Roll Mobility Blog
Alternative to Crutches: Rolling Knee Walker
A knee walker offers greater mobility than crutches.
If you’ve ever had to use crutches, you know what a bother they can be. Using crutches requires both hands and a good sense of balance and coordination. It often leads to soreness, and using crutches over a long distance is tiring.
Fortunately, there are other options, such as a knee walker (also called a knee scooter). A knee walker allows you to get around independently (unlike a wheelchair) and takes the strain off of your arms and hands. With crutches, you are more likely to trip or fall, but with a knee scooter, you have better balance. The wheels allow you to move faster and further than crutches, and when you need to rest, just use the knee pad as a bench or as a footstool to elevate your leg.
Knee walkers are designed for injuries below the knee. The individual must be able to bend his or her leg at the knee and rest the upper shin on the knee pad.
Some rolling knee walkers include a front basket for carrying books, a water bottle, a wallet or purse, and anything else you need to bring. The entry level models provide the basics at a more affordable price. Higher end knee walkers offer more amenities, like swivel wheels, steerable front wheels, and storage options. All knee walkers include hand brakes for safety.
Knee Walkers Now at Roll Mobility
Drive Medical Steerable Knee Walker
Knee walkers from Drive Medical, Invacare, and Medline Industries are now available at Roll Mobility. These knee walkers are manufactured by well-respected brands in the home medical care industry.
For individuals recovering from foot surgery, breaks, sprains, amputations, or ulcers on the foot, a knee walker provides a comfortable, pain-free alternative to crutches. The thick leg pad cradles your knee and adjusts in height for ergonomic use. A hand brake lets you control and stop the walker. Steerable knee walkers are available for increased maneuverability.
Use your knee walker indoors or outdoors for greater freedom than crutches can offer. See the links below for more information on knee walkers at Roll Mobility.
- Drive Knee Walker
- Drive DV8 Steerable Knee Walker
- Invacare Knee Walker with Swivel Wheels
- Medline Weil Knee Walker
Free shipping on all orders to the lower 48 U.S.!
Video: Rollator Setup Instructions
Setup Instructions
The Deluxe Rollator from Roll Mobility provides just the right amount of support and rest with 8-inch wheels and a built-in padded seat and backrest. The lightweight aluminum frame is available in red or blue.
Before Setup
After you remove the rollator and parts from the box, take a few minutes to read the instruction manual included with this product. Then you can begin the process of setting up your rollator by following the instructions in the manual.
To open the rollator, push down on the center bar.
Assembly
To open the rollator, push down on the center bar until the side crossbars are locked down. Lower the padded seat all the way down.
Attach the backrest by sliding the support tubes into the frame, pressing the spring buttons, and pushing down evenly on both sides of the backrest until the spring buttons snap into place.
To attach the handles, remove the height adjustment knob and bolt, slide the handle into the frame to the desired height, making sure the holes are lined up, and then slide the bolt through the holes from the inside of the frame. Tighten the adjustment knob on the bolt to secure the handle in place. Do the same for the opposite handle, making sure that you put the bolt through the same holes as the other handle. Count the number of holes visible on each handle to make sure the handles are set at the same height. For information on how to adjust the push handles to the proper height, see the instruction manual included with this product.
Using the Rollator Brakes
This rollator comes with ergonomic handles and loop lock brakes. To use the hand brakes, pull up on the brakes to slow down or stop. When you let go of the brakes, the wheels will be free to move again. To lock the rollator in place, push down on the lower section of both brake handles until they lock in place. Pull up on the brake handles to release the brakes from the locked position.
Folding the Rollator
The last thing we will cover is how to fold the rollator. First, lift up the padded seat. Then pull up on the center bar. If needed, you can remove the backrest before folding the rollator to make it more compact for storage. Simply push in the spring buttons on both sides of the backrest and pull up to remove.
That’s it! Now you are ready to use your Deluxe Rollator from Roll Mobility.
Prevent Falls for Seniors while Walking
A rollator can help prevent falls for seniors and rehabilitative patients.
Seniors commonly fall while doing everyday activities like walking to the bathroom or stepping up on a landing. Throw rugs, raised thresholds, and objects on the floor are just a few of the tripping hazards that seniors face. Thanks to mobility devices like rollators and canes, however, seniors can take back their independence and reduce the chances of a fall.
Canes and rollators provide walking support at home, at the mall, around the neighborhood, and almost anywhere your loved one needs to go. Single-point walking canes are best for users who need a slight balance check every once in awhile. For users who need more support, a quad cane is the next step up. With four points of contact with the ground, quad canes are more stable. A small base quad cane is small enough to use on stairs. A large base quad cane is too large for the average flight of stairs but provides more support for users who need it, especially for heavier users.
If a quad cane no longer provides enough support, consider a wrap-around frame. Walkers and rollators wrap around the body to provide support in front and on both sides. To move a walker, the user either slides the walker forward, lifts it and moves it forward, or lifts the back of the walker and rolls it forward on the two front wheels. Rollators are easier to move, but the user must be able to operate the hand brakes for control.
