Since most injuries of older people occur as the result of falls, rollators are valuable and popular mobility devices for seniors. Rollators are a type of walker that help people maintain their mobility and independence as they age. Unlike a standard walker without wheels, rollators don’t need to be picked up with each step, promote a more natural walking pattern, and most have seats so they can provide support when taking a break from walking. A rollator is ideal for someone with minimal balance issues who has diminished strength or activity tolerance, but can support their own weight. These assistive devices allow you to enjoy going places even if you aren’t as steady on your feet as you once were. Also, you don’t have to worry about finding a place to stop and rest since you have a built-in seat with you!
You’ll want the correct sized wheels to make sure your rollator is providing the support and mobility you need. The terrain (ground cover) where you will be using the rollator indicates the best sized wheels for you. Standard rollator wheels have a diameter of 6 to 10 inches. Wheels 8 inches or higher are considered large, and they make it easier to navigate over uneven terrain. These are the best choice for outdoor use. If using your rollator mostly indoors, 6 to 7 inch wheels have a tighter turn radius making it easier to maneuver in smaller spaces.
A properly sized seat provides the right comfort and support when it’s time to take a break. Standard seats are usually between 13 and 18 inches wide. Keeping in mind the inside width of the rollator, the best way to measure accurate size is to check the width of your bottom while seated on a flat surface. Allow an extra inch on each side and this measurement will provide you with the seat size you need.
Safe use of a rollator relies on the device being properly sized. Most rollators have handle height adjustments options. To determine the correct height, the user should stand with shoes on, arms at their sides, and elbows slightly bent. By aligning the handle with the same height the wrist is positioned while in this stance, the correct handle height is achieved for use of the device. The more specific height adjustment there is, the more customized the rollator will be to the user.
If forward or slouched posture is a consideration, it could impact your decision on whether to purchase a regular or an upright rollator. Regular models can be used for more support for balance, while upright rollators are designed to encourage the user to stand straighter. Regular rollators are usually more compact than upright models. With an upright design, better standing posture is achieved. This design is beneficial for people who have orthopedic issues or experience back pain and lean forward while walking with a regular rollator.
Even though keeping both hands on the rollator handles is necessary for safety, there are items you’ll often want to carry with you. For convenience and safety, many rollators come with on-board baskets or bags for under-seat storage. If the model you choose doesn’t have storage, additional accessories such as bags, backpacks, and cupholders can be purchased separately.
The standard rollator braking systems are easy to use. Loop-lock brakes are most common and resemble bicycle hand brakes when squeezed to slow the device. They are applied by squeezing the handles during use but can also be pushed down when the rollator is parked for complete braking. Pushing down the brakes allows the device to stay locked in place until released. The loop-lock versions may be more challenging for smaller users to operate and require hand strength and dexterity to completely engage into a locked position.
For safety, it’s imperative that the rollator you choose is able to support the weight of the user. Standard rollators have a weight capacity ranging between 250 and 350 pounds. For a higher weight, heavy-duty models have weight capacity from 400 to 500 pounds.
When considering travel, you’ll want a lightweight, portable rollator that’s easy to take along anywhere. Aluminum versions can weigh as little as 11 pounds. Sturdier, heavier models can weigh up to 26 pounds.
Our best smaller rollator is the Piccola Petite Rolling Walker from Comodita which is specially designed for those no taller than 5’4”. It has large rubber tires that can navigate over indoor or outdoor surfaces, and the frame has a width of 24.5 inches to provide room for optimal foot movement. The “S" shaped wheel support provides ample room for stepping which helps the user avoid tripping and falling.
The modern ergonomic design includes adjustable handles, and the reinforced frame makes it a good value that will last a long time. It has a height range from 29 to 33 inches, with seat width of 15 inches and seat height of 18 inches. It weighs less than 20 pounds, and can accommodate a user with weight up to 400 pounds.
The comfortable nylon seat comes with underneath storage and a removable backrest for safely taking a break from walking.
For anyone who wants the freedom of walking but still needs the use of a wheelchair at times, the dual ability of the Combo Rollator and Transport Wheelchair by Karman Healthcare meets multiple needs with one mobility device.
It comes in burgundy or blue and has a weight capacity of 250 pounds. This combination rollator and transport wheelchair has an overall adjustable height between 35 and 39 inches, and the seat height is set at 22 inches. The seat pad is 13 inches wide and the backrest is 12 inches tall.
It only weighs 21 pounds, and by flipping down the footrests, it goes from a lightweight rollator to a transport wheelchair. It is easy to store and transport, and it has four 8-inch wheels that can handle indoor flooring or uneven outdoor surfaces.
The sleek design of the Let’s Move Rollator by Stander comes in at under 13 pounds, and is our pick for the best lightweight rollator.
Its aluminum frame is easy to maneuver, and it folds compactly to store or take anywhere. It fits easily in the trunk of a car. The handlebars have built-in brakes, and the height adjusts from 30.5 to 36.5 inches. The convenient parking brake makes it safe for rest stops on its comfortable seat, and it can be used as a side table or aid for support while rising from a seated position.
Designed in Sweden, this stylish rollator looks great and delivers supreme stability from its 8-inch wheels. It handles with ease to include outside terrain and all indoor surfaces. It has a removable storage bag under the seat to keep necessary items close as you’re moving through your day.
At 350 pounds, it has a slightly higher weight capacity than other standard rollators, and comes with a lifetime warranty on the frame and structural hardware. It also has a 5-year limited warranty on the braking system.
With an extra wide frame of 25.5 inches between the back wheels and a weight capacity of 440 pounds, this Spazio Extra Wide Rollator Walker by Comodita has earned our vote as the best heavy duty rollator.
