Life is unpredictable, whether you’re young or old. But, that doesn’t mean one should stop taking care of themselves. When old age strikes, the muscles are bound to get weak, and falls become more frequent. Around 9500 elderly Americans are said to lose their lives due to falls. If you or a loved one has become old, you can prevent this by taking extra care. Here’s where you will require the best heavy duty rollator walker.
If you’re a little above average weight, then a standard rollator won’t be able to hold or support you. However, a heavy duty rollator will, also known as a bariatric rollator.
A normal rollator walker can support up to 300 pounds, but a heavy duty rollator walker will support your weight even you’re above that (300 – 500 pounds).
If you’re content with buying the best heavy duty rollator walker, then keep reading. If you want a simple answer, the best heavy duty rollator walker should have the following qualities:
- Handlebar brakes
- Sturdy frame
- 4-wheeler
- Suitable for indoors and outdoors
- Foldable
- Built-in pouch
- Tire locks
- Padded seat
- Can hold at least 350 pounds of weight
The above features qualify any walker in the best heavy duty rollator walker race.
Now, to aid you in deciding on which rollator to buy, we have compiled a detailed list of 5 products so that you can pick the best heavy duty rollator walker for you. Let’s have a look:
Five Best Heavy Duty Rollator Walker
Medline Rollator Walker
● Wide padded seat – 17.5 x 14 inches
● Sturdy frame with a lifetime warranty
● Equipped with a basket for storage
● Loop Braking Style
● 8 inches wide wheels
Faetures:
Large Comfortable Seat
Medline is popular for making quality products, and this one is no exception. One of the essential components of a rollator walker is its seat, especially if you have a larger than average body. The seat of this walker has dimensions of 17.5 x 14 inches which is ideal for people who weigh over 300 pounds. The walker is designed to withstand up to 400 pounds of weight.
The seat is wide enough to leave some space at the sides when you sit on it. This way, it won’t feel too tight or irritating.
On top of that, the comfort level is at par, thanks to the padded seat.
Reliable Backrest And Strong Frame
You can easily feel tired or strained if you sit in a chair or a seat for too long. To avoid this from happening, the manufacturer has provided a curved frame that contours to your back and give you amazing support. This way, you won’t feel pain if you sit in it for many hours.
If we talk about the frame of the walker, it is superior to most of its rivals. The frame is composed using good-grade aluminum that doesn’t get damaged easily.
Lightweight And Foldable
Medline heavy duty rollator walker weighs 22 pounds only. It is considered one of the lightest on the market. Hence, you can easily move it around without having to exert much force.
Carrying the rollator is super convenient because you can fold it anytime you want. In addition, it can fit up in a car’s trunk, provided that there’s enough room for it. However, bear in mind that it takes a considerable amount of space and might not fit in a smaller trunk.
Brakes And Stability
With a loop locking braking system, you can easily control the mobility of the walker. Moreover, its stability is worth praising since 8” wide tires are installed that maintain a good balance. This feature makes it hands-down the best heavy duty rollator walker on the market.
Carrying the rollator is super convenient because you can fold it anytime you want. In addition, it can fit up in a car’s trunk, provided that there’s enough room for it. However, bear in mind that it takes a considerable amount of space and might not fit in a smaller trunk.
- Great stability – 4 wheeler
- A padded seat and curved backrest provide good comfort.
- Brakes clamp firmly, and no mobility is caused.
- Bears 400 of weight capacity easily
- Plastic wheels
OasisSpace Rollator Walker
● Adjustable armrests – 39 inches to 48 inches
● Wider wheelbase – 10 inches front wheels and 8 inches back wheels
● Wider seat – 22” x 11”
● Brake lock
● Padded armrests
Feature:
Comfortable In Every Aspect
We’d choose OasisSpace as our best heavy duty rollator walker because of the comfortable armrests it offers. Thanks to these armrests, you won’t feel pain or stain even if you walk around with the rollator for an hour.
Furthermore, the padded seat and backrest add to its comfort level.
Weight Capacity And Adjustable Backrest
This beauty can hold up to 450 pounds of weight and still move like a feather, no matter how big you are. Moreover, the backrest on this rollator is adjustable; you can move it to a place of your choosing (4’10 to 6’5) and be comfortable.
Smooth Maneuvering And Stability
With 10 inches front wheels and 8 inches back wheels, tipping chances are far too less. In addition, the wheels are wide enough to help you attain perfect balance whether you’re standing up, walking, or sitting.
The wheels allow a 360-degree swivel, which makes turning a lot easier. Furthermore, these wheels tend to last a long time since they are made up of metal.
This beauty can hold up to 450 pounds of weight and still move like a feather, no matter how big you are. Moreover, the backrest on this rollator is adjustable; you can move it to a place of your choosing (4’10 to 6’5) and be comfortable.
- Easy to fold
- Comes with a six-month warranty
- Sturdy metallic wheels
- Works on multiple terrains – grass, gravel, or deceleration road.
- A bit too wide – won’t enter through a 32” door.
Drive Medical Heavy Duty
● 10” front and 8” back wheels
● Strong aluminium body
● Comfortable seat – 23.5” height
● 23”x10” wide seat
● The handle and backrest is adjustable
Features:
Bicycle Braking System
The feature we like the most in this best heavy duty rollator walker is its bicycle braking system. It works just like the braking system of a bicycle. But, if we speak about precision, it is super quick; the wheels stop moving as soon as the brakes are applied.
One-Hand Folding System
Sometimes, it can become a nuisance to fold a rollator walker. Fortunately, the Drive Medical walker has a one-hand folding system. There’s a handle on the mesh seat that allows the users to fold the walker. In addition to that, the plastic clips underneath the seat keep the seat closed when you fold it.