Deciding which type of mobility aid is right for your loved one is a choice that your doctor, health care provider, or physical therapist can help you make. Each individual’s needs and level of mobility is different, so don’t be afraid to ask for recommendations on mobility equipment from your medical support team.
How to Set Up a Folding Walker
Simply unfold the sides to set up a folding walker.
Folding walkers are fairly simple to set up and adjust. In just a few steps, the walker is ready to use. Make sure all four legs are adjusted to the correct height for the user.
Setting Up the Walker
- Take the folding walker out of its packaging and unfold the two side frame panels by swinging them outward until they lock into place with the two top lock buttons.
- Adjust all four (4) extension legs (or wheels) to the required height by pressing the adjustment button in and either pulling down or pushing up on the leg. Make sure that the adjustment button securely pops into place.
- After adjustment, make sure that all four (4) legs are at the same height adjustment level. If one leg is shorter or longer than the others, the walker will rock and be unstable.
Folding the Walker
To fold up the walker, press down on the release/lock button located on one side of the center brace and fold the side frame panel inward. Repeat for the opposite side frame
Finding the Correct Walker Height
Stand behind the walker with arms hanging loosely at your sides and the walker in front of you. When the walker is adjusted to the correct height, your elbows should be slightly bent at a 20-30 degree angle when you grip the walker handles.
To adjust the walker legs, push in the adjustment button and slide the tube up or down until the button pops through the correct adjustment hole. Repeat for the remaining legs. Count the holes on each leg to make sure the legs are adjusted to the same height.
Rollator Walker Buying Guide
A rolling walker improves your balance and increases your endurance.
Why a rollator?
If you find it easier to get around the grocery store by leaning on a shopping cart, then a rollator might be the answer to your mobility needs. A rollator can improve your balance, increase your endurance, and give you more confidence to go where you want to go.
How will a rollator help me?
The wraparound frame supports your weight and allows you to walk with your normal gait. The wheels make it easy to move forward (easier than a 2-wheeled walker), but the brakes give you control when you need it. Some 4-wheeled rollators include a padded seat, which lets you take rest breaks and go farther without worrying about finding a bench or chair to sit on.
What type of rollator do I need?
First, you need to find a rollator that fits your height and weight. Make sure the rollator is able to support your weight. Check the manufacturer’s rated weight capacity. If your weight is at or near the weight limit, look for a rollator with a higher weight capacity. Heavy duty rollators are available for users who need more support for their weight.
Check the rollator handle height range to make sure the rollator will adjust to the right height. If the handles are too short, you will have to lean over the rollator as you walk, which results in poor posture. If the handles are too tall, you will not have the proper support.
Rollators are available in 3-wheel and 4-wheel styles. Three-wheel rollators are lighter in weight and easier to maneuver, but four-wheel rollators offer more stability. If you need more support for walking and balance, you should choose a four-wheel rollator. If you only need light walking support and would rather be able to scoot around corners easier, then you might be happier with a three-wheel rollator.
Choosing a Rollator
Looking for a rollator? These tips will help you figure out which rollator best fits your needs.
Three wheel rollators are lightweight and easy to maneuver.
Three Wheels or Four Wheels
Rollators come with either three wheels or four wheels. Three wheeled rollators have a smaller, lighter frame, which makes it easier to fit through doorways and make tighter turns. Four wheeled rollators offer more stability, and the larger frame leaves room for a padded seat.
Wheel Size
If you plan to use the rollator outside, choose a larger wheel size. The larger the wheels, the easier it will be to push. Smaller wheels work well for indoor use.
Brakes
There are two basic types of rollator brakes available: loop lock and push down. Loop lock brakes allow the user to control the brakes with their hands. To slow down or stop, the user squeezes the hand brakes, which are similar to bike brakes. To lock the rollator in place, the user pushes down on the hand brakes until they snap in place. Loop lock brakes offer greater stability than push down brakes.
Push down brakes engage when the user pushes down on the frame. They are simple to use and easy to operate for individuals with limited hand dexterity or who have trouble operating a hand brake. Push down brakes may not be a good idea for petite individuals who can’t push down heavily enough on the frame or for heavyset individuals who apply too much pressure to the frame as they walk.
The seat and armrests fold out of the way for use as a transport chair or rollator.
Height and Weight
Make sure the rollator handles will adjust to a height that is comfortable for the user. This is especially important for individuals who are taller or shorter than average. The handle height range varies for each rollator model. The weight capacity of the rollator should be sufficient for the weight of the user. Heavyset users may need to purchase a bariatric rollator.
Combination Rollator/Transport Chair
One option to consider if you need both a transport chair and a rollator is a combination rollator and chair, such as the Duet by Drive Medical. One mobility aid serves two purposes and can either be pushed by the patient while walking or pushed by the caregiver while the patient is seated. This combination device can save you the cost and hassle of extra equipment.
