A walking frame is ideal for individuals who need a bit more support than a walking stick can offer but are not yet at the point of needing a wheel chair or mobility scooter.
There are 3 main types of walking frames: the basic ones with no wheels (Zimmer frames), those with 2 wheels at the front and those with 3 or 4 wheels.
The last type – called a rollator – is the best choice for those with greatly reduced mobility and lack the strength to use a traditional walking frame which needs to be lifted while walking.
A rollator offers more support and improved mobility compared to a standard 2-wheeled or no-wheels walking frame.
In this 10-minute buying guide, I’ll review the 5 best rollator walkers you can buy right now. To select the best ones, we looked at ease of use, overall design and available accessories.
All the 5 picks are very easy to use, offer good support and safety and come with a good selection of essential accessories and features.
But first, a few tips on how to buy the right rollator either for yourself or an elderly relative.
What to consider when buying a rollator walker
a. Ease of Use
Being able to comfortably operate a rollator is essential for the safety of the user. So before you order a particular walker, make sure it is easy to use.
The first thing to check is the weight. A heavy rollator is going to be difficult to push especially on an uneven path or when going up a hilly path.
Look for lightweight rollators that are made from aluminium which is strong yet light.
Next, check that the rollator has an ergonomic design. The handles should be comfortable to grip for extended periods. The walker should also have an adjustable height.
Don’t forget to check what kind of brakes the walker has. They need to be easy to use especially for users with weak or arthritic hands. Loop brakes are the best.
b. Foldable
Foldable rollators are easy to store especially for homes with limited space. If you are planning to travel with it, they can also be easily stowed in the boot of most cars.
Make sure the folding and unfolding process is easy and quick; no more than a 2-step process. This ensures that the user can operate the walker independently wherever they are.
c. Accessories
Here are the accessories that matter most in rollators.
- Padded seat & backrest – this allows the user to take a rest whenever they need one. The seat is either fixed in place or can be flipped up when not in use and put back down when it’s needed. Not all seats will be padded; some will be simple benches while other rollators use a mesh seat. But a padded one with a backrest is the best.
- Shopping basket/bag – this provides a place to put shopping or other items. Some rollators have a closed storage box that provides more privacy and security.
- Hooks – if the rollator doesn’t come with a shopping bag or basket, make sure it at least has hooks where you can hang your own shopping bag and other items such as a walking cane.
d. Safety
Finally, make sure the rollator is completely safe to use.
It should have good quality loop brakes that are easy to use and are lockable. If the rollator will be used outdoors a lot, find one with large-enough wheels that can easily navigate uneven paths.
Solid wheels are the best since you don’t have to worry about punctures.
Don’t forget to check the weight limit.
Best Rollator Walkers reviews
1. Drive DeVilbiss Healthcare R8 Blue Aluminium Rollator
Drive DeVilbiss is the most affordable option among our top picks. But it still provides an impressive range of features and accessories.
These include lockable loop cable brakes, a padded seat with backrest and a vinyl storage bag underneath.
To access the bag you simply flip up the seat. I love that the bag is completely closed and opaque, which provides more privacy.
The walker itself is made from an aluminium frame which is incredibly strong and durable yet very light. It weighs less than 7kg.
So manoeuvring it around won’t be a problem especially with the 6” solid puncture-proof tyres. The front wheels can swivel which allows the walker to turn more tightly around corners and improves navigation on an uneven path.
For maximum comfort and ease of use, the handles can be adjusted from 33” to 38”. The handlebars are moulded to fit perfectly in the user’s hands and feel comfortable even during long walks.
When you need to store the walker or travel with it, it easily folds down into a compact size that can fit in a cupboard or boot.
The walker is available in blue, red or grey. The weight capacity is 135kg and it’s rated for both indoor and outdoor use.
What we like about it:
- Affordable.
- Easy to use and safe.
- Several accessories included.
2. NRS Healthcare M66739 Compact Easy Rollator Wheeled Walking Aid
This is a good quality and reliable all-round rollator. The weight limit is fairly high (136kg) and the handles can be adjusted (80.5cm – 93.5cm), making it a good choice for most people.
The frame is made from aluminium which makes it strong yet light. The entire walker weighs just 8kg.
The moulded handles provide an easy grip for safety and comfort while the loop brake system provides easy control even for users with weak or stiff fingers.
The walker also comes with reflectors at the front for added safety in poor light.
