Rollators, Walkers, and Wheelchairs. OH MY!

Pros and Cons of the Rollator/Transport chair combination devices you see all over the internet!

I see this dilemma all the time: customers are looking for the perfect mobility aid to fit their loved one’s needs who is having trouble walking or getting around, whether it is due to lack of stability, support, or balance. With the added bonus issue of them tiring easily and needing to rest or take a break, but not wanting to stop. This predicament often comes with stories like “we need something that (insert name) can use on their own when walking, and they also often need to be pushed around when they get tired. But we don’t want to lug 2 devices around all the time”. Followed by questions such as “can’t they walk holding onto the back of a wheelchair/transport chair when they aren’t using it?” or “can’t I just push them in their rollator when they get tired?”. The short answer is NO. Those two frequently used options are very unsafe, and safety should always be your #1 concern. Each of the traditional mobility aids are designed for one specific use, either walking with (Rollator or Walker) or sitting in (Transport Chair/Wheelchair), and when you use these devices outside of their designed parameters accidents and falls are more likely to occur. So what do you do?!

Ensue rushing over to our neighborhood friendly search engine, Google, to find out what the internet thinks you should do. Now you spend an hour or so looking at all the different options - Walkers, Rollators, Wheelchairs, and wait...what is this hybrid device? A Rollator/Transport chair combo looks like the perfect solution to the issue at hand, but you have never heard of it AND have absolutely no idea if it’ll do the trick. Worry no more! I am here to help explain the pros and cons of these new combination devices and help you make an informed, and hopefully the best decision, to solve this mobility aid dilemma!

What is a Rollator/Transport chair Combo device?

So what is this amazing new device you ask? They look simple enough right, see image below, Well they are!

Click here for Hugo Navigator 2  in 1: side folding rollator & transport chair shown above.

This unique mobility aid has taken the best of a Rollator and a Transport Chair to make a genius creation that allows you to have the perfect 2 in 1 Rollator/Transport chair combination to suit all your mobility needs, with the added bonus, that it is a breeze to use! You can use it just like any other rollator by standing behind the device and walking while holding onto the hand grips, but the magic happens when the user is tired and needs to be pushed. You reverse the backrest (or put it into place), attach the foot rests into position, and the user sits on the seat facing forward while a caregiver pushes the walker from behind. Rollz Motion 2 has a great demo video to showcase how their model works, and how it changes from a Rollator into a Transport Chair, click here for Rollz Motion 2 demo video.

Interested in seeing more Rollator/Transport chair combination devices? Click here to check out the whole collection.

Standard Features:

Wheels: 8-10" wheels help maneuver over outdoor terrain and prevent tipping when transporting a user.

Brakes: squeeze to slow down/stop and “push down to lock” braking system. Ideal for keeping safe during different situations such as when transferring from standing to sitting.

Seat: intended for sitting & resting or sitting while someone else pushes the user around.
**NOT for sitting and pushing oneself along with their feet.**

Backrest: a simple metal bar that has some padding on it as a backrest that can be reversed as needed.

Basket/Bag: typically found under the seat and may or may not have a zipper or be closable. 

Foldable Frame: typically side folding, by lifting the seat handle to close the device in on itself. This allows the device to be taken to different locations and be loaded into a vehicle with ease.

Now the moment you’ve been waiting for, dun..dun...dun, the battle royale: Pros vs. Cons!

The Pros

• 2 devices for the price of 1 (DUH!)
• Users can keep their independence when not tired (MOST IMPORTANT!)
• Fits most users: maximum weight capacity of 250-300lbs and seat height options of 18”, 20”, or 24” depending on model
• Comparable net weight to most Rollators, and lighter than most transport chairs. Average net weight of these devices is less than 19 lbs
• Easily transportable: has a handle to help lift the device and fold in on itself to fit easily in most vehicles
• Tons of colour options, because being stylish is always important! (to some people)

The Cons

• More expensive than just a rollator or transport chair - but compared to buying both it’s a steal!
• No customizability in seating size. Fixed seat height, width, and depth - measurements vary based on model
• No heavy duty options (YET). Average weight capacity tops out at 250-300lbs - but it’s only a matter of time before a heavy duty option is available!

Maintenance is important.  Check out one of our other articles: 'Tips for a Happy Walker-Rollator! Walker-Rollator Preventative Maintenance Guide'

One Final Thing to Consider

Now that you’ve seen the Pros and Cons of the Rollator/Transport chair combinations you can take some time to think over if this works for you or your loved one! The only thing I would ask you to consider before buying, is what size of unit will suit the user. Much like a Rollator, these Rollator/Transport chair combo devices are paired to the user based on their height and weight. So how do you go about choosing the right one? Well don’t you fret, ‘cuz I’ve got your back! See the handy-dandy sizing chart below. 

Use this chart to decipher which seat height works best for the user - so long as they are within the weight capacity of the model in question. You also may need to take into account that each manufacturer has slightly different standard seat heights, these are the most common sizes I’ve seen to give you a better idea of which option to choose.

Interested in how best to walk with a Rollator: Check out this article on Tips to avoid a hunched over posture when using your mobility aid

Now that you have some food for thought about these new Rollator/Transport chair combo devices, and a handy-dandy sizing chart to help find the model you might need, you can make an informed decision to solve your mobility aid dilemma. For more info on these Rollator/Transport chair combo devices or to see a full range of Mobility Aid options come check out our online store, Capital Medical Supply.