Rollators
Looking for a Rollator or walker Nearby or near you? We also have the upright rollator. Bluffton, Hilton Head, Sun City, Okatie, Beaufort, Ridgeland, SC. Orthotape is located off Rt 170 in Riverwalk.
WHAT IS A ROLLATOR?
Rollators, or rolling walkers, help the patient to walk with improved stability. Many Rollators come with a seat for a convenient place to rest during a walk.
WHO SHOULD USE A ROLLATOR?
Rollators can provide balance and stability for individuals at risk of falling and can more evenly help support body weight vs other medical devices like canes. You may find a Rollator helpful if:
Rollators, or rolling walkers, help the patient to walk with improved stability. Many Rollators come with a seat for a convenient place to rest during a walk.
WHO SHOULD USE A ROLLATOR?
Rollators can provide balance and stability for individuals at risk of falling and can more evenly help support body weight vs other medical devices like canes. You may find a Rollator helpful if:
- Have mild to moderate stability & balance issues
- Are recovering from surgery and need support on both sides of the body
- Tire quickly while walking and regularly need a place to rest
- Do not need to lean (weight-bearing) on the walker for balance
At OrthoTape, we are glad to support you with our various orthopedic medical supplies. Whether you shop our reliable Rollator Walkers or any of our casting, padding, or bracing options, we look forward to serving you excellent products. See the bottom of this page if you have questions about what you should consider before buying a Rollator. Or, if you have other store-related queries or concerns, feel free to contact us for more information. Our OrthoTape team will get back to you with impeccable customer service.
Things to Consider Before Purchasing a Rollator
What is the best rollator? There is no “best rollator” in particular; the best would be what is best for your personal needs and preferences. You’ll want to consider the following to know which rollator is the best kind for you.
Three or Four Wheels?
The first thing to consider when buying a rollator, is three wheels or four wheels?
Three-wheel rollators are narrower, giving them a tighter turning radius and making it easier for them to fit through smaller walkways. Because of the maneuverability several people prefer them for indoor use. On the other hand, with only three wheels, these rollators do not come with a seat and are less stable.
Four-wheel rollators are more commonly preferred. Although they are wider and heavier than the three-wheel rollators, they can accommodate a larger range of heights and weights. They also can come equipped with a seat to rest on.
Wheel Size
After deciding on the number of wheels your rollator will need you will also want to consider the wheels’ diameter. Most wheels will be between 6-10 inches with 8-inch wheels’ or above being considered large.
Large wheels allow better maneuverability outdoors and on rugged terrains. While rollators with smaller wheels are a better for tighter turns and even terrain.
Seat
If you want a rollator with a seat for resting, be sure it is comfortable. Look for a rollator with a cushioned or sling seat for maximum comfort. While unpadded plastic chairs are easy to clean, they can be uncomfortable to sit on.
You should also pay attention to the proportions of the seat. Most normal rollator seat widths are tiny, ranging from 13" to 18", although the rollator's internal width will be several inches bigger. Measure the breadth of your rear while sitting on a level surface to determine the proper width for you. To guarantee proper sitting, add an inch or two to this measurement.
Seat Height
Seat-to-floor height, often known as seat height, should allow you to sit comfortably without hanging your feet. While standing in daily shoes, measure the distance from the floor to the crease at the back of the user's knee. The seat-to-floor height you should seek for in a rollator will be determined by this measurement.
It's a good idea to have a rollator with an adjustable seat-to-floor height so you may modify it as needed.
Handle Height
The user should stand in their ordinary shoes with their arms at their sides and elbows bent slightly to determine the optimal handle height. While in this posture, measure the distance between the floor and the middle of their wrist. For them, this measurement will be the proper handle height. It's possible that you'll need to invest in a rollator designed for taller or shorter folks.
Although most rollators include height-adjustable handles, many users believe that the best rollators offer a broad range of adjustment. That way, if necessary, it may be raised or lowered an inch or two above or below the measurement.
Overall Width
Your rollator should fit through most doors and passages with ease. To be sure, measure the narrowest area in your most often visited locations, such as your house, school, or office. Look for a rollator that is at least an inch or two less in total width than this dimension. The majority of rollators will be 22" to 31" broad.
Overall Weight
The rollator's overall weight might be significant, especially if you require one that can be moved anywhere. Traveling with a lightweight rollator is simple and convenient. Aluminum is commonly used to make lightweight rollator frames, which can weigh as little as 11 pounds.
Other rollators can weigh up to 26 pounds, but if you won't be using yours very often, this may be plenty. To pick the ideal rollator for your scenario, pay attention to the overall weight of various rollators.
