Rollator revamp needed because design matters for living well with ALS
Longtime user of assistive device has a few suggestions for manufacturers
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In the 40-plus years rollators have been around, few design modifications have been made. The changes that have been made target an older demographic. But today’s rollator users don’t just live in nursing homes — we are traveling, attending social events, and seeking designs that match our lifestyles.
If you ask me, the rollator industry is long overdue for a major transformation. I’m thinking along the lines of what happened to suitcases. Remember when wheels and that nifty telescoping handle changed a heavy, boxy burden into something you merely guide along? I believe rollators should be next in line. Why? Because of my ALS, I’ve depended on one for 16 years. While I can’t imagine life without it, I have a few suggestions if any manufacturers are listening.
I’m not a superhero
I will readily confirm that my longtime rollator is sturdy, functional, and dependable. I’ve even written columns praising its usefulness. Yet, there are times when I wish I could make it disappear. When I’m seated and chatting with visitors, my rollator becomes an awkward piece of furniture that obstructs my view. In those moments, I’m envious of modern baby strollers that easily collapse and fold away with the push of a button.
Then there’s the enigma of the generous zipper bag located in front of the seat — and just out of my reach. Whose idea was that? Probably some young designer who assumed I’d always have a caregiver nearby, or that I’d have the space and strength to spin the whole rig around just to grab a tissue. I often ponder that bag and wish I had a pair of superhero-like rubber arms that could stretch over the front. Sadly, I haven’t been able to use that “handy-dandy” bag in 16 years.
My wish list
OK, OK, enough of my complaining. Rollator manufacturers, listen up. Here are the improvements I wish my rollator had.
First, let’s shoot for a design that isn’t just “medical” or for “old folks.” I’m sure that stigma is one of the reasons many ALS patients initially resist using one. If a sleek espresso machine can be made to look so elegant on a kitchen counter, why can’t a rollator look just as sharp on the sidewalk? How about more color choices than just black, red, or white? I’d love one in a metallic burnt orange or a sophisticated tan with gold accents.
And while we’re at it, let’s talk about the “dust bunnies” living in my frame. I’ve imagined specialized accessories, like a fluffy brush on a wooden stick to whisk away the fuzz that builds up in those hard-to-reach nooks. For dirty wheels, why not a special bristle mat at the back door? Just roll the wheels back and forth a few times and — voilà! — the dirt is gone.
I’m hopeful my suggestions sparked a few ideas of your own. I’d love to read them in the comment section below. And hey, rollator manufacturers: We’re here, and we’re always willing to tell you what we wish you’d build. Your innovations are important; they help us continue to live well while living with ALS.
Note: ALS News Today is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. The opinions expressed in this column are not those of ALS News Today or its parent company, Bionews, and are intended to spark discussion about issues about ALS.
Heather Trafford
I love all of your ideas but especially a rollator that collapses at a push of a button, if strollers can do it why not rollators? How about adding a light weight tray to hold a coffee cup or cel phone, just like those afore mentioned strollers. And that special mat to clean the snow and slush off my wheels would be great for my wheelchair too.
Dagmar Munn
All great suggestions Heather -- I second you on the wheel cleaners.
Natalie Gauld
I would love to be using my rollator for 16 years. It is metallic green - sparkly. Tied onto the back of my three wheeler, it's joined me riding cycle trails all over New Zealand. Thiss has resulted in scuffed appearance and the seat has a little tear. It is hard to wrangle in the car, rather like a recalcitrant toddler, so I agree it would be good to have better design. And I have to tighten the screw every day as it comes lose - where the handle joins the body. It worries me that it could fail on me because it comes loose all the time.
Dagmar Munn
Sounds like you have some WELL-used mobility aides -- keep that screw driver nearby!
Bonny Wagner
I’ve had three rollaters now since diagnosed with ALS 15 months ago and been an OT for many years. My current favorite is the Acre. Very light weight. Turns on a dime. Very easy to fold. Optional cup holder. Different choices in colors, bags. Etc.
Dagmar Munn
Yes, the Acre is certainly top of the line. I only wished it didn't cost nearly $800 --- at that price the accessories should come with it free.
Fran Finney
If you are able to pay for a high tech rollator, here are some stylish ones, with options for accessories. https://www.byacre.com/us/rollators/
Dagmar Munn
These are top of the line --- and top of the price point!
Rina Castillo
I’m curious to see the type of rollator you have. I have the Nitro rollator which at least looks somewhat modern. I like the minimalist design of the byAcre rollator and it’s ultra light but it costs $700.
Dagmar Munn
I have a Nitro by Drive. There's a photo of it in this blog post: https://alsandwellness.blogspot.com/2017/01/moving-matters-als-exercise-tips.html
Liz Biron
I have PLS, not ALS and I. would like to be able to swap out different tyres for different occasions, balloon tyres for the beach (and for me, for getting out onto eg bogs and salt marshes to do botanical survey - I am an Ecologist/Botanist and very much want to continue working in these sorts of habitats,all terrain tyres and 'ordinary' ones for indoors. I appreciate these would probably require spindles of different lengths, so being able to easily and safely being able to swap out whole wheels, including their spindles. Quick and easy wheel changes when going indoors would get round the broblem of tracking in mud too.
Phillip Zarriello
I purchased a 'heavier duty' rollator recently which I have found to be the most frustrating aggravating piece of aid equipment I have ever dealt with. The back legs a straight (not curved in like most rollators) making it a reach to most everything hard if not impossible when seated. That added 6" to the wheel base makes me curse at it often.
The castors didn't swivel freely making it vary hard to track in the direction I wanted it to go. As a result, every door and door jam I pass thru is scratched to hell. I brought the rollator back to where I purchased it. They accused me of rolling off a curb that 'damaged' the washer. They took off the front wheel and tried to take off the caster using a pair of needle nose pliers but only succeeded in scratching the hell of the wheel nut and the casted nut. They ordered a new castor but wanted $80 to replace it. I did it with the right tools in about 5 min. The new castor swiveled freely and had a normal washed. I took the old castor apart and found the washed wasn't damaged but of an unusual design (ridged). The only problem was it was over tightened (probably with a pneumatic wrench that was incorrectly torqued). Once I loosed it it worked fine.
When I called the manufacturer of the rollator about this their only comment was did I use the rollator to 'scooch' around in, which I do, which voids their warranty. They essentially have a long list of things you shouldn't do which essentially says if you do anything but walk behind it like a normal person the warranty is void.
The other issue is between the rear wheels stick out by at least 1.5" more than they need to because of spacer between wheel and the leg and the wheel shape and nut. It would be nice if the design flattened this out so it doesn't catch on everything you try to roll by. Same goes for the metal bar that breaks the wheel as it sticks out at least 3/4" more than it needs to.
Living with ALS is frustrating enough. We don't need crappy designed equipment to make it more so!
Dagmar Munn
Oh my, Phillip, you certainly had more than your quota of challenges with your rollator. I ditto your last 2 sentences.
Richard I knox
I'm struggling with my current ALS diag. I use my rollator, wheel chair and gave up on canes now. Right leg useless, right arm getting worse, left leg getting weaker.