If you need a walker that offers maximum maneuverability and durability, you probably have seen four-wheeled walkers. These walkers have wheels on all ends, but they’re not the best choice for maneuverability.
A three-wheel walker or rollator offers the best of both worlds: maneuverability and stability.
You’ll be able to move around quickly without needing to worry about picking it up to move. The front wheel, acting as the third wheel, is the key to this walker’s easy maneuvering. The single front wheel allows you to steer into tight spaces accurately.
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How do these two different types compare?
- Weight. A 3 wheel walker is lighter than a four wheel model. These walkers allow you to move your unit easier thanks to the lightweight design. You’ll be able to also pick up and fold your walker much easier thanks to the lighter weight.
- Folding: You can fold both types of walkers, but it’s often much easier to fold up a three wheel model. These models have been designed to fold quickly, and the lack of a fourth wheel makes the unit fold to a smaller size.
- Turning. The clear winner in the turning ease department is the three wheel rollator. The addition of a third wheel means you can take much tighter turns. Easier turns make you more mobile and allow for a much easier time when walking through stores.
- Seat. The design of a three wheel model makes it impossible to add a seat. If you need a seat, your best option is a four wheel walker.
- Capacity. Heavier users will need to pay special attention to the rollator’s weight capacity. Three wheel models can hold much less weight than their four wheel counterparts. If you’re over 300 pounds, you might have a hard time finding one that can confidently hold your weight.
- Support. The general rule of thumb is that the more wheels you have, the better support is provided. A three wheel walker, while very supportive, doesn’t provide the same level of support as a four wheel model – it’s a fact. If you need a lot of support, you may even want to go with a traditional walker rather than a rollator.
- Warranty. Most come backed by a warranty, but you want to sit down and make sure that your model has a warranty that’s sufficient. This might mean a warranty that lasts a year, or in other cases, you may find a lifetime warranty. If you’ll be a long-term user, you may want to opt for models with longer warranties.
I recommend that you consider a three wheel model if you’re more mobile. Mobility is always the key to choosing the right walker, and if you have fairly good balance and can turn quickly, you should take advantage of this mobility.
Four wheel walkers make it cumbersome to turn, and if you’re not using all of the mobility that you have, you’ll lose out on maintaining your muscle mass.
A physical therapist or your physician can help you better decide which type is ideal for you. There are several types of walkers to choose from, but the three wheel is quickly becoming the popular choice for users that find the four wheel walker to be too difficult to maneuver.
1. NOVA Traveler 3 Wheeled Rollator
NOVA Medical’s Traveler rollator comes in a neutral black color with 8″ large wheels, easy maneuverability and a weight of just 16 pounds. Hand brakes allow you to quickly lock the wheels in place, and the grips are padded for added comfort.
This model features:
- 8″ wheels
- Foldable design
- Handle height of 33″ – 37.25″
- Weight capacity of 250 pounds
- Zippered pouch
- Tray
- Large basket
The large, rugged wheels allow you to move confidently on all terrains, from concrete to grass and even sand. The pouch’s 11.75″ x 11.75″ x 9″are more than enough to hold all of your most precious items safe and secure.
And the basket’s dimensions of 9.25″ x 9.5″ x 8″ allows you to carry groceries, books or anything you want right in your mobility aid.
Click here to learn more about the NOVA Traveler
2. Drive Medical Winnie Lite Supreme 3 Wheel Rollator
The Winnie Lite Supreme features an aluminum design to keep the rollator light and easy to maneuver. The casters, or wheels, are 7.5″ and the tires offer a soft-grip, which is ideal for indoor and outdoor use.
A standard carry pouch is included.
The Winnie Lite features:
- 5″ wheels
- Weight capacity of 300 pounds
- 12-pound product weight
- Adjustable handle height 31″ – 38″
- Special loop locks
- Handbrakes
The Winnie light is extra lightweight and has efficient soft-grip wheels. These wheels allow this model to be used on outdoor surfaces and indoor surfaces with ease. When it comes to comfort, the grips conform to your hands, and the adjustable height eliminates the need to bend over when using your walker.
Brakes are attached to the handlebar so that you can quickly lock the wheels when reaching for items overhead.
When it comes time to rely on this rollator to hold you up, you’ll find confidence in the maximum weight capacity of 300 pounds.
