Rollator vs. Walker: What is the Right Choice?

Having surfed the internet, are you still unsure what the difference between a rollator and a walker is? Are you still confused about which mobility aid would be a better option for you? In fact, you might not even know (between both of these mobility aids) what is better suitable for you.

Well, in that case, fret no more! Here you will find all the answers to your question. This article will guide you on the major differences between a rollator and a walker. You might be familiar with these mobility aids as they are quite common. It may be unusual for you to be aware of how they are distinct from each other.

What is a Walker?

A walker is a mobility aid that has four legs. These legs stay connected to the ground while moving. Since the legs of the walker remain connected to the floor when maneuvering it around, it requires the user to lift the walker. After lifting, it has to be put forward to move ahead. If you are interested in purchasing a walker, click here!

Types of Walkers

A walker is your best option if you have broken a bone or your health requires extra support. There are multiple types of walkers available. Any one of them can be greatly suited to you! A few of the kinds of walkers are as follows:

Standard Walker

A walker of this type comes with four legs that are tipped with rubber. This feature reduces the risk of the walker skidding or slipping along the surface. Ultimately, this also lessens your chances of falling by providing great stability. Though, a downfall to such a walker is that you will have to pick it up to move it forward.

Knee Walker

These types of walkers are quite similar to foot-propelled scooters. But this comes with an additional feature: a platform on which you can rest your knees!

Two-Wheeled Walker   

This is similar to a standard walker; however, it has two wheels on its front legs. This feature allows its users to move around more swiftly by pushing along its front legs. This walker does not require you to pick it up. Instead, you only have to push it. Click here to purchase a wheeled walker!

Three-Wheeled Walker

Unlike the aforementioned two-wheeled walker, a three-wheeled walker has three wheels attached to its legs. This walker offers great support and reliance (just as a four-wheeled walker would). It is lightweight, which makes it easier to carry around.

Four-Wheeled Walker

Just like any other wheeled walker, a four-wheeled walker has four wheels attached to each of its legs. This makes it convenient for a user to maneuver it. The wheels also do not require their users to exert any more muscle strength too!

Advantages of a Walker

A walker has multiple advantages to itself. Especially if you have any illness or health condition, it can help you a lot. A few benefits are described below.

Foremost, a walker ensures safer walks. If you do not have a good balance or have some health problem, a walker will provide you with a great balance. Such a balance will ensure that you do not have issues while walking. May it be around your house or in a store – a walker will help you walk safely by eliminating the chance of falling.

With a walker, you will be able to walk greater distances. This is because it reduces weight bearing. As a result, you will be more active and healthier.

Many walkers need extra support. This is because they might be using the walkers as a precaution. For instance, some consider a walker to be an upgrade from a cane. Moreover, a walker also provides the option to rest. Whether it is a long day or a simple lack of energy, a walker will allow you to slow down and rest if needed.  

Generally, as walkers reduce weight bearing and provide extra support, it places less stress on your body. Henceforth, this will maintain great stamina by saving your energy, and you can move around without moving muscles. 

What is a Rollator?

Simply put, a rollator is quite similar to a walker, as seen by its more common name, “wheeled walker.” It comprises a frame attached to more than three wheels, a built-in seat, and handlebars.

Such a mobility aid may be beneficial to you if you are someone who requires help to move around. It may also be good for you if you prefer to stop and resume moving around. This is because the rollators have cushioned seats that support your rest.

Various accessories can be purchased for your rollator. Examples include baskets (which can carry your stuff). More than this, we have multiple types of rollators available. A few are described below!

Types of Rollators

As mentioned, there are multiple types of rollators. Each will be suitable for different conditions. A few types of rollators are discussed below. A simple rollator is available here!

Standard Weight Rollator

A rollator typically weighs roughly fifteen pounds. Certain models claim to be “lightweight.” These small models might weigh as little as eleven pounds. The difference in pounds is beneficial for some people!

Weight capacity is an additional aspect of weight to take into account. Standard rollators are safe for users up to 250 pounds.

Although certain models are categorized as “bariatric,” don’t end the exploration there!  A few bariatric versions have undergone safety testing for users up to three hundred and fifty pounds.  Whereas others have undergone safety testing for users up to five hundred pounds.

Bariatric rollators frequently have lower seats to make getting in and out of the rollator simpler for the operator.

Three Wheel Rollator

The tricycle-like rollator has three wheels. It is more lightweight than the majority of four-wheel vehicles. Some even claim that because the three wheels allow for sharper bends, they are simpler to maneuver.

This is particularly useful in cramped areas. These devices may also include a simple folding mechanism to facilitate transit easier.

Height Adjustable Rollator

These rollators basically offer the option to adjust the height of the rollator by changing the height of the seat and handlebar. Within this, there are also options to purchase an “adult” and a “child” rollator. The purpose behind this is to offer a rollator that is suitable for your height.

Outdoor Rollators

Does your daily routine involve you going out a lot? Then this might be the best rollator for you! This rollator comes with non-marring tires and soft gripping casters. Not only do these tires allow you to trek over dirty passages outdoors swiftly, but it also reduces the chances of leaving marks on your indoor floors! What an investment, right?

Advantages of a Rollator

Usually, a standard walker requires the user to lift the walker from the ground, step it forward, and then move along with it. The act of lifting the walker might be burdensome and scary for most users. Therefore, a rollator walker is your best option if you have little upper body strength or do not have great balance.

Similarly, the standard walkers are intended to be used on flat surfaces. It will be of no help on an uneven surface. On the contrary, a rollator can also help you walk easily on rougher grounds.

Maneuvering through confined spaces—especially around corners—can be challenging with a walker. Any sort of rollator walker is frequently simpler to navigate through confined areas than conventional walkers. However, three-wheeled rollators are also an option and offer even greater maneuverability.

A three-wheeled rollator is more maneuverable and compact than other rollators. A three-wheeled rollator can make moving around the house considerably simpler if it has small corridors and rounded corners.

Most rollators include an integrated seat, and several may also have a backrest. A rollator gives you access to a comfortable seat anytime you need one if you get tired often, experience joint pain frequently, or need to take numerous breaks.

What is The Right Choice?

Having contemplated the definitions, types, and advantages of walkers and rollators, the question remains: What is the right choice? A rollator or a walker? Both of these have distinctive qualities that may make them favorable for your health condition. The only main difference between these two-mobility aids is the wheels and the seats. Some walkers neither have seats nor wheels. Henceforth, this ultimately makes the rollator more desirable. The reason behind this (as stated) is that it can provide you with options to rest and retain less physical energy.

In the end, the choice is yours! Are you someone who requires to rest a little and then move? Or are you able to skid your walker around each time you have to step forward? After weighing the correct questions, you can make up your mind. This will make your purchase easier and more convenient! After all, there is no right and wrong between a rollator and a walker. Both of these mobility equipment is suitable for individuals with various other problems. Therefore, the right choice between the rollators and the walkers is yours!