A Buyer’s Guide to Rollators

The impact of the humble rollator is immeasurable for the way it supports the disabled and elderly to walk freely. With the best rollator for you, it can transform your life and make you feel safer and more self-confident.

At the Mobility Aids Centre, we have a curated collection of top-class rollators that can satisfy any requirement you may need. Nonetheless, the search for what you need and we’d like to help make that a little bit easier with this guide.

We hope to shed some light on the particular aspects you should consider when selecting the best rollator mobility aid for you. If you’re unsure of whether a rollator is right for you, consult our guide on when you need a walking aid.

Before diving into the options, take a moment to assess your specific needs and identify your requirements to help narrow down your choice.

Type of Rollators?

Rollators come in various types, each designed to cater to specific needs:

• Three-Wheel Rollators: These are compact and ideal for manoeuvring tight indoor spaces. They often come with a basket or pouch for carrying small items.
• Four-Wheel Rollators: These are more stable and suitable for both indoor and outdoor use. They often have a seat and a storage compartment.
• Heavy-Duty Rollators: If you require extra weight support, heavy-duty rollators offer reinforced frames and wider seats.
• Speciality Rollators: There are rollators with unique features like forearm supports for those with limited grip strength or models designed for off-road use.

Considerations when buying?

Here are our top 6 buying considerations to think about before purchasing your rollator

1. Height Adjustment: Opt for a rollator with adjustable handle heights to ensure proper ergonomics and comfort.1
2. Weight Capacity: Make sure the rollator can support your weight comfortably. Standard models usually accommodate around 250 to 300 pounds, while heavy-duty options can handle more.
3. Brakes: Look for rollators with reliable and easy-to-use brake systems. Loop-style brakes are common and can be operated with minimal effort.
4. Wheels: Consider the size and type of wheels. Larger wheels are better for outdoor terrain, while smaller wheels are more manoeuvrable indoors.
5. Seat and Storage: If you’d like the convenience of a seat and storage space, check the size and comfort of the seat, as well as the capacity of the storage compartment.
6. Budget: Rollators come in a range of prices, so set a budget and explore options within that range. Keep in mind that investing in a quality rollator can provide safety and durability in the long run.

We put together some commonly asked questions to take into account that expands upon our top 5 considerations as well as some product recommendations.

How Many Wheels Should Your Rollators Have?

The amount of wheels you’d like on your rollator depends on how much assistance you want to have when walking. If you require the support of a zimmer frame but desire a little more manoeuvrability and freedom to travel with confidence, a four-wheel rollator such as our Lightweight Aluminium 4 Wheel Rollator is a strong option.

On the other hand, a three-wheel rollator delivers a lot more mobility, as the streamlined configuration allows for more freedom of movement without sacrificing walking support. Models like the Lightweight Tri Wheel Walker show how three-wheel rollators can be both portable and practical, thanks to their manoeuvrable construction and handy attachments like loop lockable brakes and a bag to store day-to-day items.

Defining The Purpose Of Your Rollator

Do You Want to Use Your Rollator Indoors, Outside or Both? When it comes to your need for a rollator, you will have a purpose you wish for it to accomplish. Are you looking for an all-rounder that you can use in a range of contexts, such as indoors and outdoors? In this case, you will want a compact, lightweight and versatile option that you can depend on.

The Nitro HD Rollator accomplishes these benefits and more. Instantly collapsible with one hand, its construction has been built to tackle indoor and outdoor use while offering stability you can put your faith in. On the other hand, if you require something a little more adapted to an indoor environment, take a look at the Let’s Go Indoor Rollator. This option is easily foldable while offering innovative solutions like a built-in plastic tray to make life around the home easier.

Where Will You Put Your Rollator When You’re Not Using It?

If you’re going to be transporting your rollator in a car often, it is much less hassle to have a foldable model such as the X Fold 4 Wheel Rollator, which folds in two ways to compact itself for quick car boot storage.

Perhaps you would prefer intermittent use of your rollator and have it as an instantly available solution when the need arises. In this case, we would recommend a streamlined, no-frills, diligent rollator that you can keep in the back of your wardrobe such as the EZ Fold N Go 2-Wheeled Walker.

How Wide Are Your Doors or Hallway?

If you’re wanting an indoor walking aid, keep in mind that you’ll need it to fit through doorways. With every rollator on our store page, we include detailed information including width, so you can measure it against your requirements.

What Extra Benefits and Features Do You Need From Your Rollator?

If you are interested in having the capability to transport items with your rollator then many rollators come with either mesh or heavy-duty bags so that you can shop, garden or visit friends and family without having to carry items by hand.

Many who use rollators also use a walking stick, but operating a rollator while carrying a stick could prove to be troublesome. To accommodate both, some rollators like the Neptune Rollator include a walking stick holder so you can keep yours close by without having to worry about them getting in the way.

Will You Need a Seat?

Some, three-wheel and four-wheel rollators often come with a seat, which is handy in the moments when you need to take a rest on the go. Models like the Let’s Go Out Four-Wheeled Rollator have comfortable leather-effect cushions, showing that you don’t have to miss out on a luxe feel with your mobility aid.

What kind of maintenance is required to care for your rollator?

To ensure its longevity and optimal performance, regular inspection of your rollator for any signs of wear and tear is always advised. Lubricate moving parts to prevent rust and ensure smooth operation, tighten screws and clean the frame to ensure it remains in good working conditions. Additionally, we recommend storing your rollator in a dry and safe environment when not in use to prevent damage. Many rollators will come with a manufacturers warranty so if you experience be sure to speak to them for assistance. When you purchase from The Mobility Aids Centre our team of friendly staff are always here to help.

Your Final Decision

We cannot recommend a rollator enough as a day-to-day mobility aid, but with such an array of considerations, you must ensure you are purchasing a rollator that accomplishes your personal needs to get the very best out of it. 

If you require further assistance, our team would be glad to show you the various options. Contact us or visit our showroom to find out more today.