Tripod & Tetrapod Walking Sticks

Tripod walking aids are similar to walking sticks but have three legs, splayed out at the bottom of the shaft.

They have a handle at the top in the conventional way.

This type of mobility aid is an alternative to wheeled walkers and rollators.

These are like tripod walking sticks, but have four legs instead of three.

Sometimes these are referred to as 'quad canes'.

They offer more support than a standard walking stick.

Sticks with more than one leg also have the benefit that they don't fall to the ground if they're dropped, instead standing upright on their splayed legs.

This makes a big difference to those with limited mobility, who may struggle to bend down to the floor.

There are some distinct kinds:

Small based sticks - these models have four flared legs and feet, but the dimensions of the footprint is fairly small, usually about 6 x 9 inches.

Large based sticks - these have the same basic design as small-based sticks, but have a larger footprint.

These characteristics make them more stable but also heavier.

Offset legs - this design has legs which splay out to one side of the walking stick's shaft, rather than equally on both sides.

Centred legs - these walking sticks have splayed legs in a symmetrical pattern in relation to the shaft.

Quad canes with S-shaped neck - these models have a curvature to the neck of the main shaft, just below the handle.

It is shaped in such a way as to invite downward pressure vertically down the shaft, providing maximum stability.

People with mobility problems often use a walking stick to help them get about without assistance.

While a standard walking stick or cane is enough for many people, some need the extra support and stability a tetrapod or tripod offers.

Their advantage of staying upright without needing to be leant against something is also significant.

This is especially the case for people who find it difficult bending down to the floor to pick things up.

Yes, both 3-legged and 4-legged walking sticks can be adjusted in height.

The shaft can be made longer using the simple pin-clip mechanism.

Most tripod walking sticks weigh around 1k or 2.2lbs.

Modern versions tend to have an aluminium upper shafter with a steel section at the bottom for the legs.

This keeps the weight to a minimum while also making the walking aid as 'bottom-heavy' as possible.

Yes, most versions of this sort of walking aid have wide, contoured handles, designed to be as easy on the hands as possible.

People with arthritis in the hands often find narrow handles uncomfortable to use.

Wider handles spread weight more evenly.