Options and Accessories
Some rollators come with a padded seat (available on four wheeled models) and a storage bag or basket. The seat allows the user to take rest breaks, and the storage area provides space to carry personal items, leaving the hands free to push the rollator and operate the brakes. Other options include cup holders, oxygen tank holders, cane holders, trays, lights, and other accessories. These accessories are usually purchased separately from the rollator.
4 Wheel Rollator Instructional Videos
These videos will take you through the simple process of setting up your Venture or Deluxe Rollator and will highlight some of the features on these products.
The Venture and Deluxe Series rollators from Roll Mobility provide just the right amount of support with a built-in padded seat and backrest. The lightweight aluminum frame is available in red or blue. The Venture Series comes with 6-inch wheels, and the Deluxe Series comes with 8-inch wheels for indoor/outdoor use.
Setup Instructions
- Remove packaging and read instruction manual.
- Open the rollator.
- Attach the backrest.
- Attach the handles.
After you remove the rollator and parts from the box, take a few minutes to read the instruction manual included with this product. Then you can begin the process of setting up your rollator by following the instructions in the manual.
To open the rollator, push down on the center bar until the side crossbars are locked down. Lower the padded seat all the way down.
Attach the backrest by sliding the support tubes into the frame, pressing the spring buttons, and pushing down evenly on both sides of the backrest until the spring buttons snap into place.
To attach the handles, remove the height adjustment knob and bolt, slide the handle into the frame to the desired height, making sure the holes are lined up, and then slide the bolt through the holes from the inside of the frame. Tighten the adjustment knob on the bolt to secure the handle in place. Do the same for the opposite handle, making sure that you put the bolt through the same holes as the other handle. Count the number of holes visible on each handle to make sure the handles are set at the same height. For information on how to adjust the push handles to the proper height, see the instruction manual included with this product.
Using the Hand Brakes
This rollator comes with ergonomic handles and loop lock brakes. To use the hand brakes, pull up on the brakes to slow down or stop. When you let go of the brakes, the wheels will be free to move again. To lock the rollator in place, push down on the lower section of both brake handles until they lock in place. Pull up on the brake handles to release the brakes from the locked position.
Folding the Rollator
The last thing we will cover is how to fold the rollator. First, lift up the padded seat. Then pull up on the center bar. If needed, you can remove the backrest before folding the rollator to make it more compact for storage. Simply push in the spring buttons on both sides of the backrest and pull up to remove.
Wheeled Walker and Rollator FAQs
3-wheel rollators are easy to maneuver and lightweight.
Choosing a walker or rollator is an important decision when it comes to your safety and comfort. Below are a few commonly asked questions along with some helpful advice on choosing the right walker or rollator for your needs.
Do I need a standard medical walker or a rollator?
Do you lean on the walker for balance? A medical walker with no wheels offers the most support, with no danger of the walker rolling away from you. A walker with 2 wheels is easier to move forward, yet the two legs in front keep the walker from rolling too fast.
If you do not need to lean your weight on the walker as you move forward, a 3-wheel or 4-wheel rollator will allow you to walk faster with no resistance. A set of hand brakes provides safety and gives you control over your speed.
How is a 3-wheel walker different from a 4-wheel walker?
Three-wheeled walkers are easier to maneuver around corners and tight spaces. Because they have only one wheel in front, they have a tighter turning radius. The smaller frame makes the rollator ultra lightweight. Some 3-wheel rollators weigh as little as 9 pounds!
Four-wheeled walkers offer more stability. If you need more support to maintain your balance, choose a 4-wheel walker. The larger frame and the extra point of contact with the ground makes this rollator more stable.
What accessories are available for walkers and rollators?
Accessories for medical walkers include trays, storage pouches, cup holders, and ski glides. Most three-wheeled walkers come with a storage pouch and/or a basket for personal items, making it easy to carry things with you from one place to the next. Most four-wheeled walkers come with a built-in padded seat that flips up for storage beneath the seat. A padded backrest provides support for short rest breaks.
Walker Ski Glides from Roll Mobility
Universal Fit Walker Ski Glide
Does your loved one struggle to pick up a two-wheeled walker and move it forward? Installing walker ski glides can make it easier to move the walker because they reduce friction and eliminate the need to lift the walker. Unlike traditional rubber tips that drag on carpet and linoleum, walker glides literally glide along the floor. Ski glides can be used on almost any surface, including carpets and rugs, wood floors, tiling, and even sidewalks and other outdoor surfaces.
Walker ski glides are quick and easy to install. Roll Mobility offers two designs: one with a universal fit and one with a tool-adjustable fit. Both types are designed to fit walkers with a 1″ tube frame. Simply remove the rubber tips, insert the new ski glides, and tighten (if applicable). The durable composite construction ensures long life.
Tool-Adjustable Walker Ski Glide
See the specifications below for more information on these products.
Walker Ski Glide
- For Standard Walkers with 1” Tube Frame
- Easy Installation
- Durable Construction
- Sold in Pairs
Deluxe Walker Ski Glide
- For Standard Walkers with 1” Tube Frame
- Tool Adjustable Fit
- Durable Construction
- Sold in Pairs
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