Rollators and walking frames: how to choose
Last checked November 2026. Offers and rules change: confirm with the provider before you rely on them.
A walking frame gives more support than a stick. A plain frame without wheels suits short distances indoors; a rollator, which has wheels and brakes, suits anyone who wants to walk further or outdoors. Getting the height right matters more than the price.
Who they suit
Frames and rollators help if you feel unsteady, tire quickly or have lost confidence after a fall. They do not suit everyone: a rollator rolls, so you need enough grip and reaction to work the brakes. If you have had a fall or your balance has changed, see your GP, who can refer you to a physiotherapist to recommend the right type and show you how to use it.
The main types
| Type | Good for | Think about |
|---|---|---|
| Walking frame, no wheels (often called a Zimmer frame) | Maximum steadiness indoors | You must lift it with every step |
| Frame with two front wheels | Indoors, when lifting a frame is tiring | Small wheels dislike rough ground |
| Three-wheel rollator (tri-walker) | Tight spaces, quick shopping trips | Less stable than four wheels; usually no seat |
| Four-wheel rollator | Outdoors and longer walks; most have a seat | Wider and heavier; check it fits your doors and car boot |
What to look for
- Weight. Lift it yourself in the shop. Aluminium and carbon-fibre models are lighter but cost more.
- Brakes. Loop brakes are squeezed like bicycle brakes and pushed down to lock. If your grip is weak, ask about brakes that work when you lean on the frame.
- Wheel size. Bigger wheels cope better with kerbs, grass and uneven paving.
- Seat height and width, if it has one. Always put the brakes on before you sit, and never let anyone push you while you are seated.
- Folding. Does it fold easily, stay folded and stand up on its own?
- Maximum user weight.
- Storage. A bag or basket is useful, but heavy shopping on the front can make a three-wheeler tip.
Getting the height right
- Wear your usual outdoor shoes and stand as upright as you can, arms relaxed by your sides.
- As a general guide, the handles should be about level with the crease on the inside of your wrist.
- When you hold the handles your elbows should be slightly bent, and you should be walking inside the frame, not pushing it out in front with a stooped back.
A physiotherapist or a good mobility shop will check this for you. If two people share a frame, it will only be right for one of them.
Rough price guide
The NHS says walking frames cost from around £40 to £200 to buy. As a rough guide, basic frames are at the lower end and standard four-wheel rollators in the middle, while very light folding models can cost more than that range.
Getting one free or cheaper
- NHS loan. The NHS says you can borrow a walking frame; ask your GP, a physiotherapist or hospital staff. You may be asked for a small deposit.
- Council. Your local council may provide one free after a needs assessment. In England and Wales you can apply on GOV.UK.
- VAT relief. If you have a long-term illness or disability, a rollator bought privately should be free of VAT. See VAT relief on mobility aids.
- Second-hand. Frames are simple, so a used one can be a sound buy if the brakes and feet are good. See buying second-hand mobility equipment.
Where to try before you buy
Mobility shops will let you walk up and down with several models. Try turning in a tight space, going up a kerb and folding it. If you are buying online, check the returns policy first; our guide to returns and refunds explains your rights.
Mistakes to avoid
- Buying a rollator for someone else as a surprise. The user needs to try it.
- Choosing the widest, sturdiest model and finding it will not go through the bathroom door.
- Using a rollator as a wheelchair. Unless it is sold as a combined rollator and transit chair, it is not built to carry a moving person.
- Ignoring worn parts. Rubber feet (called ferrules) on frames and brake cables on rollators wear out and are cheap to replace.
- Agreeing to buy from a caller at the door. See doorstep selling rights.
Common questions
Is a three-wheel or four-wheel rollator better?
Three wheels are lighter and turn more easily in small rooms and shops. Four wheels are steadier and usually have a seat for rests. If you are at all unsteady, ask a physiotherapist for advice based on how you walk.
Can I use a rollator on the bus?
Yes. Fold it if you can and keep it out of the aisle. Many buses can lower the step to make boarding easier; do not be shy about asking the driver.
How do I get up and down a kerb?
Ask a physiotherapist to show you the technique for your frame, as it differs between types. Where you can, use a dropped kerb at a crossing instead.
Should I have one frame for indoors and one for outdoors?
Many people do: a narrow frame indoors and a rollator with bigger wheels outside. It also saves bringing wet wheels across the carpet. Our guide to preventing falls at home has more ideas.