If you happen to experience walking longer distances tiring and if it induces fatigue, or if you happen to have a condition that impairs your balance, leg strength, or any problem of sorts that impacts your movement – you may find getting a mobility aid incredibly helpful when it comes to getting around with way more ease.

That being said, though, considering the abundance of various options available between walkers and rollators, it can be quite challenging to find the mobility aid that is right for you. So, to help you get a better understanding of whether you should choose a rollator or a walker instead, in this article, we will be talking about all the important parameters regarding the topic.

Assessing the vital parameters will give you the answer

Before we talk about the differences between walkers and rollators, we’re going to guide you through the things that you need to assess before opting for any kind of mobility aid as they are crucial in what your ultimate choice will be. Among various advice regarding mobility and accessibility, this site tackles the vital parameters that need to be assessed. It is suggested that the upper body strength, balance, the purpose of use, and general health are the most important factors that need to be considered. That being said, let’s see how they affect your choice exactly.

Upper body strength

Upper body strength is probably the most important factor out there because, if you opt for a walker, you should know that the products like these may require constant lifting for everyday use. That being said, even rollators that generally provide a better option for those with lower upper body strength will need to be lifted from time to time due to uneven terrain.

So, if your upper body strength is lower, it might be best for you to opt for a rollator in order to avoid fatigue.

Balance

Determining how easy balancing is for you is vital for assessing whether you can handle utilising a product without wheels, as a rollator can greatly help maintain balance.

Purpose of use

If you happen to travel outside your home frequently and love to go outside and participate in various activities, it may be best for you to consider how the walker or rollator can be folded in order to make things easier regarding storage and transport.

Generalities

It’s important to take your health, height, and weight into account before buying a mobility aid product – no matter if you opt for a walker or a rollator so that you can ensure that it fits properly.

It should also be mentioned that it would be best that the person considering a walking aid seek a healthcare professional’s advice. Your doctor will be able to carefully consider individual needs to help you find the right device.

Differences between walkers and rollators

The main difference between these two mobility aid product categories lies in the design – a walker is a frame equipped with handles, no wheels, which basically means that legs need to be lifted in order for the movement to occur. On the other hand, a rollator does have wheels, which makes it easier to use – all you have to do is push.

What about speed?

If you look for a slower pace, a walker is a way to go.  A rollator is equipped with three or four wheels, and it also features hand-operated brakes, which makes it faster, but breaks ensure proper safety measures. Another bonus lies in the fact that there are rollator models that have a seat to use when resting.

Differences regarding mobility

In case you aren’t able to bear weight on one or both legs, but you are mobile enough not to require a wheelchair, a walker is oftentimes considered the right choice as it offers greater support.

Because of its wheels and manoeuvrability, a rollator is best for those that can walk but need a little help when it comes to balance and stability. A rollator can also conserve the user’s energy because it doesn’t have to be lifted.

In the end, the choice between a rollator and a walker isn’t something that can be debated on a general level as both of the mobility aid devices have certain specifications that can be considered both pros and cons. For instance, the fact that a walker needs to be lifted may be a good, healthy dose of workout for some, hence being a pro, while it can be a huge problem for others who lack upper body strength and are ultimately just going to get extremely tired.

All of that being said, as we have discussed in the large portion of the text – before opting for a certain product, it’s important that you understand and assess the parameters that we have talked about so that you can get the best results from your product of choice.