Stay on The Move with The Right Mobility Walker for You.

We often get asked the same questions about choosing a walker when customers visit our showroom. Here are some answers to the most frequently asked questions. Let us know if you have any more.

Can I use it outside?

If you are planning on only using your Rollator inside, then you can get by with a Walker with 6 Inch Wheels. For outdoor use, there is an International Standard that specifies that the diameter of the wheels need to be 7 Inches to be used safely outside. With this in mind, if you are unsure if you may venture outside at some stage, it would probably be a safer bet to go with the 7 inch wheels.

What size should I go with ?

Rollators come in many sizes which cater for people who are short, tall, or weigh a lot. The best bet is to ensure that the handle bar height is in a comfortable place, and that your feet can touch the ground if you are using a Rollator with seat. All Rollators are foldable for ease of storing and transport. Lightweight for lifting

What accessories does the Rollator come with?

Baskets, pouches, trays (which allows for food, drink or other items to be carried without compromising balance) , walking stick holders, and seats where you can take a rest.

Can I use my Rollator as a wheelchair?

In a word NO!  Often, I will see patients being wheeled by family at a local shopping centre, As there is nowhere to rest your feet on a Rollator, you could become entangled underneath it and topple over so this is really not advisable.  Some Rollators are interchangeable, and have a bar, that you can fold down for the feet to rest on and therefore, can be safely pushed and converted to a wheelchair for short trips.

How to choose?

There are a number of different types of Rollators / Four Wheel A Frame Walkers that are on the market today.

Three-wheel walkers are most popular for clients who live in small apartments or flats, as they are slightly easier to manoeuvre where space is limited, although a rollator with three wheels that swivel is significantly less stable than a four-wheeled rollator.

The braking mechanism is another important factor when it comes to selecting a Rollators. The most common difference is a choice between weight activated brakes, which engage when you push down on the handles, Vs a brake like on a bicycle, where you  squeeze on to slow down and stop.

There are some other important features to look for, that will help you to identify better quality Rollators. Metal brake shoes last indefinitely, whereas plastic ones wear through. Pot riveted joins in certain parts of the walker add strength and stability. Clips on the underside of the seat prevent the rollator from folding when lifted. Brake cables come with simple adjustment points to easily tighten the Rollators brakes, as they may loosen over time.

How long should my Rollator last? 

The best way to think  about  it is to compare a Rollator to an expensive pair of Italian shoes. If you wear them all day every day the soles of the shoes will wear through. The same can be said about a Rollator. If it is used every day it will wear out. A good 3 to 4 years usage could be expected with proper care.