The selection of outdoor rollators on the market is vast, and for many, it can be a jungle to navigate. Especially if you are completely new to the area. -As a nurse, I would like to help you with that.
In this article, I will try to give my suggestion for what the best rollator for outdoor use might be.
I have many customers who call or visit our store in Børkop daily. Many are unsure about which type of rollator to choose, and what is important for them.
It is always very individual what kind of support we need, and what matters most.
However, there are fundamentally 9 points that apply to virtually all rollator users:
1) The rollator must be made of good quality, so safety is paramount.
It is important to choose a good lightweight model, so it does not become a hindrance for you if you need to take it with you everywhere. If it is too heavy, it can be a problem to fold it up and take it in the back of the car. Here, we always recommend buying either in aluminum, or even better; in carbon fiber.
2) There must be good strong brakes installed.
This includes both a handbrake and a parking brake. They must be easy to use.
3) It must be foldable and easy to collapse
So it can be taken in the trunk, on the train, on the bus, and on package holidays.
4) It is important that a safety lock is installed
(see the red part by the seat), so when you fold the rollator, it clicks the rollator into place. If it does not lock the frame together, you risk getting your fingers and hands caught, and it unfolding while you lift it, which can cause severe falls.
5) Your rollator must be at the correct height.
Here, the height of both the handles and the seat height itself is extremely important. The reason for this is that many rollator users experience either dizziness, poor balance, or reduced muscle strength. Therefore, it is important to be able to sit down quickly and safely and take a rest. If the height is too great, you might not be able to reach the ground if you are sitting on the seat, and the support handles will be too high, causing you to raise your shoulders and tense up.
6) The correct seat height is important.
For us, a size SMALL corresponds to approximately 50 cm, Medium corresponds to approximately 55 cm, and LARGE corresponds to approximately 61-62 cm. A general rule of thumb is that if you are under 155 cm tall, a small will be perfect. If you are between 155-168 cm, medium will fit. If you are over 169 cm, we always recommend choosing a size large. The handles fit the rollator size and can be adjusted in height to suit you specifically. A small general tip is to stand upright in a straight position with your arms hanging heavily by your sides. Then take a tape measure and measure the length from the floor to your wrists. This is essentially the seat height. However, this may vary slightly if you have very long arms or very short/long legs.
7) The correct width of your seat is also extremely important,
So there is room to sit down. The standard width of a rollator can vary greatly. Most of our lightweight rollators, however, have a seat width of approximately 46 cm. This means that the vast majority can easily use a standard seat. If you are very broad across the shoulders and back, or have a bottom that is larger than a women's size 44, it is recommended that you choose a wide model. We have several smart models where the seat width is between 53-55 cm. These models are called HD, which will always appear after the rollator's name, e.g., Athlon HD. It is also recommended that you buy a rollator where the seat is made of transparent "net". The smart thing about being able to see through the net is that it is easier to see both your feet and the ground. This way, you avoid falls and unpleasant surprises, such as tiles sticking up or glass shards in your sandals.
8) Reflectors and other safety equipment
Can make a huge difference if you enjoy being outdoors. It is especially important that there are reflectors at the back and on the sides. It is easier to see what is coming from the front, while it can be harder to hear and see motorists and cyclists coming from behind and from the side. We sell extra reflectors, lights, and bells so you can move safely and securely.
9) Handle adjustment for correct support, posture, and balance.
This handle adjustment is always individual and should be done in consultation with healthcare professionals. A small rule of thumb is that you should stand in a straight, relaxed position with your shoulders low and your arms by your sides. Then bend your forearms so that you have a bend in your elbows of approximately 30 degrees. The reason for this is that if you bend less, you will feel all shocks, etc., from the ground directly in your shoulders, arms, and neck. If they are bent too much, you lose your balance, pull your shoulders up towards your ears, and you tend to fall more over your rollator. All of this causes tension and a feeling of imbalance.
If you are unsure about the various settings or if you have the correct size rollator, you are always welcome to visit the store at Ny Boder 11, Børkop, or send us an email with a picture of you and your rollator.
We have chosen to exclusively stock high-quality rollators. All made from lightweight materials, giving you greater freedom, whether you are traveling by public transport or simply navigating safely outdoors.
If you've been inspired, you can see our exclusive selection of foldable outdoor rollators here: https://seniorpleje.dk/collections/udendors-rollator-1
We hope you have found inspiration and that these 9 free tips can help you safely and confidently search for the perfect rollator. If you need professional health advice, you are always welcome to contact us by mobile or email, or visit our store in Børkop.
Best wishes from
Ditte Alici,
Nurse & Owner, Seniorpleje ApS
