Using a Rollator on Indian Roads, Pavements and Kerbs

Is a rollator right for outdoor walking?

A rollator suits an older adult who can walk steadily and independently, but who tires, becomes breathless or needs somewhere to rest. It is not a support to lean on heavily, and it is not a walking frame. On rough ground the wheels can stop suddenly, and a person who leans on it may be thrown forward.

Think carefully if your parent:

• has poor balance or has fallen recently;
• is unable to control the brakes;
• has memory problems;
• cannot lift or steer the rollator over a small obstacle; or
• will be walking alone on busy streets.

Ask a physiotherapist before taking a rollator outdoors; see stick or walker: which one does your parent need and rollator buying guide. For people with unsteady balance, an outing with a helper and a transit wheelchair for the hardest stretches may be safer.

Choose a rollator built for rough ground

For outdoor use in India, the specification matters.

• Large wheels. Wheels of 20 to 25 cm (8 to 10 inches) roll over cracks, small stones and low edges. Small 15 cm wheels catch.
• Four wheels rather than three, for steadiness.
• Solid or puncture-proof tyres. Air-filled tyres can burst on glass, nails or thorns; solid polyurethane tyres need no maintenance. Check the tread for grip on wet surfaces.
• Good, adjustable brakes that grip firmly and are easy to squeeze; see rollator brakes and seat safety.
• A strong, rust-resistant frame, with powder-coated or anodised aluminium, important in humid and coastal cities.
• A frame that suits your parent's weight, with a clear weight rating.
• Foldability and weight, since the rollator will go into cars and autorickshaws. Typical weights are 6 to 9 kg.
• A sturdy basket or bag for shopping, but keep loads light.
• Reflective strips for dusk, and a bell or light if used at dawn.

Pavements and kerbs

Broken and uneven pavements. Look ahead and choose the smoothest line. Slow down and keep the rollator in front of you, not too far ahead. If a crack or gap is wide, lift the front wheels slightly, using the handles, and roll over it, or step around. Do not force the wheels through a hole.

Kerbs. Going up a kerb: approach squarely, tilt the front wheels up by pressing down on the frame, place them on the pavement, then step up and bring the rear wheels. This needs strength and balance and is not safe for everyone. Going down a kerb: stop at the edge, lock the brakes, then lower the front wheels, release and step down. Many users do better with a helper, or by using a dropped kerb, a ramp or a wide crossing. Choose routes with dropped kerbs.

Slopes and ramps. Brake gently going downhill; lean slightly forward going up. If a ramp is steep, ask someone to help.

Open drains and gratings. Wheels can drop into holes. Avoid them, or cross at the narrowest point at a right angle.

Parked vehicles and obstacles. Do not squeeze through gaps; wait or go around.

Crowds. Move slowly, keep to the edge and keep the rollator close to your body. Ask people to give way. Avoid peak market hours.

Roads. Never walk on busy roads. Cross at the safest point and have a helper stop traffic if necessary.

Weather

Monsoon. Wet wheels, brake pads and handles slip. Puddles hide holes. Mud sticks to wheels. Dry brakes before use, avoid flooded lanes, wear non-slip shoes and shorten the outing. Wipe and dry the rollator after returning to prevent rust; see cleaning and maintaining mobility aids.

Heat. Walk early morning or evening. Take water, wear a hat or carry an umbrella and rest in the shade. A metal handle can be hot; consider soft grips. See heat stroke and dehydration in seniors.

Winter fog and pollution. Poor visibility is dangerous. In dense fog or very polluted air, stay indoors; see pollution season plan for seniors.

Planning a safe route

Before the first outing, walk the route yourself with the rollator. Look for:

• smooth or at least continuous pavement;
• dropped kerbs at crossings;
• benches or places to sit every few hundred metres;
• shade;
• a toilet, shop or home nearby in case of need;
• no steep slopes or stairs; and
• lighting if the walk may be at dusk.

A short, familiar route builds confidence. Parks, wide promenades, quiet lanes and gated community paths are often the best choices. Keep a note of alternatives if a stretch is blocked.

Using the rollator safely outdoors

1. Check before you go: brakes, tyres, height and handles. 2. Dress for it: closed, non-slip shoes, light clothes, a hat, glasses. 3. Carry essentials: phone, water, medicines, ID and a contact card. A panic pendant or fall detection watch adds safety for solo walks. 4. Walk upright, looking ahead, with short steps and the rollator close. 5. Lock the brakes whenever you stop, and before sitting. 6. Sit only on flat ground and with the brakes locked. Do not sit on a slope or kerb. 7. Rest early. Stop before you are exhausted. 8. Go home if you feel dizzy, breathless, chest pain, or unwell.

Transport

Cars and taxis. Fold the rollator and put it in the boot. Ask the driver to wait while your parent gets in, using the door as support; see getting an elderly person in and out of a car.

Autorickshaws. Fold it and place it at your parent's feet or in the back. A helper helps your parent in and out.

Metro and buses. Lifts, wide gates and priority seats make the Metro easier in many cities. Buses have high steps; avoid unless assisted.

Trains and flights. See trains, flights and airport assistance.

When a rollator is not the answer

If pavements are too broken, kerbs too high or your parent too unsteady, consider:

• a walking stick or folding stick for short, simple walks; see folding walking sticks for travel;
• a two-wheeled walker for smoother, flatter surfaces; see two-wheeled walkers;
• a transit wheelchair pushed by a helper for outings; see transit wheelchair or standard wheelchair;
• indoor walking along a corridor, terrace or community hall, with the rollator.

Many families use a rollator for the park and a wheelchair for the hospital. The best aid is the one that keeps your parent safe and moving.

Maintenance after outdoor use

Wipe wheels and frame, remove stones and hair from the axles, check brakes and tyres, dry the rollator and store it indoors. Oil a squeaky axle lightly. Tighten loose bolts. If one wheel wobbles, repair or replace it before the next outing.

When to ask a professional

Ask a physiotherapist to assess your parent for outdoor use and teach kerb and slope techniques. Ask a doctor if your parent has dizziness, breathlessness, chest pain or new weakness on walking. Our care advisors can help plan outings and arrange a helper.