Walker with two wheels, rubber feet, and replacement ski glides
Lifting a walker takes extra effort that some elderly patients just don’t have. By making the walker easier to move forward, they can move around more easily. Standard folding walkers come with either two wheels or no wheels. Either type of walker can be modified to make it easier to handle.
Most walkers come standard with rubber feet that provide extra traction. The extra resistance provided by these rubber feet can make it difficult to slide or roll the walker forward, forcing the user to lift the walker instead.
Tennis balls are a popular replacement, but they wear out quickly. For a longer lasting alternative with less resistance, try replacing the rubber feet with ski glides. They slide smoothly over carpet and other surfaces.
To install Roll Mobility ski glides on a walker:
Walker ski glide with locking hex key
- Remove the rubber tips from the rear legs of the walker.
- Insert the ski glide into the walker leg with the raised ski lip facing towards the front of the walker.
- The ski glides should fit securely into the walker legs.
- Use the hex key to tighten the screw in the bottom of each ski glide by turning it clockwise.
Note: To remove the ski glides, loosen the screw in the bottom of each glide by turning it counterclockwise with the hex key. Then slide the ski glides out of the walker legs.
Roll Mobility ski glides include a locking hex key to tighten them in place. These types of glides last longer than the kind that simply slide into the walker tube without tightening. This cheaper version can loosen and work its way back out over time.
After replacing the tips, test the walker out before allowing the elderly patient to use it. The ski glides should be held firmly in place and should be turned with the ski lip facing straight ahead. Instruct the user how to use the walker with the new replacement tips before allowing the patient to use the walker unassisted.
Tags: Folding Walker, Walker
