Buying guide for best rollator walkers
Everyone needs a little help sometimes, so if you're struggling to walk unaided – whether due to illness, an injury, or anything else – you may find a rollator walker is just what you need to get you mobile again.
Once you've decided to purchase a rollator, you still have to decide which one is right for you. Everyone has their own individual needs and features they find important, so there isn't a one-size-fits-all approach to picking out rollators.
Instead, we at BestReviews have done extensive research into rollator walkers and have written this guide to give you the tools to pick out the model that would best fit your requirements. Read on to find out all you need to know about rollator walkers, and you'll soon be on the move again.
What is a rollator walker?
A rollator is a variation on the classic walker. Whereas a standard walking frame has four legs that need to be lifted and moved forward before taking a step, a rollator walker has a wheel on the end of each leg, so you simply push it with you as you go. Rollators also feature hand-operated brakes, so they don't get away from you when going downhill.
Rollator walkers provide the ability to get around for a wide variety of people. This is why we assess all of these products for longevity, durability, and ease of use.
Many rollator walkers are able to fold, but some make it harder than others, which is why we measure just how simple it is to fully collapse and expand each walker.
The wheels of a rollator walker must provide a sense of security on all surfaces. We research each of these products for how easy it is to roll on most surfaces.
One of the best aspects of a rollator walker versus a normal walker is how easy it is to maneuver. Our investigation allows us to take a deep dive into the swivel motion of each option.
Many rollator walkers will provide seating for when you simply need to take a break. We assess how comfortable the seat is and how easy it is to get onto it when needed.
An important consideration for rollator walkers is how often you will need to fold them into a tight space for transport. We look for walkers that can be put into a compact area without problems.
If a rollator has a seat, then the wheels will also need proper brakes as well. We assess how well the brakes on each wheel work and if they are durable after long-term use.
Some rollator walkers will come with additional storage. We look for this to be easy to reach when standing and provide a large amount of space.
If you are going to use a rollator walker for long periods of time you will need hand grips that are comfortable and breathable, which we take note of during our research period.
Adjustability plays an important role in how well a rollator walker functions for a variety of people. We consider the ease of adjustment and wheel size for each product we evaluate.
Rollator walker benefits
If you haven’t yet decided whether or not to buy a rollator, here are some of their main benefits.
Independence: Rollator walkers can help you walk unaided, so you don't feel reliant upon others when you want to go out and about.
Ease of use: With a rollator, you don't need as much physical strength to lift the frame as you would with a standard walking frame.
Comfort: Many rollators feature a built-in seat. This is ideal if you sometimes get fatigued and need to take a break.
Speed: You can go faster using a rollator then you can with a standard walking frame because you don't need to stop and move the device forward every couple of steps. Instead, you can just cruise along.
- Built-in storage: The vast majority of rollator walkers offer some kind of built-in storage. This is ideal for trips to the grocery store and even for moving items from room to room at home.
For your safety
Make sure the handles of your chosen rollator walker are easy and comfortable to grip. You can find some models designed specifically for people with arthritic hands.
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Considerations for selecting a rollator walker
Seat
Getting out and about is important, but what if you need to take regular resting breaks? Finding a bench or seat on which to rest isn’t always easy. What’s more, you may feel you simply cannot go some places because there aren't adequate resting spots. But it doesn't have to be like that. If you choose a rollator walker with a built-in seat, you'll have a place to sit wherever you go, thus opening up many more opportunities for you.
Not all rollator seats are created equally, however, so you should carefully consider the seat on your chosen model before you buy. The first thing to look at is seat width, which is measured in inches. Most rollators have seats between 13 and 15 inches wide. Be sure to buy a rollator with a seat that fits your own physical dimensions.
Also remember to consider how comfortable your chosen rollator is. Some rollators have a simple sling-style seat made of canvas – a bit like a director's chair. These are the least-comfortable models. Instead, we recommend a rollator walker with a well-padded seat.
