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Best Rollator for Outdoor Use: 6 Top Picks & Tips for Buying

By Maurice

Best Rollator for Outdoor Use

When physical limitations or age-related issues start to affect your mobility, it is a frustrating and concerning issue for anyone. No one looks forward to the time when mobility, stability and a potential loss of independence occurs.

Before giving up, know that there are ways to get around these issues. When you first begin to notice a change in your balance, stamina, and overall mobility, it’s time to act. Instead of just settling for a more sedentary lifestyle, consider the options that are designed specifically for your continued mobility in mind.

One such option is a rollator.

What is a Rollator?

A rollator is another name for a rolling walker. As a twist to a standard walker with the standard aluminum frame, legs, and grips to help steady yourself while walking, a rollator has wheels.

Instead of picking up and moving the walker with each step, the wheels of a rollator allow the user to push the walker into action. This pushing motion allows users to move faster and better navigate the great outdoors.

A rollator restores confidence in your stability while taking a walk, running errands or simply continuing to enjoy the active lifestyle you’re accustomed to.

Are There Differences Between Indoor and Outdoor Rollators?

An indoor rollator helps you maneuver around indoors but is not recommended for users who have difficulties moving around much further than a few feet or from room to room. An indoor rollator uses smaller wheels, typically about six inches in size.

It’s also important to remember to measure interior doorways and hallways, giving yourself enough space to operate a rollator inside. A smaller rollator works better in smaller living spaces with tight turns, narrow hallways, or small bathrooms.

The biggest difference with an outdoor rollator is the larger, heavy-duty wheels. The sturdier wheels, usually around 8” to 10” in size, need to successfully navigate uneven or rough outdoor terrain. You will probably use the hand brakes more often outdoors.

The best rollator for outdoor use is outfitted with a seat for rest stops and storage capabilities to carry personal items, medical or other supplies.

How to Choose the Best Rollator for Outdoor Use – Start Here

Mobility Issues

Your body has a way of letting you know in no uncertain terms that something is not right. If you’ve fallen before or came close, you know how frightening it can be.


The danger of injury from a fall can affect your entire body, literally from head to toe. No one wants to get hurt and be laid up for weeks while injuries heal, not to mention the financial concerns of covering costs of medical attention and/or medications.


Some things that may require the use of a rollator include worsening arthritis, breathing issues, a heart condition, leg/foot pain, lower stamina or increased fatigue while walking. Sometimes, loss of balance or decreased stability comes from good old-fashioned aging.


Whatever issues you may be experiencing, you know your body and know something has changed. Instead of suffering through and hoping you don’t fall, adopt a positive, proactive mindset, and check out your rollator options.

Meet with a Medical Professional

When checking in with your doctor for a yearly checkup or routine appointment, don’t hesitate to bring up the changes you notice in your balance, pain levels or easier fatigue while walking. Not only can your doctor check into these issues more thoroughly to rule out anything more serious, but can then make a professional recommendation based on their observations and/or test results.


When you know what you’re dealing with, you’re in a much better position to find the best rollator that can really help make a positive difference in your life.

Identify Needs and Preferences

The next thing to do is identify why you need a rollator.

  • Are you still pretty agile but just need a little help with stability?
  • While out walking or doing errands, do you need to rest more frequently?
  • Are you fearful of falling while walking through uneven or rough outdoor terrain?
  • Do you need to keep up a faster pace but could use some help with that?

After you’ve identified your needs, move on to your preferences. Would you like a smaller, more lightweight rollator? Would you like a more stable, yet still manageable rollator complete with a seat for resting?


Make a thorough list for use in the next step.

Identify Needs and Preferences

The next thing to do is identify why you need a rollator.

  • Are you still pretty agile but just need a little help with stability?
  • While out walking or doing errands, do you need to rest more frequently?
  • Are you fearful of falling while walking through uneven or rough outdoor terrain?
  • Do you need to keep up a faster pace but could use some help with that?

After you’ve identified your needs, move on to your preferences. Would you like a smaller, more lightweight rollator? Would you like a more stable, yet still manageable rollator complete with a seat for resting?


Make a thorough list for use in the next step.

Research

You’re now ready to move on to the research portion of the process. So far, you’ve identified the physical issue requiring attention and touched base with your doctor for recommendations.


Review your list of needs and preferences as you begin to research the best rollator for outdoor use specifically with you in mind.

