How Many Wheels Does My Rollator Need For Everyday Life?
Rollators can be incredibly helpful mobility aids, with their frame giving you the support you need to walk, but their wheels meaning that you don’t have to strain yourself by lifting them up to move as much as a walking frame.
However, it can be difficult to know what type of rollator you need; should you go for a two-wheeled or four-wheeled rollator? And no, a four-wheeled rollator isn’t the ”off-road” version of a rollator.
The choice between the two types of rollators really depends on your lifestyle and what sort of activities you carry out in your everyday life. So, let’s take a look at the two types of rollators and which one would be right for you!
What Are The Differences Between A Two-Wheeled Rollator and A Four-Wheeled Rollator?
The main difference between a two-wheeled rollator and a four-wheeled rollator comes down to balance and support. You see, a rollator that only has two wheels also has 2 legs that directly connect with the floor.
This means that it is able to offer more stability and hold more weight being pressed onto it. Therefore, if you have trouble keeping your balance, then having the added support from the 2 legs at the back of the rollator may be very important to you. However, the downside is that you have to lift the rollator up slightly in order to be able to move it.
Because of this, you will need to use the muscles in your arms in order to be able to move the rollator around. If that is something that you will likely find difficult, then that’s where a four-wheeled rollator comes into play.
The four-wheeled rollator doesn’t have any legs that connected with the ground. Instead, all four legs attach to wheels, meaning that it is able to move around without any need to lift it up. This makes it great for those of you who don’t have the arm strength to be able to lift the rollator.
However, this does come at a cost. Because there aren’t any legs that directly connect to the ground, there is a loss of stability if you were to put all of your weight onto the rollator. Therefore, if you have difficulty at keeping your balance, then a two-wheeled rollator will likely be the better option for you.
As both types of rollators have their advantages and disadvantages, it is probably worth looking at things in a much more focused manner. After all, everyone’s situation and lifestyle are different, so you need to keep that in mind when trying to choose a rollator.
When Should I Use A Two-Wheeled Rollator?
As we have already discussed, two-wheeled rollators offer better balance and support, but you also need to lift it slightly to be able to move it. That means that you will need a bit of space to do that. As such, this type of rollator isn’t recommended if you are in an area with narrow corridors or tight corners.
However, when you are in large, open areas with uneven ground, the added stability of the two legs means that you can feel much safer.
For example, if you are going out for a family trip to the park, then a two-wheeled rollator could be the perfect option. It will help to support you as you move around, but won’t have trouble staying secure over the bumpy terrain.
When Should I Use a Four-Wheeled Rollator?
Whilst a two-wheeled rollator is great for uneven ground, a four-wheeled rollator is perfect for almost all other places you could go. For example, if you were going shopping, it’s unlikely that the supermarket’s floor is going to be uneven. Therefore, having a four-wheeled rollator that you can just push around with ease is just what you need.
On top of that, the fact that you don’t need to lift it at all in order to move means that it would great when carrying lots of small items with you.
Another aspect of the four-wheeled rollator is that turning it around corners is easier, as it doesn’t require space to be lifted slightly. That means that it is better suited for tight corridors.
Which Is Right For You?
This is really the hardest question to answer when it comes to rollators. Both the two-wheeled rollator and four-wheeled rollator have their advantages and disadvantages, so it really does depend on your lifestyle.
If you are the outdoorsy type who likes to go for walks in the woods, then a two-wheeled rollator may be the better option. However, if you need something that is easier to move around, then you would want a four-wheeled rollator.
If you need any help or advice on choosing the right type of rollator for you and your lifestyle, you can always give us a call on 01733 342242, or get in touch through our contact form here. We would be more than happy to help you!
Alternatively, if you already have an idea of what type of rollator you want, why not take a look at our range of rollators here.
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