Choosing the Right Rollator Walker: A Practical Guide

When my mum started having balance issues last year we had no idea where to start with mobility aids. After weeks of research and a few false starts (including one rollator that ended up in the corner gathering dust) we finally found her perfect match. The improvement in her confidence and independence has been amazing.

I’m passing on what we learned the hard way, hopefully saving you from the same hassle. Not medical advice here – just do-it-yourself experience from a bloke who’s been through this process.

Types of Rollators – What Will Suit You Best?

Four-Wheeled Rollators

These are the standard ones, with four wheels, a seat and usually a basket. They’re stable, adaptable and will work for anyone. My mum uses one of these for local walks.

Three-Wheeled Rollators

More agile in tight spaces and usually lighter, triangle-shaped rollators are good for narrow corridors and busy shops. The downside is they don’t usually come with a seat and can feel less secure.

Heavy-Duty Rollators

Built with heavier-duty frames and increased weight capacities, these support heavier users or those with special needs for stability. My uncle, who is heavy and tall, only felt safe with these models.

Outdoor/terrain rollators

Wider wheels and more robust build make these ride over rough ground like gravel paths and lawns more comfortably than usual models. Our neighbor, who is an avid gardener, relies on it to work in the garden.

Seven things that actually matter

After testing several options, these features proved most significant:

1. The right height

With your arms relaxed at your sides, the handles should be positioned at about the same height as your wrists. While gripping the handles, your elbows should maintain a comfortable, natural bend, ideally at a 20 to 30-degree angle. Mum’s first rollator was too tall and caused shoulder pain until we adjusted it properly.

2. Brakes you can use easily

If you can’t use the brakes easily, the rollator isn’t safe. Try before you buy:

• Can you squeeze the brake levers comfortably?

• Can you lock the brakes (usually by pushing down or pulling up on the levers)?

• Do the brakes hold when locked?

Mum has arthritis in her hands and needed a model with easy-grip brakes.

3. The right wheel size

• Small wheels (6–7”): Ideal for indoor use and flat, smooth surfaces.

• Medium wheels (8-9"): All rounder for mixed use

• Large wheels (10"+): Best for outdoor use on uneven surfaces

4. A comfortable seat

If you’ll use the seat regularly, check:

• Is it wide enough to sit comfortably?

• Your feet touch the ground when seated?

• It has a backrest?

Mum’s first rollator had a narrow hard seat she never used. Her current one has a padded seat she uses on longer outings.

5. Easy fold

If you can’t fold it easily, you won’t take it out. Try folding and unfolding before you buy – ideally with one hand while standing. Check the folded size fits in your car boot if needed.

6. The right weight

Lightweight models (under 6kg) are easier to lift into cars but may feel less sturdy. Heavier models are more stable but harder to transport. Consider your strength and whether you’ll need to lift it often.

7. Storage

Most rollators have a bag or basket. What will you carry most often – shopping, personal items, medical supplies – and choose accordingly. Mum prefers an under-seat bag as it’s less obvious than a basket.

Real-world rollator use: practical tips

Walking properly

The most common mistake is pushing the rollator too far ahead, which creates poor posture and reduces stability. Instead:

• Stand upright between the rear wheels, not behind them

• Keep the rollator close to your body

• Take normal-sized steps, allowing the rollator to roll continuously

• Look ahead, not down at your feet

Sitting and standing safely

To sit:

1. Find a flat surface

2. Lock both brakes completely

3. Turn around and feel the seat against your legs

4. Use the handles for support as you lower yourself

Always check the brakes are locked before sitting! My mum had a scare when her rollator rolled away as she was sitting down.

Managing kerbs and steps

Going up:

1. Approach straight-on

2. Get close enough that front wheels touch the kerb

3. Gently press down on the handles to lift the front wheels onto the kerb.

4. Move forward until the rear wheels touch the kerb, then push forward as you step up.

Going down:

1. Approach straight-on

2. Let the front wheels roll off the kerb slowly and carefully.

3. Continue forward until all wheels are down

4. Step down when the rollator is stable

Using your rollator indoors

• Measure your narrowest doorways before choosing a rollator

• Consider a three-wheeled model for very tight spaces

• Remove rugs or secure them with non-slip underlay

• Create clear pathways through furniture

Basic maintenance anyone can do

Easy maintenance adds years to your rollator's life:

Weekly checks (takes 2 minutes)

• Test brakes for easy operation

• Spin wheels to make sure they rotate freely

• Check folding mechanisms lock securely

• Ensure height adjustments are still tight

Monthly maintenance (takes 10 minutes)

• Wipe wheels clean with damp cloth, removing hair and dirt

• Clean frame with mild soap solution

• Check screws and bolts are still tight

• Inspect seat and backrest for damage

Annual maintenance

Think about a professional service annually. Most mobility shops provide this for £30-50, covering brake adjustment, lubrication, and safety checks.

Common concerns answered honestly

"Will using a rollator make me reliant on it?"

Actually, in my own experience the reverse is true. Being secure in a rollator tends to make people walk more and stay strong and energetic. My mother goes to more places with her rollator than she used to before and was afraid of falling.

"Aren't rollators just for very elderly people?"

Not at all. Rollators are used by people of all ages for all sorts of reasons – recovery from operation, long-term conditions that impair balance or energy, or short-term injuries. The stigma is disappearing as better-designed, less clinical-looking rollators become more widely available.

"Can I use a rollator on public transport?"

Yes! Buses generally have reserved spaces (although you might have to fold your rollator if these are taken up by wheelchair users). Most train operators offer help if booked in advance.

"Are expensive rollators worth the money?"

Not always. Although very inexpensive ones (£60 or less) tend to be disappointing, the optimum range for most is £120-£200, where you get decent quality without shelling out for top features you may not require. My mother's rollator was £150 and has been ideal for her purposes.

How to choose a rollator: simple

After our experience, here’s what I would do:

1. Where will you be using it most – indoors, outdoors, or a mix of both?

2. Transportation – will you need to fold it often?

3. Be honest about your needs – will you use the seat often? Carry lots of stuff?

4. Try before you buy – walk, sit, fold and brake any model you’re considering

5. Comfort and safety over style

My mum chose a rollator that looked great but was uncomfortable to use. Her current one isn’t as pretty but suits her needs and that’s what matters.