Rollators are an excellent mobility aid for people of all ages who need support while walking or have balance issues. They provide support and stability while walking, making mobility easier and safer for those affected. However, choosing the right rollator can be overwhelming given the variety of options available on the market. For 10 years, we have been selling rollators and advising customers who need a rollator. Based on our experience, we would like to provide you with the ten checklists for purchasing a rollator.
Determine your needs
Before you buy a walker, you should assess your needs. Consider your physical abilities, the places where you will use the walker, and the activities you want to do with the walker. Once you know your requirements, you can choose the right walker.
Special rollator
For some people with Parkinson's disease who have balance problems or difficulties walking, there is a specially designed walker. The Rollz Motion Rhythm helps you achieve a smooth walking rhythm through visible, audible, and tactile stimuli. With the help of the signals, you can also practice and learn to increase your stride length and to speed up or slow down your walking pace.
Or there are walkers that can easily be converted into a wheelchair. Rollz Motion Performance is one of them. This premium walker and wheelchair allow you more mobility.
Normal rollator
"Otherwise, a standard walker can be categorized as follows depending on the need."
for indoor use: All rollators available on the market can be used in the home. However, there are specifically designed for use in the home, for example, the Saljol Page Indoor Rollator.
for outdoor use: For use outside the home, there are mainly three different types of rollators. If you want to use a rollator in the city and sometimes in the park, the City Rollator Saljol Allrounder Rollator could be a good choice. If you often need to transport the rollator by car, the very lightweight option, Carbon Rollator, may be suitable. The Carbon Rollators are also equipped with high-quality materials such as cork and leather, like the Saljol Carbon Rollator. If you want to hike in rough terrain, the front wheel should be large. The Saljol Offroader Rollator or an air-filled Rollz Motion Performance can be a good choice.
Select the correct type
There are different types of walkers, e.g. four-wheeled, three-wheeled, arthritis walkers, and bariatric XXL walkers. Each type has its own features and benefits. Choose the type that best meets your needs.
Four-wheeled walkers: Four-wheeled walkers are the most common type of walkers. They are equipped with four wheels and a frame that provides the user with support and stability. The front wheels are swivel, making it easier to maneuver the walker. Four-wheeled walkers typically come with a seat, a backrest, and a storage basket.
Advantages:
- More stable than three-wheeled walkers
- Offers more support and stability
- Equipped with a seat, a backrest, and a storage basket
- Can be used both indoors and outdoors.
Three-Wheeled Rollators: Three-wheeled rollators are equipped with three wheels. They resemble four-wheeled rollators but have one less wheel at the front, making them lighter and easier to maneuver. They are narrower than four-wheeled rollators, allowing them to fit better indoors, but they are of course also less stable. The distance between the three wheels is much smaller than that between the four wheels. Additionally, it is not specifically designed for indoor use, so unlike the Saljol Page that you offer, it does not fit very well in terms of design in the apartment.
Advantages:
- Light and easy to maneuver
- Smaller and more compact than four-wheeled walkers
- Ideal for indoor use
Arthritis Rollators: Arthritis rollators are designed for individuals with arthritis or other hand conditions. They are equipped with special handles that reduce the strain on the hands and joints, making them more comfortable to use. Arthritis rollators typically come with a padded seat, a backrest, and a storage basket.
Advantages:
- Special hand grips reduce the strain on the hands and joints.
- Equipped with a padded seat, a backrest, and a storage basket.
- Ideal for people with arthritis or other hand problems
Bariatric Walkers: Bariatric walkers are designed for individuals with overweight or higher weight capacity. They are equipped with a sturdy frame, a wider seat, and a higher weight capacity of up to 200 kg to provide additional support and stability. If you weigh more than 130 kg, you may need a doctor's prescription for an XXL walker.
Advantages:
- Equipped with a sturdy frame and a wider seat for larger individuals.
- Provides additional support and stability
Check the weight capacity
Make sure that the walker you are considering can support your weight. The weight capacity of a walker typically ranges from 125 to 150 kg. Choose a walker that can comfortably support your weight.
Weight Capacity Area: The weight capacity of walkers can vary from model to model. Typically, the load capacity of walkers ranges from 125 to 150 kg. If you weigh more than 130 kg, you should consider an XXL walker, which has a higher weight capacity of up to 200 kg for overweight individuals.
