As we age, some of us will experience a significant decline in our mobility. Whether this decline is due to an accidental fall, normal aging, or a medical condition, using a mobility walker or rollator will be a smart choice. However, choosing the right walker or rollator can be confusing. Let’s start by helping to understand the difference between the two walking aids.
The Difference Between A Walker And A Rollator
The difference between a walker and a rollator is that most walkers have an aluminum frame with or without wheels, whereas all rollators have wheels, making them easier to maneuver. Also, rollators have hand brakes, and walkers do not. Most rollators come with a padded seat or a storage bag either under the seat or attached to the rollator. Walkers do not have built-in seats. They may feature a storage bag or pouch.
There are a few shared similarities between walkers and rollators. They both are height adjustable, they both are used indoors and outdoors, they both fold for easy transport, and they both offer users support who have balancing issues. More importantly, they both allow users to maintain their independence and help to eliminate accidental falls! Users choose walkers for easy mobility as well as choose rollators for easy mobility.
Types of Mobility Walkers
There are two types of walkers; a standard walker, a lightweight walker without wheels for users with enough strength to pick it up and move it forward step by step. The other walker type is a two-wheeled walker, which offers easier mobility by eliminating having to pick up the walker. The two-wheel waker glides forward as the user walks. Both these walkers are height adjustable with an aluminum frame, available with a folding or non-folding feature, and classified as traditional walkers (see examples of traditional walkers below).
Traditional walkers have evolved over the years. They have become more stylish, more colorful, and more innovative. For example, take a look at this one-of-a-kind treasure, the EZ Fold-N-Go Walker from Stander, Inc.
- It’s lightweight and portable, weighing only 8 pounds
- It folds up to four times smaller than the average walker
- Features include locking 6-inch wheels that can be fixed or swiveled
- Handels that easily adjusts from 32 inches to 38.5 inches
- Supports a users weight of up to 400 pounds
- Available in Black Walnut, Regal Rose, or Cobalt Blue
This contemporary version of mobility aid is long-lasting and affordable! The sleek, stylish frame is made of high-grade aircraft aluminum. It is perfect for users with balancing issues, limited mobility, or those recovering from hip and knee replacement surgery and back surgery.
Types of Rollators
There are two types of rollators; three-wheeled or four-wheeled rollators. They both feature easy-to-use handbrakes, 7.5-inch casters for indoor or outdoor use, and lightweight, adjustable frames that fold for portability and storage. A three-wheeled rollator doesn’t have a seat for resting, and it is easier to maneuver around tight spaces. Some three-wheeled rollators come with a storage bag, basket, and tray, while other rollators just come with the storage bag.
The traditional four-wheeled rollator features a foldable aluminum frame with height-adjustable handles, easy-to-use hand brakes, a padded seat with either a basket or storage bag beneath it. They come in a variety of colors and with either 6 or 8-inch casters.
Traditional models are also available for bariatric users. The bariatric models are extra wide and feature adjustable heights for the very tall.
Just like the traditional walker, today’s contemporary rollators are a step ahead of the pack. This EZ Fold-N-Go Rollator from Stander offers a new experience in rollators. It keeps you or your loved one on the move in style.
The EZ Fold-N-Go Rollator weighs only 15 pounds and collapses 3 times smaller than traditional rollators. Other features include:
- Full locking brake system with reversible brake pads
- A comfortable seat for resting in between steps
- A storage pouch on the front of the walker and a convenient basket underneath the seat
- Four 6-inch castor wheels – swiveling front castors and fixed back castors
- Supports up to 250 pounds
- Available in three vibrant colors: black walnut, regal rose, and cobalt blue
These unique mobility aids are available on TheElderExpo.com. Choose the walker or rollator that’s right for you or your loved one to maintain a safe and independent lifestyle. Should you have any questions, please contact us at 1.877.728.9507. Our office hours are Monday through Friday, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm EST.