What to look for in a wheeled-walker

What to Look for in a wheeled walker

 

How do you know what to look for in a wheeled walker? Many elderly and disabled people use one, also known as a rollator to walk safely inside and out. A rollator is a wheeled walking aid similar to a walking frame and ranges in price and functionality.

If you are looking for a rollator you may already have noticed there are multitudes to choose from. How will you know which one is the best choice for your needs? Most people need to be able to lift their rollator onto a bus or into the book of their car, so it needs to be lightweight. I have significant experience in the area of rollators and in this article am going to review four models for you.

This rollator from Drive DeVilbiss is a good budget choice retailing currently at just under £100. (Prices for mobility items are on the up due to supply and manufacturing issues.)  The handles are adjustable to match the user’s height. To find the perfect height for any rollator handles,  position them to the height of the user’s wrists. If the handle is too high the stability isn’t correct, too low the user may stoop over and also put too much weight through their shoulders, arms and wrists.

Advantages 

• Cost
• Weight 7kg
• Rustproof
• Puncture-proof tyres with swivelling front wheels for easy manoeuvrability
• Comfortable padded seat with back-rest
• Arthritis-friendly cable breaks which are lockable for safety
• Simple one-handed folding mechanism

• Whilst it is easy to fold it has no lock to keep it folded making it cumbersome
• The breaks are not overly good. I would not feel confident sitting on anything other than a totally flat surface.
• The exposed brake cables can get caught on items in confined spaces

This tri-rollator from Elite Care is ultra-lightweight at only 4.7 kg and costs £79.99 with a Vat exemption. It can be folded with the bag still attached which makes it easy to transport and most people can easily lift this into a car boot or onto a bus. This model folds flat and has a good locking mechanism to keep it closed.

Advantages

• Very compact and easy to lift
• Good locking mechanism keeping it folded when lifted
• Easy to store when not in use
• Price point

Disadvantages

• No seat to rest on
• Three wheels are less safe than 4
• 3 wheeled rollators can tip and cause falls
• The exposed brake cables can get caught on items in confined spaces

Introducing my personal favourite, the Nitro rollator from Drive. I love them! They look stylish and are perfectly engineered. My only criticism is the size of the shopping bag. The bag is totally detachable and has the advantage of being top-opening. It feels good to use and has the advantage of integral brake cables making it not only look slick but safer.

Single-handed fold.

It has the advantage of a comfortable backrest and a really simple one-handed fold using the red handle on the seat. The handles are easy to adjust and the Nitro rollator also comes in black with the option of a bariatric model for heavier users. The price shown is with VAT included so it should be nearer £172. You get what you pay for and I would highly recommend this model. It also comes in black and you can buy a handy accessory kit to hold a water bottle and a walking stick.

Advantages 

• Looks and feels amazing
• Integral brakes
• Comfortable seat and backrest
• The more secure brakes I have seen on a rollator
• Easy one-handed folding
• Fair price for a quality offering

Disadvantages

• It is slightly heavier than other models 8kg but this lends to its safety.

Introducing the top of the range super-lightweight carbon rollator from byACRE.

Weighing in at under 7kg it really is the lightest 4-wheeled rollator. Its stylish carbon frame offers stylish stability and its large pneumatic tyres make it ideal for all terrains. So this really is the king of the road and off-road rollator is ideal for muddy walks, works on sand and snow and is foldable and has a seat.  It comes with a storage bag but is missing anywhere to carry anything.

This rollator is so light it can be lifted with one hand and is manageable for people who are frailer. It is a stunning looking model but comes with a matching price tag of nearly £600!!

Advantages 

• Incredibly light-weight
• Stylish and fashionable
• All-terrain, designed for more active users

Disadvantages

• Price point
• No-where to carry anything

I hope you have found this post interesting. If you have any questions at all please don’t hesitate to contact me. You can comment or email me directly here caroncares01@gmail.com

If you do purchase via my links you pay the same price and I earn a 5% commission which pays towards my hosting costs.

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