Rollators, also known as rolling walkers with seats, are mobility aids for the elderly that are easy to maneuver and that offer a lot of support. Rollators require some coordination and balance to operate correctly as they may roll easily. Rollator walkers are ideal for those who have full control and function of their hands, but need the support to get around.
In this article we are going to look at a wide range of walkers for seniors currently available. We will cover 2, 3, and 4 wheeled walkers, as well as a buying guide based on recent rollator walker reviews.
2 Wheel Walkers
1. Drive Medical Trigger Release Folding Walker
These two wheel walkers for seniors are designed without a seat, and require the user to be able to stand for long periods of time. The lightweight walker has four legs, two of which have wheels on them. The product includes a soft and ribbed deluxe contoured hand grip. This maximizes comfort, and the trigger release feature ensures that the walker can be used by those with limited finger dexterity. The walker is lightweight yet sturdy, anodized and extruded aluminum being used in its construction. This trigger release folding walker includes glide covers and rear glide caps, ensuring that is can be used on all surfaces and terrains.
2. Deluxe Button Folding Walker with 5 Inch Wheels
These two wheeled walkers come complete with a vinyl contoured hand grip and two wheels. Once arms are extended the handle should be at wrist height. With your hands securely places on the hand grip, your elbows will be flexed to between 20 and 30 inches. The two sides of this two wheeled walker work independently. This ensures movement through narrow spaces is easier, and greater stability is achieved while standing, which is important for the elderly.
The mechanisms are push-button operated, and fingers, side of hand, or palms can be used to operate the buttons.
A new design to the rear glide cap makes for walking over most surfaces easily, the walker sliding easily as it moves. The construction of the frame is aluminum and is a sturdy one inch in diameter. This walker is not designed to be used on stairs or on escalators.
3 Wheeled Rollator Walkers
1. Nova Traveler 3 Wheeled Rollator
These three wheeled walkers for seniors are perfect for maneuvering around small spaces. Their diversity is a real plus point, and they can be folded away in just seconds. Once the walker rollator is folded, it remains in an upright position, making parking it anywhere extremely easy. The walker comes with a large zipped storage pouch and a tray, both removable. The pouch is perfect for storage of personal items and is generously sized. The wheels of this walker are of an 8 inch design and are perfect for all terrains.
Durable, this walker is perfect for outside use. The feather touch hand brakes of the Nova traveler make for ease of comfort and added control. Minimal hand grip or strength is needed to operate the brakes. A small push downwards, and the brakes will lock, the Nova locks coming with a 5 year warranty. The frame of the Nova Walker has a lifetime guarantee. Lastly, the walker weighs just 16lb, and is suitable for a weight capacity of up to 250lb.
2. Carex 3 Wheel Foldable Walker for Seniors
The three wheel Carex foldable walker for seniors is compact and lightweight. It is ideal for maneuvering in and out of tight spaces. Easy to collapse and store away, the Carex walker is incredibly easy to transport. 7 inch wheels and locking brakes make the rollator not just safe but one of the leading walkers in its category; a large storage bag for personal items finishes the look. The handles of the Carex walker are adjustable, allowing for even more increased mobility.
The rolling walker goes where you want it to go, and is very easy to control. A 3 wheeled rollator is the perfect compromise for someone elderly and with limited mobility, but who does not yet require full support. With one wheel to the front and two to the rear, this rollator is perfect for family members who still crave their independence.
4 Wheeled Rolling Walkers with Seat
1. Hugo Rollator Walker with Backrest and Saddle
Hugo rolling walkers are designed to provide maximum mobility and portability. This four wheeled mobility aid has a built in seat with a backrest that has a 2 inch adjustable height. The seat of this walker is perfect for when you need to sit and rest. Underneath the seat you will find a generously sized storage bag, ensuring you have somewhere safe to keep your belongings.
It is not just the seat of the Hugo Rollator that is adjustable; the handlebars are also adjustable, to ensure correct posture.
