Choosing the Best Rollator or Walker

What to Consider When Choosing Your Rollator or Walker

See what makes each of our rollators and walkers unique here, and decide which factors are most important based on your needs.

Type of Walker

• Standard

  Standard walkers feature a straightforward design with a sturdy metal frame, front wheels for smooth rolling, and stationary rear legs for dependable support with every step. While they provide solid stability, they do require some upper body strength for optimal use and are designed to promote a slower, safer walking pace. Our Folding Walker and Stand Assist Walker are two excellent choices for reliable support and convenience.

• Rollator

  Rollators are walkers equipped with three or four wheels, designed for smooth mobility and effortless maneuverability. They allow users to move with ease and often come with added features like comfortable seats, storage baskets, hand brakes, cane holders, and convenient folding options for easy transport. Explore our extensive selection of rollators below::

  Sunstride Rollator
  Sunstride All Terrian Rollator
  Bariatric Rollator
  Everglide Rollator
  Series T Rollator
  Rollator Walker
  Lightweight Rollator
  3-Wheel Rollator

   

• Upright

  Unlike traditional walkers and rollators, which often require users to hunch or lean forward, our Series T and Standard Upright Walkers are specially designed to support a more natural, upright posture. These walkers minimize strain on the hands and wrists, making them ideal for individuals with arthritis or similar conditions. Enjoy improved comfort and better posture with each use.

• Hemi

  Hemi walkers, also known as one-handed walkers, are ideal for individuals needing extra stability but only have strength or mobility in one arm or hand. This may be someone who has suffered a stroke, dealing with arthritis or is experiencing hemiparesis. Similar to a cane, the design allows for improved stability, and is portable, lightweight, and less cumbersome, making it more practical than full walkers.

Folding Capabilities

Folding walkers offer the stability of standard models but can collapse to a portable size. This makes them great for travel or storage, as they’re able to condense in seconds. All of the Vive Mobility Walkers do fold down to some capacity. Be sure to check individual features to ensure the model you choose works for your needs.

Rolling

Most of the Vive Mobility Rollators and Walkers, with the exception of our Hemi Walker, feature rolling designs for enhanced ease of movement. Compared to traditional non-rolling walkers, the addition of wheels—whether on the front legs or on all four—provides smoother, more versatile mobility, making it easier to navigate indoors, outdoors, and even on uneven surfaces.

Frame

All our rollators and walkers feature a lightweight aluminum frame. This keeps your mobility aid easy to move around, while still durable enough to stand up to years of use. Aluminum is also rust-proof, letting you take it anywhere you need.

Seat Platform

A seat platform on a rollator provides a convenient resting spot, allowing users to take breaks and avoid fatigue during longer outings. It also offers added security, as users can sit down anytime they need extra stability.

Our Everglide Rollator is a customer favorite that boasts an extra padded seat and adjustable backrest.

Braking System

Our rollators and upright walkers come equipped with bicycle-style hand brakes connected to the rear wheels, providing enhanced control and safety. These brakes allow users to stop movement easily and can be locked for stability when seated, creating a secure resting spot whenever needed.

Wheels

Depending on where, when, and how much you plan to use your walker or rollator you’ll want to consider the type of wheels it comes with, how they function, and their size.

• Type of Wheel

  All-Terrain

  All-terrain wheels are designed with additional tread to offer better shock absorption and grip, reducing jarring impacts and making navigation easier over obstacles like small curbs, gravel, or uneven surfaces. With enhanced traction and durability, all-terrain wheels ensure a comfortable, confident experience outdoors, expanding the mobility aid’s usability beyond typical indoor environments.

  Check out our Series T Rollator and the All-Terrain Sunstride Rollator for this type of wheel.

  Smooth Gliding Wheels

  Smooth-gliding wheels provide easy maneuverability, reduce friction on various surfaces (indoors and out), and are non-marking, preserving floors from scuffs. This wheel type allows users to transition seamlessly between surfaces like carpet, tile, and hardwood without leaving traces. The smooth, effortless movement enhances user comfort and promotes independence.

  Sport Wheels

  This wheel type combines the advantages of all-terrain and smooth-gliding wheels, making it an ideal choice for walkers and rollators. This hybrid wheel is smooth but also provides additional tread for traction. This ensures that users can transition seamlessly between environments, offering stability outdoors and convenience indoors, making it highly practical for those who rely on their mobility aid in various settings. You can find these wheels on our 3-Wheel Rollator and The Sunstride Rollator.

