Hi another question, I’ve been using a walking stick for 18 months when walking alone. When I have my partners arm I can walk ok. Recently I’ve found walking with a stick very difficult and also harder with an arm to help. I’m thinking of getting a rollator. Would a 3 or 4 wheeled one be best? I’m thinking I may need it in the house too. Any advice much appreciated as always.
Louise
My advice would be to contact your physio/OT department at your local hospital. They will assess you and advise what is best for you.
Am trying tri-Walker from the OT dept, it's far too heavy and they haven’t anything else to try so thought I’d ask here on people’s experiences.
Hi, I use a drive Nitro Rollator. It has four wheels and a seat, should I get tired when I am out and about. I wouldn't do without it. It is completely stable and it means I have obtained my complete independence, able to go to the shop, out for walks etc.
Thanks for this I’ll be looking at this rollator as one on my choices.
Louise
Hi I’m looking at getting one of these but I’m only 4 foot 10 would it be suitable?
Louise
Hi Louise
You can adjust the height of the handles but I am not sure of your framework and worry that it might be a bit cumbersome for you. I am 5ft 6
Caragh
Thanks Caragh I think I’ll get in touch with the manufacturer.
Louise
I have the warranty here, their website is drivemedical.co.uk. I got mine from Argos
Caragh
Thanks for this.
Hi Caragh ive just ordered a mini version perfect for me thanks 😀
Great, let me know how you get on
Caragh
Hi Caragh I’ve received my nitro rollator mini. I’ve just used it and scratched it already. I found it okay better than an arm or stick. I think it will take a couple of days to get used to it. How long did you take or did you get used to it straight away have emailed the manufacturer to ask how best to touch it up.
Louise
Hi Louise
I am sure you will get used to the width of the walker. You will have to adjust your mindset that you are between two wheels and not a stick. I took mine out and walked up and down outside with no hazards and got used to the brakes etc. If you do this you can always sit down for a rest! I am truly sure that you will get used to it, and I know that when you can go out shopping, walking on your own you will really be glad that you have it. Especially for me during these times. I live alone and would not do without it.
xx Caragh
If you would like a chat let me know. You can find me on facebook caragh o'malley
🙂 I have a 4wheeled lightweight rollator with a seat. It’s called ‘Let’s go out’ by Trust.
I’ve used this indoors when I fractured my ankle, but there are also specific indoor Rollators, these are usually narrower and have a handy tray 🙂
Everyone is different and you need to find what works for you. I have 3 rollators. One upstairs and two down. Not stable enough for 3 wheels anymore. I need good brakes, big wheels, (gravel outside) narrowish, net for all my bits!! Good luck x
Thanks Litty I don’t think a 3 wheeled one will be good enough for me either, do you use a specific one outside?
Louise
I don’t think Three wheeled Rollators Are stable enough for Ataxia ... If you are unable to get advice from physio maybe social services know of somewhere where you could try them. Certainly recommend them rather than walking stick as you can carry things and sit on them
Have tried the physio dept and the one theyve given me to try is really heavy and 3 wheels. I think I would be better with 4 wheels.
Thanks Patsy 😀
this company are helpful recommended by my physio .. I was able to get a grant for mine ..as already mentioned by others.. large wheels go over gravel but are heavier. good luck
I can't use a cane (stick) anymore either. I have three- 3 wheeled walkers, one on the main floor of my house, one upstair and one in my SUV (car). They are Drive Winnie Lightweight rollators, one wheel in front, two in the back (shaped like a triangle). It's light enough for me to lift out of the backseat (they fold in half easily), has an attached bag that's yellowish colored plaid with black lines (I put my purse or whatever in the bag), a yellowish frame and brakes on the handles. No seat, as that's probably why it's so lightweight The only downside of this rollator is the front wheel will lift up when I go over a seem (like at a shop doorway). I know that now, so am very careful! I have a 4 wheeled heavy duty rollator (can't remember the name ?) that I keep in the way-back of my SUV. I can't lift it and have to depend on my husband if I need to use it! It has a seat and basket under seat, as well as two large tires in the back and two smaller ones in the front. I use that one if we go for a pleasure walk, as it does well on any terrain.! He also lifts my lightweight rollator out of my SUV if he's with me, which he usually is. I like it because I can lift it out myself if need be...,;o)
Hi Cindy I think I’m going to get a 4 wheeled walker the posts on here recommend one so that’s what I’ll go for. How are you? How’s the virus with you?
