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Rollator Buying Guide

Rollator Buying Guide
July 18, 2022

Rollators are a type of walking aid designed to help you stay active and independent by making walking easier, safer, and more convenient. There are different types of rollators, but in most cases they have four wheels, height adjustable handles with brakes, a storage bag or basket, and a seat for when you want to take a rest.

What is a Rollator?

Rollators are a type of walking aid designed to help you stay active and independent by making walking easier, safer, and more convenient.

There are different types of rollators, but in most cases they have four wheels, height adjustable handles with brakes, a storage bag or basket, and a seat for when you want to take a rest.

Rollators are the walking aid of choice for millions of people worldwide, as they offer an affordable, easy to use alternative to walking sticks or static walking frames.

With lots of different features and options to choose from, it’s important to take the time to select a rollator that best suits your individual needs.

 

What is the difference between a rollator and a walker?

Both rollators and walkers are designed to help those with limited mobility get around safely.

Walkers usually feature four legs and act as a balance and support for the user. Unlike a rollator, a walker doesn’t typically have wheels, and must be lifted and moved forward with each step.

A rollator is often a better choice for those who lack the arm strength to lift a traditional walking frame.

 

What other types of rollators are there?

Not all rollators have four wheels, and not all walkers are static.

Tri-walkers have many of the same features as rollators, but feature a three-wheel design instead of four. Because they have only one wheel at the front, they usually have a tighter turning radius, but tend to be not quite as stable as the four-wheeled rollator.

tri-walker

Equally, some walker’s benefit from two wheels at the front and no wheels at the back, for slightly more manoeuvrability than their static wheel-less counterparts.

Hybrid 2 in 1 rollator wheelchairs can be used as a rollator and converted into a transport wheelchair by simply flipping the backrest over and attaching the footrests to the front.

 

What do I have to consider when buying a rollator?

When considering which rollator is best suited to you or a loved one, it’s important to make sure you’re buying one that best fits their unique needs and requirements.

 

Weight: How much does the rollator weigh?

You can check the exact weight of each rollator we sell here at Fenetic Wellbeing by looking at the specifications list on the product pages.

Aluminium rollators are usually lighter than their steel frame counterparts. Most people will be able to lift a rollator that weighs less than 10kg. Our lightest rollator is actually the lightest available in the UK, at just 5kg!

There are also heavy-duty rollators designed to support the heavier user which weigh up to around 16kg. These heavy-duty models are slightly more difficult to travel with.

 

Weight Capacity: How much does the user weigh?

All of our rollators support a maximum user weight of 115kg or 18 stone or more. For the heavier user, our heavy-duty rollator is suitable for a maximum user weight of 28 stone.

 

Seat Width: How wide is the rollator seat?

It’s always advisable to make sure the seat of the rollator is going to accommodate the user comfortably. You can check the seat width of our rollators on the specifications which can be found on the product pages of our website.

If you want to see the rollator for yourself, we welcome visits to our warehouse to test drive any of our products. Simply let us know that you’d like to come down and see us!

 

What kind of storage does the rollator offer?

Be sure to check the storage features of the rollator you’re looking at to make sure it’s suitable for its intended use, whether it be shopping, or general-purpose storage.

blue rollator

Some rollators feature a detachable bag that can be fixed to the front of the frame, while others feature a storage box beneath the seat, or a basket for storing possessions.

Look out for additional storage such as walking stick holders or trays for more versatile storage options.

 

Does the rollator fold away?

The vast majority of our rollators feature a folding frame design. These rollators can be folded away quickly and easily to make transporting and storing them hassle-free.

The folding mechanisms do sometimes differ from product to product, but are all designed with minimum effort in mind. Look out for the video demonstrations on the rollator product pages.

You can also ask us for a product demonstration or test drive by visiting our warehouse!

 

What brakes does the rollator have?

Loop brakes are the most popular choice for rollators as they are familiar to most people and are easy to use. You can find them on the vast majority of rollators that we sell.

They resemble the brakes you would find on a bike, and require the user to squeeze and pull upwards to slow down.

loop brakes

Loop brakes can also be used to lock the rollator in place by pulling down towards the ground. The braking action is often fairly instant and thus must be used cautiously.

 

Do you require a seat and backrest?

When shopping for a rollator, look out for a backrest and seat for when it’s time to take a rest. For many users, having a built in seat is invaluable.

These features are common on most rollators, and gives them an advantage over other types of walking aids such as tri-walkers and Zimmer frames, where there is no option to sit down.

 

Do you require a rollator for indoor or outdoor use?

Most rollators can be used safely both indoors and outdoors.

Look out for solid puncture proof tyres, which allow the user to navigate different surfaces such as gravel, grass, or pavement.

puncture-proof-tyres

Models with smaller wheels tend to be better suited to indoor surfaces such as carpet or hardwood floors. If you will be using a rollator out and about for extended periods of time, prioritise features such as storage and weight.

If after reading this guide you’re still unsure, we’re always on hand to offer practical help and advice to make sure you make the right choice.

You can also instant message us using our online Live Chat, or drop us a message on Facebook or Twitter!

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