When you or a loved one first starts using a walker or a rollator, it’s usually a moment of mixed emotions. There is a sense of relief because it offers a path back to independence, but there is also a bit of a learning curve. I’m Brian Kerr, the founder of Fall Guys Products, and I’ve spent a lot of time looking at how people move in their homes. One thing I’ve noticed over the years is that a walker is only as good as the person using it: and unfortunately, many people use them in ways that actually increase their risk of a fall.
It’s an easy mistake to make. We assume that because the device is there to provide stability, it will automatically keep us upright. But mobility aids are precision tools. If they aren’t adjusted correctly or used with the right technique, they can become a tripping hazard themselves.
In this guide, I want to walk you through the ten most common mistakes I see and, more importantly, how to fix them. My goal is to make sure your mobility aid is a bridge to safety, not a barrier to it.
1. The Height is "Just a Little Off"
The most frequent mistake I see: and it’s often the hardest to spot: is a walker set at the wrong height. Many people inherit a walker from a friend or pick one up at a second-hand shop and start using it immediately without adjusting it for their own body.
If the walker is too low, you’ll find yourself hunching over. This puts an incredible amount of strain on your lower back, shoulders, and neck. More importantly, it shifts your center of gravity forward, making you much more likely to tip over. On the flip side, if the walker is too high, your arms will be bent at an uncomfortable angle, and you won’t be able to put enough weight through your arms to support your legs.
How to fix it:
Stand as straight as you comfortably can with your arms hanging naturally at your sides. The handgrips of the walker should be level with the crease on the inside of your wrist. When you place your hands on the grips, your elbows should have a slight bend: about 15 degrees. This "elbow flex" allows you to push down with maximum strength if you feel yourself losing balance.
2. Pushing the Walker Too Far Out
I call this the "chase the walker" syndrome. It happens when someone pushes the walker way out in front of them and then takes several quick steps to catch up to it. When the walker is far away from your body, it isn't supporting your weight. If you trip while the walker is three feet in front of you, you won’t have anything to grab onto to stabilize yourself.
How to fix it:
You want to stay "inside the box." Think of the frame of the walker as your personal safety zone. Your feet should always stay between the back legs of the walker. Move the walker forward just a few inches, then step into it. By keeping the support directly under or slightly in front of your center of mass, you ensure the device is actually doing its job.
3. Forgetting the "Lock Before You Rock" Rule
For those using rollators (walkers with four wheels and a seat), the brakes are your best friend: but only if you use them. A common cause of falls occurs when someone goes to sit down on the rollator seat or tries to stand up from it while the wheels are unlocked. If the device rolls away while you are mid-motion, a fall is almost certain.
How to fix it:
Make it a habit to engage the parking brakes every single time you stop moving. Most rollators allow you to push the brake handles downward until they "click" into a locked position. Before you sit down or stand up, give the walker a little nudge to make sure it’s stationary. We like to say, "Lock before you rock" to help keep this safety step top of mind.
4. The "Pivot" Problem
When we are in a hurry, we tend to pivot on one foot to turn around. When you’re using a walker, this is a recipe for a trip. Your feet can easily get tangled in the legs of the walker, or the walker can tip if you apply sideways pressure while your feet are stationary.
How to fix it:
Turning should be a gradual process, not a sudden movement. Move the walker slightly in the direction you want to go, then take small, deliberate steps to follow it. Keep your body facing the front of the walker at all times. It takes a few extra seconds, but those seconds are what keep you balanced.
5. Pulling on the Walker to Stand Up
This is a dangerous habit that many people don't realize they have. When getting up from a chair or a bed, it’s tempting to reach out, grab the walker handles, and pull yourself up. The problem is that walkers: especially standard folding ones: are lightweight. If you pull on them horizontally, they will tip right over toward you.
How to fix it:
Never use the walker to pull yourself up. Instead, place your hands on the armrests of the chair or the surface of the bed and push yourself upward. Once you are standing and have found your balance, then reach for the walker handles. The walker is meant for balance while walking, not as a lever to get you out of a chair.
6. Carrying Items in Your Hands
You need both hands on the walker to stay safe. I often see people trying to carry a coffee mug, a phone, or a newspaper while gripping the walker. This reduces your grip strength and makes it impossible to react quickly if the walker slips or you lose your footing.
How to fix it:
Use accessories designed for your mobility aid. Most walkers can be fitted with a basket, a tray, or a pouch. These should be positioned low and centered within the frame so they don't affect the walker’s balance. If you need to move something heavy, ask for help. Your only job is to navigate the walker safely.
7. Ignoring Your Footwear
You might have the best walker in the world, but if you’re wearing loose slippers or slick-soled shoes, you’re still at risk. A walker provides stability for your upper body, but your connection to the floor happens at your feet. Slippery shoes can cause your feet to slide out from under you, even if your hands are firmly on the grips.
How to fix it:
Think of your shoes and your walker as a single safety system. Wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes with non-slip rubber soles. Avoid "floppy" slippers or walking in just socks. If you prefer to be barefoot at home, consider high-grip socks, but firm shoes are always the safest bet when using a mobility aid.
8. Choosing the Wrong Device for the Environment
Not all walkers are created equal. A standard walker with four rubber tips is great for stability but can be exhausting to use if you have to lift it with every step. A rollator with wheels is much easier to move but can "run away" from you if you have balance issues or are walking on a slope.
How to fix it:
Don't guess which device is right for you. Consult with a physical therapist (PT). They can perform a mobility assessment and tell you exactly which type of aid matches your strength and balance levels. Using a rollator when you actually need the stability of a standard walker can be a dangerous mistake.
9. Neglecting Maintenance
Walkers take a lot of abuse. They get bumped into doors, tossed into car trunks, and used on rough sidewalks. Over time, the rubber tips on a standard walker can wear down until the metal pole is exposed, which makes it incredibly slippery on tile or wood floors. On rollators, brakes can loosen and wheels can become misaligned.
How to fix it:
Once a month, do a "safety check." Look at the rubber tips: if the tread is gone or you see any metal peeking through, replace them immediately. Check the handgrips to make sure they aren't loose or sticky. If you use a rollator, test the brakes to ensure they still lock tightly. A well-maintained walker is a safe walker.
10. The "Just This Once" Mentality
The most common time people fall is when they "just need to go a few steps" and decide to leave the walker behind. Maybe they are getting up in the middle of the night to go to the bathroom or just reaching for something in the kitchen. They think, "I’ll just hold onto the furniture," which we call "furniture surfing."
How to fix it:
If your doctor or PT has recommended a walker, use it for every single step. Most falls happen during those short, "easy" trips where we let our guard down. Keep your walker right next to your bed and right next to your favorite chair. Consistency is the best tool we have for fall prevention.
Moving Forward with Confidence
Using a mobility aid shouldn't feel like a burden; it should feel like a tool for freedom. When you avoid these common mistakes, you aren't just preventing falls: you're giving yourself the confidence to stay active and engaged in your life.
If you’re ever unsure about how you’re using your walker, don’t hesitate to reach out to a professional. A quick session with a physical therapist can correct small habits before they lead to big problems. At Fall Guys Products, we believe that education is the first step in safety. Take your time, stay inside the frame, and keep moving safely.