This way, you can fold it to a compact size and even store it away in a car. Moreover, the braking cable is embedded inside the frame not to get stuck to anything.
Smooth Mobility
The caster fork design allows the wheels to turn swiftly by providing them good radius. Thus, you will face no issues when making turns.
Excellent Support
Apart from having a wide and comfortable seat, you’ll find an adjustable backrest as well. This backrest can be adjusted vertically as per your requirement using the thumbscrew.
Weight Capacity
What makes this the best heavy duty rollator walker is its capacity to accommodate up to 450 pounds of weight. Most rollator walkers support up to 400 pounds. So, this is an added benefit.
Suitable For Most Terrains
If you’re an outdoor lover and love to wander around in your garden or on the road, Drive a medical rollator walker will serve you best. This is because it is suitable for most terrains such as concrete, grass, gravel, etc.
What makes this the best heavy duty rollator walker is its capacity to accommodate up to 450 pounds of weight. Most rollator walkers support up to 400 pounds. So, this is an added benefit.
- A removable pouch at the side helps you store things
- Folds up to a compact size
- Durable body that lasts long
- Wider wheels keep the walker stable
- Seat is non-adjustable
Bariatric Rollator Walker
● Wide padded seat with dimensions – 18-inch x 13
● lightweight, foldable and portable
● 8” rubber wheels makes the walker stable
● 21 inch seat height
● Adjustable handles – 23.5” width between the handles
● 400-pound weight capacity
Features:
Heavy Duty Rubber Wheels
Users can easily navigate over rough and uneven terrain thanks to the 8 inch reinforced wheels. The rubber tires and reinforced forks are designed for smoother turns, and the wheels are meant to last longer.
Customizable Handle Height
This bariatric walker offers adjustable handle heights from 32.35” to 39.5” to make the experience more comfortable.
Fold And Carry It Away
Going places with the bariatric walker is easy since it is foldable. However, its weight exceeds a bit much at 28 pounds. So, it’s better to have someone carry it and drop it in the backseat of the car trunk.
With its heavy duty frame, this model will provide you with safety if you have undergone some sort of surgery in the knee or leg.
Wide Seat, Basket, And Comfy Backrest
This seat is a little more spacious than most as it measures 18 x 13 inches, so you can fit comfortably even if you’re a plus-sized person. The seat is padded nicely, but you can add a seat pad for extra comfort if you desire.
There’s also a basket under the seat that will help store your personal belongings when you’re on the move.
Lastly, you’ll feel comfortable thanks to the removable/adjustable backrest on the walker as well.
This seat is a little more spacious than most as it measures 18 x 13 inches, so you can fit comfortably even if you’re a plus-sized person. The seat is padded nicely, but you can add a seat pad for extra comfort if you desire.
- Lock brakes work perfectly
- Accommodates 400-pound person easily
- Hard rubber tires are durable
- Suitable for rough terrain
- A bit heavier at 28 pounds
NOVA Star
● Suitable for people between 4’11 – 6’2
● Supports weight up to 450 pounds
● Three different seat height adjustments
● Lock and lift folding mechanism
● 8” durable rubber wheels
● Padded seat with dimensions of 18.5” x 15”
Features:
Rubber Wheels Enhance Stability
The wheels are sturdy and durable; they contribute to better mobility, improve stability, and increase safety. When maneuvering tight corners, the wheels of the front of the car swivel for ease.
And since they are composed of rubber, expect excellent durability too.
Superior Brakes
If you wish to engage the park brakes the pull down the handle grip. The handles are ergonomic and won’t exert too much strain on your hands.
Seat And Backrest
The seat dimensions are 18.5” x 15”. It is nicely padded to provide comfort and is also removable. This 2 inches thick seat will keep the user at ease even if they sit in it for hours.
Considering different heights, the user has the option to adjust the seat height. You can either set it to 18”, 19” or 20”. You’ll also find an under-seat pouch to store items.
Foot Pedals
It’s rare to see foot pedals on a walker. However, the inclusion of foot pedals is why many people consider the walker the best heavy duty rollator walker. You can rest your feet on the pedals and have a relaxing time.
The seat dimensions are 18.5” x 15”. It is nicely padded to provide comfort and is also removable. This 2 inches thick seat will keep the user at ease even if they sit in it for hours.
- An easy folding mechanism using the handlebar.
- Five-year brake system warranty and lifetime frame warranty
- 450-pound weight capacity
- Lightweight, easier to maneuver – 20 pounds
- Frame durability could be improved.
This buying guide will help you decide which is the best heavy duty rollator walker for you:
Heavier Or Light?
Walkers vary in weight considerably, but they are often lighter than wheelchairs.
For older people, it’s best to choose one that supports mobility and independence rather than limiting it. An ideal weight is between 20 and 25 pounds.
Height Of The Seat:
4 wheel rollator models come with built-in cushions. To ensure your comfort and safety, choose a rollator walker that offers an adjustable seat. This way, the height of the seat can be adjusted to suit your needs.
Brakes:
A simple walker does not need brakes; however, rollators do. Several rollator models come equipped with loop brakes; they operate when the user squeezes a lever.
Loop-brakes are often quite tight, which can pose a challenge for people with soft or weak hands.
Several walker rollators have been designed with easy-to-use push-down brakes designed to deal with this issue.
Weight Capacity:
If you are a plus-sized person, aim for a rollator that can hold at least 400 pounds of weight.
Foldability:
Most rollator walkers are foldable. A one-button folding mechanism is ideal for people who frequently travel or who need to store their walker in a car.
So you see, picking the best heavy duty rollator walker isn’t so difficult. All you need to do is consider a few factors that we explained in our buying guide, and you’ll be good.