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Choosing the Best Rollator or Walker

by Juan Lopez August 27, 2019 0 Comments

walker-next-to-woman

Staying mobile is the first step to maintaining independence in later years. The best rollator or walker will take strain off the lower body and provide a stable support while in motion, making it easier to move around in comfort. Find the best option for your mobility needs here, by considering all the most important factors including type, frame material, adjustability, and recommendations tailored to you.

What to Consider When Choosing a Rollator or Walker

See what makes each of our rollators and walkers unique here, and decide which factors are most important based on your needs.

Type of Walker

Standard

Standard walkers offer a more simplistic design, consisting of a metal frame designed to support the user with each step. While they offer a good amount of support, they require upper body strength to use effectively and can slow the user down while walking. Our folding walker and upright walker offer offers all the support of a standard walker, along with a few extra bonuses.

Rolling

For easier mobility, rolling walkers take the stability of a standard walker and add wheels to the front legs. They are slightly less stable, but can be a good choice for those who plan on walking around outside and make it easier to maneuver uneven surfaces. Our folding walker comes with attachable wheels that give it all the functionality and mobility of a traditional rolling walker.

Rollator

Rollators are another name for four wheel walkers, and are a great choice for moving around quickly and making maneuverability easy. They oftenfeature seats, baskets, and other accessories that help when out and about. Our Rollator Wheelchair, Rollator Walker, Series T Rollator, and 3-Wheel Rollator all fit this description.

Upright

Traditional walkers and rollators naturally cause you to hunch or lean over when operating. Our Series T & Standard Upright Walkers are designed to keep the user in a position that is more comfortable and less harmful to posture. They all reduce pressure placed on the hands and wrists which can be very beneficial to those with conditions like arthritis.

Folding

All of our walkers can be conveniently folded for storage and travel needs. Folding walkers offer the stability of standard models but can collapse to a portable size. Try our Rollator Walker for portable convenience you can trust in, and don’t forget that our other two walkers feature a foldable design as well.

Frame

All our rollators and walkers feature a lightweight aluminum frame. This keeps your mobility aid easy to move around, while still durable enough to stand up to years of use. Aluminum is also rust-proof, letting you take it anywhere you need.

Seat Platform

The seat platform on our rollators and the Upright Walkers are made of a breathable mesh, to regulate temperature while sitting. The seats allow users, who fatigue more quickly, to sit and rest anywhere, and are soft enough for extended comfort.

Braking System

Our rollators feature hand brakes that are attached to the rear wheels. These bicycle-style hand brakes allow you to keep the rollator from moving when activated, giving greater control and serving as an important safety measure. They can also be used to lock the rollators in place when seated, for a secure and stable place to take a rest.

Wheels

Sport Wheels

Our rollator walker is especially well-suited to rough terrain, with threaded 8” sport wheels that gain extra traction. They can pivot a full 360 degrees for easy maneuverability in tight spaces.

Reflector Wheels

The rollator wheelchair on the other hand features 8” wheels with built-in safety reflectors and a smooth finish that is made for durability. The front wheels can also pivot 360 degrees for quick turning.

Detachable Wheels

Our folding walker comes with detachable front wheels, letting you remove the anti-slip rubber tips and convert it into a rolling walker when needed. They are 5” making them small enough for tight spaces, and can be affixed to the inside or outside of the frame, depending on your preference.

Adjustability

Each of our mobility aids offers an adjustable height, allowing almost anyone to take advantage of them comfortably. Our Series T Upright Walker and Rollator are designed with the most height adjustability for taller individuals.

 

For more information on how to adjust your walker to the proper height, see our Frequently Asked Questions section. 

 

Our Series T Rollator model has the largest height adjustability and can accommodate users up to 6'5".

Weight Capacity

The durable aluminum frames found on our rollators and walkers are made to last, and can support the weight of most users. Our rollators, walkers, and wheelchair rollator both support up to 300 lbs while our folding walker can support up to 250 lbs.

 

For larger individuals, we recently launched our Bariactic Rollator which can accommodate u to 500lbs.

Additional Features

Cane Holders

Keeping a cane handy can be helpful for tight spaces, or stairs. A clip-on cane holder included with our rollator wheelchair and is a good way to keep your favorite mobility aid on hand, even when using a walker. Simply attach to the metal frame of your walker or rollator, and snap the cane into place.

