Rollator Safety — Don’t Let Your Walker Bite You Back!

Why Rollator Walkers Are So Popular

If you or a loved one uses a walker with a seat — also known as a rollator walker — you probably already love it. Using it right — rollator safety — is important, but you know how convenient these walkers are.

You love it because:

• It has a seat to rest when your legs get tired.
• It has a basket to stash your stuff (purse, oxygen tank, or even a plate of your wife’s delicious food — does it sound like, I’ve done this before?).

With four wheels for smoother movement, a built-in seat for rest breaks, and a storage basket for carrying essentials, rollators help seniors and those with mobility challenges maintain independence.

But here’s the catch: if you don’t use it properly, it can slide out from under you, and nobody wants to end up in the hospital because the 10-pound machine couldn’t hold back your 175-pound semi-truck self. Ouch.

I’m Dr. Shawn, Your PT Guy, and in this post, we’ll go step by step so you can use your rollator safely, boost your endurance, and stay independent — without nose-to-sidewalk contact.

When Should You Use a Rollator?

• Standard walker (no wheels): Great for max stability but no seat. Limited endurance. You can’t just stop mid-Walmart aisle and chill.
• Three-wheel walkers: Narrow and maneuverable but prone to tip. Not the most stable.
• Four-wheel rollators: Glide over uneven surfaces, have a seat, and a basket. Perfect for longer distances if used correctly.

For many seniors, the rollator walker is the perfect balance of safety, support, and independence.

Three Reasons a Rollator Rocks

1. Four Wheels: Makes navigating rugs, curbs, and uneven concrete much smoother than the old-school walker with “skis” in the back.
2. The Seat: Rest your legs safely, build endurance, and keep going longer distances. Lock the walker properly before sitting (we’ll cover that in a sec).
3. Storage Compartment: Oxygen tank? Purse? Books? Even my wife’s dinner plate (yum) — it fits. (The plate fits on top.)

Rollator Safety

The Big Picture

Rollators are incredible tools — but they must be used safely:

• Keep handles at wrist height
• Keep the walker close when walking
• Lock before sitting
• Find immovable surfaces when resting
• Unlock after you’re stable

Do it right, and your walker becomes your best friend, not your worst enemy.

Mistakes to Avoid With Rollators

• Not locking the brakes before sitting.
• Pulling on the walker when standing — it can slide away.
• Unlocking too soon after standing up.
• Overloading the basket with heavy items that make the walker unstable.
• Trying to look at this video about rollator dangers and walking at the same time. As much as I think you should watch the video, don't watch it while walking.

Extra Fall Prevention Tips

• If no wall is nearby, you can sometimes park the front wheels slightly in grass for more stability.
• When walking with a caregiver, they can steady the walker by holding it as you sit or stand.
• Use the rollator seat strategically: walk, rest, and repeat to build leg strength and endurance safely.
• Watch this video (not while walking) about how to live a Fall Proof Life — home safety and balance safety included.

Bonus: Stay Fall-Proof

Speaking of staying safe… if you want to learn the 3 Secrets to a Fall Proof Life, I’ve got a free webinar for you. In it, I’ll teach exactly how to prevent falls, improve mobility, and keep enjoying the life you love — without ending up in the hospital.

Watch my free “3 Secrets to a Fall Proof Life” Webinar Here