Top 7 things to know when choosing a Rollator

Swati Chadha Article published Oct 23, 2017 Article updated Mar 22, 2023

Mobility aids are a boon to those with mobility concerns as these products help them regain their independence. However, it is imperative to make an informed decision of investing in the correct mobility aid, one which addresses the user’s specific needs. Understanding one’s situation, specific needs, educating oneself on the choices available, and then investing in the correct mobility aid, is very crucial. It is against this backdrop that this article, with a focus on rollators as a mobility aid, tries to understand who needs them, their specific features, types, uses, and functions.

What is a Rollator?

A rollator also referred to as a wheeled walker, is a walker on wheels comprising of a frame with three or four wheels, handle bars, and a built-in padded seat. It features handbrakes, a backrest as well as a basket/pouch to carry personal things. Rollators are easier to use than a walker because they just need to be pushed around like a cart instead of having to be lifted and placed with each step.

Who needs a Rollator?

A rollator is ideal for someone who can walk but needs a helping hand in maintaining stability and balance. The following conditions necessitate the use of a rollator:

Decreased weight-bearing capacity on one or both the legs: because of fracture, wound on the feet/lower legs, arthritis, pain in legs due to poor blood circulation, surgery, hip replacement, etc.
Fatigue: due to respiratory conditions, illnesses, diabetes, aging, etc.
Poor balance: due to neurological conditions, low blood pressure, dizziness, ear disturbances, slow reflexes, etc.

They primarily keep the users active and independent, while ensuring their utmost safety.

Features to look for when buying a Rollator-

Let us look at some of the salient characteristics of rollators which will help the user pick the one that suits his needs best.

Style: Rollators come in three and four-wheel styles. A 3-wheel rollator is narrower and therefore easily maneuverable in narrow spaces. It is also lightweight, making it ideal for users who want to walk at a faster speed, foldable but does not have a seat for resting. A 4-wheel rollator provides a wider and more stable base. Thus, it is ideal for bariatric users and those with poor balancing. It also has a retractable padded seat which can be used for resting in between walks.
Seat: As mentioned above, only 4-wheel rollators have seat provision. The seat’s height is an important consideration for the user. The higher the seat the easier it is for the user to get on or off it. Some models have seats whose height can be adjusted. Most rollators have the standard seat width in the range of 13 to 18 inches. Shape and material of the seat are other deciding factors. A contoured and padded seat is more comfortable than a plastic one.
Width: The width of a rollator is important especially if it is for indoor use. Three-wheel rollators are narrower and foldable making them an ideal pick for indoor use. Most 4-wheel rollators are wider than 22 inches, the standard width of a door.
Wheel size: Most rollators have wheels that are 6 and 8 inches. The 6-inch wheel rollators are for petite users and indoor use whereas the 8-inch ones are for outdoor use and rough terrain.
Weight: This refers to the weight capacity of the rollator as well as its overall weight. The user’s weight should be within the weight capacity of the rollator. Even its own weight should be manageable, seen particularly from the point of view of portability.
Bariatric rollators: They are constructed to accommodate higher user weights. Always with 4-wheels, they provide utmost stability. The wheels swivel easily to allow smooth turning. Made of steel or aluminum, bariatric rollators have reinforced frames and welded stress points to safely handle extra user weight and provide durability. Most models offer height adjustability. Some models also allow width adjustability to have wider space between the handles. The seats are also wide and well-padded for comfort. Most models offer locking hand brakes for safety reasons. They come in collapsible or folding designs which make transportation easy.
Collapsible pouch: Most rollators offer a toting device, basket or storage under the seat. Some users prefer collapsible pouch to basket. Unlike baskets, pouches need not be removed while folding the rollator.

Thus, available in several styles, sizes, and configurations, rollators have multiple features that can readily meet individual user needs. So, picking the right rollator must be a well-informed decision. Seeking guidance from healthcare professionals can be very handy in this regard. They can further guide the user on how to use it safely. Lastly, like any other piece of equipment with moving parts, rollators too require periodic maintenance. Regular servicing should be done to correct any damage or wear and tear. This will ensure user safety and prolong life of the rollator.

