Are you in search of the perfect rollator for yourself, your mom or your dad? Do you need help in finding the right one among tons of choices in the market today? Then, read our short and straightforward five tips. These basic tips will make your buying decision easier and less time consuming.
1. Walker’s measurement and weight capacity
Your rollator walker should be able to fit your measurements and weight. Therefore, you should make a checklist of the following:
Seat width:
Standard adult rollator or walker is typically designed with a 17 to 19 inches seat width. However, for people in need for a wider seat, they can go for a bariatric walker.
Weight capacity
Be sure that the rollator walker you are looking at has the capacity to carry your weight. In general, depending on model and brand, a standard rollator provides a weight capacity between 180 and 250 pounds. If your weight is above this limit, then you should pick a heavy duty walker.
Handle height adjustment
Most recognized rollators offer a handle height adjustment mechanism. Handles can be adjusted up and down to the needed height.
To know how to set the handle height to the optimal level:
- With the senior’s elbow slightly bent with hand pointing to the front, adjust the height of the rollator’s handle to the reach the bent elbow.
- Adjust the second handle to the same level.
2. Seat height of the rollator walker
Standard rollator walker has typically 20 to 22 inches of seat height, from the floor to the seat bottom. It is made to fit people with average height. Individuals under 5ft 6 inches should pick a rollator for short persons with lower seat height. Taller people may choose a tall walker with about 24 to 25 inches seat height.
3. Front rear vs side folding foldable rollator
Front rear folding mechanism is the most common mechanism among basic foldable rollators. A front rear folding walker does not stay upright while folded. On the other hand, a foldable rollator with side folding mechanism is easier to fold, can stay upright and is more compact than the basic model once folded.
4. Rollator walker’s weight:
A light rollator walker is much easier to carry and to store by elderly. If it fits within your budget, a Carbon Fiber or Aluminum walker is light but more expensive than rollator with a steel frame.
5. Braking system
Rollator’s brakes should be simple and easy to operate. There are three common types of braking systems in the market today for walkers: cable, pressure or reverse brake. Among the three, many prefer the pressure brake type because this is perfect for individuals suffering from arthritis. Also, some rollators models are designed with hidden brake cable.
6. Number and size of walker’s wheels
A wheeled walker is available in three wheels or four wheels versions. 3 wheels walker is easily maneuvered, especially if you live in an apartment, but 4 wheel rollator is easier to roll and is far more stable. Wheel size can vary between, 6 inches, 8 inches or 10 inches for the majority of walkers models.