How to Measure for a Rollator or Walker

Posted by NewLeaf Staff on Jan 17, 2020

How to Measure for a Rollator or Walker

Choosing the correct height for your Rollator or Walker is incredibly important to your safety, comfort and ease of use. Too high? You’ll find yourself gripping the handles harder than you need to and struggle with moving it smoothly. Too short? You may very well list to one side or the other, which can cause you to be off-balance and at risk of a fall. 

Fortunately, most of today's rollators and canes are designed to be height adjustable to accommodate almost any user size. But it is important to first determine your optimal height as a starting point. So follow the simple steps below to be sure that the Rollator or Walker you select is the perfect height for YOU.

Step 1

Locate a tape measure to make it easy to determine the perfect rollator or walker handle height that will best suit you. * This height guidance is the same when measuring for a cane. So if you already have a cane that you are comfortable with, simply measure the handle height of your cane, and there will be no need to proceed with the below steps.

Step 2

Be sure that you’re wearing shoes that you typically use at the time your measurement is recorded. You may be surprised how much a simple pair of sneakers can add to your overall height.

Step 3

Let your arm hang loosely and straight down to your side, and have someone measure the distance from the crease in your wrist to the floor. This measurement should be the ideal length for you, and roughly equal to the distance from the palm of your hand to the floor if you were to comfortable bend your elbow at an optimal 15 to 20 degree angle as if you were holding the grips of your rollator or walker. 

Final Tip

Most rollators and walkers are height adjustable for a certain range. Select a height range that will allow you at least one inch higher and one inch lower than your actual measurement so you will be able to adjust the height as necessary.

That's it! Now let's get to the FUN part determining the best style that suits your needs and preferences. Shop our all mobility options at NewLeaf in our  RollatorsWalkers or Knee Walkers/Scooters sections.


© NewLeaf Health 2021

> Click to Return to Read More Articles from NewLeaf