Rollator Walker Vs. Traditional Walker: Which One Is Right For Your Loved One?
Many factors should be considered when choosing between walking aids for the person you care for. The ultimate goal of an assistive device is to support an individual while they walk safely, allow them to walk further distances, and prevent falls. Important things to consider when choosing a walker include:
- The reason they need extra support (for example, because they get short of breath or because they have weak legs and need support)
- The environment where they’ll use the walker
- The portability of the device that you or your loved one desires
In this article, we’ll explore the key differences between a rollator walker and a traditional walker. We will also review reasons why you might choose one over the other for the person you care for. Be sure to check if you have free access to Trualta’s caregiver learning library for more information.
What Are Rollator Walkers?
A rollator walker (or a “4 wheeled walker”) is a mobility device that supports individuals with impaired balance and decreased endurance. Below are common rollator accessories:
- Four large wheels. A rollator has four wheels, which is different from a traditional walker, which has four legs and no wheels. The four wheels allow the rollator to glide easily with the least amount of resistance.
- Height adjustable handles with a brake on each side. Because this device glides easily, the handlebars have brakes that allow the user to slow the walker down.
- A padded seat. A rollator has a comfortable seat that the user can use to turn around and take a break when they’re tired or to put things on to transport from one area to another.
- Storage basket. Sometimes, under the seat, there is a basket where the user can put their belongings, such as a shopping bag or purse.
What Are Traditional Walkers?
A traditional walker is a mobility device with fewer features than a rollator and a sturdy frame to provide more support to the user. Key features of a traditional walker include:
- Four legs. A traditional walker has four legs and no wheels, which makes the device more stable for individuals with limited mobility. This mobility aid would be most appropriate for someone with weak legs or a weight-bearing restriction.
- Foldable design. Traditional walkers are compact and able to be folded up, which makes transporting them much easier than a rollator walker.
- Adjustable legs. The legs of a traditional walker are adjustable and can be moved up or down depending on the user’s height.
Which Walking Aid Is Best for Your Loved One?
Now that you understand the key features of each type of walker, let’s look at considerations when choosing which walker is best for the person you care for.
Consideration 1: Why Do They Need The Walker?
One of the most important factors to consider is the functional status and condition of the person you care for. Are they using a walker to support themselves while they have a broken hip and can’t put weight on their leg? Or is it because they get winded and short of breath? Below, we’ll explore more:
- Rollator Walker: A rollator is best suited for someone who can walk household and community distances but gets fatigued or short of breath and needs a place to sit. Because this type of walker has four larger wheels, it’s unsafe for people who need to put a lot of upper body weight through the handles because it could slide out from underneath them.
- Traditional Walker: A traditional walker has four legs and provides more support and stability to the individual using it. It would be appropriate to use a traditional walker for someone who has an ankle fracture and needs to keep weight off their leg to let it heal. This type of walker is also best for people with weakness in their legs, balance issues, or those who are prone to falling because it gives more support.
Consideration 2: The Environment
The environment in which the care recipient plans to use the walker is also important to consider.
- Rollator Walker. A rollator is larger and may be more cumbersome than a traditional walker. It’s harder to maneuver in tight spaces. Because it’s so easy to push, it’s easily used in the community while the care recipient walks around grocery stores, church, or the mall.
- Traditional Walker. A traditional walker is more compact than a rollator. It can be easily used around the house and is maneuverable in tight spaces. Because there are no wheels, an individual must pick the walker up and place it in front of them, which may be tiring for an individual using it to walk community distances.
Consideration 3: The Portability Of The Mobility Aid
The device’s portability must be considered when choosing which walker is best.
- Rollator walker. Most rollators can fold up; however, they’re often heavier and bulkier than a traditional walker. This is important to consider if you or the person you care for has to lift the walker up and down stairs or transport it in a car.
- Traditional walker. A traditional walker is more portable than a rollator, and the handles can fold, making it compact and easier to transport. A standard walker is also lighter than a rollator walker, making it easier to lift to get in and out of a car.
To learn more tips and tricks about different mobility aids, check if you have free access to Trualta’s library for related articles and resources.
References:
- Cleveland Clinic. (n.d.). How to use a walker. Cleveland Clinic. Retrieved February 8, 2025, from https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/procedures/how-to-use-a-walker
- Mayo Clinic. (n.d.). Walker: A guide to choosing and using a walker. Mayo Clinic. Retrieved February 8, 2025, from https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/healthy-aging/in-depth/walker/art-20546805
- Silver Cross. (n.d.). How to choose a walker or rollator. Silver Cross. Retrieved February 8, 2025, from https://silvercross.com/walkers-and-rollators/how-to-choose-a-walker-rollator/#:~:text=The%20type%20of%20walker%20or,walker%20repeatedly%20may%20get%20tiring.
- PhysioED. (n.d.). Rollator walker: Benefits and how to choose. PhysioED. Retrieved February 8, 2025, from https://physioed.com/rollator-walker/