Bags

If you’re out and about with your walker or rollator, keeping all your must-have items on hand is easy with a walker bag. With three mesh exterior pockets and a single large water-resistant compartment, it’s the perfect way to store phones and other gadgets, a wallet, medicine, and more. All of our rollators and walkers come with a walker bag included.

Add-On Accessories

Cup Holder

Add a cup holder to your mobility aid to carry mugs and water bottles for an on-the-go beverage. It can be purchased separately and clips onto any standard walker and rollator with a simple, tool-free installation.

Ski Glides

Customize your walker with ski glides that make it easy to maneuver over cracks, rugs, doorways, and other uneven terrain. They attach to mostwalkers and even include velour covers to protect floors.

Phone Holder

Keep your phone in reach and in sight with a phone holder attachment. This one fits most smartphones and made with a durable silicone base that will protect both your phone and walker frame.

Our Recommendations for... 

No matter what your needs are, you can find a mobility aid that is perfect for you.

Rollator walker for All Terrain Surfaces

Uneven or All Terrain Surfaces

Sometimes getting over a sidewalk, door jambs, grass, or gravel can be a challenge for those in walkers. Luckily, our rollator walker offers 8” sport wheels made to grip rough surfaces, making it easy to push anywhere. Large, bicycle-style hand brakes allow you to stop on a dime while the lightweight and tough frame pairs easy maneuverability with durability.

VIEW THIS ROLLATOR
Folding walker for Indoor Use

Indoor Use

Getting around tight corners, over door jambs, and across carpet takes a walker that is versatile as well as maneuverable. Our folding walker is the ideal option, as it combines a paired-down design with a range of accessories that make it perfect for any environment, indoor or outdoor. Attach the included wheels for help over most surfaces, or try a pair of ski glides which can help with uneven terrain. The 3-wheel rollator offers maximum maneuverability with a compact design that is perfect for indoors.

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Foldable Rollator Series T

Tall Individuals

If you are a taller individual, it’s important to have a walker that can be adjusted appropriately for your height. We recommend the Series T Upright Walker; which has the tallest height adjustability of our product line accommodating up to 6’5” and positioning users upright for better posture. Another great option is the Series T Rollator which is also designed to accommodate taller individuals.

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Rollator Wheelchair for Limted Mobility and Balance

Limited Mobility & Balance

Those with limited mobility should choose a rollator that offers maximum support, and can provide ample stability as well as a comfortable place to sit when needed. The rollator wheelchair does the job, doubling as an independent walking aid, as well as a transport chair. The breathable nylon mesh seat is comfortable for those who tire easily, while foot rests allow a caregiver to push the patient smoothly. Our upright walker is another good option, with arm supports designed to eliminate tension in the shoulders while maintaining stability.

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Lightweight and Portable Folding Walker

Lightweight & Portable

Choosing a lightweight walker is a good choice for those who lack upper body strength, or who want to travel long distances without strain. Our folding walker is the lightest option we offer, at just 8.1 lbs. Its aluminum frame is lightweight and waterproof, while staying durable enough to stand up to years of use. Our rollator walker and rollator wheelchair also offer lightweight frame, and can fold down to a portable size.

VIEW THIS WALKER

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the proper height for a walker or rollator?

Use this handy rule-of-thumb when adjusting the height of your walker. When standing up straight, make sure the upper hand rest aligns with the crease in your wrist. When gripping the handles, you should have a slight bend at the elbow.

Will Medicare pay for a walker?

Medicare covers durable medical equipment (DME), which includes walkers, rollators, and other mobility aids. It may cover up to 80% of the total cost of the walker.

What is the ideal weight for a walker?

While durability and a range of features are nice perks, the first concern for walkers is weight. In order for most people to effectively use a walker, looking for an option under 25 lbs is important. If you have low upper body strength, finding an option under 15 lbs is preferable.

Need More Help?

Get more information on all Vive Health products by talking to our customer service and product specialists. Call between 9:00am and 9pm EST daily at 1-800-487-3808 or email us at service@vivehealth.com

SHOP ROLLATORS & WALKERS
Juan Lopez
Juan Lopez

Juan Lopez is part of the product development and improvement team at ViveHealth.com. His understanding of products and vast knowledge of consumer needs makes it easy for him to provide helpful information on choosing the best products.



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