Louise
Hi weegiz12345. A Nitro rollator has been great for me. I use it indoors and outdoors. It is lightweight but tough and folds. I love it so much I bought 2 - one just for indoors. 3 wheelers are not safe.
Hi this is the one I’m thinking of getting but I’m only 4 foot 10 will it be suitable?
Louise
You can alter to suit - it is good
Hi Louise,
I was the same. my hubby passed on THANK GOD FULLY TRAINED ON A WALKER. arrange that...wait till safe, my walker 4 wheeler, stabilises me more, found 3 wheeler toooo fast moving and NOT SAFE ENUGH. You are entitled to it,if in Britain, abroad no idea...actually speak to your gp on the phone explain situation like now and he/she can order one for you,FIRST STAYN HOME, STAY SAFE...2ND WHEN ALL THIS PRECAUTIONARY EASIES OFF, have a go at physio, through them I tried 3-4 wheeler, which suits you best. I am a bit slower,therefore 4 wheeler suits better. TELL GP request PHYSIO SESSIONS FIRST ONCE A WEEK I was lucky as completed in 2018, the training, brakes, it is all new WAS for me as well. THEY TAUGHT ME CORRECT SECURE WAY OF LOOKING FOR pavements eg. airport, lowered, how to lift one if need, manipulation, different levels incline...downcline....all neccessary.I NEVER REALISED HOW PAVEMENTS IRREGULAR, CUMBERSOME, BROKEN PAVEMENTS TILL I NEEDED WALKER.Life is that much more managable, EVEN IF ALONE. and a seat on my 4wheeler availablle, which proved a godsend.GOOD LUCK!MONIKA X
The only reason I got a 3-wheeled walker is because it is so light-weight for me to lift if need be (very occassionally I need to)! Granted, it's not as safe as a 4-wheeled one (front wheel tends to lift up if I go to quickly over a seem) but I'm used to that happening, so am extremely careful and personally have no problems. Therefore, a 4-wheeled walker is a good choice for you! They are a bit heavier (in my humble opinion) but safer. As I said previously, I also have a 4-wheeled heavy-duty walker, but I can't lift it. I'm doing fine during this horrific time! Staying isolated and going a bit stir crazy, but have to do it for safety of others and myself....,ha! I'm making masks that are delivered by drivers to where they're needed (hospitals and nursing homes). Thanks for asking after me! ;o)
I too have a 4-wheeled walker from Topro. (topro.co.uk). I had been aware of stability issues with 3-wheelers as my late father had used one - I was his carer. My walker is very stable though a little chunky. A local Mobility shop had a few options in stock for me to try instore. (I'm in Farnham, Surrey). Topro do different sizes so I was able to get the best height for me and it is adjustable with 6 positions. I'm 5'10".
Be aware that any walker can 'run away with you' and also, if walking across a side-to-side slope you cannot lean on it too heavily.
It was fairly expensive (£249.99) but it addresses my needs perfectly, has an integral seat and shopping bag, and I have taken it with me on holiday to Spain without any problems.
Thanks for your recommendation. I’ve just purchased a nitro mini which is suitable for my height 4 foot 10. It has a seat and bag ad I can’t wait for it to come.this was recommended by people on here.
I too use a TOPRO walker and am over 6 feet tall. It has a seat which I use as a tray with washing up bowl. It is 4 wheeled with brakes on the back wheels. It was bought pre-owned. Eventually I replaced both brake cables and both rear wheels as wheels were ovoid. Which showed parts were ready available.
Having bigger wheels would make gravel possible. Need brakes on a slope. Its foldable and goes on back seat of car.
Walker has holster for "Helping Hand" and 5 kg basket both of which i use all the time.
Same Walker is used downstairs and outside.
We got the handle height from not stooping and measuring shopping trolley handle. 4 wheels means seat but maker warns against using walker as wheelchair, but I wheel myself around the kitchen.
Walker handles at maximum of 39 inches, seat at 24 inches.
I got no financial help but did not look.
Thanks for your recommendation. I’ve just purchased a nitro mini which is suitable for my height 4 foot 10. It has a seat and bag ad I can’t wait for it to come.this was recommended by people on here. I’ll take your advice about using it around the home. I didn’t look if I could get help buying it but did get vat relief.
I use a 4 wheeled rollator indoors and i like it very much!
Hi I’ve just got a nitro mini walker, 4 wheeled and it seems great.
Fractured pelvis
when to listen to your own body
Husband with cerebella ataxia
walking with cane
