A rollator is brilliant for keeping your independence, but if it's not used right, it can quickly go from a handy support to a bit of a safety hazard. Simple slip-ups--like having the handles at the wrong height, walking too far behind the frame, or forgetting to lock the brakes-can leave you feeling unstable, uncomfortable, or at risk of a nasty tumble. While a rollator is great for making daily life easier, you really need the right setup and technique to get the best out of it.
A lot of the hassles older Kiwis run into with their rollators come down to just a few common mistakes. Wrong handle heights, poor brake habits, and standing in the wrong spot can throw off your balance and make getting around a lot harder than it needs to be. The good news is most of these bits and pieces are easy as to fix. A couple of quick tweaks will have you feeling much more comfortable, safe, and confident on your feet.
What we'll cover:
- Handle height: How a bad setup messes with your posture, balance, and comfort
- Brake slip-ups: Why forgetting your brakes increases the risk of slips and trips
- Walking habits: Common mistakes that make you lose stability and control
- Staying safe at home: How your overall strength, balance, and home setup change how you use your rollator
Using a Rollator that isn't Properly Adjusted
- One of the most common slip-ups older Kiwis make with a rollator is getting the handle height wrong. If the handles are sitting too high or too low, it really messes with your posture, balance, and comfort.
- When the handles are too low, you end up hunching forward, which puts heaps of extra strain on your back and shoulders. If they're too high, you can't push down properly to support yourself, making the walker much harder to control.
- A well-adjusted rollator should let you stand up nice and straight with relaxed shoulders and a slight bend in your elbows when you're gripping the handles. It's a good idea to check the height every now and then-especially if you've changed your footwear, had a spell of illness, or if your posture and mobility have shifted over time.
Handle height check
When standing upright with arms relaxed at the sides, the rollator handles should align with the user's wrist crease. This position promotes better posture, comfort, and control while walking.
Sitting or Standing Without Engaging the Brakes
This is especially important on smooth indoor floors, where movement can happen quickly, as well as during outdoor rollator use on slopes, driveways, footpaths, or other hard surfaces. Even a small amount of movement during a transfer can increase the risk of losing balance.
To avoid this mistake, always engage both brakes fully before sitting down or standing up. Building this habit into every transfer helps create a more stable and predictable experience.
Using a rollator as a wheelchair substitute
A rollator is built to support you while you are walking, not to be pushed around while you're sitting on it. It is a common mistake for caregivers to push someone while they are taking a rest on the seat, especially just for a quick trip across the room or down the driveway.
Safety Warning!
Never use a rollator like a wheelchair. Pushing someone while they are seated makes the walker incredibly top-heavy, meaning it can easily tip over. It is also not recommended by the manufacture. Doing this completely compromises the stability of the frame and makes it very easy to lose control. Rollators are not designed to be pushed from behind - they are a walking aid with a seat for resting on.
Ignoring uneven ground and household hazards
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Indoor hazards: Rollators do best on flat, even surfaces. Around the house, thick carpets, mats with curled-up edges, wet floors, loose cords, and raised door lips can get caught in the wheels. This can cause sudden stops, slips, or make you lose your balance.
- Path clear-outs: Carers should check common walking paths regularly-especially the high-traffic areas between the bedroom, bathroom, kitchen, and lounge. Small tweaks like taping down mats, turning on better lighting, and clearing out clutter can make a world of difference for keeping things safe.
Outdoor hazards
Outside can be a bit unpredictable. Gravel, cracked footpaths, slopes, grass, and high kerbs can all make steering and braking a whole lot harder-especially if you're getting a bit tired or moving a bit too fast.
When you're out and about, it's best to tackle hills slowly. Keep both hands firmly on the grips, and try not to lean too far forward when you're heading uphill. When it comes to kerbs, the safest bet is always to look for a cut-down kerb instead of trying to lift the rollator over the edge.
A quick path safety check
Before you set off, indoors or outdoors, have a quick look at the track ahead. The safest route is almost always the one with the fewest bumps, obstacles, and tight turns.
- Fix the floors: Remove or tape down loose mats, rugs, and extension cords.
- Dry up: Wipe up any wet patches on the floor before walking through.
- Brighten up: Make sure hallways, bathrooms, and doorways are well-lit.
- Look for ramps: Stick to ramps and cut-down kerbs whenever you can when you're out.
Regular maintenance checks
Just like a car, a rollator needs a regular check to keep it running smoothly. Loose screws, worn-out wheels, or stiff brakes can sneak up on you and become a real safety hazard over time.
A lot of carers assume these walkers are maintenance-free, but that's not the case. Small issues usually build up slowly and you might not notice them until they start messing with the steering, braking, or overall sturdiness. Worn-out rubber hand grips are another thing people often miss. As the rubber perishes, it loses its grip, making the handles a lot harder to hold onto securely.
Spending just a few minutes once a month on a quick check can stop minor wear and tear from turning into a major safety issue.
Your monthly rollator check-up:
□ Test the brakes: Make sure both sides stop the wheels instantly and lock into place properly.
□ Check the wheels: Look out for heavy wear, cracks, or a buildup of hair and fluff in the axles.
□ Tighten up: Give the frame bolts and screws a quick look to make sure nothing is rattling loose.
□ Check the grips: Inspect the handles for any splits, tears, or smooth patches where you might lose your grip.
□ Test the fold: Make sure the folding latches and height adjustment pins work smoothly without jamming.
□ Inspect the frame: Look over the metal frame for any cracks, dents, or weird wobbles.
Choosing the wrong model for your lifestyle
Not all rollators are built for the same jobs or routines. Picking a model that doesn't fit your daily life can leave you feeling uncomfortable, knock your confidence, or mean the walker just ends up sitting in the cupboard gathering dust. Some folks need a lightweight walker for nipping around tight indoor spaces, while others are much better off with an outdoor model that has bigger wheels, a built-in seat, and storage on longer outings.
Indoor vs. Outdoor Rollators
| Feature | Indoor Use | Outdoor Use |
| Wheel Size | Smaller wheels for nipping around tight spots and corners. | Bigger wheels for handling footpaths, grass, and bumpy ground. |
|
Frame Weight |
Lightweight and compact to fit through narrow doorways. | A sturdier, heavier frame to give you extra stability. |
| Seat | Optional, as you're usually close to a couch or chair. | Brilliant for when you need a breather on longer outings. |
| Storage | A basic basket or pouch for small bits and pieces. | Good storage capacity for your groceries and errands. |
If you are unsure whether your current rollator is still the right fit, or you are looking for a new one, the team at Livewell is here to help. Visit our Albany store to explore a range of rollators and get help choosing an option that suits your mobility needs, lifestyle and everyday routine. Our Livewell Technician, Dean, can also help with servicing and maintenance, so you can feel confident your mobility equipment is working safely and as it should. With the right rollator, the right setup and the right support, you can keep moving with greater comfort and confidence.
Written by Christine de Jong
Christine is a Retail Assistant at Livewell Albany and works closely with customers to help them find practical products and mobility solutions that suit their needs, lifestyle and everyday routines.