Rollators & Walkers – Buyers Guide
Thinking about buying a Rollator or a Walker?
If moderate balance and stability issues impair your mobility a Rollator could be a great way to get you out and about and even provide a seat to rest on during your travels.
Rollators support and stabilize both sides of the body rather than just one (like a cane) and provide far more versatility than a Walker (also known as a Walking Frame or Zimmer Frame).
A Rollator consists of a frame with three or four wheels and two handlebars. Some models also feature a seat and a backrest which allow the user to stop and rest when necessary.
It’s worth mentioning Walkers provide much of the same support as Rollators, the main difference being that Rollators are fully wheeled with larger casters. While Walkers may feature wheels, they are typically smaller and only on two of the four legs – often not versatile enough for varying terrain. Walkers also lack the seat and storage options that Rollators provide. For these reasons Walkers tend to be more suited for use indoors. Be aware that Rollators and Walkers are sometimes used interchangeably. So when you see a “Rollator Walker”, “Walker Rollator” or a “Rollator Walker with Seat” advertised, make sure it meets with your exact expectations and requirements.
When using a Walker, the user needs to be able to lift it up and put it back down to move forwards. This means a degree of arm strength is needed and the ability to grip tightly on the equipment to move around.
If you feel you might lack this kind of strength, you want something for indoors and/or outdoors and you want the option of resting on a seat once in a while you’re probably more suited to a Rollator.
Rollators are often built with folding frames so they slide into a car boot or taken on a plane and are easy to store when not in use. Many Rollators are basically mobility walkers with a seat with a comfortable backrest. This is particularly useful for those who tire quickly while out walking, but they also come in handy if you are in a standing-only situation with no seating provided.
Things to consider
It’s important you find a Rollator which is comfortable and easy to handle. It will have to be a match for the terrain, the environment and as maintenance-free as possible. You (or a carer) might want to be able to lift it into a car so weight and size will be important.
Bringing these things together will probably mean doing a bit of research, asking some questions and perhaps even making a compromise or two. As with many other mobility aids, it’s rare to find a Rollator which ticks all the boxes. For example, a Four-Wheeled Rollator might be perfect for you in terms of comfort and stability but it’s too large and heavy to lift into a car boot. A more lightweight Three-Wheeled Rollator could be easier to transport into a car but might not provide the stability you need for certain terrain.
There are additional factors to consider including your posture and strength. If you have a health condition that is likely to progress with time, it’s a good idea to take account of your possible future needs too. No doubt you’ll want to maintain your independence longer so take the time to ensure you investigate each aspect of the Rollator you’re interested in before buying.
Let’s start by briefly looking at the three main types of Rollator:
Three-Wheel Rollator
Sometimes called Tri-Walkers, Three-Wheel Rollators have one swivelling wheel in the front and two wheels in the back. Usually there’s a basket, pouch or both for storage. Some come with a seat and backrest option. Three-wheel Rollators are easy to manoeuvre, having a tighter turning circle makes them more suited for indoor use. In general, they do not provide as much stability and support as Four-Wheel Rollators.
Four-Wheel Rollator
Four-Wheel Rollators have two swivelling wheels in the front and two wheels in the in the back. Providing more support and stability than Three-Wheel Rollators, they also come with seats and often backrests. These might be padded, thick bands or hard plastic. A storage basket or bag is normally located under the seat.
Heavy Duty Rollator
Also known as Bariatric Rollators, Heavy Duty Rollators usually have steel or reinforced frames for strength. Standard Rollator seats are around 15″ (38.1 cm) wide while Heavy Duty Rollator seats are wider, usually upwards of 19″ (48.26 cm) wide. The weight capacity for most Heavy Duty Rollators is between 400 lbs (180 kg) and 500 lbs (226.8 kg). The wheels are usually larger and wider than standard Rollators providing support and preventing sinkage on soft ground.
Three vs Four Wheels
Firstly, consider whether a Three-Wheel or Four-Wheel Rollator is the best fit for you and your needs. Both options have their advantages and disadvantages.
Three-Wheel Rollators are usually narrower, giving them a tighter turning circle making it easier for them to fit through smaller spaces. Due to this people often prefer them for indoor use. They’re also more lightweight and portable. However, with only three wheels, these Rollators are less stable and don’t always come with a seat.
