How to Choose a Rollator: Buying Guide

A rollator is a wheeled walking aid designed to provide support, stability, and independence for people who have difficulty walking or standing for extended periods. Unlike traditional Zimmer frames, which are primarily intended for use around the home, rollators are available in both indoor and outdoor models to suit a wide range of needs and environments. Designed with user comfort in mind, many rollators feature a built-in seat, allowing users to rest whenever needed, as well as practical accessories such as shopping bags, baskets, and trays for carrying personal items. There are also specialist rollators available for specific mobility requirements, including models with one-handed braking systems for users with limited mobility on one side of the body, for example due to a stroke, raynauds and similar and ultra-lightweight rollators for those with reduced strength.

Rollators are commonly used by older adults, people recovering from injury or surgery, and anyone who requires extra support to remain active and independent. For some, a rollator is used daily both at home and outdoors, providing stability and confidence when walking. Others may use a walking stick for short journeys and rely on a rollator walker for longer distances or when carrying shopping and personal belongings. In many cases, a rollator also provides a convenient place to sit and rest during periods of fatigue, breathlessness, or pain.

Rollators are frequently used by people living with a range of health conditions and mobility challenges, including arthritis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS), multiple sclerosis (MS), myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME/CFS), Parkinson's disease, and other conditions that can affect balance, strength, endurance, or mobility. By providing additional support and a place to rest when needed, rollators can help users maintain their independence and continue carrying out everyday activities with greater confidence.

It is important to note that rollators are not suitable for everyone, for example those who are unable to stand unaided should not use a rollator. This guide is for general information only and is not a substitute for advice from a GP, physiotherapist, occupational therapist, or other qualified healthcare professional. If you are unsure which mobility aid is suitable, seek professional assessment. To learn more about types of walking aids available, view the Guide to Mobility Aids for Walking.

Rollators are designed to support users when walking, reducing the risk of falls and providing a safe place for users to rest when needed. Benefits of using a rollator include:

• Makes it easier to keep essentials close and carry shopping home, allowing users to continue to shop independently
• Improved confidence to leave the house more often and walk further which in turn improves mental wellbeing
• Encourages users to maintain an upright position when walking
• Reduces risk of falls as the rollator supports users and provides a safe place to sit during periods of fatigue, weakness and pain
• Encourages users to remain physically active which is beneficial to many conditions as it can help with joint stiffness and improve cardiovascular health
• Reduces fatigue as it allows users to sit and take a break when needed

When selecting a rollator, consider your primary environment of use (indoors, outdoors, or both), as well as your mobility, strength, and balance. Different types of rollators are designed to support different needs.

• 4-wheeled rollators: Generally used for everyday mobility support. They provide a stable walking aid for users who require consistent balance assistance on both indoor and outdoor surfaces.
• 3-wheeled rollators (tri-walkers): Typically lighter and more manoeuvrable than 4-wheeled models. They may be suitable where tighter turning space is required, but they usually provide less stability and support.
• Lightweight rollators: Designed for users who need to lift or transport the rollator frequently, for example when placing it into a car boot or carrying it over short distances such as steps or kerbs.
• Indoor rollators: Intended primarily for use within the home. These models often have a narrower frame to support movement through doorways and confined spaces.
• Heavy-duty rollators: Designed for users requiring a higher weight capacity and increased frame strength. They may also offer wider seating and enhanced durability for regular use.
• All-terrain rollators: Suitable for outdoor use on uneven or varied surfaces such as gravel paths, pavements, and countryside routes. Larger wheels may improve performance on rough ground but can reduce manoeuvrability indoors.

When standing upright next to a rollator, the handles should be level with your wrists, allowing you to comfortably grip the rollator while walking and maintain a comfortable posture.

For rollators with seats, the seat height should allow your feet to rest flat on the ground when seated. To check the seat width required, measure your hip width while seated to identify the minimum seat width you need.

Check your weight to identify the rollator capacity you require. Most rollators offer capacities of around 120 kg, however there are also a range of heavy‑duty and bariatric solutions available.

• All rollators are provided with a user manual, and it is important to review the manual prior to use.
• Rollators and walking aids should be regularly inspected for signs of damage or wear. All fixing points should be checked and any nuts should be tightened. It is especially important to inspect the frame, brakes, handles, seat, and wheels. If any damage is noted, contact the manufacturer for advice or replacement parts.
• Rollators should be regularly cleaned and kept free from dirt. In most cases, they can be wiped with a dry cloth; heavier dirt can be removed with warm water and a sponge.

• Before using your rollator, read the manufacturer's instructions and only use the rollator as intended. Never exceed the maximum user weight specified by the supplier.
• Ensure the rollator is fully unfolded and locked into position before use. Adjust the handle height to suit your needs. As a general guide, when standing upright beside the rollator, the handles should align with your wrists, allowing for a comfortable walking position with a slight bend in the elbows.
• Check that the brakes are working correctly before each use. If the rollator shows signs of wear, damage, or loose components, it should be inspected before further use.
• Always engage the parking brakes before sitting on the rollator seat to prevent it from moving unexpectedly.
• When walking on slopes or hills, gently apply the brakes to maintain control and prevent the rollator from moving too quickly.
• Take extra care when crossing uneven ground, kerbs, and thresholds. To overcome a kerb, carefully tilt the frame backwards to lift the front wheels. Some rollators include a kerb climber or tipping aid near the rear wheels to make this easier.
• Rollators should not be used on stairs or escalators. Where steps cannot be avoided, seek assistance or use an alternative accessible route.
• Only lift a rollator if you feel able to do so.

For further guidance around how to use a rollator safely, please view our blog, Rollator Walker Safety Guide: How to Choose and Use the Right Walking Aid.

• The majority purchasing rollators are eligible for VAT relief. VAT relief is available across all of our mobility aids, including rollators, walking sticks, wheelchair ramps, half steps, and bathroom aids. In the UK, people with long‑term disabilities do not have to pay VAT on mobility aids. Registered charities are also exempt from paying VAT on these items.
• When you add an item to your basket, simply complete your VAT exemption details in the VAT relief box to purchase the product without VAT. This is a self‑declaration — we only require the user’s full name and disability. You do not need to send any paperwork as evidence, nor do you need to be registered as disabled or claim benefits. To learn more view our blog around what disabilities qualify for VAT exemption.

At The Ramp People, all of our rollators include a minimum 1‑year warranty, with many models offering 2‑year, 3‑year, or even 7‑year coverage for added peace of mind.

All products come with a 60‑day returns period, so if the rollator is not suitable for your needs, you can easily return or exchange it.

Still need assistance? Our team is available throughout the week to help via phone, email, live chat or WhatsApp. If you’d rather we call you, you can easily request a callback here.