Rollators

Maintaining mobility in everyday life: Rollators help you continue to participate in public and private life. There’s a rollator to suit every need.

Buying the right rollator

The classic rollator is the standard model. Its price makes it the most affordable walking aid of its kind. The models can be folded away, feature a handbrake on both sides with a locking function, and have fully rubber-coated, puncture-proof wheels. The handles are made of non-slip rubber, shaped to fit the hand’s anatomy. Another feature is the shopping basket, which is usually a metal box with a handle and attaches at the front. A seat is fitted over the crossbar, allowing you to take a break after walking longer distances. With the handbrake engaged, the rollator is converted into a seat. The seat also serves as a tray holder. The disadvantage of standard rollators is their heavy weight of 13 kg or more. On the other hand, these models are inexpensive, suitable as entry-level models for both indoor and outdoor use, and robust.

Indoor rollators

These walking aids are much more delicately constructed. They are suitable exclusively for indoor use, are known as indoor rollators and feature a lightweight design, which requires the barrier-free floors typical of a flat. Apart from relatively low thresholds, these models cannot negotiate any obstacles. Nor is this necessary, as they are designed for comfortable indoor use. They are easy to manoeuvre; the wheels are small and glide effortlessly over laminate, tiles or carpet. Most models are foldable and feature two brakes that can be locked in place to allow the tray to be loaded. They do not include a seat function, nor do they have any passive lighting – neither of which is necessary indoors. Thanks to their lightweight construction, indoor rollators are very smooth-running and manoeuvrable. The cost of an indoor rollator is higher than that of a standard model.

Lightweight rollators

These are the all-rounders among rollators. They are extremely light, manoeuvrable and robust. They are mainly folded up using a pull strap, which reduces the rollator to a minimal size. This means that such a walking aid, weighing around 7 kg, can also be used as a support when climbing stairs. The seat is made from a sturdy, mesh fabric and is very comfortable. The two hand brakes allow the lightweight rollator to be parked safely and used as a seat. Thanks to its smooth-running, large wheels, a lightweight rollator can easily negotiate minor obstacles such as kerbs or cobblestones in historic town centres. Passive lighting is also included as standard. The frame is made of anodised aluminium; in higher-priced lightweight rollators, it is made of carbon fibre. The folding mechanism operates smoothly. The price of a lightweight rollator falls within the higher price range for rollators. However, its practical value is extremely high, making it a worthwhile investment.

Special design: Deltarad or Tri Walker

These rollators are sturdy three-wheeled models. The advantage of this design is its exceptional manoeuvrability, combined with a very small turning circle. Thanks to its narrow front section, the Tri Walker responds immediately to every steering movement. This model also features two brakes with a locking function and a basket for carrying shopping. A clip-on tray is also included. Passive lighting means the rollator can also be used in the evening. This model is suitable for users who want to get about quickly and easily. The unique design requires slightly more concentration when manoeuvring than with four-wheeled rollators. On uneven ground, the rollator can feel slightly unstable. The trailing rear wheels should also be taken into account, so avoid taking corners too sharply. After a short familiarisation period, this model becomes a sleek everyday companion – the sports car of rollators. The purchase price is similar to that of lightweight models.

Buying additional accessories for rollators

Various optional extras and spare parts can be ordered. A battery-powered lighting unit is handy for the darker months of the year. Anyone wishing to carry their underarm crutches or walking stick should have a walking stick holder fitted. For hot summer days, we recommend purchasing a clip-on sunshade or umbrella. This should have a swivelling arm so it can be adjusted to suit the weather conditions. Drinks holders for longer walks save you from having to rummage around in your bag for your water bottle, whilst a cushion on the seat makes resting more comfortable. The cost of the individual accessories includes fitting.

Maintenance and care

One aspect of the daily use of rollators that should not be underestimated is regular maintenance and cleaning. A maintenance interval of every six months is mandatory to ensure the warranty remains valid. This is also important for your personal safety! During regular inspections, the hand brakes are checked for reliability. With daily use, users often fail to notice that their effectiveness has significantly diminished, inadvertently risking the rollator rolling away when sitting down or making an emergency stop. The brakes are precisely adjusted again at the workshop. The ball bearings on the wheels require maintenance, and the rubber grips also tend to lose their grip. Slipping must be prevented; annual replacement is recommended. The tyres are puncture-proof, but the smooth operation of the steering bearings should be checked.