Storage
Most rollators feature some kind of storage, from a simple basket to a range of baskets and pouches. How much storage you need depends on how you intend to use your rollator. If you plan to go out and do some grocery shopping, you'll need enough storage to bring your haul home with you. On the other hand, if you'll only be using your rollator around the house or on pleasure walks, you may need only minimal storage. For many rollators, it's possible to buy additional storage pouches that fit the cross bars using Velcro, buttons, or snaps.
Height adjustability
A rollator walker that's the right height for a person of six feet two inches is going to be far too tall for a person of five feet two inches. Conversely, a rollator that's the right height for a shorter person is going to be uncomfortably low for a tall person. That's why it's vital to buy a rollator that's height adjustable. Your chosen rollator should ideally be easy to adjust so that you could do it alone if you needed to.
If you're hunched over when using your rollator, it's too short for you and needs to be made taller. If you have to hold your arms or bend your elbows uncomfortably high, the rollator is too tall for you and should be made shorter.
Foldability
One of the great things about rollator walkers is that they fold up, so you can easily store yours in a small space when you're not using it or fold it up and put it in the trunk of a car if you're going for a day out with family or friends. That said, not all rollators are easy to fold … and if it's near-impossible to fold your rollator, then there's no point in it being foldable at all! Look for a rollator that folds down easily enough that it only requires one person to do so. Also, look at the size of your rollator once it's folded to make sure it would fit in whichever space you need it to.
Expert Tip
If you weigh more than average, you can find a bariatric rollator walker designed to support extra weight. These rollators have larger seats, so you can sit in comfort.
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Rollator prices
Rollators vary in price from $50 to $200, so you should be able to find one to suit your budget.
These cost roughly $50 to $75. You can find some good models in this price range, but they may not be durable enough to stand up to everyday use.
They are priced between $75 and $125. Most of these models are very durable and fine for regular use.
These usually fall between $125 and $200. These tend to have stand-out features such as extra sturdy frames, comfortable backrests, and the ability to roll smoothly on rough terrain.
Did you know?
Some rollator walkers feature a backrest (which may or may not be removable) to give you more support as you sit.
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Tips
Make sure the brakes on your rollator are easy to operate. Stiff brakes, or brakes that are either too sensitive or not sensitive enough, can be dangerous and should be avoided.
Check the wheel size of your rollator. Larger wheels are better for outdoor use, as they can handle bumps and rough surfaces more easily.
Look at the weight of your chosen rollator. Make sure it's not too heavy for you to push or to handle when you're trying to fold and store it.
- Decide if you have any color preferences for seats and storage pouches. Yes, a rollator walker is a piece of functional equipment, but that doesn't mean you can’t choose one you like the look of.
FAQ
Q. How do I sit on my rollator without it rolling away?
A. You might wonder how to stop your rollator from moving when you sit on the built-in seat. In addition to the brakes on the handlebar, rollator walkers also feature a wheel lock, a bit like what you'd find on a stroller. This keeps the rollator firmly in place, even on a slope, so you can sit for as long as you like without worrying you're going to roll away.
Q. Can I buy any accessories for my new rollator?
A. You can find a range of accessories for rollators, including extra storage pouches. You can also buy covers for the seat and backrest in a range of colors and patterns, so you can express your personal style. Other popular accessories are cup holders, lights that clip on the frame, and holders for walking sticks and oxygen tanks.
Q. Are rollators easy to maneuver?
A. Your rollator should be fairly easy to maneuver – if you're having big issues turning corners, you might have a faulty rollator on your hands – but some are easier than others. As a rule, three-wheeled rollators are easier to maneuver than four-wheeled models, and small-wheeled rollators are easier to maneuver than larger-wheeled models. The catch is that three-wheeled rollators aren't as stable as four-wheeled models and rarely have seats, and small-wheeled rollators don't handle rough surfaces very well.