Key Features to Find the Best Rollator for Outdoor Use

Easy to Use

The outdoor rollator you choose should be easy for you to use. You should have no problems lifting it in and out of your vehicle, setting it up and folding it away for storage.

Comfort

Comfort is an important factor, so you don’t strain any muscles, experience backaches or further pain. Your outdoor rollator should be adjusted for your maximum comfort to include its height, grips, handbrakes, and the seat.

Safety

You definitely want to educate yourself on all the features and functions of an outdoor rollator, so you use it both safely and effectively. Make sure you are comfortable with using a walker with wheels, handbrakes, and a seat so you don’t get hurt due to lack of training or understanding.


You need to feel confident about using the rollator before you take it out for extended periods of outdoor use.

Best Rollator for Outdoor Use – Top Picks

At this point, you’ve probably got enough basic knowledge about outdoor rollators and may even have a general idea of what you’re looking for.

After reviewing outdoor rollators and factoring in ease of use, comfort, safety, overall quality and manufacturer reputation, here’s our list of top picks.

Three-Wheel Outdoor Rollators

NOVA Traveler 3 Wheel Rollator Walker, All Terrain 8” Wheels, Includes Bag, Basket and Tray, Blue

Pros

  • This all-terrain model features a lightweight yet sturdy enough frame to handle rough, outdoor turf.
  • Heavy-duty 8” wheels move smoothly through tough ground conditions including gravel and sand.
  • Features both a basket and roomy storage pouch for storing personal items and medical supplies, in addition to a tray.
  • Features a lifetime warranty on the rollator frame.
  • Easy-to-grip hand brakes come with a five-year warranty.
  • Stores neatly away and has a wheel locking mechanism to keep the stored unit from rolling away.
  • Accommodates user weight up to 250 lbs.

Cons

  • Like a lot of other three-wheel models, this one does not have a seat.

Pros

  • Constructed of a sturdy chrome-plated steel frame.
  • Easy height adjustable handles.
  • Features locking loop brakes to maneuver outdoor terrain.
  • Sturdy 8” wheels for both indoor and outdoor use.
  • Includes pouch for storage.
  • Easy folding storage design is perfect for travel.
  • Limited lifetime warranty.
  • Accommodates user weight up to 300 lbs.

Cons

  • Steel frame construction vs. aluminum.
  • Unsightly brake wires.

Pros

  • Lightweight aluminum frame.
  • Adjustable rollator height and handle for users of all sizes.
  • Comfortable ergonomic hand grips.
  • Features locking loop brakes.
  • Large, sturdy 8” wheels tackle indoor and outdoor conditions.
  • Includes secure, zippered pouch for storage.
  • Multiple color options available.
  • Accommodates user weight of up to 250 lbs.

Cons

  • Arthritis sufferers – brakes can be hard to press.

Four-Wheel Outdoor Rollators

Drive Medical RTL10266-H Nitro Euro Style Walker Rollator, Petite, Red

Pros

  • Constructed of lightweight aluminum (17.5 lbs.) with durable design.
  • Features a comfortable seat and adjustable, contoured backrest.
  • Heavy-duty 10” front wheels feature a “swivel fork design” which prevents getting stuck in outdoor conditions and is easy to maneuver in rough terrain.
  • Rear right wheel has locking mechanism to prevent rollator from rolling away.
  • Built-in brake eliminates messy look of brake wires.
  • Comes with removable zippered storage bag.
  • Collapses for easy and compact travel and storage.
  • Accommodates user weight of up to 300 lbs.

Cons

  • Pricey as compared to other outdoor models.
  • Seat does not have a cushion.
Volaris All-Terrain Smart Rollator Walker with Four Wheels and Seat, Folding, Lightweight, Aluminum

Pros

  • Lightweight yet designed for maneuvering through the roughest outdoor terrain.
  • State-of-the-art construction allows users to stand upright instead of slightly leaning to alleviate back strain or fatigue.
  • The “flexframe” rubber 10” tires work as shock absorbers and give a smooth performance even while using on very rough, uneven surfaces.
  • Powers through gravel, sand, and snow.
  • In-brake design offers an aesthetically pleasing clean look instead of external braking wires.
  • Comfortable, adjustable seat.
  • Features an “X Frame” design enabling the walker to stand up when folded.
  • Comes fully assembled.
  • Accommodates user weight of up to 330 lbs.

