Rollators vs. Walkers: Understanding The Differences

Mobility aids are essential for many individuals who require assistance with walking. This could be due to age, an injury, or medical conditions. Some of the most popular mobility aids on the market are rollators and traditional walkers – but understanding the difference isn’t always that easy. While both offer the fundamentals of helping people to walk and provide support to the user, they differ significantly in design, features, and usability. In this article, we’ll be exploring the differences between the two and how to choose the right one for you.

Pros & Cons Of Rollators

The best place to start when evaluating the two products is to break down the pros and cons of each. Rollators, also known as wheeled walkers, are equipped with wheels on all four legs. They also have a built-in seat and hand brakes for added support.

Pros include:

1. The wheels on rollators offer smoother movement, making it faster to get around and ideal for long distances.
2. The seat that’s already built-in offers an ideal resting place for those who need a break when walking.
3. Adjustable features are generally included in many rollator models, giving you the chance to adjust handle heights and other features to make them more suitable for your individual needs.

Cons include:

1. The size of rollators makes them a little heavier than traditional walkers, which may not be suitable for everyone.
2. Due to their additional features (like the seat and adjustable elements) they generally cost more than a traditional walker.
3. They can be uneven on slippery surfaces without the use of the brakes.

Pros & Cons of Traditional Walkers

Traditional walkers have a very simple design. They often have just four legs and no wheels, meaning users must lift and step the walker forward as they walk.

Pros include:

1. Because they don’t have wheels, walkers offer more stability, making them useful for those who need substantial support.
2. They are generally lighter and easier to lift than rollators, which can make them beneficial for those with less upper body strength.
3. They have a simpler design making them easier to use in small spaces and generally making them less expensive than rollators.

Cons include:

1. Users will often have slower movement as the walker needs to be lifted with each step. This can require more effort and slow down walking.
2. Traditional walkers do not have built-in seats, which can be a negative for those who need breaks.
3. They lack the additional storage and adjustable features that can be found in rollators.

How To Choose The Right Mobility Aid For You

Choosing the right mobility aid for you will depend on a number of factors as well as personal preference. Things like your mobility needs, your lifestyle and your environment will all play a part in whether to choose a rollator or walker.

Assess your mobility level and mobility needs first and foremost. If you need more support and stability then you may need a traditional walker, while if you have the ability to move quickly, then a rollator may be more suitable. The environment that you live in should also determine which one you choose. A rollator is good for outdoor use and long distances, whereas a traditional walker is better for indoor use.

Also, make sure to consider your strength and endurance. This will determine whether or not you can regularly lift a traditional walker when walking. You should also consider if you’re going to be transporting the mobility aid, such as on the bus. Think about how heavy this is to lift and if it’s feasible for you to do it alone.

As you can see, there are a number of pros and cons for each type of mobility aid. Consider visiting a showroom to try them out before buying to help make the decision easier.