November 18th 2024
By Jordan McElwain
Before you decide if a rollator is right for you, read this guide to understand what rollators are, how they’re different from walkers, and their different pros and cons.
By Ari Parker
When you need a mobility aid, a rollator looks like a perfect solution. It lets you glide along, and it has a seat so you can rest when you need to. Before you decide if a rollator is right for you, read this guide to understand what rollators are, how they’re different from walkers, and their different pros and cons.
A rollator is a "rolling walker" with three or four wheels, a frame with handlebars, and a seat. Though they’re sometimes seen as one and the same, if you put a rollator next to a wheeled walker, you’ll spot the differences. Some people prefer to use one style or the other, but there are some sound medical reasons for using a rollator—or opting for another option (which we’ll dig into in this article).
Rollator walkers are more than standard walkers with additional wheels. A rollator has a frame fitted with three or four large wheels, handlebars, a built-in seat, and a crossbar to support your back if you stop to rest.
There are different types of walkers, but each type is made to support body weight and offer balance to users. On the other hand, rollators help with balance but offer less support. They steady you but cannot bear your weight.
Rollators are also more customizable. They often have a storage pouch under the seat that can hold your purse, medicines, and any personal belongings you may need when you're out. You can even add a shopping basket big enough to hold a grocery bag, a cup holder, a cane holder, and more.
Unlike standard or 2-wheeled walkers, rollators don't need to be lifted as you walk. They require less energy to use and provide smoother movement, even on uneven ground. Rollators are easy to maneuver, particularly 3-wheeled models. Their seats provide a convenient way to rest whenever you need a break.
Research demonstrates that rollators are effective mobility aids for preventing falls and improving walking stability. Studies have shown several key benefits that highlight how rollators might affect a person's ability to walk safely and confidently.
Here are a couple more pros and one possible con of using a rollator:
Rollators improve walking performance in three areas: distance, pace, and speed. They also minimize the risk of falling.
They allow those who might have trouble with a walker to get some exercise to help maintain your cardio health.
One possible negative effect of using a rollator is that lower limb muscle activity is decreased, which may weaken other muscles. Your quadriceps muscle that you use to climb stairs, get up from a chair, and maintain your posture may get weaker. The hip abductor muscle that aids your balance may get weaker too.
While rollators offer greater freedom of movement than traditional walkers or those fitted with tennis balls, they may not be the right choice for everyone
Rollators aid with balance for those who need a little help but are not as supportive as walkers. Walkers are built to support body weight and help with balance issues. People fresh from surgery or who usually need the stable support of the sturdy frame of a walker should stick with that until their physical or occupational therapist says otherwise.
Because rollators have wheels, they can roll away, leaving you without assistance. The brakes may not be enough to stop or slow down a runaway rollator. Unless you have arm and lower body strength to stop it and prevent yourself from falling. It's also easy to forget to put on the brakes when parking the rollator too.
While rollators have seats, they aren’t built for riding, like a scooter. You can easily slip off when moving or topple the rollator if moving. If you need to sit for long periods of time when you are out and about or you need to go long distances, you should consider a wheelchair or scooter.
There are a lot of different rollator options to meet the specific needs of everyone, from kids to adults. Fun fact: there are even wheeled walkers for dogs! Below, you’ll find detailed descriptions of the most popular rollators.
Bariatric rollators for larger people
Steel frame
Wider seat
Sturdy construction to accommodate larger weights - some models support up to 500 pounds, 700 pounds, or more
Heavier to store and lift into the car than other rollators
May be a tighter fit through doorways as these walkers are wider
Outdoor rollators
Indoor/outdoor rollator
6" wheels with soft gripping casters and non-marring tires that prevent damage to your floors
Can be used outdoors on uneven terrain
Great on concrete walks and paths
All-terrain rollator
Larger wheels to navigate on rough terrain like rocky surfaces, sand, grassy fields, dirt, and gravel
8"-10" wheels are common
Tire variations include rubber or PVC formed tires or air-filled tires with knobby treads that cause vibrations in your hands
Hybrid rolling walker (Also called three-wheeled walker)
Two wheels in the back and one in the front, much like a tricycle
Lighter than four-wheelers
Easy to steer and maneuver around sharp turns and in small spaces
Usually have no seat, although a few models of hybrid rolling walkers come with seats
Large storage pouch or basket (sometimes both)
Transport chairs
Made to be pushed by a second person
Many convert from a transport chair to a rollator
Designed for short-term use, so they come with fewer comfort features than a wheelchair
Easy to transport in a car trunk
With the different types of rollators, and many customizations available, choosing can feel a bit more difficult. Below are the key features you should consider, because purchasing the right mobility aid will make it more likely you will use it.
Height adjustability: Both the handlebars and the seat may adjust to accommodate most adults.
Weight: Standard-size aluminum rollators weigh about 13 pounds, but some heavy-weight steel models are almost 30 pounds. Look for a lightweight material if you know you will be lifting it into the car frequently.
Weight limit: Most rollators accommodate up to 250-300 pounds, but there are others that work for people who weigh more. Make sure to look at the weight capacity when purchasing your rollator.
Brakes: Brakes prevent the rollator from rolling away from you. You squeeze most hand brakes to activate them, but some models for those with poor hand dexterity or dementia are made to push down.
Seat width and height: Many rollators have seats about 18" wide. Bariatric models might add four inches or more for comfort. Seat height varies but is not adjustable on most models.
Foldability: Most rollators collapse so that they can easily fit in the car.
Wheel size: Larger wheels are better for outdoor use. So, if you plan to do a lot of walking on cement, grass, or rougher surfaces, opt for an outdoor model. Most walkers for indoor use have 6" wheels, but opting for 8-10+" wheels will make walking or hiking easier.
Cost: Rollators cost more than traditional walkers, with prices starting around $60. Specialized bariatric and all-terrains rollators might cost a few hundred dollars, while fancy customized models can cost thousands.
Rollators made for specific needs cost more, but you should be able to find reasonably priced variations of whatever you need. If you need a rollator that is wider, works well outside, or is particularly lightweight, it is worth spending more to meet your needs and ensure you have the right support.
Like traditional walkers for seniors, rollators are considered durable medical equipment, covered under Medicare Part B. Your doctor must deem your rollator medically necessary for you to receive coverage.