• Stationary vs. Pivoting Wheels

  Fixed or stationary wheels on a walker offer greater stability, making it easier for users to maintain control, especially on flat, even surfaces. They are ideal for individuals who need more support and balance.

  Pivoting front wheels on a rollator, however, allows for more maneuverability, enabling smoother turns and easier navigation in tight spaces. This design is beneficial for users who need more flexibility and move in varied environments, both indoors and outdoors.

• Wheel Size

  In general, smaller wheels are better for indoor use, offering easy handling and control on smooth, flat surfaces. Larger wheels are more versatile and perform well on outdoor, uneven terrain, providing a smoother ride over bumps and enhancing stability.

  Our walkers and rollators feature wheel sizes ranging from 5" to 12", with 8" being the most popular choice. Larger wheels are ideal for outdoor or uneven surfaces, providing better stability and a smoother ride, while smaller wheels are suited to indoor use for easier control on flat surfaces. If you’re seeking a versatile option, 8" wheels are a great middle ground, offering reliable performance across both indoor and outdoor environments.

  Models	Wheel Size
  Stand Assist Walker	5"
  Standard Folding Walker	5"
  Lightweight Rollator	6”
  Compact Airframe Walker	6”
  Series T Rollator	8”
  Wheelchair Rollator	8”
  Sunstride Rollator	8”
  Bariatric Rollator	8”
  3-Wheel Rollator	8”
  Upright Rollator	8”
  Upright Series T	9.5”
  Everglide Rollator	10” front + 8” back
  All Terrain Sunstride	12” front + 10” back

Adjustability

Each of our mobility aids offers an adjustable height, allowing almost anyone to take advantage of them comfortably. Our Series T Upright Walker and Rollator are designed with the most height adjustability for taller individuals.

You can check our chart at the top of this page to compare height adjustability for each walker as well as their individual product page.

Weight Capacity

The durable aluminum frames found on our rollators and walkers are made to last and can support the weight of most users. Our rollators, walkers, and wheelchair rollator support up to 300 lbs while our folding walker can support up to 250 lbs.

For larger individuals, our Bariactic Rollator can accommodate up to 500lbs and our Series T Upright Walker supports up to 400lbs.

Additional Included Features

• Cane Holders

  Keeping a cane handy can be helpful for tight spaces, or stairs. A clip-on cane holder is included with our Sunstride Rollator, Series T Rollator, Rollator Wheelchair, Upright Rollator, and Series T Upright Rollator.

  This is a good way to keep your favorite mobility aid on hand, even when using a walker. Simply place the bottom of your cane into the holder and secure it into the clip provided along the metal frame.

• Bags

  We understand the importance of keeping your essentials secure and easily accessible. That’s why every Vive Mobility Rollator and Walker includes a convenient storage bag, positioned either beneath the seat or on the front of the frame, perfect for storing your wallet, phone, medications, and other necessities.

  Due to the nature of their design, our Hemi Walker and Compact Airframe Walker do NOT include a storage bag.

Add-On Accessories 

• Cup Holder

  Add a cup holder to your mobility aid to carry mugs and water bottles for an on-the-go beverage. It can be purchased separately and clips onto any standard folding walker and rollator with a simple, tool-free installation.

• Phone Holder

  Keep your phone in reach and sight with a phone holder attachment. This one fits most smartphones and is made with a durable silicone base that will protect both your phone and walker frame.

• Walking Canes

  If your rollator includes a cane holder, consider adding a walking cane as the perfect accessory. A cane offers added freedom and mobility in tighter spaces where a rollator may be challenging to maneuver, especially when you're on the go.

  Check Out Our Walking Canes Here or Read Our Walking Cane Buying Guide

• Popular Accessories for Standard Walkers

  The below accessories can be added to the Vive Mobility Standard Folding Walker.

  Ski Glides & Covers

  Customize your walker with ski glides (similar to Tennis Balls) that make it easy to maneuver over cracks, rugs, doorways, and any other uneven terrain. They attach to most walkers and even include velour covers to protect floors. We also offer Ski Glide Covers sold separately.

  Walker Trays

  A walker tray can conveniently turn your walker into a portable surface for dining, snacking, using a laptop, or reading. This would be beneficial for those who may struggle or need assistance transferring to a seat at a table. Check out this one with side pockets for extra storage.

