Last Updated: June 8, 2021
Rollators, also known as rolling walkers, are a great way for seniors and individuals with mobility issues to gain independence and remain active.
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If you are looking for the best rollators on the market, this article is for you. We’ll also cover the Drive Medical Four-Wheel rollator which we consider to be the best rollator in the market.
6 Of The Best Rollators On The Market - Reviewed
1. Drive Medical 10257-1 Four-Wheel Rollator – Best Overall
The Drive Medical 10257-1 Four-Wheel Rollator is an excellent rollator for those who are looking to get the best value out of their money. One of its impressive features is the back support which is ideal for the elderly and those suffering from low back pain.
The seat is well-padded for utmost comfort. It also comes with a backrest which can be taken off if not needed. Besides, removing the backrest makes it easier to transport or store.
This rollator is equipped with large wheels that can maneuver with ease in all types of terrains. This makes it the best rollator for outdoor use as well as indoor use. If you’re worried that using your rollator indoors will leave marks, then you’ll be pleased to know that this model features non-marking wheels.
I also love that it comes with deluxe loop locks which can easily be activated by pressing the braking mechanism down.
Pros
- Ideal for indoor and outdoor use
- Padded and adjustable seat
- Removable backrest for easy storage
- Non-marking wheels
- Ergonomic handles
- Durable rubber wheels
Cons
- Heavy to lift
- Wheel bearing prone to breakage
- The seat may be too narrow for some
Takeaway
If you suffer from lower back pain due to old age or a medical condition, the Drive Medical Four-Wheel Rollator will come in handy. This is one of the best rollators for seniors that will help you get moving again.
2. Drive Medical Nitro Euro Style – Best Lightweight
If you are looking for the best lightweight rollator, Drive Medical Nitro Euro Style Rollator Walker may be what you need. This rollator has a compact size and collapses easily than most models in the market.
Besides, it features a lightweight aluminum frame and also folds from the middle, making it super easy to transport and store.
Other than its compact design, this rollator is a crowd-favorite, thanks to its stylish and sporty design. This is not your ordinary rollator since it is stylish but won’t compromise on comfort and convenience.
It is designed with ergonomic handles that can be adjusted from 33.5” to 38.25”. Although the nylon seat is not cushioned, it is still comfortable and can accommodate users weighing up to 300 pounds. It even comes with a backrest.
Another great feature of the Drive Medical Euro rollator is its 10” wheels with a caster fork structure for excellent control and turning radius. Besides, the built-in brake cable ensures added protection and safety.
Pros
- Lightweight and compact design
- Stylish design
- One-hand foldable design
- Includes removable zippered storage pouch
- Easy to use
Cons
- Compact frame may be too narrow for some
- Poor wheel construction
Takeaway
I strongly suggest this model if you are after comfort and convenience without compromising on style. Overall, it has exceptional features for its price.
3. Hugo Mobility Elite Rollator – Best Rollator With Seat
Designed with a 12” thick seat with two adjustable settings, there is no denying that the Hugo Rollator walker is among the best rolling walkers with a seat. The built-in seat features a backrest and a convenient storage bag under the seat.
With this model, people with mobility issues can go for a stroll without worrying too much about getting tired.
Another feature that I find really beneficial is the extra-large wheels for maneuverability and extra security. The 8” wheels will provide you with perfect stability whether you use the rollator indoors or outdoors.
Impressively, at just 18 pounds, this lightweight unit can accommodate a weight of up to 300 pounds. Plus, storing your items when going for errands won’t be a problem, thanks to the extra saddlebag.
Pros
- Extra-large wheels
- Highly stable
- Adjustable seat with backrest
- Lightweight design
- Simple to fold down
- Adjustable handlebars
- Extra storage
Cons
- Can be difficult for the handicapped person to reopen from the folded design
- Difficult to assemble for people with minimal strength
Takeaway
According to rollator walker reviews, individuals with stability and mobility issues will most likely find Hugo Portable Rollators very useful. It is a well-made model that’s designed for excellent mobility.
4. NOVA Traveler – Best 3 Wheel for Travel
If you travel a lot, then the Nova Traveler rollator is your best option. This walker is designed to fold with ease and can remain in the folded position. You can park it anywhere or fold it inward to make it stand upright.
