Independence of movement is something most of us take for granted until we lose it, whether it’s partially or completely.
However, in the modern world there are countless ways for people to stay active and get around when our bodies start to resist. In this article, we’ll be looking at two similar but different mobility aids – rollators and walkers. We’ll look at what they have in common and where the differences lie, and help you to make the decision on which to get when the need arises.
First, a quick reminder of what rollators and walkers are:
- Walker (also called a walking frame or a Zimmer frame): A solid, waist-height tubular frame to support the user while walking. Most have no moving parts, but some have two wheels at the front.
- Rollator: A walking frame on four wheels (occasionally three), with handles and brakes. Most also have some storage capability and a seat.
Walkers and rollators as mobility aids
Both walkers and rollators tend to be used by people who still have the use of their legs, but where that use is limited. That could be because of injury, illness, weakness or recovery from surgery, for example. They might also be used by people with back, pelvis, hip, foot or ankle problems. They are also great for people who tire easily, as they can take a lot of the body weight, and with rollators, allow the user to have a sit down.
On the spectrum of mobility aids for walking, rollators and walkers sit between, say, a walking stick and a full wheelchair. Sometimes, users of these devices only need them from time to time, and won’t use them for short trips. Other times, they’ll be required permanently.
Rollators and walkers both bring safety and stability to people as they move around, and have a great quality of life impact.
What is a walker?
A walker is a solid four-footed frame that helps keep the user upright as they walk. They are very stable when used properly. The frame is U-shaped when viewed from above – it has two sides and a front. The user steps into the gap, then lifts the frame, moves it forwards a bit, puts it back down and takes the next step. Rubberised pads stop the walking frame from slipping.
Some walkers have wheels at the front. These are useful for people who have trouble lifting – they’ll roll the frame between steps, only needing to lift the back feet, which requires much less strength.
- ✅ Pros: Stability, simplicity, lightness, cost (compared to rollators).
- ❌ Cons: Slower pace, requires lifting, less suited for long distances.
- 👍 Best for: People with balance issues or those recovering from surgery.
What is a Rollator?
A rollator is a more complex piece of equipment, but its fundamental purpose is the same as the walker: to give mobility to people who can walk, but need assistance. As the name suggests, a rollator rolls forwards rather than needing to be lifted, and that’s achieved by having wheels – usually four, but sometimes three.
Because of the wheels, a rollator also needs brakes. Users don’t need to use them all the time if they’re walking at a slow, steady speed, but if there’s a lot of stopping and starting, the brakes will need to be used frequently, so people with grip weakness might not be able to use them safely. There are also locking brakes to hold the rollator in place.
As rollators don’t need to be constantly lifted, they can be significantly heavier than walkers. However, this also means they can have extra features like storage baskets, seats and armrests.
- ✅ Pros: Faster movement, more independence, rest and shopping options.
- ❌ Cons: Need practice to operate safely, can be expensive, heavier to transport.
- 👍 Best for: People with mild balance issues, fatigue, or needing rest breaks
Signs you may need a walker
What kind of things should you look out for to determine whether you need a walker?
- Difficulty standing steadily.
- Recovering from hip or knee surgery.
- Very limited walking endurance.
- Needing maximum stability above all else.
Signs you may need a rollator
Rollators cater to a slightly different group of people:
- You can walk, but you tire quickly.
- You need to carry items while walking.
- You want to walk outdoors on varied terrain.
- Needing to sit and rest often.
Consulting with a healthcare professional
If it’s your first mobility assistance device, we would always advise you to consult with a relevant healthcare professional, be that your GP, a physical therapist, or a specialist treating a condition that you have. They will have plenty of experience understanding people’s needs, along with your personal situation. As both devices are usually adjustable, they will also be able to help you to set yours up to achieve maximum comfort and mobility.
Both rollators and walking frames are pretty safe and stable, but getting the wrong one could lead to safety issues, for example if your grip is not strong enough to apply the brakes on a rollator.
Other considerations
There are a few extra factors to bear in mind, which could affect your decision:
- Budget: Walkers typically cost less than £50, while rollators can be in the £100–350 range, depending on their features and materials.
- Home environment: How wide are your doors and corridors, and can you store the device, folded or unfolded?
- Weight capacity: All devices have maximum weight capacities, so make sure you choose one that can handle you and the things you carry.
- Transport and storage: Does the device fold down, and if so, how much? You’ll need to know if you can get the device in a car, taxi or public transport.
Extra freedom for you
Rollators and walkers offer freedom to people with similar mobility issues, but there are a few features that make one type preferable over the other for most people. Make sure you involve your healthcare professional, and take into account all the considerations listed above, but once you’ve made up your mind which type you need, you can start shopping for your perfect rollator or walking frame.
