Roll Mobility Blog
How to Use a Rolling Walker
Stand up straight when using your rolling walker.
Whether you’re recovering from surgery or just suffering from the effects of aging, a rolling walker can help you keep your balance and take some of the strain off your legs.
Getting around the house is easier and safer with a rolling walker, especially if you suffer from bouts of dizziness or lightheadedness, which can make you lose your balance. The support provided by a rolling walker can reduce the risk of falls when used properly.
Using the Rolling Walker for Balance
If you use your rolling walker only for balance, simply guide the walker forward as you step inside the walker. Use your normal gait.
You should be close to the walker with your hands slightly ahead of your body, pushing the walker along. Don’t lean over the walker.
Using the Rolling Walker for Support
If you use your rolling walker to support your weight, it’s best to keep the walker still as you step forward.
With your back upright, start by pushing the walker forward.
Step forward with one leg until your foot is inside the middle of the “box” created by the four walker legs. Hold the walker still as you take the first step forward.
Then step forward with your other foot.
Move the walker slightly ahead of you and continue the process to keep walking forward.
Tips for Using a Rolling Walker
- Don’t lean over the walker. Stay upright to protect your back.
- Common mistakes that cause you to lean over the walker are (1) pushing the walker too far in front of you, or (2) adjusting the handles to the wrong height.
- The walker handles should be high enough to allow the user to stand up straight and keep the walker close to them. The top of the handles should line up with the crease on the inside of the user’s wrist. Elbows should be bent at about 15 degrees.
- Don’t hurry or take large steps. Turn slowly to change directions. Don’t use your rolling walker on the stairs.
Rolling Walkers for Sale
Looking for the best deal on a rolling walker? Check out our selection of Medline, Drive, Invacare, and Roll Mobility rolling walkers.
How to Walk with a Rollator
Keep your body centered in front of the rollator as you walk.
If you need a little help keeping your balance while walking, a rollator might be just what you need. Here are some tips on using a wheeled rollator for walking.
- First, place the rollator in front of you. Place your hands lightly on the handles and get your balance before you start walking.
- When you’re ready to walk, gently roll the walker ahead of you as you move forward. Keep the rollator close enough to support you but not too close. If you have to lean forward to reach the rollator, move the rollator closer to your body.
- Take even steps. If you typically have an uneven gait, try shortening your stride and taking smaller steps.
- To use the rollator while turning, keep your body centered in front of the rollator as you turn. Don’t twist your back as you turn. You should always be facing the front of the rollator.
- Don’t lean too far away from the rollator. You want a solid base of support as you walk.
- Don’t lean in too close to the rollator, either. Keep your body upright and balanced.
Getting Out of Bed with a Walker or Cane
A walking cane helps you keep your balance when getting out of bed.
Fear of falling is one of the greatest fears for the elderly. Getting out of bed can potentially lead to a fall, but with the right movement and support, there’s no need to fear.
The tips below guide you through the process of getting out of bed and standing up with a cane or walker. If you have had surgery recently or if one side of your body is weaker than the other, you may need to consult your health professional for instructions on getting out of bed.
1. First, make sure your walker or cane is next to the bed, with the walker open and ready to use. If you are using a rollator, make sure the wheels are locked to keep it from rolling away.
2. Slide your body over to the edge of the bed. Use your arms and legs to push yourself closer to the edge.
3. Roll onto your side and swing your legs over the edge of the bed.
4. If your leg or hips are injured or weak, don’t roll onto your side. Just move your legs over the edge of the mattress as you slowly sit up, using your arms for support.
5. Sit on the edge of the bed for at least 30 seconds to regain your balance. Don’t rush yourself, and don’t attempt to stand up if you feel dizzy.
6. Place one hand on the walker, or hold on to the cane with your strong hand. Place the other hand on the edge of the bed.
7. Slowly push yourself up until you are standing. If one side of your body is weak or injured, put most of your weight on the stronger side of your body. NOTE: Do not pull on the walker or use it to support your full weight. If the walker tips over, you could easily fall.
8. If using a walker, move your other hand to the walker.
9. Stand still for another 30 seconds to let your body regain balance. When you no longer feel dizzy, you can start walking.
Adjusting Rollator Height
Rollators adjust to accommodate various heights.
Adjusting the height of the rollator is important to prevent tripping, hunching over, or changing the walking stance of the user.
If the handlebars are too high, the rollator will not provide enough support for the user’s weight. If the handlebars are too low, the user will have to bend too far forward to lean on the rollator. Either way, the user’s center of gravity will be thrown off balance.
Instructions for Adjusting Rollator Height
Here is how to adjust the rollator to the correct height:
1. Stand with your shoulders relaxed and your arms hanging loosely at your sides.
2. The handlebar height should be at the crease of your wrist when your arms are relaxed at your sides.
3. Loosen the knobs on the outside of the handlebars. For some models, this may be sufficient to allow you to raise and lower the handlebars. If so, move the handlebars to the desired height. Tighten the knobs.
4. If the rollator has bolts that go through the handlebars, remove the bolts and then move the handlebars to the desired height. Re-install the bolts and screw the knobs to the bolts. The knobs should be on the outside of the handlebars. Some frames have a hexagonal hole for the bolt head to fit into. Ensure the bolt head is properly aligned with hole before tightening fully.
Note: The seat height is not adjustable. If the seat is too high or too low, a different size of rollator may be more appropriate. You should be able to sit on the seat with the balls of your feet touching the ground.
Rolling Walker Buying Guide
A 4-wheeled walker provides seating, storage, and stability.
Need a little help getting around the house? A rolling walker helps you keep your balance and your independence. Here are some tips on choosing a rolling walker.
Choosing a Style
Rolling walkers are available in 2-wheel, 3-wheel, and 4-wheel styles. The two-wheeled walker is the cheapest, with two small wheels on the front and glider caps or tennis balls on the other two legs.
Rollators come with 3 or 4 wheels. Three-wheeled rollators are smaller and lighter. They turn easily and can handle sharp corners. Four-wheeled rollators are sturdier and come with a built-in seat for rest breaks.
Wheel Size
Bigger wheels roll more easily over terrain, so if you plan to use your rolling walker outdoors, we recommend oversized wheels. Smaller wheels are good for use indoors and on smooth surfaces.
Accessories
One of the biggest advantages of a 4-wheeled rollator is the built-in padded seat. Whenever you need a breather, you can just stop walking, lock the hand brakes, and sit down on the padded seat to rest. The locked hand brakes keep the walked from rolling away, and the seat lifts up to access the under-seat storage bag or basket. Keep your hands free to maneuver the walker by storing your things in the bag.
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.
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.
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