Get In and Out of a Car with a Walker Safely (Without Looking Like a Gymnast)

Introduction: Cars, Walkers, and the Awkward Shuffle

Is getting in and out of the car with a walker starting to feel like an Olympic event? Weak legs, recent surgery, fresh out of the hospital—it all makes the car doorway feel like an obstacle course.

I’m Dr. Shawn, Your PT Guy. I help people move better, stay independent, and enjoy life—without turning every daily task into a circus act. Today, we’re tackling how to safely get in and out of your car when using a walker or cane. Spoiler: no falls, no pulled muscles, and no awkward one-legged balancing acts.

Step 1: Getting Into the Car Safely

Here’s what not to do: don’t stand on one leg, lean on the car, and pray for balance. That’s basically asking gravity to win.

Instead, try this PT-approved method:

1. Open the car door wide. The more room, the better.
2. Walk up with your walker or cane. Get as close as possible.
3. Back up until your legs touch the seat. That’s your anchor point. You need to make sure you're close enough!
4. Reach back for support. Use the seat, window, or car frame—not just the door.
5. Lower yourself slowly. Both legs grounded = more stability, less drama.
6. Scoot your bottom back—toward the seatbelt clicker. Pro tip: your legs follow your hips. The farther back you go, the easier your legs swing in.

Now, about those legs…don’t try to karate-kick them both in at once. Scoot back, lift one at a time (using arms to assist if necessary), and boom—you’re in.

Step 2: The Trash Bag Hack (Yes, Really)

Here’s a little trick straight from the PT toolbox: keep a trash bag in your car.

• Place it on the seat before you sit.
• It reduces friction (especially on leather), so you slide right back to the clicker spot.
• Just don’t go full ice-skating mode when you get out—slide, don’t slip!

Step 3: Getting Out of the Car Without the “Turtle on Its Back” Look

Exiting the car can be tricky, especially if your car is low to the ground (good thing I don’t drive a Lamborghini—my Prius sits just fine).

Here’s how to do it safely:

1. Shift your weight to the edge of the seat.
2. Bring one leg out, then the other. Slow and steady wins this race.
3. Brace for the stand. Options:
   • Push from the seat and car frame.
   • Lower the window and use the frame as a grab bar (only if someone’s holding the door steady).
   • Use your walker in front of you for support.

Bonus Tool: The Car Cane

One of my favorite hacks is the Car Cane—a portable handle that slides right into the latch on your car frame. It gives you a sturdy grab bar for standing up, and as a bonus, it can cut through a seatbelt in an emergency. Handy, right?

Final Tips for Safety

• Keep a walker or cane in front of you when standing.
• Move slowly—stopped cars aren’t going anywhere fast (unless you’re in a “silver bullet” Prius like me…0 to 60 — eventually).
• Use tools like trash bags or a Car Cane to make transfers easier.

And most importantly—no falls allowed.

Want More Fall-Prevention Tips?

Walkers I recommend:

• Two-Wheeled Walker with Easy Fold Up Drive Medical
• Drive 3-Wheeled Rollator Walker
• Four-Wheeled Rollator Walker by Drive Medical
• Drive Nitro 3-Wheel Rollator Walker
• Elenker Upright Walker
• Original Upright Walker (Premium Lite Version)
• Drive Front-Wheeled Rolling Walker with Trigger Release