Top Ten Rollators for 2023

1. UPWalker Lite Walking Aid - Upright Walker

The UPWalker Lite is a smaller and lighter version of the original UPWalker, affordable and perfect for indoor use. This revolutionary breakthrough in mobility aids allows users to walk upright in a secure and safer posture compared to the traditional walkers and rollators that require users to hunch over. This budget-friendly version of UPWalker is lightweight, making it easier to lift and transport, while the small size allows easy travel in tighter spaces.

Features of UPWalker Lite Upright Walker

New lightweight mobility solution designed for daily living
34% lighter and folds easily for easy transporting
Supportive upright posture walker
Less pain, more walking comfort
Designed for stability and safety
Weight capacity: 300 lbs.

UPWalker Lite Walking Aid - Upright Walker

2. Nova Medical Phoenix Rise Up Rollator

Nova Phoenix Rise Up Rollator's unique design allows the user's body and vehicle to rise and makes it possible to walk with an upright forward-looking stance, providing excellent control and stability, significantly decreasing bodily strain and weariness. This upright rollator walker is durable, contoured, and comfortable for forearms. The user can stand straight while resting their forearms.

Features of Nova Medical Phoenix Rise Up Rollator

Allows the user to rise and look forward
Stabilization strap gives the user optimum stability on the rollator
Lightweight only weighs 20.5 pounds with a weight capacity of 300 lbs
Comes with a comfortable seat and extra-wide backrest
Folding frame
Height adjustment with just one button

Nova Medical Phoenix Rise Up Rollator

3. Drive Duet Transport Chair and Rollator

Drive Duet Transport Chair and Rollator combines the features of a transport chair and rollator in one unit. The tool-free two position contoured padded back-rest is reversible depending on whether one is using the Duet in an ambulatory or transport chair mode. Comes with a comfortable padded seat with a large under seat pouch for storage of personal items which ensures that the unit stays open while in use and remains folded during transport. Drive Duet Transport Chair and Rollator has large 8" casters which are ideal for indoor and outdoor use

Features of Drive Duet Rollator and Transport Chair

An individual can ambulate independently or be pushed safely by a caregiver
Folding frame has a lock-out feature
Handles are adjustable in height
Easy release loop locks
Inside the pouch is a handle to aid with the folding
Locking flip-up armrests and a flip-down footrest to aid the user while the Duet is used in the transport chair mode

Drive Duet Transport Chair and Rollator

4. Drive Nitro Euro-Style Tall Aluminum Four Wheel Rollator

Drive Nitro Euro-Style Tall Aluminum Four Wheel Rollator eliminates the need to lift the device and allows walking with an easy, smooth gait. It is designed for those who want unmatched value along with proven comfort and convenience. With a sturdy and long-lasting frame made of lightweight aluminum, this rollator is durable, yet easy to move around over all surfaces. Flexible height adjustable removable back and height adjustable ergonomic handles conform to the individual user needs. Nitro Tall Rollator is ideal for users 6 feet and above.

Features Nitro Tall Aluminum Rollator

Lightweight, Aluminum frame
Attractive, Euro-style design
Easily folds with one hand to ultra-compact size for storage
Brake cable inside frame for added safety
Seat is durable and comfortable
Handle height easily adjusts with unique push button
Cross-brace design allows for side-to-side folding and added stability
Back support height easily adjusts with tool-free thumb screw

Buy Drive Nitro Euro-Style Tall Aluminum 4-Wheel Rollator

Drive Nitro Euro-Style Tall Aluminum Four Wheel Rollator

5. ProBasics Aluminum Rollator with Six Inch Wheels

ProBasics Standard Aluminum Rollator is carefully designed to fit the fundamental needs of patients with a focus on both style and affordability. Constructed of durable but lightweight aluminum, it offers great maneuverability and stability, allowing patients to move around easily. Each rollator comes equipped with easy-to-operate ergonomic hand brakes, a removable padded backrest, and a water-resistant nylon pouch for private storage of personal belongings whenever on the go. The FSA-approved aluminum rollator also easily folds up for storage when not in use and for transport with a built-in fold strap.