Four-Wheel Rollators are probably more popular but they’re wider and heavier than their Three-Wheel counterparts. They more stable and more suited to a wider range of user weights and heights. Most come equipped with a seat if you need to take a break.
Wheel Size
You’ll want to consider the size of the Rollator wheels. Most Rollator wheels are between 6 and 10 inches (15.2 cm and 25.4 cm) in diameter. Larger wheels (8 inches and above) allow you to better manoeuvre the Rollator outdoors and over uneven terrain. Consider where you will be using your Rollator. If you will often need it outside and/or over variable terrain the larger wheels are the better.
If you think you’ll mostly be using your Rollator indoors i.e. mostly on even surfaces, 6 to 7 inch (15.2 cm to 17.8 cm) wheels could be a better option. Plus, smaller wheels have a tighter turning circle which is often better for moving around tight spaces.
Seat
If you’re after a Rollator with seat you’ll want to ensure it’s comfortable. Rollators with seats usually have a padded or sling seat. Unpadded plastic seats are easier to clean but can become painful to sit on for lengthy periods.
Seat dimensions are key. Most standard Rollator seat widths run small, between 13 inches to 18 inches (33 cm to 45.7 cm). Measure the width of your bottom when sitting on a flat surface and add an inch either side for leeway.
Seat-to-Floor Height
The seat height, should allow you to sit comfortably without your feet dangling off the floor. With your everyday footwear on, measure the length from the floor to the crease in the back of your knee. This will give you the requisite seat height you should be looking for in a Rollator
Look out for some Rollators with adjustable seating which could affect the seat height.
Handle Height
You don’t want to be either stooping, hunching or crouching to hold the handles which could affect control and posture.
To find the right handle height stand in your everyday shoes with your head upright and facing forwards with your arms at your sides and elbows bent slightly. Measure the distance between the floor and the centre of your wrist while in this position. This will give you an idea of appropriate handle height. There are models out there with adjustable handle heights and for smaller and taller people so you shouldn’t need to compromise on this aspect.
Brakes
Most Rollators with seats have loop-lock brakes, which are applied by lightly pulling up on the brake levers at the handles. This is a simple cable braking system that applies pressure to the rear wheels. Loop-lock brakes are designed to be easy to use by people with arthritis. The brakes can be locked by pushing down on the brake lever. Always apply the brakes before sitting down to avoid rolling.
Rollator Width
The Rollator for you should comfortably fit through frequently used doors and passageways. Measure the narrowest space in your most frequented locations, such as your home, school or workplace. Look for a Rollator with an overall width at least an inch or two less than this measurement. Most Rollators will be between 22″ and 31″ (55.9 cm and 78.7 cm) wide.
Rollator Weight
An important consideration if you want to transport the Rollator (say in a car, bus, train or plane). Standard Rollator weights range between 17 and 30 lbs (7.7 and 13.6 kg). Lightweight Rollators are ideal for traveling and easily portable. Lightweight Rollator frames are typically made with aluminium, allowing them to be as lightweight as 10 lbs (4.5 kg).
Other Rollators can weigh up to 26 lbs (11.8 kg), but if traveling is not going to be a key need then the stability of a heavy Rollator may be an attractive option.
User Weight
The Rollator’s weight capacity needs to be considered carefully to ensure that it can safely support you. Standard Rollators can typically support a maximum user weight between 250 and 350 lbs (113.4 kg and 158.8 kg). You may find that a Heavy-Duty Rollator (often called a Bariatric Rollator) is a better fit for you which usually has a weight capacity between 400 and 500 lbs (181.4 and 226.8 kg)
Folding the Rollator
Most Rollators fold up for stowing and storage. Many find that the best Rollators are easily foldable so that they can conveniently be placed in a vehicle and transported if necessary. If this function is important to you check that the folding procedure is within your capabilities.
Depending on the size and style, Rollators can take up more space than you may be expecting. If you don’t have space to store a full-size, unfolded Rollator check the dimensions of the Rollator when it’s folded. Some are more compact than others when folded.
Also, it’s worth measuring the boot of your car to see that it accommodates the folded dimensions of the Rollator.
Rollator Accessories
Most Rollators come with a storage basket or pouch, so consider which would be best for you. Many people prefer a pouch because it can collapse with the Rollator and store items privately. While baskets store items visibly and have to be removed before collapsing the Rollator, some prefer them for their ability to store larger items.
