Rollators Explained: Wheels, Brakes, Seats and Baskets

What a rollator is

A rollator has four wheels, either three-wheeled (a triangle shape) or four-wheeled, and handles with a hand brake on each side. A fold-out seat sits between the handles, with a backrest on most models, and a basket or bag hangs below. Pressing the brakes slows the wheels; pushing the brake levers down locks them for sitting. It is steered by pushing and turning, with a rolling motion rather than the lift-and-place of a basic frame.

This makes it different from a walking frame, which has no wheels and is used for maximum steadiness, and from a two-wheeled walker, which has wheels at the front and glides on the back legs. A rollator is not designed to take a person's full body weight the way a frame is. It is a mobility aid, not a support to lean on heavily, and its brakes and wheels require good judgement and good hands.

Who a rollator suits

• Older adults who can walk steadily but get tired and need to rest.
• People with breathlessness, such as in COPD or heart failure, who benefit from sitting at intervals.
• People with arthritis in the knees or hips who want a support that moves.
• Those recovering from illness who are strong enough to push but unsteady on a stick.
• People who want to go out for shopping, walks or temple visits, and use the basket and seat.

Who should be careful

A rollator rolls away from the user if the brakes are not applied, and a person with poor balance, weak hands or slow reactions may not control it. Be cautious if your parent:

• has had recent falls, especially backwards;
• has weak or painful hands that cannot squeeze the brakes;
• has memory loss and may forget to lock the brakes before sitting;
• is very unsteady, so that a stable frame would be safer; or
• has Parkinson's disease with freezing, where a rolling aid can run ahead.

For these people a physiotherapist's assessment is essential. Read stick or walker: which one does your parent need and rollator or walking frame for how to decide.

Wheels: size and type

Wheel size. Large wheels (about 20 to 25 cm, or 8 to 10 inches) roll more easily over kerbs, cracks and rough ground. Small wheels (about 15 cm or 6 inches) suit smooth indoor floors but catch in cracks. For Indian roads and pavements, large wheels are a much better choice.

Number of wheels. Three-wheeled rollators turn in tight spaces, which suits narrow flats, but they are less stable. Four-wheeled models are steadier and generally preferred for outdoor use and for seated rests.

Tyres. Solid rubber or polyurethane tyres need no pumping and do not puncture. Air-filled tyres give a softer ride but can go flat. Check the tread for grip on wet surfaces.

Swivel and fixed wheels. The front wheels usually swivel for steering, while the rear wheels are fixed. Make sure the swivel moves freely and the fixing is secure.

Brakes: the most important feature

The brakes are the safety system. Look for these things.

• Loop brakes. Hand levers that you squeeze, like a bicycle brake, to slow down and push down to lock.
• Easy pull. The levers must be easy to squeeze for a weak or arthritic hand. Test them in the shop.
• Parking lock. Pressing the levers down should lock both wheels firmly. A rollator should not move when locked.
• Adjustable cable. The brake cables should be adjustable so that wear can be corrected.
• Both sides. Always check that both brakes work equally; one weak brake makes the rollator veer.

Check the brakes before every outing. A rollator that rolls away when someone sits is a common cause of backward falls, so the rule is simple: lock the brakes, then sit. For more detail, see rollator brakes and seat safety.

The seat and backrest

The seat is for short rests, not for being pushed around. Check:

• Seat height. About 45 to 55 cm from the floor, so a user can sit and rise without strain. A seat too low is hard to rise from.
• Seat width and depth. Wide enough for comfortable sitting; at least about 30 cm deep.
• Padding. A firm, padded seat or a supportive cushion. A soft seat sags.
• Backrest. A solid backrest with a padded strap gives support, but some people lean on it too hard. Ensure it is secure.
• Weight limit on the seat. Some models are rated for less when seated than when walking.

Never use a rollator as a wheelchair and have someone push the user while seated, unless the rollator is made for it. Most are not safe for that.

Weight, size and folding

Weight limit. Standard rollators carry about 100 to 136 kg; heavy-duty models go higher. Choose a model rated well above your parent's weight.

Weight of the rollator. Lightweight aluminium models weigh 6 to 8 kg, which is easier to lift into a car. Steel models are heavier and sturdier. If your parent or helper needs to lift it often, choose a lighter model.

Folding. Check that it folds easily with one hand or a lever and stays folded. A rollator should fold flat to fit into a car boot or against a wall.

Width. A standard rollator is 60 to 65 cm wide. For Indian homes with narrow bathroom doors, measure first. Narrow or slimline models are available. A rollator may be too wide for a bathroom; many families use a different aid inside.

Height adjustment. Handles adjust in steps; set them at the wrist crease with a slight bend at the elbow, as with a frame or stick. See how to measure and set the height of a walking stick.

Baskets, bags and accessories

A basket lets your parent carry a small shopping bag, a water bottle or a handbag without needing a hand. Keep the load light and balanced; a heavy load makes the rollator tip when sitting. Useful extras include a cup holder, a stick holder, a tray, a walking-stick clip and reflective strips for dusk. Avoid hanging heavy bags on the handles.

Using a rollator safely

The basics are easy to remember.

1. Check brakes, wheels and height before every walk. 2. Stand inside the rollator, not behind it, with the handles at wrist height. 3. Walk upright with short steps and look ahead. 4. Keep the rollator close and avoid pushing it far ahead. 5. Brake on slopes, squeezing the handles gently going downhill. 6. To sit, walk to the chair, turn, lock both brakes, check they are locked, back up and lower yourself onto the seat. 7. To stand, lock the brakes first and push up from the seat before taking the handles.

Never use a rollator on stairs or escalators. Use lifts, ramps and handrails.

Rollators in Indian conditions

Indian pavements, kerbs and roads are demanding. Large wheels (20 cm or more), a robust frame and good brakes matter much more than fancy extras. In the monsoon, wet wheels slip and puddles hide holes; be careful and dry the rollator after use. Rust can be a problem in humid cities, so look for powder-coated or aluminium frames. A rollator is easiest in parks, malls and smooth paths, and harder on broken pavements, so choose routes with care. Our guide to using a rollator on Indian roads and pavements covers this in more detail.

Buying checklist

• Ask your physiotherapist whether a rollator suits your parent.
• Check the weight limit and your parent's weight.
• Test the brakes by hand: easy to squeeze and firmly locking.
• Sit on the seat and rise from it. Check the height.
• Measure the width against doorways.
• Lift and fold it yourself.
• Check wheels, tyres and swivels.
• Look at the build quality: welds, hinges, handles and finish.
• Check the warranty and the availability of spare parts.
• Try it, if possible, in the shop with your parent walking.

When to ask a professional

A physiotherapist or occupational therapist can assess whether a rollator is the right choice, set the height and teach the correct use, including braking and sitting. Ask for an assessment if your parent has fallen, has poor balance, has hand weakness, becomes breathless on walking or feels dizzy. A rollator helps with fatigue and breathlessness but does not treat the cause, so medical review is still important.