Features of ProBasics Aluminum Rollator

Two-button removable curved padded backrest
Comfortable, flip-up padded seat
Easy-to-operate ergonomic hand brakes
Height-adjustable for a custom fit

ProBasics Aluminum Rollator with Six Inch Wheels

6. Drive Aluminum Rollator with Fold Up and Removable Back Support

The Drive Rollator with a fold-up removable back support rollator is designed to meet the mobility requirements of those unable to move around unassisted. Aluminum Rollator provides maximum support and improved posture. It comes with strong brakes with serrated edges that give a firm hold.

Features of Drive Medical Aluminum Rollator

Comes with a comfortable, durable padded seat
Zippered pouch under seat for added privacy and security of personal items
Removable, hinged, padded backrest can be folded up or down
Ergonomic handles are easy-to-grip and are adjustable

Drive Aluminum Rollator

7. Drive Nitro DLX Four Wheel Rollator

Drive Nitro DLX Four Wheel Rollator is suitable for a single user with limited mobility. It is ideal for both indoor and outdoor use. Nitro DLX easily folds with one hand into an ultra-compact size for storage. Caster fork design enhances turning radius and 10 inches front casters allow for excellent steering and rolling comfort. Cross-brace design provides side-to-side folding and added stability. Nitro DLX should be cleaned regularly by hand with a damp cloth.

Features of Drive Nitro DLX Rollator

Attractive, Euro-style design
Lightweight frame
Handle height easily adjusts with unique push button
Easily folds with one hand to ultra-compact size for storage

Drive Nitro DLX Four Wheel Rollator

8. Rose Healthcare Four Wheeled Rollators

Rose Healthcare Four Wheeled Rollators feature adjustable height handles with comfortable foam hand grips. Its loop-type cable hand brakes operate on rear wheels and six inch wheels are ideal for indoor and outdoor use. It has easy folding mechanism for transport and storage. Rose Healthcare Four Wheeled Rollators are constructed of lightweight aluminum frame

Features of Rose Healthcare Four Wheeled Rollators

Handle height adjusts: 34" to 38"
Padded seat lifts up to accommodate removable 6" x 6" x 13" wire basket with handle
Smooth rolling 6 wheels
Padded backrest for extra comfort

Rose Healthcare Four Wheeled Rollators

9. ITA-MED Four Wheel Heavy Duty Aluminum Rollator with Loop Brakes

ITA-MED Four Wheel Heavy Duty Aluminum Rollator with Loop Brakes has anatomical hand grips with loop braking system. It features straight padded back rest and eight inch wheels with wheel locks. It is ideal for people with walking problems, injuries, mobility problems, post-operative or weakness. ITA-MED Four Wheel Heavy Duty Aluminum Rollator with Loop Brakes folds easy for storage and transport

Features of ITA-MED Four Wheel Heavy Duty Aluminum Rollator

Easy height adjustment
Handy wire basket for storage
Product weight: 20lb
Weight capacity: 400lb

ITA-MED Four Wheel Heavy Duty Aluminum Rollator with Loop Brakes

10. Graham Field Lumex Walkabout Wide Four-Wheel Rollator

Graham Field Lumex Walkabout Wide Four-Wheel Rollator is ideal for larger individuals. The rollator is designed with a lightweight aluminum frame, it offers a comfortable and affordable solution to mobility. It has easy to operate locking and quick stop loop brakes, pull up to stop, and push down to lock. It folds quickly and easily into a compact unit for storage and transport. This lightweight rollator weighs 16 lbs and supports a maximum weight capacity of 350 lb. Graham Field Lumex Walkabout Wide Four-Wheel Rollator has ergonomic handgrips.

Features of Graham Field Lumex Walkabout Wide Four-Wheel Rollator

Wide padded seat for increased seating surface and added comfort
Basket included that can be placed underneath the seat for carrying of personal items
Adjustable handle height to accommodate a broad range of user heights
Heavy-duty 6 wheels for indoor and outdoor use
Comes with added rear reflectors that increase visibility at night
Removable padded backbar

Graham Field Lumex Walkabout Wide Four-Wheel Rollator

Where to buy Rollators online?

At HPFY, we have an amazing range of premium rollators that offer exceptional mobility and help move around spaces with ease.

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Swati Chadha

Swati Chadha has been a Health Products For You contributor since 2017. A stay-at-home mom of two wonderful children, her professional experience has been in the social development sector with a focus on reproductive health and HIV/AIDS prevention. She considers ...