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Best Rollator Walkers

Updated May 2023
Bottom line
Pros
Cons
Best of the Best
Drive Medical Euro Style Walker Rollator
Drive Medical
Euro Style Walker Rollator
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Bottom Line

The Euro-style rollator from Drive Medical is definitely on the sleek and stylish side, and it's also rugged and easy to use. The braking system has a learning curve, but many users praise its overall maneuverability.

Pros

Works well over rough terrain. Firm seat; not a loose sling. Very easy to fold and maneuver.

Cons

Brakes are either on or off; there is no intermediate option. Front wheels "toe out," creating balance issues. Heavy model can be difficult to load into vehicle.

Best Bang for the Buck
Medline Heavy-Duty Bariatric Rollator
Medline
Heavy-Duty Bariatric Rollator
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Bottom Line

Although designed with heavier users in mind, the bariatric rollator is a great choice for anyone who seeks a heavy-duty mobility aid. Has a wide, comfortable seat.

Pros

Wider seat and handles more comfortable for larger users up to 500 pounds. Effective braking system. Tires roll easily. Folds up for travel.

Cons

Reports of wheels failing unexpectedly. Does not fit easily through some doorways.

Drive Medical Four Wheel Walker with Removable Back Support
Drive Medical
Four Wheel Walker with Removable Back Support
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Bottom Line

For those who seek an affordable rollator from an industry leader, this is one to consider. Some durability issues with plastic components, but overall a good "travel" model.

Pros

Lightweight steel construction. Sturdier than aluminum. Larger wheels improve mobility. Narrow profile is easier to fit through doorways.

Cons

Overall dimensions may be smaller than advertised. Seat material is not durable. Maximum height setting not good for taller users.

Medline Foldable Adult Rollator with 6-Inch Wheels
Medline
Foldable Adult Rollator with 6-Inch Wheels
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Bottom Line

This entry-level rollator from Medline includes many of the features found in higher-end model. We wouldn't recommend it for outdoor use, but the wheels provide a smooth ride on indoor surfaces.

Pros

Arrives almost completely assembled. Lightweight construction. Generous 350-pound weight limit. Adjustable handles create customized fit.

Cons

Brake issues are a common concern. Not ideal for outdoor use on rough terrain.

Hugo Rollator with Seat, Backrest and Saddle Bag
Hugo
Rollator with Seat, Backrest and Saddle Bag
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Bottom Line

The Hugo rollator is a great mid-range model for users who seek versatility. It can safely transition from gravel to concrete to hardwood flooring with no issues. Difficult to fold, but easy to adjust.

Pros

Ergonomically designed hand grips. Oversized 8-inch wheels work well on all types of terrain. Seat height is adjustable.

Cons

Assembly and folding can be complicated. Heavier than advertised. Larger wheels can bump user's legs or snag objects.

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BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. About BestReviews  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. About BestReviews  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We buy all products with our own funds, and we never accept free products from manufacturers.About BestReviews 
HOW WE TESTED

We recommend these products based on an intensive research process that's designed to cut through the noise and find the top products in this space. Guided by experts, we spend hours looking into the factors that matter, to bring you these selections.

30
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205
Consumers
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Researched
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Buying guide for best rollator walkers

Everyone needs a little help sometimes, so if you're struggling to walk unaided – whether due to illness, an injury, or anything else – you may find a rollator walker is just what you need to get you mobile again.

Once you've decided to purchase a rollator, you still have to decide which one is right for you. Everyone has their own individual needs and features they find important, so there isn't a one-size-fits-all approach to picking out rollators.

Instead, we at BestReviews have done extensive research into rollator walkers and have written this guide to give you the tools to pick out the model that would best fit your requirements. Read on to find out all you need to know about rollator walkers, and you'll soon be on the move again.

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Some rollator walkers come ready to go out of the box, but others require assembly before you can get rolling.

What is a rollator walker?

A rollator is a variation on the classic walker. Whereas a standard walking frame has four legs that need to be lifted and moved forward before taking a step, a rollator walker has a wheel on the end of each leg, so you simply push it with you as you go. Rollators also feature hand-operated brakes, so they don't get away from you when going downhill.

Rollator walker benefits

If you haven’t yet decided whether or not to buy a rollator, here are some of their main benefits.

  • Independence: Rollator walkers can help you walk unaided, so you don't feel reliant upon others when you want to go out and about.

  • Ease of use: With a rollator, you don't need as much physical strength to lift the frame as you would with a standard walking frame.

  • Comfort: Many rollators feature a built-in seat. This is ideal if you sometimes get fatigued and need to take a break.

  • Speed: You can go faster using a rollator then you can with a standard walking frame because you don't need to stop and move the device forward every couple of steps. Instead, you can just cruise along.