The hand grips are ergonomic, and are angled naturally for comfort and easier brake access. This walker requires no tools for assembly and folds down in just seconds to fit in the trunk of a standard car. The Hugo Rollator can support adult weight of up to 300lbs, and is perfect for people that have problems with balance. The extra-large eight inch wheels make sure that you can use the rollator safely and with confidence, both inside and outdoors.
2. Drive Medical Four Wheel Rollator with Fold Up Removable Back Support
This four wheeled rollator by Drive comes with a padded seat and backrest that can be folded both upwards and downwards. The frame of the rollator is made from sturdy steel and includes a basket for storing personal items. The rollator is ideal for both indoor and outdoor use thanks to its 7.5 inch non-marring casters. Deluxe loop locks ensure that the rollator will not move or slip when seated. The handle height of the rollator can be adjusted independently, as can the angle of the handle. The rollator is designed for a weight capacity 300 lbs.
3. Medline Heavy Duty Bariatric Mobility Rollator
This four wheel bariatric rollator is designed to withstand weights of up to 500lbs, due to its reinforced steel frame. It is perfect for heavy persons. The wheels of the rollator are a generous 8 inches and include reinforced spokes for extra strength. This rollator is larger than a standard walker measuring 29 inches in width, 44.5 inches in height, and 29 inches in depth. This large size means that the rollator is not designed for confined spaces, and may not fit through all door frames. It is however the perfect choice of walker for heavy persons.
The Medline heavy duty rollator includes a padded seat with generous 17.5 x 14 inch dimensions. Under the seat you will find a Velcro pocket for storing personal items. The handles of the walker are also adjustable, to ensure a more customized fit. The floor to seat measurement is not adjustable, and measures 22 inches.
4. Folding Rollator Walker by Vive
This four wheeled rollator by Vive boasts a unique folding design. The rollator will fold up to fit in the trunk of any standard car. The rear legs of the walker fold upwards, and the front wheels are easily removable. This ensures that your rollator will fold up and fit in even the tightest of spaces. The walker comes with a storage bag for personal items as well as a cane holder. The storage bag is of ample dimensions and is perfect for storing snacks and drinks. The Vive 4 wheel medical rolling walker using a dual braking system and boast ergonomic handles.
The easy to use system for breaking ensures that the walker can be locked when you don’t want it to roll or move. This four wheeled rollator allows you to stroll in both style and comfort, including an extra wide seat and sturdy backrest. The Vive guarantee for this rolling walker is unconditional and lifetime, allowing you to purchase in confidence.
5. Deluxe Aluminum Rolling Walker
This deluxe rollator with 10 inch wheels is compact and lightweight. The width of this folding-design rollator can be adjusted, ensuring you can get through even the narrowest of spaces. Both the front and rear wheels of the deluxe rollator can be folded, making it easy to store away or take with you in the trunk of a car.
The Oasis Space design boasts the very best stability and security for the elderly when compared with others in the category. 10 inch wheels as opposed to 8 inches ensure that the walker can go over all types of terrain with no difficulty.
A generously proportioned seat with belt comes as standard with this rollator. A carry bag completes the look, ensuring you have somewhere for all your personal items.
The frame of the walker is 7 series aluminum, and is suitable for up to weights of 300lbs. Available in maple red and coral blue, these large-wheeled walkers for seniors with ergonomic handles and dual braking systems really are something out of the ordinary.
6. NOVA GetGo Petite Rolling Walker
The Nova GetGo walker is a classic walker with a signature design. Unlike competing rolling walkers, the Nova GetGo is available in three different sizes. Classic, Petite, and Junior are all available, the model you choose depending on your size and frame. Choose the Petite model for narrow and petite users. The Nova GetGo also comes complete with a lock and load feature, ensuring that the rollator stays locked when in a folded position. The walker has 6 inch rubber wheels with a one inch wide base. The wheels are suitable for both outdoor and indoor use.
The feather touch brakes are easy to control and allow for maximum comfort from minimal hand strength. Gently pushing down on the brakes will leave the walker in its locked position, the brakes and all their parts carrying a five year warranty.
A padded 2 inch seat provides comfort and durability, and a generous sized pouch is perfect for storing small items out of site. A small inner pocket is also included, perfect for keys and phones. All Nova Walkers come with a lifetime guarantee on the frame and a 5 year warranty on brakes.
