Folding Your Walking Frame or Rollator
If you own a rollator walker you might want to fold it for storage or travel from time to time.
At first this might seem like a complicated job, but with practice and patience it will become an easy task and one that you should be able to tackle on your own - making you even more independent and able to travel around.
Before we start you’ll need to know what kind of rollator or walker you have:
Side-folding rollator walkers can stand by themselves when folded, which gives them an edge over them compared to traditional rollators.
A traditional rollator is unstable when folded, so you may have trouble leaning them against a wall. Folding and keeping them folded while loading them onto a car boot is more challenging.
You will need to consult the manufacturer instructions for your specific walker but, in general, you can follow these steps to get practising and learning how to fold your rollator or walking frame:
- Position the rollator in front of you, making sure the brakes are engaged or locked to prevent it from rolling.
- Locate the release mechanism or levers on the rollator. These are usually located near the handlebars or on the sides of the frame.
- Depending on the specific model, there may be one or two release mechanisms. If there are two, they are typically located on each side of the frame.
- Hold onto the handlebars firmly with one hand while using your other hand to engage the release mechanism. This may involve lifting or pulling levers, pressing buttons, or sliding mechanisms.
- As you engage the release mechanism, gently fold the rollator inward, towards yourself. Be careful not to pinch your fingers or catch any loose clothing in the folding mechanism.
- Continue folding until the rollator is compact and the sides of the frame are close together. With some models you may have a locking mechanism to secure the rollator in its folded position.
- Once folded, you can use the rollator's built-in handle or a designated carrying handle, if available, to lift and transport it.
Be mindful that if you are using a traditional walker or rollator it will not be stable when folded unless it’s leaning against a solid structure like a wall or piece of furniture. Don’t be tempted to use it as a support for yourself.
You might want to have someone with you for the first few times you try to fold your rollator, but it won’t be long before this is a task you can undertake on your own.
For more help, contact us here at Mediworld. We have almost 50 years of experience in Mobility Aids and we’re here to help with any of your queries regarding buying and using your walking frame or rollator.
July 2023