Rollator rolls too fast

[Rosieva]

Hello,
I finally started using my rollator, and have problems with it moving too fast.

I have to keep the brakes on to keep it steady with me. My PT said to stand close and not let it get ahead, but the darn wheels roll too fast anyway.

Any ideas how to slow my rollator? I don't want to be squeezing hand brake constantly.
thanks,
Rosie

[Jerrys_mom]

I have the same problem when using a rollator.

My solution was to get a U-Step walker which is made for ppl with ms. It allows you to set the speed.

Google u-step for more information.

[kebsa]

i can't remember which site i saw it on, but recently i saw a gizmo that could be fitted to rollator walkers to restrict the speed of the walker ( it was a screw down sort of clamp) if i can find it again i will post details


the other thing is if it is an issue indoors on smooth surfaces you can slow things down by swapping the rear wheels for glides on most walkers but this is not much good for out doors

[Sequoia]

I've seen threads like this before, and I don't understand. My Rollator goes exactly as fast (or slowly) as I want it to, including at a snail's pace.

Maybe ask for instruction in using it from a Physical Therapist?

[Rosieva]

Thanks Jerrys Mom. I will check it out

[poohb3ar]

Originally Posted by Sequoia

I've seen threads like this before, and I don't understand. My Rollator goes exactly as fast (or slowly) as I want it to, including at a snail's pace.

Maybe ask for instruction in using it from a Physical Therapist?

i agree sequoia! my rollator just goes as fast or slow as i walk, unless i let go of it on slanted surface and forget to put brakes on, then it rolls away from me!

there are many different looking ones out there now. does the manual or website by manufactuer address your issue?

sorry, can't help. my rollator and i have been very happy together for 10 yrs now! it got me through teaching preschool, including many, many runs on the playground, field trips, etc.
hope you find your answers. i sure like rollators better than walkers anyday!

take care and God bless ya!

[Sequoia]

When I asked my PCP for a prescription for one (so insurance would cover it) he automatically gave me a referral to Physical Therapy to learn how to use it properly.

[pb909]

I was thinking about getting a Rollator recently and also was worried about it getting away from me.

I then tried one at a PT session but had trouble controlling it since I am pretty weak and tended to use it to help hold me up and balance me. Once I started leaning forward too far I was constantly using the brakes.

We then tried the U-Step and it was much better for me. Guess it really depends on how weak your walking is.

[Sequoia]

Originally Posted by pb909

I was thinking about getting a Rollator recently and also was worried about it getting away from me.

I then tried one at a PT session but had trouble controlling it since I am pretty weak and tended to use it to help hold me up and balance me. Once I started leaning forward too far I was constantly using the brakes.

We then tried the U-Step and it was much better for me. Guess it really depends on how weak your walking is.

I'm truly sorry you're having so much trouble with the Rollator, but again, I don't understand. I've used a U-Step at Physical Therapy, and it didn't seem any easier than the Rollator to me. I'm glad it worked better for you.

Some people do seem to have difficulty with the Rollator going too fast, but mine goes exactly as fast as I want it to (including [U]very[/U] slow), and I never have to use the brakes to slow it down. If you're leaning forward, you're using it wrong, according to what I was told by my PT.

I wonder if the problem is a combination of leaning forward and putting too much weight (ideally, not any) on the Rollator? Maybe you're simply asking it to do more than it was designed to do. Although I certainly use mine to balance me (my balance was [U]gone[/U] after the stroke I had in March), I don't use it to hold me up.

Anyway, best wishes to you and the OP in finding a solution.

[Rosieva]

I have very stiff legs and poor posture, so combo means I lean forward and rollator moves faster than my legs