Its signature S-shaped rear wheel provides additional stability for larger users, and it has a wide padded nylon seat with a comfortable ergonomic backrest to provide a safe resting spot during outings. Featuring height adjustability and handy storage, this rollator can be adjusted for a perfect fit, and it makes shopping or transporting essentials safe and easy. It’s one of the safest and sturdiest models available.
Extras include a cup holder, cane holder, 8-inch wheels with rubber slip resistant tires, and adjustable handles with handbrake locks. It safely fits people between 5’4” and 6’4” tall. It folds down to 10 inches in width and weighs a little over 20 pounds which makes it easy to transport for outings.
Larger wheels are the key for outdoor maneuverability and stability. The 12-inch front wheels and 10-inch rear wheels of the Tipo All-Terrain Rolling Walker by Comodita absorb impact going over rough terrain making it the perfect choice for walking over a variety of surfaces and uneven ground found outdoors.
At 22 pounds, this rollator weighs a bit more than others on our list. The tires are not only bigger, but they have thick tread for better traction over loose or wet surfaces. Its grip braking system stops smoothly and safely indoors or out.
This all-terrain rollator is easy to put together and features tool-free assembly. It folds for compact storage and transport. The handle height adjustment ranges from 34 to 39 inches, and it has a 17-inch wide nylon seat. It also comes with a cup holder, cane holder, and nylon shopping bag. To make it more visible at night, this rollator also has four light reflectors. It comes with a convenient carrying case for traveling.
A regular walker that promotes leaning forward when walking can put pressure on your back, shoulders, neck, wrists, or hands. If you’ve decided an upright rollator/walker is your best option, the Upright Rollator Walker with Seat and Forearm Supports by Vive Health is our top choice.
An upright position rather than a forward leaning stance helps alleviate tiring tension in the shoulders that can hamper your enjoyment and negatively impact your endurance. This rollator maximizes comfort, stability, and independence as you maintain increased mobility.
This lightweight rollator is taller than traditional models, but it folds down to fit compactly in the trunk of a car. The strong but light aluminum frame can accommodate a weight capacity of up to 300 pounds. It has adjustable handles with armrest height ranging between 41 and 46 inches for an individualized fit. The loop hand brakes lock the wheels in place and can help navigate inclines. When you’re ready to take a rest while out enjoying your time, the padded seat allows a place to rest with comfortable back support. This rollator comes with a shoulder bag for storage so you can carry essentials while keeping your hands free to safely operate the rollator.
Highly adjustable, easy to transport, and perfect for indoor or outdoor use, the Voyager Adjustable Height Euro-Style Rollator from Compass Health is our choice for the best overall rollator.
A great fit for users between 4’11” and 6’4” weighing up to 300 pounds, this versatile rollator has multiple adjustment points for the handles and the seat to create a customized fit. With its larger wheels for handling uneven surfaces and compact size for navigating narrow doorways, it is an appropriate choice for use indoors and out. However, it’s not just about utility. This rollator has a thick, cushioned seat that provides a comfortable place to rest.
The ergonomic brakes provide stopping control that is easy on stiff hands. Lightweight at just over 16 pounds, this rollator is a good choice for those with upper body weakness. The stable design provides a customized fit and an enhanced center of gravity for balance support. Folding from side to side rather than the usual front to back, it can be collapsed to fit through narrow doorways. It also fits compactly into the trunk of a car for easy transport.
A: Medicare Part B covers rollators as durable medical equipment (DME). The rollator must be medically necessary and your medical care provider must prescribe it for use in your home.
A: Rollator budget models are priced from about $70 and premium models cost as much as $600.
A: An upright walker can prevent slouching and help promote better posture while walking. This also opens up the chest for better breathing and oxygenation while walking.
A: The lightest rollator in the world weighs just over 10 pounds. On our list, the Let’s Move Rollator by Stander comes in at under 13 pounds.
A: When you need help with balance and standing, lack the strength to lift and propel a standard walker, and/or become tired when walking and need to sit down to rest for safety.
A: You should use a standard walker rather than a rollator if you have balance issues, weakness while standing, or need firm support to help you walk safely.
A: Walkers have steady frames and stationary bases, and standard walkers have to be picked up and moved forward with each step. Rollators have a completely wheeled base and hand brakes. Users wheel them forward for a smooth forward motion stopping when needed. Rollators never leave the ground when walking
A: Rehabmart has a wide range of rollator walkers to choose from.
Mobility challenges can negatively impact safety and independence. For someone with minimally diminished balance and decreased endurance, a rollator can mitigate those challenges by helping increase safety, promote a more natural gait, and allow a user to retain more independence. These valuable mobility devices help reduce the risk of falls and promote a more active lifestyle.
Each choice on our list of top rollators focuses on a different feature. The Voyager Adjustable Height Euro-Style Rollator was chosen as our best all-around pick because of its adjustability, ease of transport, and versatility indoors and out. It can fit a wide user height range and includes a comfortable seat for resting. It is lightweight and folds side-to-side, so it can be collapsed to fit through narrow doorways.
Thank you for reading this article on our list of top rollators. Compare features and shop for the perfect rollator to meet your needs for support, comfort, and safety. For more information to help make an informed purchase decision visit Caregiver University.
Nancy has worked in the Physical Therapy field for almost 30 years in a variety of settings to include geriatrics, acute care, pediatrics/school therapy, home health, outpatient, management, and she has extensive expertise in rehabilitation. After noting the effects of mindset and perspective on therapy outcomes, Nancy began a focus on whole body health. She is a published author, freelance writer, and a health and wellness consultant.