Freedom, Mobility, and Exercise with a Rollator
I have a new mobility device: a rollator. It’s a walker with big wheels and a seat.
After a family vacation in January, where I almost missed a flight because United Airlines could not figure out how to get an electric cart from one gate to another, I decided I was done being at the mercy of the airlines. I dislike taking wheelchairs—they bump me and increase my vertigo. I can’t depend on electric carts. The distance in the airports is just too great for me. So is the distance for some conferences.
So, I decided it was time for a rollator. But which one? Since I was going to gate-check my rollator, I knew I wanted one with hidden break cables. I also knew I wanted a seat. I needed a seat that was low enough to the ground, so I needed one that came in “low” or “petite.”
I decided on a Dolomite Jazz Rollator, because it was a reasonable price. I’ve had it since late March, and I really like it. It’s been a life-saver through the airports, at workshops and conferences. I bought it from Wendy’s Walkers, who were terrific as a vendor.
I can get myself to and from wherever I need to go. I have my freedom and my mobility. I even get exercise, which is great. I’m speedy! I can maintain my balance, which is terrific. I always have a seat, which is sometimes necessary.
What I don’t like is that the basket isn’t a click-in basket. I had to tie the basket on with string. (I did that after this trip, so you can’t see that in these pictures.) I had to experiment with how to put the rollator on the luggage cart and maintain the balance of everything. I think I have it in the picture on the left. Briefcase first, rollator next, suitcase on the outside. Jacket, pocketbook, water, cane up top. You can’t see the cane. It’s hidden behind everything. I took the picture when I was in line, waiting to check my bag, on the way home from Sweden.
I also don’t like the fact that I was too cheap to buy a rollator with click-in height settings. That was my fault. The next rollator I buy will have click-in height settings. I do that with my canes. Why did I not do that with my rollator? Oh well. The problem with not-click-in-height-settings is that some helpful people don’t understand how to lock or unlock the rollator. There is a red lock switch at the top of handles. You flick it open and the rollator unfolds. Instead, they start opening the height adjustment. Bah. When I start to walk and put weight on the handles, the handles go down and I pitch forward. Surprise!
I don’t like looking like a little old lady, but too bad. Without it, I am quite dizzy in too many places. With it, I can manage my vertigo. I enjoy being independent and being able to walk briskly with my rollator.
11 thoughts on “Freedom, Mobility, and Exercise with a Rollator”
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It is good to see you rolling. Thanks for the photos.
Dwayne, thanks! I feel as if I should start singing, “Rolling, rolling, rolling…” :-) But that would get me in trouble with the music people…
Somehow, we need to figure out how to make you a little trailer for your luggage, briefcase, etc so that you can use your rollator and just pull everything behind you! Seriously, this has got to be a big relief for you, knowing that you can get from point a to point b more independently and most importantly, safely.
Laura, I love not having to depend on anyone else, especially the airline people, to get me anywhere! I especially love the fact that I can walk after a flight. And fast! (Well, faster than with a cane.)
Hi,
After almost 3 years now and much waiting for ‘I’ll get fine’. Finally I have decided to buy a Rollator now. I suffer from syringomilea.
I’m trying to get one like yours (European style model) but sadly being in India not getting any here.
It’s much better to be disabled in a first world country I guess :)
Anyways, how’s the experience with it. Have you tried the Volaris S7 rollator. It’s got height adjustment and all and from amazon, it’s better value than the one you are using now.
Hi Ashok, I still love my rollator.
I would get the Volaris instead now, because it has clickable height adjustments. Every so often, my rollator arms collapse. Or, people “help” me and they release the arms on my rollator because they don’t know where the release is in the front. (Mine has a little red clasp in the front to hold it together to stow for the plane.) They are trying to be helpful. But then the rollator is too short. It would be easier with clickable height adjustments.
At the time, mine was less expensive than the Volaris. I haven’t priced them recently. I’m also short, and I needed the shorter version. Amazon didn’t carry it.
Good luck to you.
Great article. How much harder is it to push the 4-wheel rollator vs. the 3-wheel rollator. I have been looking at these for my mother: http://www.shoppingblox.com/rollators. Do you recommend and one over the other? Thanks.
Robin, you are looking at the inexpensive rollators. I have no idea how heavy they are. Will your mother be able to lift her rollator herself?
I never tried a 3-wheel rollator. I have no idea how they work vs. a 4-wheel. I suggest you call the vendor and see what they say.
BTW, the link you provided has no videos and no technical specs. My rollator costs only $200 more than these, and has enclosed brake cables, a petite version (I am 5 feet tall), and a curb-climbing ability. I recommend you investigate more and call people. I recommend Wendy’s Walkers. They have been great for me.
Spending $100-$150 on a rollator that is too heavy and will snag brake cables every time you move it from one place to another is no bargain.
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