Your Weight: Before you buy a walker, you should definitely know your weight. While the frame of the walker can support your weight, the seat may not. Most folding walkers have mesh seats. If you are relatively heavy and sit often, choose a model with a sturdy seat or a model that offers a solid seat as an accessory.
Additional Weight: It is also important to consider any additional weight that can be added to the walker. For example, if you want to transport items in the storage basket or use additional accessories, this extra weight must be taken into account. Normally, walker baskets can carry up to 5 kg, but there are also specially designed walkers, such as the Rollz Flex Shopping Walker, which can transport heavier items. This can be convenient when shopping.
Consider the height
Height of the handles: The walker should be adjustable in height to fit your body size. This is the case with most models on the market. It is important to check the minimum and maximum height range of the walker. Make sure that the height of the handles is at wrist level when you are standing upright to avoid bending or leaning.
Seat height: Unfortunately, the seat height is usually not adjustable. It should be determined before purchase. The seat height of the walker should be higher than that of a chair. A walker is not a chair. You do not sit on your walker for extended periods. The angle of your knee creases should be about 100 - 120 degrees when you are sitting on the seat. This way, you can easily and safely stand up. Normally, we recommend a seat height of 50 - 54 cm for customers under 165 cm and a seat height of 58 - 63 cm for customers over 165 cm.
Check the seat and the backrest
If you plan to use the walker for an extended period, you should choose a walker with a comfortable seat and backrest. Look for a padded seat and backrest with a sturdy frame. As mentioned earlier, most walkers have mesh seats. This can tear with excessive use. Therefore, it is important to choose a model with a padded seat like the Rollz Motion Performance or check if the model has additional accessories for a firm seat. We have two models that offer a firm seat as additional accessories. Saljol Allrounder Rollator and Saljol Carbon-Rollator.
Check the fold size and the weight
If you need to transport the walker frequently, it is important to check the size of the walker when it is folded. Most walkers can be stored in the trunk or on the back seat of a car. If the walker user does not have a companion to help them load the walker into the car, the walker should be very lightweight. A carbon walker could be a good option for transport.
Pay attention to additional features and accessories.
Some walkers come with additional features such as a basket, a tray, or a cup holder. This makes it easier to transport personal items like drinks, snacks, or medications. A suitable umbrella can be a good option for going outside in unpleasant weather.
"Unfortunately, it is not always easy to buy a suitable umbrella after the purchase, as manufacturers do not really place value on the accessories. You may have to wait more than one or two months. This is because the version of the accessory does not fit all versions of the walker model, and manufacturers produce less accessories than predicted. Therefore, we recommend buying the walker together with the right accessories. That is why we, Gorilla Gesund, offer walkers and accessories together."
Read the reviews
Read reviews from other customers who have purchased the walker you are considering. Reviews can provide valuable insights into the quality and performance of the product. Pay attention to reviews that mention durability, ease of use, and comfort. However, please do not confuse the product rating with the ratings of sellers and services. Some customers rate the product poorly due to long delivery times.
Try
If possible, you should try out the walker before purchasing it. This way, you can determine if the walker is comfortable and easy to use. Make sure that the walker is easy to maneuver and that the brakes are easy to operate. This way, you can test walkers that you like at a medical supply store near you. If your friend or neighbor has a nice walker, don't hesitate to ask if you can test it. Then you can order the walker online. If you order a walker from Gorilla Gesund, you will receive it the next day.
Choose the right seller to ensure the warranty.
Most of the mentioned walkers come with a reasonable warranty period that protects your investment in case of defects or problems with the product. However, it is not always easy to obtain the warranty. This is because manufacturers complicate the testing process. The transportation costs for the inspection are usually not covered, and the inspection also takes a very long time. If you do not have an alternative walker during this time, it can become complicated. Gorilla Gesund works very closely with the selected manufacturers, and we take care of all the complicated communication with the manufacturers and provide you with comprehensive support to find the right solution.
In summary, it can be said that purchasing a walker requires careful consideration of your own needs and preferences. Follow these ten checklists to choose the right walker that provides you with the support and stability you need to move around safely and comfortably.
