A secure support Mobile with walker - Walker models and accessories for every need
Basically, a rollator is relatively simple in structure: a lightweight yet sturdy frame, four puncture-proof wheels, two hand grips, two hand brakes, a tray that also serves as a seat, a basket or net, and practical accessories make it the ideal companion for everyday life. For trips on the bus, train, or car, most rollators can be folded up and stored compactly. Here, one distinguishes between longitudinal folders, which stand securely on four wheels and save space, and less comfortable variants that are folded sideways.
Typically, three types of walkers are distinguished:
The apartment walker or walker for the apartment is exclusively intended for use in the apartment or house. It is narrower than a daily and outdoor walker or outdoor walker and has significantly smaller wheels. This makes it easy to use in your own four walls. It is available in classic wooden design or made of lightweight aluminum, allowing it to blend inconspicuously and harmoniously into the overall picture.
"Through storage and transport options (tray or basket), it can be used like a mobile table or a serving cart."
However, these advantages are also the most significant disadvantages of the indoor rollator – due to the smaller wheels, the risk of falling is greater (beware of carpet edges!), it is often not height-adjustable and not as stable as rollators that are designed for outdoor use as well. In principle, indoor rollators should be just as safe and stable as the other two types of rollators.
As the name suggests, the Outdoor Rollator is designed for outdoor use. Even off paved roads and sidewalks, it allows for safe travel on forest and gravel paths or cobblestones. A central feature is the significantly larger (front) wheels, which, with a slightly wider overall stance, ensure stability and better absorb unevenness in the ground. Quality manufacturers pay attention to a high puncture safety of the respective tires. Outdoor Rollators should be completely rust-free and designed for a body weight of up to about 150 kilograms. This makes them suitable for stronger rollator users as well. The handles of such a rollator type should be secured against twisting and shaped to meet the highest ergonomic standards. They serve as a support for the palms to relieve pressure. This feature should not be underestimated when traveling on longer and/or bumpy routes. It is best to test the driving characteristics on a "bumpy track" in a medical supply store or on cobblestones. The steering should be smooth and agile despite the larger wheels. Since Outdoor Rollators are often transported, they should be easy and safe to fold up.
The daily rollator can be used indoors and outdoors. The inexpensive standard or insurance model is usually made of steel tubing, simply and robustly constructed. The usual equipment includes a metal shopping basket and a plastic seat. Thus, the standard model, which is paid for by health insurance, fulfills the basic functions of a rollator – but nothing more. Weighing up to 14 kilograms, standard rollators are very heavy and bulky, are more difficult to fold due to their cross-folding design, have fewer functions, and sometimes safety deficiencies. In contrast, modern premium models lightweight rollators or carbon rollators impress with high stability at a comparatively low weight of less than 8 kilograms. Another quality criterion is the brakes, which must not only function reliably but should also be operated effortlessly from the handle. Important for transport is the folding mechanism – so-called longitudinal folders can be folded with one hand and securely fixed in this position without pinching fingers and without the walking aid tipping over in the waiting room or on the bus.
Our tip: Test this mechanism to ensure that the walker does not accidentally collapse when loading it into the car!
Brian Lorson,
Physiotherapist, fitness specialist, and lecturer in the disability rehabilitation sports association:
"A walker should not be used only when there are already significant walking problems. From a therapeutic perspective, it is more sensible to use it already in cases of mild gait disturbances and/or dizziness symptoms, or also when long walking distances or shopping become too exhausting, but one still wants to remain mobile. Those who only deal with the handling of the walker when strength, coordination, and mobility are already severely limited find it harder to get used to it."
Functions such as a tipping aid on both sides, which make it easier to overcome curbs or other small obstacles, not only serve comfort but are a must for your safety. Premium rollators can impress in almost all categories, as they have already proven in various tests. Independent institutes such as the German Society for Gerontechnology or the Action Healthy Back e.V. have selected rollators tested under certain criteria (e.g., back-friendliness). This, of course, comes at a price. A co-payment is required for the additional costs covered by your health insurance.
Useful Accessories: For most rollators, accessories are available. There are also differences here. While rollator accessories for standard models are merely universal, various premium manufacturers offer, for example, individually adjustable and tool-free mountable back straps and umbrellas, a senior-friendly lock for the rollator, or even theft and vandalism insurance that guarantees a replacement in case of damage. Many useful features of premium models are retrofittable – it is best to pay attention to your desired equipment during the consultation with the specialist so that your needs are taken into account as best as possible.
