Which Rollator?

[Poppy214]

I am looking at the Trionic site and want to know which would be better - a walker or a veloped (both with 14 inch wheels)? It will be used mainly outdoors and transported in the car, for going shopping, to the beach etc. I live on a farm with a lot of rough ground, if that helps. Has anyone had experience as to which model would be better?

[pinjem]

The Veloped, it has 3 wheels that will go over rough ground because of the way the front wheels are cleverly designed. I have 12" wheels and am 5'4", the 14" would make it more difficult to get into the vehicle, it may suit you of course. I have been across Dartmoor with mine in rough boulder laid tracks. I can get up speed, when trying a walker it got in my way of my feet, made me stoop unnaturally and was cumbersome. Over large rocks and thick sand we attached a short rope like a dog lead and spouse just lifts it a little to enable easy progress. It went through/over 12" of snow the first day I bought it, stopping only in thick drifts. I found raising the handles a bit more than the maker says suits me and my posture. I like the seat and storage too. I'll send a pic or put in a separate post. If you can move OK but have balance issues, this is a life changer.

[Poppy214 in reply to pinjem]

Thanks for your reply, pinjem. I'll now look at the 12" wheel veloped, as I am also 5'4" and maybe I dont need the 14" wheels.

[Poppy214 in reply to Poppy214]

Pinjem, do you find that the Veloped is stable enough, for one with balance issues? Sorry for all the questions but I am trying to get it right first time, due to the cost.

[pinjem in reply to Poppy214]

Yes, my balance centre is kaput so I rely on holding something independently upright and my eyes (which wobble). As I got more confident, I moved further back. If I was having a bad time I would 'go into' the frame more and slow down. You can hold the frame where you want. Any 'lurch' problems have been the result of me going too fast, or being surprised. Holding the bar so your weight is more downwards helps if you have a problem. Once I am 'going' I have fewer balance problems that matter, are you like this? Almost as though my momentum and repetition take over until stopping. The beauty of this is the ability to stride out and also (separately) go over rough terrain. If you can't stride out maybe a rollator, if you can, bliss.

[Adam1420 in reply to pinjem]

pinjem , I would be interested in seeing a picture if that would be ok. Thanks

[pinjem in reply to Adam1420]

It is up but here is the link: healthunlocked.com/ataxia-u...

[Adam1420 in reply to pinjem]

Thank you very much !!

[wobblybee]

🙂 I’d like a different rollator, mine (Let’s go out by Trust) is great for shops, but can’t cope with where I live, it’s very lightweight and doesn’t have air pressured tyres.

I contacted Trionic direct, and they offered free shipping, 14 day return policy and VAT relief if eligible.

So far I’m still on the fence, but only because of the price.

[pinjem in reply to wobblybee]

I did find a special offer, and did see one on gumtree, but not suitable when I bought mine.

[ConfusedAtaxian]

I use a Drive Nitro.

[PatsyIpswich]

I have tried three wheels but they are not stable enough for me and like Beryl says. they Lets Go Out is very 'light' so also not stable enough for me now. big wheels are necessary for gravel car parks. difficult to find everything in one item. I use lets go out for restaurants but have a Topro for most of the time and a drive for indoors. Topro are very helpful.

[Hidden]

Hi Poppy, should have replied ages ago . I've had a trionic veloped for6/7 years and have found it invaluable I have used it on very rough ground and my dog loves to be pushed around in the basket. As i've become less able I now use it most in the garden I t will fit in the boot of my car and the wheels come off easily but it is too heavy for me to do. When I go out on my own I take 'Lets go Out' as I can use this on my own The Trionic is expensive but in my opinion well worth the money

[Poppy214 in reply to Hidden]

Crisal, thank you for your reply. Do you mind if I ask you if you have balance issues?

[Hidden in reply to Poppy214]

Yes I have ataxia and was diagnosed over 10 years ago . At first I used one stick ,then two and one day my sister dragged me to a mobility centre and bought me a walker as she was afraid I was going to pull her overwhen we were out. I have four different ones now. The trionic veloped is the most stable and will easily go up and down kerbs. It is too big to use in the house but it has made a huge difference to my life and I couldn't manage without it. For me it was well worth the money. I am 73years old. I hope this helps Chris

[Litty]

OK I have to say that looks amazing!!

I am very lucky and live on the remains of my Dad’s farm and loved walking round our fields. I am further ahead than you and needed a solution to rough walking a few years back and they did nothing so I talked on another forum to an American guy (retired fireman) who had ataxia but liked walking. He used a yummy mummy jogger pushchair. I found an old one on Ebay. It had to be stripped and weighted the end. My early walker!!

I now use walker/rollator in the house and a wheelchair (you do see more in chair). Our kids both got married in our woods and I had a ‘FreeWheel' attached.

Hope this helps x

[Poppy214 in reply to Litty]

Thank you, Litty.