Medline Empower Rollator Review

By jwilder

Having a quality, versatile rollator walker is one of the best ways that a senior can stay active and independent, despite balance or other walking issues. They also help you go farther and faster than a non-wheeled walker.

Medline, one of the world’s leading producers of medical equipment, has designed the Empower rollator walker for just that purpose. This affordable, comfortable walker brings a lot to the table for just about any senior’s needs. Read our Medline Empower rollator review to learn more about this popular model, whether it’s right for you, and other rollator options out there!

Review of: Medline Empower Rollator

Please click image for more info

What We Like:

Large wheels
Easy to adjust
Easy to maneuver
Easy hand brakes
Roomy storage

What We Don’t Like:

Hard to assemble
Too heavy

Our Conclusion: For many seniors, the Medline Empower rollator walker is going to meet just about any need they have. It comes from a trusted, United States-based company. It’s perfect for indoor and outdoor use, and it has features that are ideal for people with poor balance. The seat and backrest are some of the softest on the market, too!

Features of Medline Empower Rollator

Plush Seat and Backrest

The major appeal of a rollator walker is the ability to sit and rest. The Empower has a memory foam seat and wide, cushioned backrest. This makes it extremely comfortable, almost like sitting in an actual chair. For people with diseases such as COPD, a rollator that provides a moment of rest can be a great benefit to overall health, reducing breathlessness and increasing capacity to exercise!

8-Inch Wheels

Tall, thick wheels are a must-have feature if you want to take your rollator walker outdoors on grass, dirt, and gravel. The wheels on the Empower can handle just about anything, which means you won’t be limited to indoor and sidewalk use. Many rollators are made for indoor use only and lose their helpfulness when encountering grass; the Empower will keep up with you, step for step!

Lift-Up Seat

This walker’s seat can lift up, making it easier to access things in front of you such as sinks and countertops. This may not seem like a groundbreaking feature, but people who’ve had other rollators in the past will understand. It can be tedious and sometimes even dangerous to move your rollator to the side so you can access a sink. Doing so takes time, and can leave you more vulnerable to a fall. The Empower lets you stay within reach of your walker’s handlebars, so you’ll never be risking a fall just by using a sink or countertop!

Cupholder and Storage Bag

There is a storage bag under the seat and an attached cupholder that makes it easy to bring your belongings with you. The storage bag is roomy while not impeding your walking motion; the cupholder is placed in a spot that’s easy to reach while walking or sitting.

High Weight and Height Capacity

Most rollators simply aren’t suitable for people who are heavier or taller than average. The Empire rollator walker, however, has a weight limit of 300 pounds, making it usable by almost all people. Similarly, the handlebars can extend to accommodate a person who is up to 6’4”, more than 3 inches higher than a common, cheap rollator. If you’re a person who’s had bad experiences with a rollator that couldn’t meet your needs, the Empire might be the upgrade you’re looking for!

Folds Completely Flat

Nothing can quite ruin the convenience of a rollator walker like one that won’t fold down enough to be put into a car or tucked out of the way. The Empower is designed so that it can very easily fold all the way flat. This prevents it from becoming a nuisance when not in use!

Specifications of Medline Empower Rollator

Inside Walker Width: 17.5″
Latex Free
Overall Width: 26.5″
Product Weight (LB): 17 lb (23lb with packaging)
Walker Height Range: 31″-37″
Weight Capacity: 300 lb
Wheel Size: 8″

Video Overview of Medline Empower Rollator

Pros and Cons of Medline Empower Rollator

PROS

Large wheels make it great for outdoor use
Easy to adjust to any height
Cupholder and roomy storage bag
Seat lifts up for easy counter/sink access
Plush memory foam seat
Easy to maneuver and pivot
Easy hand brakes don’t require much strength to engage

CONS

Can be hard to assemble
17 pounds, can be too heavy for some users
Wide rear wheels can make it hard to navigate narrow hallways

Who is the Medline Empower Rollator For?

The Empower rollator walker is perfect for seniors who need a versatile walker that can take them anywhere they want to go. Rather than be stuck on sidewalks and indoor areas, the Empower lets you safely walk across grass, gravel, and dirt.

It’s also a great choice for seniors with balance issues. Because it has a strong frame and brake system, it can keep you upright easily. Not only that- the lift-up seat allows you to access counters and sinks while still being protected by the rollator. With the Empower, your risk of a dangerous fall or accident is greatly reduced!

Lastly, this is a great rollator walker for seniors who need to take rest breaks while walking. Not everyone buys a rollator for the seat, but people with sciatic pain and other issues need them badly. The seat on the Empower is large and made of memory foam, making it very supportive and comfortable. The backrest, too, is larger and softer than the backrests of many other chairs. This means you can rest your muscles and joints while you’re out in a way that truly benefits your body. Whereas a cheap, uncomfortable rollator might let you get off your feet for a bit, the Empower lets you truly rest.

Competitor Products

There are a number of other rollators that offer similar features to the Medline Empower. Here are a few related rollator walkers that you may also want to consider:

1. Drive Medical Nitro DLX Euro-Style Rollator

This option from Drive Medical is a bit more expensive than the Empower, but it has a lot to offer. The handlebars extend to nearly 39 inches, making it one of the most tall-person-friendly rollators on the market. On top of that, the front wheels are a full 10 inches which makes it easy to tackle just about any terrain. While the seat may not be as soft as the seat on the Empower, it still has the same wide backrest that provides comfortable seating.

The only other major difference between this model and the Medline Empower rollator is the weight. This model is much heavier, by about 6 pounds. For people who may struggle to lift and store a heavier walker, this may be too much weight to move around. However, for many people, this is going to be a great choice of indoor/outdoor rollator!

2. Elenker Upright Walker

This is a pricey model, to be sure, but it’s ideal for people who need lots of support from their rollator. The padded armrests allow you to put a lot of weight on it, relieving pressure on your whole body. If you have poor balance or experience lots of pain, and a less-intensive rollator won’t cut it, the Elenker Upright Walker might be perfect for you!

It’s much more expensive and supportive than the Empower. Whereas the Empower is perfect for seniors who want a less bulky option that still provides good support, the Elenker model is for people who need more support than a standard rollator provides. If you only need an average amount of support, or only need a rollator for balance, the Empower is probably going to be a better, more easily maneuverable choice.

3. Medline B079PG3BR3 Rollator Walker

This option, also from Medline, is one of the least expensive rollators on the market that is worth trusting. It’s easy to maneuver, even in tight corners and hallways. It also has a very high weight capacity of 350 pounds; the height capacity isn’t as high- it’s only good for users up to about 6’2”.

It doesn’t have as many features as the Empower; it’s more of a straightforward, no-frills type of rollator walker. However, for the price, it’s very hard to complain. It will do the job, indoors and out, for many years!

If you’re working with a fixed or limited income, or your insurance will not cover a higher-priced rollator walker, this could be a perfect choice for you! Rollator walkers have also been shown to be beneficial devices for rehabilitation and short-term recovery from injuries and surgeries. If you want a rollator to aid in your rehab or recovery, this inexpensive model will serve you well!

Conclusion

The reality is, the upsides are high and the downsides are minimal with the Empower, so it can be a perfect match for almost any senior. If you’re looking for a rollator walker that can go anywhere you go, without getting in the way, the Medline Empower Rollator will do just that!

Medline Empower Rollator (Click image for more info)