  • Built-in storage: The vast majority of rollator walkers offer some kind of built-in storage. This is ideal for trips to the grocery store and even for moving items from room to room at home.
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For your safety
Make sure the handles of your chosen rollator walker are easy and comfortable to grip. You can find some models designed specifically for people with arthritic hands.
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Considerations for selecting a rollator walker

Seat

Getting out and about is important, but what if you need to take regular resting breaks? Finding a bench or seat on which to rest isn’t always easy. What’s more, you may feel you simply cannot go some places because there aren't adequate resting spots. But it doesn't have to be like that. If you choose a rollator walker with a built-in seat, you'll have a place to sit wherever you go, thus opening up many more opportunities for you.

Not all rollator seats are created equally, however, so you should carefully consider the seat on your chosen model before you buy. The first thing to look at is seat width, which is measured in inches. Most rollators have seats between 13 and 15 inches wide. Be sure to buy a rollator with a seat that fits your own physical dimensions.

Also remember to consider how comfortable your chosen rollator is. Some rollators have a simple sling-style seat made of canvas – a bit like a director's chair. These are the least-comfortable models. Instead, we recommend a rollator walker with a well-padded seat.

Storage

Most rollators feature some kind of storage, from a simple basket to a range of baskets and pouches. How much storage you need depends on how you intend to use your rollator. If you plan to go out and do some grocery shopping, you'll need enough storage to bring your haul home with you. On the other hand, if you'll only be using your rollator around the house or on pleasure walks, you may need only minimal storage. For many rollators, it's possible to buy additional storage pouches that fit the cross bars using Velcro, buttons, or snaps.

Height adjustability

A rollator walker that's the right height for a person of six feet two inches is going to be far too tall for a person of five feet two inches. Conversely, a rollator that's the right height for a shorter person is going to be uncomfortably low for a tall person. That's why it's vital to buy a rollator that's height adjustable. Your chosen rollator should ideally be easy to adjust so that you could do it alone if you needed to.

If you're hunched over when using your rollator, it's too short for you and needs to be made taller. If you have to hold your arms or bend your elbows uncomfortably high, the rollator is too tall for you and should be made shorter.

Foldability

One of the great things about rollator walkers is that they fold up, so you can easily store yours in a small space when you're not using it or fold it up and put it in the trunk of a car if you're going for a day out with family or friends. That said, not all rollators are easy to fold … and if it's near-impossible to fold your rollator, then there's no point in it being foldable at all! Look for a rollator that folds down easily enough that it only requires one person to do so. Also, look at the size of your rollator once it's folded to make sure it would fit in whichever space you need it to.

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Expert Tip
If you weigh more than average, you can find a bariatric rollator walker designed to support extra weight. These rollators have larger seats, so you can sit in comfort.
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Rollator prices

Rollators vary in price from $50 to $200, so you should be able to find one to suit your budget.

  • Basic rollator walkers

These cost roughly $50 to $75. You can find some good models in this price range, but they may not be durable enough to stand up to everyday use.

  • Mid-range rollator walkers

They are priced between $75 and $125. Most of these models are very durable and fine for regular use.

  • High-end rollator walkers

These usually fall between $125 and $200. These tend to have stand-out features such as extra sturdy frames, comfortable backrests, and the ability to roll smoothly on rough terrain.

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Did you know?
Some rollator walkers feature a backrest (which may or may not be removable) to give you more support as you sit.
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Tips

  • Make sure the brakes on your rollator are easy to operate. Stiff brakes, or brakes that are either too sensitive or not sensitive enough, can be dangerous and should be avoided.

  • Check the wheel size of your rollator. Larger wheels are better for outdoor use, as they can handle bumps and rough surfaces more easily.

  • Look at the weight of your chosen rollator. Make sure it's not too heavy for you to push or to handle when you're trying to fold and store it.

  • Decide if you have any color preferences for seats and storage pouches. Yes, a rollator walker is a piece of functional equipment, but that doesn't mean you can’t choose one you like the look of.
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You can find rollators with a

FAQ

Q. How do I sit on my rollator without it rolling away?

A. You might wonder how to stop your rollator from moving when you sit on the built-in seat. In addition to the brakes on the handlebar, rollator walkers also feature a wheel lock, a bit like what you'd find on a stroller. This keeps the rollator firmly in place, even on a slope, so you can sit for as long as you like without worrying you're going to roll away.

Q. Can I buy any accessories for my new rollator?

A. You can find a range of accessories for rollators, including extra storage pouches. You can also buy covers for the seat and backrest in a range of colors and patterns, so you can express your personal style. Other popular accessories are cup holders, lights that clip on the frame, and holders for walking sticks and oxygen tanks.

Q. Are rollators easy to maneuver?

A. Your rollator should be fairly easy to maneuver – if you're having big issues turning corners, you might have a faulty rollator on your hands – but some are easier than others. As a rule, three-wheeled rollators are easier to maneuver than four-wheeled models, and small-wheeled rollators are easier to maneuver than larger-wheeled models. The catch is that three-wheeled rollators aren't as stable as four-wheeled models and rarely have seats, and small-wheeled rollators don't handle rough surfaces very well.