bag attached to a walker. Consider the Reacher Walker Storage Bag from Rehabilitation Advantage.
Walker Safety and Visibility (Or Just for Fun)
12. Bicycle and Stroller Accessories
Bicycle and stroller accessories lend themselves well to walker attachment. Horns, reflectors, led lights, and other ornaments can jazz up a walker just as well as a bike!
Bike light that could be added to a walker due to the tubular clamp style. Picture by Nottpossible for Getty ImagesConclusion
As we’ve seen, walker accessories offer a diverse range of options to optimize your walker for safety, comfort, convenience, and even personal style. From basic upgrades like forearm platforms and padded grips to clever additions like horns and lights, customizing your walker can empower you to navigate your world with greater ease and access. Want to learn more about walkers? Our blog posts on basic walkers, rollator walkers, and upright walkers will have you stepping out with confidence.
