A rollator is a mobility aid featuring a frame, four wheels, and hand brakes, designed to provide stable support while walking. A frequent challenge arises when the device must be stored or transported, as the folding mechanism often fails to keep the frame securely closed. A rollator that springs open unexpectedly becomes cumbersome and potentially hazardous when lifting it into a vehicle or storing it. This guide provides practical steps and mechanical fixes to ensure your rollator remains reliably folded for transport.
Essential Steps for Proper Folding
Before attempting any hardware adjustments, confirm the correct folding sequence is being executed consistently. The first step is to always lock the hand brakes completely before initiating the fold, which stabilizes the wheels and prevents the frame from shifting. This action ensures that the frame joints are under minimal tension, allowing the internal locking components to align correctly.
Once the brakes are engaged, pull the seat strap or handle upwards until the frame halves move together. Visually inspect the main frame joints where the tubing meets to ensure they are fully collapsed and lying flush. If the rollator appears slightly ajar, apply gentle pressure to the top of the handles to encourage the final engagement of the internal latch system.
Diagnosing and Repairing the Internal Mechanism
If the rollator still springs open after proper folding, the issue likely resides within the mechanical latching system. The folding action is often governed by a central strap or cable that, when pulled, retracts internal latch pins from the frame tubes. If this cable or strap is frayed, stretched, or broken, the locking pins will not be correctly engaged, preventing the device from staying folded.
Another common point of failure involves the internal latch pins, which are small metal components that slide into position to lock the frame. These pins can become sticky or seize within the frame tubing due to the accumulation of dirt, debris, or lack of lubrication. Applying silicone spray lubricant directly to the hinge points and working the fold mechanism several times can restore the pins’ smooth operation.
On models that rely on an external plastic clip or hook, a simple visual inspection is necessary to check for integrity. These plastic parts are susceptible to cracking or breaking under stress, especially when the rollator is dropped or roughly handled. A misaligned clip may require gentle bending of its attachment point, but a cracked component must be replaced to restore the closure function.
External Solutions for Secure Transport
When the internal latching system is unreliable or cannot be easily repaired, external restraints provide an effective workaround for secure transport. Specialty rollator closure straps or clips are commercially available, designed to wrap around the folded frame and snap shut. Devices like the NOVA Lock N Load function as a hinge stopper, preventing the frame from opening once it is collapsed.
For a quick fix, heavy-duty Velcro straps or adjustable bungee cords offer a temporary, robust solution. A 12-inch to 18-inch industrial-grade Velcro strap can be wrapped tightly around the two main side tubes to hold them together securely. When using a bungee cord, ensure it is wrapped multiple times and the hooks are fastened away from polished surfaces to prevent scratching the frame during loading.
Once the rollator is externally secured, it can be stored upright or laid flat in a vehicle trunk without risk of expanding mid-transport. Securing the device further within a car is advisable, perhaps by placing it against a barrier or using a separate cargo strap to prevent movement. This external reinforcement ensures the rollator remains a compact, manageable unit until it is ready for deployment.