Weight Capacity
The weight capacity of the rollator should also be evaluated to ensure that the user is supported safely. The weight capacity of standard rollators is normally between 250 and 350 pounds. You may find that you require a heavy-duty rollator with a weight capability of 400 to 500 pounds.
Rollator Accessories
In addition to the appropriate requirements, you should think about any accessories you might need or want for your rollator.
Consider whether you would prefer a storage basket or pouch with your rollator. Many people prefer a pouch since it collapses with the rollator and allows them to store their belongings discretely. While baskets store objects in plain sight and must be removed before the rollator may be collapsed, some people like them since they can hold larger items.
Separately available accessories may be available. A basket organizer or an organizer bag, as well as a cup/cane holder and a portable flashlight, may be useful.
Does it Fold
The best rollators, according to most people, are easily collapsible so that they may be loaded in a car and transferred if necessary. You'll most likely need a folding rollator if you plan to travel with it.
Are Replacement parts easily accessible
Your rollator should last as long as you require it. Buying a rollator with easily available replacement components is the best way to ensure this. You will only have to repair the damaged component rather than the entire rollator if it is damaged in any manner.
On the product page for some rollators, there will be a link to where you can get replacement components. If not, you'll have to look for "replacement parts" on the company's website or contact them directly to see if replacement parts are available for the rollator, you're interested in.
Types of Rollators
Sorting through all of your options after deciding that a rollator is the ideal mobility device for you might be difficult. Four-wheel, three-wheel, heavy-duty, and rollator/transport hybrid are the four basic types of rollators.
Four-Wheel Rollator
The most prevalent type of rollator is the four-wheel rollator. It features four wheels, two swivels in the front and two fixed wheels in the back, as the name suggests. These rollators also have soft seats to sit in, which are often supplied with a storage pouch beneath them.
Three-Wheel Rollator
Three-wheel rollators have one front wheel and two back wheels, allowing them to be smaller and more compact. These rollators, however, are unable to be supplied with seats due to their narrower dimensions, and normally just come with a storage bag.
Bariatric Rollator
Heavy-duty rollators, also known as bariatric rollators, are composed of more robust materials and have larger wheels. This makes them heavier, but it also makes them more resilient and capable of safely supporting bigger weights. The weight capacity of these rollators is normally around 500 pounds.
Rollator Transport Chair Hybrid
When necessary, these attachments allow the rollator to be readily converted into a transport chair. Rather than buying both a rollator and a transport chair, users can walk freely or be pushed by someone else with a single cost-effective gadget. These are particularly useful for persons recovering from surgery or injury, as they only need to be pushed by someone else in the initial stages of recuperation before transferring to a rollator.
How to Properly Use a Rollator
Aside from materials, certain wheelchairs may have part variations and many accessories from which to choose. Each possibility will be determined by your requirements and preferences.
Height Adjustments
The first thing you should do when you obtain your rollator is make sure the seat and handle height settings are adjusted to your needs. While you've most likely purchased the correct rollator for your specs, it may still need to be modified. You can also discover that your ideal height is different from what you measured. If the seat height of your rollator can be adjusted, do so first. Then adjust the handles to a comfortable height that allows you to push the rollator without bending forward or too much bending of your elbows.
What is the best rollator? There is no “best rollator” in particular; the best would be what is best for your personal needs and preferences. You’ll want to consider the following to know which rollator is the best kind for you.
Three or Four Wheels?
The first thing to consider when buying a rollator, is three wheels or four wheels?
Three-wheel rollators are narrower, giving them a tighter turning radius and making it easier for them to fit through smaller walkways. Because of the maneuverability several people prefer them for indoor use. On the other hand, with only three wheels, these rollators do not come with a seat and are less stable.
Four-wheel rollators are more commonly preferred. Although they are wider and heavier than the three-wheel rollators, they can accommodate a larger range of heights and weights. They also can come equipped with a seat to rest on.
Wheel Size
After deciding on the number of wheels your rollator will need you will also want to consider the wheels’ diameter. Most wheels will be between 6-10 inches with 8-inch wheels’ or above being considered large.
Large wheels allow better maneuverability outdoors and on rugged terrains. While rollators with smaller wheels are a better for tighter turns and even terrain.
Seat
If you want a rollator with a seat for resting, be sure it is comfortable. Look for a rollator with a cushioned or sling seat for maximum comfort. While unpadded plastic chairs are easy to clean, they can be uncomfortable to sit on.
You should also pay attention to the proportions of the seat. Most normal rollator seat widths are tiny, ranging from 13" to 18", although the rollator's internal width will be several inches bigger. Measure the breadth of your rear while sitting on a level surface to determine the proper width for you. To guarantee proper sitting, add an inch or two to this measurement.
