How to choose a walking aid

Choosing a walking aid starts with three checks: the type of support you need, the correct height, and an honest weight capacity. This hub gathers those answers in one calm place.

Same-day NairobiNext-day countrywide courier
M-Pesa & pay on deliveryBank transfer also accepted
Clear weight capacityHonest specs on every product

What walking aid do I need?

A walking stick suits light support on one side. A quad cane adds a wider base. A walking frame offers stable four-point support, often indoors. A rollator adds wheels, brakes and a seat for longer smooth routes. Crutches support more of your weight when a clinician recommends them after injury or surgery.

SituationOften consideredNotes
General balance supportWalking stick or quad caneStart with capacity and height
One weak legStick on the stronger side, or frame if advisedFollow clinician guidance
After knee surgeryCrutches or frameSee knee surgery page
After hip replacementFrame or crutchesSee hip page
Broken leg or ankleUnderarm or elbow crutchesSee broken leg page
Older adult, outdoor walksRollator with seatPractise brakes before sitting
Higher body weightHeavy-duty frame or rollatorSee heavy-duty range

What height walking stick do I need?

Stand upright in your usual shoes with arms relaxed at your sides. The top of the handle should sit near your wrist crease. Your elbow should bend slightly when you hold the grip. Adjustable sticks make fine-tuning easier.

User heightTypical stick length band
About 150–160 cmAbout 74–84 cm
About 160–170 cmAbout 82–90 cm
About 170–180 cmAbout 88–96 cm
About 180–190 cmAbout 94–100 cm

Full walkthrough: how to choose the right walking stick height.

How to size crutches

For elbow crutches, set the hand grip near wrist height and the cuff just below the elbow. For underarm crutches, set hand grips first, then ensure underarm pads sit about two fingers below the armpits so weight goes through the hands, not the armpits.

Guide: how to size crutches correctly.

Weight capacity table

Product type (examples)Typical capacity on our range
Standard walking sticks100–113 kg
Large-base quad caneUp to 136 kg
Standard elbow crutches100 kg
Heavy-duty elbow crutches130 kg
Standard walking frames100 kg
Heavy-duty walking frame180 kg
Standard rollators115–120 kg
Heavy-duty rollator150 kg

Always read the capacity on the specific product page. Prices and stock: mobility aids price in Kenya.

Compare stick, frame and rollator

See the full comparison article: walking stick vs frame vs rollator.

Not sure which aid is right?

Ask us on WhatsApp. Share approximate height, weight and whether the need is indoor, outdoor or post-injury. We will suggest options without pressure.

Ask us on WhatsApp

Walking Sticks & Crutches Kenya sells walking sticks, crutches, walking frames, rollators and mobility accessories in Nairobi, with same-day delivery in Nairobi and next-day delivery countrywide.