Laura, I have not found a way to lock the walker when folded. It does not present a problem for me to load it without locking. I have a large luxury sedan with a trunk to shallow for the walker to fit without releasing the handles and turning them inward. It is also too large to fit in the back seat. However, the walker is worth the inconvenience because it is stronger and safer than the smaller walkers that would fit. I hope this helps. Jonelle