It’s the best rollator on the market in terms of maneuverability. It can maneuver well in small and tight spaces, thanks to its 3-wheel design.
It is lightweight at just 16.5 pounds, making it easy to transport and store. However, don’t be fooled by its lightweight design as it can accommodate seniors weighing up to 250 pounds. Plus, it is suitable for taller individuals since the handle height can be adjusted up to 37 inches.
You don’t need much strength to activate the brakes. It also includes a large storage bag, wire basket, and removable storage tray if you want to enjoy some snacks while walking.
Pros
- Reasonably priced
- Great travel companion
- Extra storage space
- Easy-to-control brake system
- Folds flat and can stand upright
Cons
- Not very stable like a four-wheel model
- Omits a seat
Takeaway
Despite not having a seat, the NOVA 3- wheel rollator is still worth considering for those who are always on the go. Overall, it’s one of the best folding rollator walkers, especially if the great value for your money is a priority.
5. ProBasics Aluminum Rollator – Best Caregiver-Assisted
Designed serving as a transport chair, ProBasics Aluminum Rollator is probably one of the best versatile models on our list. This four-wheel rollator doubles up as a walker as well as a transport chair.
This makes it the best rollator walker with a seat for seniors who want a model that can be used independently or with help from a caregiver. Disabled or handicapped adults can also greatly benefit from this model.
This four-wheel rollator walker is designed with comfort in mind. It comes with a padded seat that can be used to transport a patient with the help of a caregiver.
Additionally, mobility is assured by the great back support and push handles.
Its lightweight design is made possible by its lightweight aluminum construction. Despite that, it can easily support up to 300 pounds of weight capacity. The height is also adjustable and the rollator can be folded with ease for travel or storage.
Pros
- Serves as a walker and transport chair
- Great back support
- Perfect for indoor and outdoor use
- Includes a footrest and caregiver push handle
- Optimal comfort
- Versatile
Cons
- The steering wheels are difficult to handle
Takeaway
Designed with the features of a rollator and a transport chair, this is arguably one of the best rolling walkers for seniors on the market. It is straightforward to operate independently and comes with features for effortless caregiver operation.
6. ELENKER Upright Walker – Best Upright Walker
The ELENKER rollator comes with a unique design that makes it stand out. As the name suggests, it is an upright walker that helps keep your back straight and relieves stress on both the back and shoulder area.
It comes with soft padded armrests that can be adjusted from 38” to 45” off the ground to keep your forearms at a natural level.
If you want to take rests in between your walks, you can sit on the breathable mesh seat that comes with a backrest. The rear wheels are designed with a lock system to ensure ultimate safety during rest brakes.
Another impressive feature is its 10” front wheels that feature a 360-degree swivel. This ensures better maneuverability both outdoors and indoors. The dual hand brakes are well-positioned to keep your hands upright, making it easy whether you prefer a stronger grip or a soft grip.
Pros
- Stylish design
- Adjustable padded armrests
- Comfortable, breathable mesh seat
- One-step folding system for storage
- Sturdy frame
Cons
- Armrests and brakes may be too forward for some
- Plastic wheels may not be very durable
Takeaway
The ELENKER rollator is worth considering for those that want to move while keeping the back straight. It relieves pressure on the back and shoulder and allows you to place your forearms naturally.
Factors To Consider Before Buying
We’ve covered the best rollators we can find on the market. However, not all of them has the same specifications, so in order to help you choose the right one for your needs, here are some factors you should consider:
Wheels
An important factor to consider when choosing the best rollator walkers is the wheels. Generally, rollators come with three or four wheels which are designed to ensure increased mobility. You have to keep in mind the following when it comes to rollator wheels:
Three-Wheeled or Four-Wheeled Rollators
The best 3-wheel walker is a great choice if you are after maneuverability. It is potentially lightweight and can turn with ease in tight spaces.
On the other hand, a four-wheeled rollator can be a bit heavy and difficult to maneuver. Nonetheless, it’s still a great option if you are looking for rollators with seats as it offers more stability for walking long distances. It’s also an excellent choice for taking short breaks.
