Patient Rights How a Rollator Differs From a Walker By Brian Carmody facebook twitter linkedin Brian Carmody was a Lieutenant and Captain in the U.S. Army Medical Service Corps, Brian trained for the delivery of medical care and supplies within the chaos of a battlefield, as well as within the structured organization of a military medical center. After his Active Duty service ended, Brian moved to the pharmaceutical industry and in the healthcare furniture, equipment, and supply distribution industry. Learn about our editorial process Brian Carmody Fact checked by Fact checked by Ashley Hall on December 07, 2020 linkedin Ashley Hall is a writer and fact checker who has been published in multiple medical journals in the field of surgery. Learn about our editorial process Ashley Hall on December 07, 2020 Print Mobility aids provide a wonderful service. They allow people to maintain a degree of independence. Walkers and rollators are two popular mobility aids that can help tremendously. Westend61 / Getty Images The Benefits of Mobility Aids Mobility aids come in handy when someone who has trouble getting around wants to continue living at home. Even for children with a walking difficulty, the walker, rollator, or wheelchair can give them the independence they need to attend school or go out with their friends. Both of which are helpful for self-esteem development. In another article, we looked at the different types of walkers. There are features that you should know about so that you can make an informed decision. In this companion article, we will examine the different types of rollators that are available so you can make sure you are buying the walking aid that best suits your needs. What Is a Rollator? A rollator is sometimes called a "wheeled walker." It consists of a frame with three or four large wheels, handlebars, and a built-in seat. If your condition requires you to stop and rest often, a rollator could be a better choice for you. Whereas a walker has no seat, a rollator with a seat and a crossbar for back support allow the user to stop and rest when needed. Rollators also have accessories that can be purchased, such as baskets to hold a shopping bag. Types of Rollators There are types of rollators that meet different needs. Some of these features can be found together, within the same rollator. Consider the benefits and shop until you find the one that has everything you need. As with walker features, many features available to rollators are not mutually exclusive. You can have a rollator that has height-adjustable handles, height-adjustable seat, and hand brakes. Height-Adjustable Rollator A rollator can have a seat and handlebars that can adjust in height. Some of them have enough range to be sold as both an "adult" and "youth" model. Handle Brakes Unlike walkers, rollators have wheels on all of the legs, whether they are four-wheel or three-wheel rollators. Therefore, rollators have handle brakes. Standard Weight Rollator The average weight of a rollator is around 15 pounds. There are models that are advertised as "lightweight." These lightweight models can weigh around eleven pounds. A few pounds makes a difference for some people. The other issue to consider regarding weight is "weight-capacity." Standard rollators are tested safe for people who weigh up to 250 pounds. There are models classified as "bariatric" but don't stop your research there. Some bariatric models are tested safe for people up to 350 pounds while others are tested safe for people who weigh up to 500 pounds. A bariatric rollator will typically have a lower seat to make it easier for the user to get in and out of. Make sure to take a close look at the actual weight capacity. Also, keep in mind that the higher the weight capacity, the more the rollator itself will weigh. Folding Rollator Like walkers, rollators can have a feature that allows them to fold up easily. When flat, they fit easier into a car, bus, or plane. Indoor/Outdoor Rollator Do you get out much? There are rollators with soft gripping casters and non-marring tires that are typically at least 6" in diameter. These serve a dual purpose and won't mark up your indoor floors while making it easier to maneuver over dirt paths in the park. Three-Wheel Rollator The three-wheel rollator is shaped like a tricycle. It is lighter than most four-wheel models and some say they are easier to maneuver because the three-wheel design enables sharper turns. This can be very handy in small spaces. These units can also have an easy-fold mechanism to make them suitable for transport. Does a Rollator Cost More? Rollators are generally more expensive than walkers. You can expect to pay around $50 more for a rollator than a walker. Of course, this is a generalization and you should discuss cost versus features with the salesperson and your family. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Sign up for our Health Tip of the Day newsletter, and receive daily tips that will help you live your healthiest life. Sign Up You're in! Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. There was an error. Please try again. What are your concerns? Other Inaccurate Hard to Understand Submit Article Sources Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. The University of Arizona Center on Aging. Choosing the correct walker. Elder Care. Updated May 2015.