Seat Height
Seat-to-floor height, often known as seat height, should allow you to sit comfortably without hanging your feet. While standing in daily shoes, measure the distance from the floor to the crease at the back of the user's knee. The seat-to-floor height you should seek for in a rollator will be determined by this measurement.
It's a good idea to have a rollator with an adjustable seat-to-floor height so you may modify it as needed.
Handle Height
The user should stand in their ordinary shoes with their arms at their sides and elbows bent slightly to determine the optimal handle height. While in this posture, measure the distance between the floor and the middle of their wrist. For them, this measurement will be the proper handle height. It's possible that you'll need to invest in a rollator designed for taller or shorter folks.
Although most rollators include height-adjustable handles, many users believe that the best rollators offer a broad range of adjustment. That way, if necessary, it may be raised or lowered an inch or two above or below the measurement.
Overall Width
Your rollator should fit through most doors and passages with ease. To be sure, measure the narrowest area in your most often visited locations, such as your house, school, or office. Look for a rollator that is at least an inch or two less in total width than this dimension. The majority of rollators will be 22" to 31" broad.
Overall Weight
The rollator's overall weight might be significant, especially if you require one that can be moved anywhere. Traveling with a lightweight rollator is simple and convenient. Aluminum is commonly used to make lightweight rollator frames, which can weigh as little as 11 pounds.
Other rollators can weigh up to 26 pounds, but if you won't be using yours very often, this may be plenty. To pick the ideal rollator for your scenario, pay attention to the overall weight of various rollators.
Weight Capacity
The weight capacity of the rollator should also be evaluated to ensure that the user is supported safely. The weight capacity of standard rollators is normally between 250 and 350 pounds. You may find that you require a heavy-duty rollator with a weight capability of 400 to 500 pounds.
Rollator Accessories
In addition to the appropriate requirements, you should think about any accessories you might need or want for your rollator.
Consider whether you would prefer a storage basket or pouch with your rollator. Many people prefer a pouch since it collapses with the rollator and allows them to store their belongings discretely. While baskets store objects in plain sight and must be removed before the rollator may be collapsed, some people like them since they can hold larger items.
Separately available accessories may be available. A basket organizer or an organizer bag, as well as a cup/cane holder and a portable flashlight, may be useful.
Does it Fold
The best rollators, according to most people, are easily collapsible so that they may be loaded in a car and transferred if necessary. You'll most likely need a folding rollator if you plan to travel with it.
Are Replacement parts easily accessible
Your rollator should last as long as you require it. Buying a rollator with easily available replacement components is the best way to ensure this. You will only have to repair the damaged component rather than the entire rollator if it is damaged in any manner.
On the product page for some rollators, there will be a link to where you can get replacement components. If not, you'll have to look for "replacement parts" on the company's website or contact them directly to see if replacement parts are available for the rollator, you're interested in.
Types of Rollators
Sorting through all of your options after deciding that a rollator is the ideal mobility device for you might be difficult. Four-wheel, three-wheel, heavy-duty, and rollator/transport hybrid are the four basic types of rollators.
Four-Wheel Rollator
The most prevalent type of rollator is the four-wheel rollator. It features four wheels, two swivels in the front and two fixed wheels in the back, as the name suggests. These rollators also have soft seats to sit in, which are often supplied with a storage pouch beneath them.
Three-Wheel Rollator
Three-wheel rollators have one front wheel and two back wheels, allowing them to be smaller and more compact. These rollators, however, are unable to be supplied with seats due to their narrower dimensions, and normally just come with a storage bag.
Bariatric Rollator
Heavy-duty rollators, also known as bariatric rollators, are composed of more robust materials and have larger wheels. This makes them heavier, but it also makes them more resilient and capable of safely supporting bigger weights. The weight capacity of these rollators is normally around 500 pounds.
Rollator Transport Chair Hybrid
When necessary, these attachments allow the rollator to be readily converted into a transport chair. Rather than buying both a rollator and a transport chair, users can walk freely or be pushed by someone else with a single cost-effective gadget. These are particularly useful for persons recovering from surgery or injury, as they only need to be pushed by someone else in the initial stages of recuperation before transferring to a rollator.
How to Properly Use a Rollator
Aside from materials, certain wheelchairs may have part variations and many accessories from which to choose. Each possibility will be determined by your requirements and preferences.
Height Adjustments
The first thing you should do when you obtain your rollator is make sure the seat and handle height settings are adjusted to your needs. While you've most likely purchased the correct rollator for your specs, it may still need to be modified. You can also discover that your ideal height is different from what you measured. If the seat height of your rollator can be adjusted, do so first. Then adjust the handles to a comfortable height that allows you to push the rollator without bending forward or too much bending of your elbows.