Cons

  • Pricier than some other models.
  • No storage options included.
  • Has a seat but no backrest.

Pros

  • Between the sturdy frame construction and heavy-duty wheels, this model works well indoors or outdoors.
  • Maneuvers extremely well in all-terrain outdoor conditions and delivers a smooth performance on rough surfaces.
  • Available in four different sizes (18”, 20”, 22” and 24”) for any size user.
  • Comes with comfortably padded seat and backrest.
  • Handbrakes are easy to use with minimal hand strength, are easy to control and feature a comfortable grip.
  • Features a lifetime warranty on the walker frame.
  • A five-year warranty covers the brakes.
  • Added “Lock ‘N’ Load” safety feature locks the walker in position when stored or transported.
  • A good size pouch is included for storage.
  • User weight accommodations up to 300 lbs.

Cons

  • Selecting the best rollator size can be confusing to buyers.
  • Selecting correct seat height can be confusing to buyers.

Best Rollator for Outdoor Use – Buying Tips

Note that for someone who depends on a walker to support most of their weight or has more difficulty keeping their balance, neither an indoor or outdoor rollator is the best or safest option for you.

An outdoor rollator walker is designed for users who are mostly agile and require only a light degree of assistance with mobility.

  • An outdoor rollator should be customized to you and your specific needs. Review product features and benefits such as the width and comfort of a seat, if you need a backrest, amount of storage capacity, overall size, and weight of the rollator and how well it handles in rough ground conditions outdoors.
  • The best rollator for outdoor use should be easy for you to pack, unpack and store. Most models weigh between 15-18 pounds, and some upper body strength is needed to lift the rollator in and out of your vehicle and carry inside your home.
  • Rollator grips should not hurt or cause strain to your arms or hands. Grip comfort is key especially when using the rollator for longer periods of time. This applies to the handbrakes, as well.
  • The model should easily and comfortably accommodate your height and weight. Adjusting the rollator should be easy, not confusing, for you.
  • Outdoor rollators vary widely in price and added accessories can add up fast. While keeping quality and features in mind, don’t blow the budget on bells and whistles you don’t really need.
  • Check in with your private insurance carrier or Medicare to see if you can get some help to offset the cost. A doctor’s prescription or recommendation may be required.
  • The wheels are one of the most important considerations when purchasing an outdoor rollator. The wheels should smoothly handle rough, uneven, and varied types of outdoor landscapes. The wheels should be heavier duty and act as shock absorbers. The rollator should be able to maneuver in less-than-ideal conditions such as long grass, uneven walks, or gravel paths. It is recommended that no less than 8” but preferably a 10” wheel is ideal for safety and maximum performance.

Best Rollator for Outdoor Use - Conclusion

From an emotional standpoint, making the leap from total independence to realizing you may need a rollator for help can be tough to deal with. However, when you consider the risks involved in a fall that may cause permanent damage or pain, safety always prevails.

When you consider the prospect of becoming dependent on friends and family versus using a rollator to help keep you moving and living your life, the decision becomes much easier to handle.

Sources

  1. 1
    Harvard Health Publishing. “5 Tools to Maintain Your Mobility.” Harvard Medical School. Published: February, 2017. Updated: June 26, 2019 [Accessed January 11, 2021] Available from: 5 tools to maintain your mobility
  2. 2
    Dhir, Gaurav. “What is a Rollator Walker Used For?” Last Updated: December 24, 2020. [Accessed January 11, 2021].
  3. 3
    Wikipedia contributors. "Walker (mobility)." Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia, 5 Jan. 2021. Web. 11 Jan. 2021.
  4. 4
    Novajoy.com. Available from: Traveler 3-Wheel Rolling Walker. [Accessed July 11, 2021].
  5. 5
    Grahamfield.com. Available from: GF: Sure-Gait II Three-Wheeled Steel Rollator - Graham-Field. [Accessed July 11, 2021].
  6. 6
    Grahamfield.com. Available from: GF: 3-Wheel Cruiser - Graham-Field. [Accessed July 11, 2021].
  7. 7
    DriveMedical.com. Available from: Nitro Aluminum Rollator, 10" Casters. [Accessed July 11, 2021].
  8. 8
    Xlent Products, Inc. Available from: Volaris PATROL All Terrain Rollator Walker. [Accessed July 11, 2021].
  9. 9
    Novajoy.com. Available from: Zoom Series Rolling Walkers.  [Accessed July 11, 2021].

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