Finding the perfect rollator can be trickier than expected with the huge variety of styles and extras available. Learn about more about the different types with the help of our handy guide and find your ideal rollator.
What is a rollator?
A rollator is a mobility aid used to offer support to those who need it when walking. They have wheels at the bottom to make them easier to manoeuvre and often have brakes, a seat, or a bag or basket. There are many different types of rollators (sometimes known as rollator walkers) including rollators with three wheels, four wheels, rollators that can also be used as transit chairs etc. This guide should help you decide whether a rollator is right for you and which type of rollator would be more suitable for your needs.
What's the difference between rollators and walking frames?
If you've been looking at mobility aids for a while, there's a chance that you've looked at walking frames (sometimes known as zimmer frames or walkers) and rollators. On the face of it, both seem very similar but there are some key differences.
Rollators have wheels on the end of each leg, making them easier to push along, whereas walking frames usually don't. Walking frames tend to only have two wheels, if any, and need to be lifted. They're generally more suited for use indoors while you can get rollators that can be used indoors or outside.
Some rollators have a seat, giving you a handy space to rest when needed, which walking frames won't have.
There are also rollators that come with bags, so you can easily carry items like small amounts of shopping with you without risking overbalancing.
Rollators and wheelchairs - what's the difference?
The biggest difference between a rollator and a wheelchair is that with a rollator, you can use it to walk around, whereas with a wheelchair you are either being pushed by someone else, or propelling the wheelchair yourself either by pushing the wheels or using a joystick (on powered chairs).
You can get rollators that turn into wheelchairs - or rather a transit chair. These 2-in-1 rollators tend to offer the best of both worlds until you reach a point where a more bespoke wheelchair is needed for full time use.
3-wheel rollators
3-wheel rollators are usually among the lightest type of rollator, which makes it easier to lift it into the boot of a car or over a small step leading into the house. They also fold for easy storage, ideal if you don't have the space to leave it out all the time.
They tend to have height-adjustable steel or aluminium frames and many also include a bag or basket for easy storage, too.
Key features:
- Highly manoeuvrable
- Lightweight frame
- Foldable
Tip from our Occupational Therapist
Work out what handle height you need before buying a rollator as not all of them can extend to the same handle heights - some are taller or shorter than others.
How to find the right rollator handle height
Making sure your rollator has the right handle height for you is key as the wrong handle height could leave you at risk of falling. This is because if the handle height is wrong, you may be stooping or leaning forwards too far or even leaning backwards to compensate for it.
You can work out the right handle height to look for by asking a friend or relative to measure from the floor to the bony part of your wrist, while standing. This is the measurement you will need to use when looking at the handle heights on prospective rollators.
Once your rollator arrives, here is how to adjust it to the right height:
- Put on the shoes you would usually be wearing when you want to use the rollator
- Stand with your arms hanging at the side of your body and your head upright and facing forwards
- Adjust the rollator handgrips so they are in line with your wrists - there should be a slight bend in your elbow when using your rollator
Rollator safety tips
Rollators can be a great way to help you get out and about more easily, but there are some safety dos and don'ts to keep in mind while you're using it.
Do
- Check you can use the brakes easily, that you have enough strength in your grip
- Make sure the handles are at the right height (see our tips above)
- Try and keep your body within the rollator frame. Move with it, try not to twist yourself when you turn it
Don't
- Sit down on the rollator's seat without locking the brakes/putting on the parking brake first
- Lean too far one way or the other as it could cause you to overbalance and fall
- Push the rollator too far ahead of you as it'll become harder to control. Try and keep it closer to you
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