Here’s a short video to guide you through that:
Wheel Size
Something else to keep in mind is the size of the wheels. Generally, most rollators are designed with wheels that measure between 6 and 10 inches wide.
Larger wheels offer great mobility even on rough terrain compared to smaller wheels. While larger wheels do well outdoors, smaller wheels are great for use indoors.
Material
Rollator wheels can be crafted using various materials like plastic, rubber, and blended material.
Plastic wheels are durable while rubber wheels offer excellent grip to traverse smooth surfaces. You want to keep in mind that the wheel material you choose will determine the rollator’s weight.
Portability And Foldability
Will you be traveling a lot with your rollator? If so, then you should consider one that is portable and foldable. A foldable rollator can easily fit in the car trunk and can be stored away easily when not in use.
In this case, a three-wheeled rollator may be the most ideal choice for you. Besides, some models are equipped with a locking system to ensure the rollator remains folded.
Usage
Know where you intend to primarily use your rollator, whether indoors or outdoors. If you intend to spend a lot of time indoors, I recommend choosing a model with smaller wheels, probably 6 to 8 inches in diameter.
However, if you will be using it a lot outdoors, you need the best rolling walkers with larger wheels that can perform well on uneven terrain.
Fit
Before you make a purchase, make sure that the rollator fits your height and weight appropriately. This is vital to ensure your overall comfort and health.
Just like using a standard walker, your elbows should rest at a 15-degree angle when you hold the grips of the rollator. You also will be able to engage the brakes with ease.
Also, it is recommended to try out the seat height and ensure that you don’t strain to sit or get up from the rollator. If you are taller, you want to find a model that comes with an adjustable wider height range. Generally, a good seat height should neither be too high nor too low.
Storage
If you plan to go on errands often, adequate storage is important. Any good rollator should come equipped with some sort of storage, whether it is bags or baskets.
Bags are more flexible while baskets are ideal for holding heavier objects. Therefore, if you will be going out for errands, a rollator with a seat and basket is ideal.
Brake Design
The brake system design is important for better safety. But how do rollator brakes work? The best rollators in the market offer one-touch brakes that allow you to stop safely when you want to rest.
If your rollator comes with a seat, see to it that it comes with secure locking brakes, allowing you to get off your feet safely.
Frequently Asked Questions About The Best Rollators
What should I look for when buying a rollator?
Before purchasing a rollator, there are several things that you need to consider. Here are important factors that will help you choose the best rollator that meets your needs and lifestyle:
- Wheel size
- Overall weight and capacity
- Handle height
- Storage options
- Adjustability
- Intended use
- Brake design
What is a rollator walker used for?
A rollator is a mobility device that supports people with various mobility issues and allows them to walk independently. These devices are geared towards those who need help to achieve more balance and give the support and mobility they need to walk over long distances.
Rollators also do a good job supporting those who need to support their weight.
Are rollators dangerous?
No, rollators are safe when used correctly. As mentioned, rollators are best suited for mobility assistance. Therefore, the user must not completely lean on the rollators since it is not designed to bear weight.
Who should not use a rollator walker?
A rollator is not recommended to anyone who does not have the ability and strength to control their speed and operate the brakes. This can become a problem, especially if you use the rollator outdoors on sloppy or uneven terrain.
It may also not be ideal for those with balance issues or who are too weak to stand. In this case, a walker would be a better choice.
Who makes the best rollator walker?
With the demand for rollators increasing, the market is flooded with manufacturers that produce various types of rollators.
But overall, Drive Medical is best known for producing high-quality rollators that come with exceptional features.
Conclusion
Hopefully, our comprehensive review covered the top-rated rollators on the market in detail. While all of the above models come with great features, we would highly recommend the Drive Medical Four-Wheel Rollator to be your first option.
It comes with ergonomic handles for a comfortable grip and features solid wheels for stability and safety. Also, the wheels don’t skid and are great for use both outdoors and indoors.
I especially love the built-in storage pouch under the seat and the loop locks on the handles.
Overall, your choice will depend on your specific needs and preference. Just ensure that your chosen rollator can help you walk safely and comfortably.