All the usual accessories are included. There’s a mesh seat and backrest (not as good as a padded seat but not too bad either) and a removable shopping bag.
One of the best features of this rollator is the ultra-compact folding design. It folds in half twice, becoming small enough to fit in a cupboard or the boot of a small car.
The rollator can be used indoors or outdoors.
What we like about it:
- Easy to manoeuvre on different kinds of surfaces.
- Convenient folding design – makes it easy to store and travel with.
- Includes reflectors for extra safety.
3. Days Lightweight Folding Four Wheel Rollator Walker
This is another affordable option if you are looking for something cheaper.
The aluminium frame keeps the walker light but strong. Despite weighing just 8kg, it can support up to 165kg of body weight, more than even some pricier rollators.
For safety, the walker comes with easy-to-use brakes that can be locked to keep the rollator in place. The handles are ergonomically designed to ensure the user has a comfortable and secure grip on the walker.
The handles are of course adjustable to fit different user heights. There are five handle height settings ranging from 81cm to 93cm.
There is a comfortable padded seat included as well as a cushioned safety bar that acts as a backrest when the user is seated.
It also comes with a black bag located under the flip-up seat.
What we like about it:
- Affordable.
- High maximum weight capacity.
- Puncture-proof tires.
- Storage bag and padded seat are included.
4. X Cruise Folding Lightweight Compact Rollator Walking Frame
The X Cruise is designed to provide users with more independence and make mobility much easier and less tiring.
The wheels have no trouble manoeuvring on different surfaces from grass to pavement. At 8” in size, they are perfect for uneven paths and are easy to push up curbs and small steps. A stepper tube makes it easier to get onto curbs.
The handles can be adjusted to different heights and are moulded to provide a strong comfortable grip.
The dual action brake system can slow down the walker or lock it into position to prevent any movement.
Accessories include a canvas seat and backrest, a shopping bag that attaches to the frame using fabric loops and a convenient cane holder.
The maximum weight limit is 135kg. The rollator is available in silver and blue.
What we like about it:
- Easy to use indoors, on grass and on pavement.
- Extra accessories included.
- Lightweight frame.
5. Elite Care Ultra-lightweight Folding Rollator Walking Frame
Weighing just 5.8kg, this is probably the lightest rollator you’ll come across. The ultra-light design makes it super easy to use especially for those with advanced mobility issues.
On the downside, the lighter frame supports less weight. The maximum weight limit is 115kg. But it’s still high enough for most people’s needs.
The 8” wheels are rated for both indoor and outdoor use. They are solid so no worries about punctures.
The handles are comfortable to grip and can be adjusted between 83cm and 93cm.
There is a seat and backrest included as well as a shopping bag and a convenient cane holder.
Like all other rollators on our list, this one is foldable for easy storage and transportation.
What we like about it:
- Extra light for easier manoeuvring.
- Extra accessories included.
- Ideal for all kinds of surfaces, both indoors and outdoors.
Frequently asked questions
Q: How to use a rollator walker?
- Set the height of the handles to make sure the rollator walker is safe and comfortable to use. To determine the right height, have the user bend their elbow at a 45-degree angle then measure the height from the floor to their hand. Their feet should remain flat on the ground while holding the rollator.
- If you are going for a long walk, put a bottle of water and any other essentials in the storage basket under the rollator.
- Making sure the rollator’s brakes are set, stand carefully and hold onto the handles. Disengage the brakes and start walking normally as you push the walker along.
- When going down a sloping path, pull the brake levers to control the rollator’s speed. This prevents it from moving too fast and causing you to lose balance and fall.
- If you want to sit down, push the rollator against a wall and then engage the brakes to lock the wheels. Fold down the seat and carefully sit down.
Q: How to fold a rollator walker?
Because rollator walkers from different companies can vary in design, always refer to the manual for specific instructions on how to fold and unfold your walker.
But for most rollators, you pull on a strap usually located on or under the seat. If it is under, you’ll need to lift the seat to access it.
Pulling on the strap collapses the walker into a flatter and narrower shape that is easier to store or fit in the boot of a car.
For an even tighter fit, most rollators have foldable rear legs.
Make sure you keep your fingers away from any moving parts to prevent injury as the rollator folds.
Q: How to lock a rollator walker?
To lock the wheels of a rollator walker, push down on the brake levers until you hear the brakes click, indicating they are locked.