Other accessories may be available to purchase separately. You may want a basket organizer or an organizer pouch to easily store smaller items such as a cup, cane holder etc.
Delivery & Paperwork
You’ll need to look beyond the Rollator itself to use it with peace of mind. Let’s begin with delivery and setup of your Rollator.
Delivery and setup
Make sure you get a clear idea of when the Rollator you’ve ordered is coming. Your seller will let you know the delivery date and often couriers will send you a text to confirm the hour of delivery on the delivery day itself. Make sure your diary is free on that day or that you’ve made some provision for the Rollator to be received if you’re not at home. Some sellers provide a White Glove Service where someone not only delivers the Rollator but also sets it up ready to use and provides you with a full demonstration and guidance on how to ride and store it safely.
Servicing
Check the seller’s options on servicing. Often an annual service is required to maintain the warranty and insurance. If your seller doesn’t provide servicing you could take it to other dealers (mobility shops) who would be happy to service it even if they didn’t sell it to you. Most Rollators come with at least a 12 months Warranty. It’s always worth enquiring about Extended Warranties. Free insurance will sometimes be offered for a limited period as an incentive to buy. Again, there will be many other vendors beyond your seller in this sector – use the free insurance period to shop around.
Returns and Refunds for faulty and non-faulty Rollators
It’s a good idea to know something about your rights before buying a Rollator from a retailer. Too many, a Rollator is not a small investment so it’s sensible to get as much information as possible before making a commitment.
For starters you should know a high street shop has no legal obligation to accept returns unless an item is faulty. The good news is that most high street retailers choose to provide a ‘goodwill’ returns policy offering an exchange, refund or credit note for most returns.
You can only return non-faulty goods bought in a shop for an exchange or refund if the retailer has a Returns Policy.
Returns Policies (sometimes referred to as Refund Policies) are usually displayed on receipts, on signs in the shop and online. You can also ring the shop’s customer services line to find out its returns policy. And if a store has returns policy they have to stick to it and it’s a good idea to check this before you commit to buying. If you can’t find the policy simply ask a sales representative for a copy.
If the Rollator you bought in a shop is not faulty but you’ve simply changed your mind (and the Rollator is not faulty), the retailer has no legal obligation to give you your money back, should you return an item without a receipt. However, many stores will offer an exchange or credit note, so it’s always worth asking.
If you bought the Rollator in a shop and it’s faulty
The Consumer Rights Act gives you the statutory right to return something and get your money back within 30 days and get all of your money back if it’s faulty, not as described, or unfit for purpose. If you request a return after 30 days from purchase, the retailer can give you a repair or fair replacement, but you’re not entitled to a refund by law.
If the Rollator is faulty and you don’t have the receipt, you still have the right to a repair, refund or replacement as under the Consumer Rights Act. You just need to show proof of payment, such as a bank statement with the transaction on it.
If you bought the Rollator online, over the phone or by mail order
Online, mail and telephone order customers have the right to cancel their order for a limited time even if the goods are not faulty.
If your Rollator was bought online, over the phone or by mail order, as a customer you have consumer returns rights under the Consumer Contracts Regulations.
The Consumer Contracts Regulations gives you a cancellation period that starts the moment you place your order and ends 14 days from the day you receive your goods.
You then have a further 14 days from the date you notified the retailer that you’d like to cancel your order to return the goods to them.
You have the legal right to a refund if you return your faulty Rollator within 30 days of receiving it, regardless of what the store’s return policy says.
If you don’t reject the goods within the first 30 days, and find a fault within the first six months of possessing your faulty goods, you’ll need to give the retailer a chance to make a repair or replacement. If that’s unsuccessful, you can then ask for a refund.
After the first six months, the burden of proof switches to you to prove the fault you’ve found was present at the time you purchased the goods in store or first took ownership of it if you bought it online or by phone or mail order.
Handling a Return
Depending on a retailer’s returns policy some will only exchange or give you a credit note, while others will give you a refund. But all shops usually require a few key things – a receipt, the card you paid with and the original packaging.
Complaints about poor service
If you’re not satisfied with the service, the Consumer Rights Act gives you the right to demand a reduction for substandard work. This applies even after you’ve paid.
The above are highlights of the most common returns/refund scenarios, for further information please see resources below.
Resources
Which magazine provides pretty clear and concise guidance in relation to your rights here.