Rolling Walker Buying Guide
Rollators are designed for the elderly who require a mobility aid for walking and balance. Most rollators with 3 or more wheels come equipped with seats, making them an ideal choice for those who tire easily and need to take periodic rest. If a senior relative is holding onto furniture or walls to get around, it may be time to invest in a rollator. In this guide we will help you decide what model to purchase.
Rolling walkers have wide bases that provide much needed stability. Some individual stability however is required for their safe use. A rolling walker requires the use of both arms. Portable and foldable, they are practical for taking on car journeys as most will fit in a standard trunk.
Safety Tips for Correct Use
Rollators are not wheelchairs, and they should never be pushed with someone sitting in them. The seat is designed for stationary use only, and with the brakes engaged. Many models of rolling walker will have feather touch brakes. These are the best option for seniors with limited hand movement or strength.
Rollator Vs Walker
A rolling walker is a lot less clinical looking than a standard walker. Rollators are designed for people with more mobility than that required to use a standard walker. Rolling walkers offer a lesser degree of support than a standard walker without wheels. On the other hand, rolling walking frames include safety features such as large wheels or casters, hand brakes, and seats with belts.
Choosing the Right Type of Rolling Walker With Seat
When choosing a rollator, there are many different types available. A two wheeled style is the most similar to a regular walker. Three wheeled version use one wheel at the front and two to the rear. This type of compact design is perfect for indoor use and where there are narrow and tight spaces. Three-wheeled rolling walkers are lightweight and compact, folding up easily for storage or car travel. They are however less stable than the most common type of rolling walker, the four-wheeled rollator.
Rollators are also available for heavy persons, this design being known as a Bariatric rollator. These four-wheeled walkers have a weight capacity of up to 500lbs. They are heavy and durable, and often equipped with large wheels to prevent sinking when used on soft ground.
The most common type of rolling walkers is 4 wheeled. Two wheels at the front will swivel, the walker providing stability and support. These walkers come with seats and storage bags or pouches, for personal items and larger items such as food and drink.
Sizes
All rollators are height adjustable, allowing you to customizer them to the required size. You will however find some brands such as Nova that include petite walkers in their range, as well as rolling walkers for tall adults. If you require a handle height of 40 inches, you will need a model designed for tall adults. When purchasing your walker you should also check the width to ensure it will fit through door frame. A wheeled walker for heavy persons will not fit through a standard doorway.
Before purchasing, decide on the handle height and seat to floor height you require. The height for the seat should be the same as the distance between the floor with shoes and the crease in the back of the knees of your relative. Some rollators come with a fixed height, others are adjustable. Handle height should be adjusted so that elbows are bent to around 30 degrees when in use.
Points to remember when selecting a rollator are the overall weight of the frame, the weight capacity, frame height and width, seat width, and wheel size. The bigger the wheels, the easier the walker is to use outdoors and on tougher terrains. Rollators can weigh as little as 11 pounds, and up to 26 for bariatric styles. The overall weight should be a consideration if you intend to transport the walker in the trunk of your car.
Weight capacity is generally set at around 250lbs for a standard walker. For weights in excess of 300lbs, a heavy duty rolling walker should be purchased. Lastly, consider the seat width. On a standard model this will be between 13 and 15 inches. Seats come in padded and non-padded styles, both of which are easy to clean.
Baskets and Brakes
On most rolling walkers the basket or pouch will be under the seat. On three wheeled-versions with no seat it will be situated conveniently and at an easy-to-reach height. For easy access to the storage area on four-wheeled models, choose a walker with a flip down seat.
Just like there are different wheel sizes used on walkers, there are also different types of brakes. Loop brakes are found on many models, working in the same way as the brakes of a push bike. For limited strength and mobility in the fingers, choose a model with push down feather brakes. These are easy to activate, even with limited movement in the fingers.
Some other accessories that you can find with rolling walkers for seniors are cane holders, basket organizers, and flashlights. A basic rollator can cost as little as $60. This however is the price for a very basic model that may not be adjustable or have the accessories you need.