Click here to learn more about the Drive Medical Winnie Lite Supreme
3. Lumiscope Lumex 3 Wheeled Walker
Lumiscope’s Lumex model is also designed to be lightweight and weighs 16 pounds. Featuring a light blue color, this model has a weight capacity of 250 pounds and has adjustable height handles.
This 3 wheel walker boasts:
- Aluminum frame
- Ergonomic grips
- Adjustable handles
- 8″ wheels
- Weight capacity of 250 pounds
- Zippered carry pouch
- Handbrakes
The Lumex’s aluminum frame provides a maximum weight capacity of 250 pounds. A zippered, black pouch is provided that allows you to keep your most precious items zipped securely away.
When it comes time to use this rollator, you’ll find that the ergonomic handles provide comfort for long-term use. The handbrakes quickly stop the unit from rolling too quickly. Users of all heights can use the Lumex thanks to the adjustable height settings.
And the 8″ wheels allow for multi-terrain usage.
Click here to learn more about the Lumiscope Lumex
4. Lumex Sure-Gait II 3 Wheel Walker
The Sure-Gait II is another excellent choice as this model is designed with steel and features a chrome-plated frame. Easy to fold, this model has a height maximum weight capacity of 300 pounds and a lifetime warranty.
Puncture-resistant tires are featured with an 8″ height that make it a good choice for indoor and outdoor use.
This model features:
- Steel frame
- Locking loop brakes
- Puncture-resistant casters
- 8″ casters
- Weight capacity of 300 pounds
- Handbrakes
- Comfortable, durable grips
Heavier than the other models on our list, the Sure-Gait’s steel design adds a little heft to the unit, but it also provides extreme durability. When weight is distributed evenly, this model can hold 300 pounds.
Locking loop brakes make braking a breeze, and the casters are resistant to puncture, so you never have to worry about replacing blown caster tires.
Click here to learn more about the Lumex Sure-Gait II
Which model is the right choice for you? You need to make that choice yourself. Each of these models come backed with rave reviews and are highly durable.
5. BodyHealt 3-Wheel Rollator
The design of BodyHealt’s 3-wheel rollator is very similar to the Lumex rollator. Comfortable and adjustable, this rollator has an ergonomic hand grip and an adjustable handle height.
This rollator will accommodate users of all sizes, and its lightweight frame makes it easy to transport. Even with its light frame, this walker can support users up to 250 pounds.
The locking loop brakes allow you to stop safely, and the sturdy wheels make it easy to navigate through grass, dirt, gravel cobblestones and other difficult terrain. It moves just as smoothly indoors as it does outdoors.
Two color options are available: bright blue and metallic burgundy. There’s also a zippered carry pouch that allows you to store your belongings safely and securely.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Easy to transport
- Easy assembly
- Sturdy
Cons
- Carry case can be fickle
The rollator’s carry case is convenient, but it sometimes has difficulty staying in place. The snaps sometimes come loose. One option is to replace the snaps, or contact the company for a replacement pouch. Most people have no issues with the pouch.
The BodyHealt rollator is durable, light and easy to transport. And the bright colors allow you to show off your personality while improving your mobility.
Learn more about the BodyHealt 3-wheel rollator.
6. Duro-Med 3-Wheel Rollator
The Duro-Med 3-wheel walker is a bit stiffer in design. The previous two models had a soft pouch that made it easy to fold the walker together and get through tight spaces with greater ease. This model has a hard basket in the front of the walker, which offers a more reliable storage option.
The rollator is lightweight and folds up easily for storage. The handle height is adjustable (from 31″ to 37″), so you can find the right fit. The large wheels also make it easy to navigate difficult terrain.
The Duro-Med can accommodate users up to 250 pounds.
Pros
- Easily transportable
- Basket storage option
- Adjustable handle height
- Large wheels can navigate most terrains
Cons
- Navigating tight spaces can be a challenge
Other 3-wheel rollators fold to make it easier to navigate tight spaces. This model does not have that option, which can make it a little trickier to get through crowds and tight hallways.
Aside from this minor issue, the Duro-Med walker is durable, easy to use and easily transportable.
Learn more about the Duro-Med 3-wheel rollator.
Allie has worked in care facilities for the last 15 years providing mobility and health care to seniors of all skill levels. She is passionate about senior advocacy and is and loves to spend her free time in the outdoors.