  Walker Handle Pads

  Standard walkers can place pressure on the wrists, often leading to fatigue, aches, and discomfort. Adding extra cushioning offers essential support and comfort, helping to reduce strain and improve the overall walking experience.

  Try our Foam Walker Grips or Sheepskin Walker Grips

  Walker Forearm Platform

  A forearm platform can enhance usability by providing improved support and stability for individuals with reduced grip strength or coordination issues. It allows users to distribute their weight evenly, minimizing strain on the wrists and hands, which is particularly beneficial for those with conditions like arthritis.

  Additional Wheels

  The Vive Rear Walker Wheels with Brakes significantly improve your mobility and maneuverability while using a standard folding walker, allowing for easier navigation over various surfaces and ensuring smoother movement. These wheels minimize the effort needed to lift the walker, while the integrated brake feature securely locks the wheels in place for added safety when seated or taking a pause. This option also serves as a cost-effective alternative for those who may not be ready to invest in a rollator walker.

Recommendations for...

No matter what your needs are, you can find a mobility aid that is perfect for you.

Everyday User

For those who need a reliable mobility aid for all-day use, the Everglide Rollator is a popular choice. Its robust design with a large front wheel, shorter back legs, and durable frame ensures easy maneuverability over multiple surfaces + dependable support over a long time.

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Uneven or All-Terrain Surfaces

Maneuvering sidewalks, door jambs, grass, or gravel can be a challenge for some walkers, but The All Terrain Sunstride’s large front and back wheels were designed to grip rough surfaces, making it easy to push anywhere. Large, bicycle-style hand brakes allow you to stop on a dime while the lightweight and tough frame pairs easy maneuverability with durability.

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Indoor Use

The 3-wheel rollator offers maximum maneuverability with a compact design that is perfect for indoors and narrow spaces. The frame easily folds into a compact size, making storage a breeze. Our Standard Folding Walker is another ideal option, as it combines a pared-down design with a range of accessories that make it perfect for any environment, indoor or outdoor.

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Tall Individuals

If you are a taller individual, it’s important to have a walker that can be adjusted appropriately for your height. We recommend the Series T Upright Walker; which has the tallest height adjustability of our product line accommodating up to 6’5” and positioning users upright for better posture. Another great option is the Series T Rollator which is also designed to accommodate taller individuals.

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Limited Mobility & Balance

Those with limited mobility should choose a rollator that offers maximum support and can provide ample stability as well as a comfortable place to sit when needed. The rollator wheelchair does the job, doubling as an independent walking aid, as well as a transport chair. The breathable nylon mesh seat is comfortable for those who tire easily, while footrests allow a caregiver to push the patient smoothly. Our upright walker is another good option, with arm supports designed to eliminate tension in the shoulders while maintaining stability.

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Cost Effective Choice

We understand that price is a crucial factor in your purchasing decision, which is why it’s important that we offer cost-effective options. The Vive Mobility Folding Standard Walker stands out as our most affordable and customizable choice. Unlike standard walkers that provide just a basic frame, ours includes front wheels and a convenient storage bag. You can also enhance its functionality with additional accessories, such as rear wheels with brakes, transforming it into a versatile four-wheel walker for added safety and ease of use.

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One-Sided Weakness

For individuals needing extra stability on one side due to limited strength or mobility in an arm or hand from conditions like stroke, arthritis, or hemiparesis, the Vive Mobility Hemi Walker is an excellent choice. It offers greater support than a cane while remaining portable, lightweight, and easy to handle. Its design prioritizes stability without the bulkiness of full walkers, making it a more practical and manageable mobility aid for daily use.

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Travel (Light Use)

If you’re looking for extra support while traveling, the Compact Airframe Walker is an excellent choice. This minimalist design is lightweight and extremely portable. We recommend this walker for those needing extra assistance through places like the airport, amusement parks, stores, or parks where prolonged standing or walking may be necessary.

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Travel (More Dependent Users)

If you plan on traveling but rely on a walking aid daily for most activities, the 3-Wheel Rollator is an ideal choice. Its three-wheel design and sturdy frame offer the stability of a full-sized rollator while remaining highly maneuverable. With a narrow profile, it easily navigates tight spaces, folds compactly, and is lightweight at just 11 pounds—perfect for travel. Another popular travel option is our Lightweight Rollator. This model weighs 14 pounds, has 4 wheels, and a seat platform.

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