A rollator is a specialized type of mobility aid that incorporates a frame, wheels, and a built-in seat for resting. This design is intended for individuals who need walking support but also require frequent, immediate breaks due to limited endurance or balance concerns. The integrated seating allows a user to stop and rest safely wherever they are, transforming the aid into a convenient, portable bench.
Rollators Versus Standard Walkers
Rollators are fundamentally different from standard walkers, which are often called “pickup walkers” because the user must lift the device with each step. A standard walker typically has four non-wheeled legs with rubber ferrules or glides, requiring the user to bear weight through their arms while moving the device forward. This design provides maximum stability and is intended for users who need to put significant weight on the device for support or who have difficulty with balance.
In contrast, a rollator features wheels on all of its legs, usually three or four, allowing it to roll continuously alongside the user. This wheeled design promotes a more natural walking pattern and speed, as the user does not need to repeatedly lift the frame. The trade-off is slightly less stability than a non-wheeled walker, which is why a rollator relies on an effective hand-brake system for stopping and securing the device.
Key Features When Choosing a Rollator
Brake System
The brake system must be reliable for both walking control and securing the device for sitting. Most rollators use a loop-lock system where squeezing the levers slows or stops the motion, and pushing the loops down locks the wheels completely. Confirming that the brakes are easy to engage for your hand strength and securely lock the wheels is essential before use.
Wheels and Weight Capacity
The wheel size and material dictates the surfaces the rollator can handle comfortably. Smaller wheels, typically six inches in diameter, are better suited for smooth indoor floors and tighter spaces due to their improved maneuverability. For users who plan to travel outdoors on uneven terrain, larger wheels, often eight to ten inches, provide better shock absorption and stability. The rollator’s weight capacity must exceed the user’s weight plus any items carried, with a safety margin of about 20 to 30 pounds often recommended.
Seat and Frame Dimensions
The seat and frame dimensions need careful consideration to ensure comfort and proper fit. The seat height must allow the user’s feet to rest flat on the ground when sitting, providing a stable platform for standing up. Seat width should accommodate the user’s hips comfortably, and the overall frame width must be checked against common doorways in the user’s home to ensure easy passage. Frame materials like aluminum offer a balance of lightweight portability and durable strength.
Adjusting and Using the Device Safely
Proper adjustment of the rollator’s handle height is the first step toward safe operation and maintaining good posture. To find the correct height, stand upright with your arms relaxed at your sides and adjust the handles so they align with the crease of your inner wrists. When gripping the handles, your elbows should have a slight bend (15 to 30 degrees), which prevents shoulder strain and encourages an upright walking position.
When walking, walk within the frame of the rollator, keeping your body close to the device for maximum stability, rather than pushing it far out in front of you. Maintain a steady gait and avoid leaning heavily on the frame, as the rollator is primarily designed for balance support, not full weight-bearing. Using the hand brakes intermittently to manage speed, especially on a ramp or incline, helps maintain control and prevent the device from rolling away too quickly.
The procedure for using the seat requires the rollator to be completely immobile. Before sitting, always engage the parking brakes fully by pushing the loop locks down until they click into the locked position. Once the wheels are secured, turn your back to the seat, place your hands on the handles or armrests, and lower yourself slowly. When standing up, push off the handles, keeping the brakes locked until you are fully stable and ready to release them to begin walking.