Three wheeled rollator (walker)

The three wheeled walker or rollator is a variation on the four wheeled version, but with a trike style design that does away with one of the front wheels and uses a simpler and lighter frame. The saving in weight and cost is the big advantage of this design.

Like a four wheeled rollator the three wheeled alternative is manufactured with a lightweight aluminium frame. This frame will fold down to make it easy to store and transport. Consequently it requires less storage space than an equivalent four leg and castor walker.

Three wheeler rollators adopt the handlebar design with hand controlled brakes. They are very similar to standard rollators in the way in which they handle and the manner in which they can be used. Most three wheeled rollator models are intended for both outdoor and indoor use and feature large puncture resistant tires.

Three wheels versus four wheels

The big difference that the omission of an extra wheel makes is in the size, weight and also the stability of the walking frame. Three wheels are not quite as stable as four and, whilst more manoeuvrable, the three wheel rollator can be more prone to over-topple than either a walking frame or a rollator with two or four legs and castors.

Controlling the direction of a three wheel rollator is also slightly different to a standard model. Most three-wheeler rollators have a front wheel that swivels and this makes it very easy to control for someone who has reasonable walking ability, but less so for anyone who is very unstable.

Ultimately the choice between different rollators is best made by the potential user and their occupational therapist. However, the less able someone is the more suited they are likely to be to a two or four wheeled rollator, or a walking frame.

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