A rollator walker is something I have wanted for years and years.They were always out of my reach because of the cost.I'd seen less expensive models in various catalogs, but after having exposure to one probably made by Invacare, nothing else seemed to meet the standard I'd set in my mind.
While I would have preferred the more deluxe model with a padded seat, and backrest, this one fit my budget.It's the first time I've seen one with such an easy-to-take price tag, and I jumped on it.
While I will cover this in my comment regarding the seller, I want to say that I ordered the rollator at about 6:00AM, on 1/11/07, and it was here in my home on 1/12/07.THAT is service!
Unpacking it was a little difficult for me alone, due to my disability, and the weight of the rollator.But I'm fairly strong and wrestled it out of the box, much to my relief, because I really wanted to see, touch, admire, and bond with my new legs immediately.(I have been using 2 canes for more years than I want to think about.I'm anxious to cut way back on needing them.This is the elegant solution.)
After the unveiling, and the fumbling assembly of the Teal Blue Wonder, I took off.I roved around my place getting the feel of it, figuring out what I can and can't do in using it, and discovered the seat to be rather hard, but okay.
The seat: The seat is rubber (or something like it) and has a tread, which insures as best possible, that anything placed on it will not slip off.This includes your bottom.The height of the seat is fabulous for me at 5' 6".It may be a bit high for a very short person.I am not thin, and the seat is the standard size, but for me, it's fine, since I do not have wide hips.You might want to give the length of the seat some thought if you're heavy.
The handles/brakes:The ergonomic design of the handles feels strange at first, but adjusting to them is not difficult.I would prefer some light padding or a softer surface on them, but again, many people with mobility problems who are dependent on aids to get them where they're going, use gloves.My hands are calloused from the canes, so I don't think I'll have a problem, but on my maiden voyage out of the house, I will carry a pair of gloves just in case...The surface of the handles is rough to prevent slippage.
The brakes puzzled me until I figured out how to lock them.It's very simple, but not obvious if you missed it in the manual.I am not sure of how sturdy they are.They stop the rollator from motion.In this, they do fine.My concern has more to do with the plastic the brake handles are made of.It does not appear to be especially strong.I think they could use some more development by the company.Because a thing is an economy item, doesn't allow forgiveness where the quality of a safety feature is concerned.
I suggest being aware of the possible fragility of the brake handles, but not paranoid about them.If they were deemed truly poor, I'm sure Invacare would do something about them.It is a reputable company.
The basket: The wire basket attaches to the rollator with 2 hooks.On the pro side, the wire is coated with plastic or vinyl to protect the rollator's paint, and also to provide a relatively slip-free surface inside.On the con side, the basket is fragile.The maximum weight it can handle is 10 pounds.I would prefer a sturdier basket, but this one will do, and it's a very welcome feature.I have lined mine with a piece of cardboard to prevent small items from falling out since the grillwork has fairly wide openings.
Wheels: The wheels on this model are 7.5 inches.They are wide (fat), with a slight tread.They don't give a lot of traction, but do we really need it?For indoor use, they're ideal on hard floors.They're not going to mar the surface, and they are exceptionally smooth in action.
On carpeting, the story changes quite a bit.Here is where I answer my own question.Yes, we do need better traction.Rolling over a thick carpet is difficult, but not impossible.I think the assumption that we all live without carpeting is a bit short-sighted.However, having the rollator versus not having it makes me willing to deal with some inconvenience.Basically, I'd say the wheels are okay.
Assembly: Putting the rollator together is a snap.All YOU need to do is install the handles.Other than that, it is fully assembled when you take it out of the box.
Attaching the handles can be a little tricky.They are heavy, but slide into the posts easily enough.It is very important to get the handles set correctly for your height.Because this model does not use push buttons and holes, as adjustable canes do, the handle must be held in position while you turn the locking crank.It requires a bit of coordination and dexterity, but it isn't hard to do.If you don't get them right the first time, try, try again.You'll probably never have to do it anymore once they're at the right/comfortable place for you.
The hassles: The crank handle is plastic.I felt leery of breaking them because you MUST tighten them very well.If they are not tight enough, the handles can slip and you can land on your head.I can't emphasize enough, how important the installation of the handles is.If you feel uncomfortable trying to do it, get someone to help you.
Be careful not to drop the washer(s), or the crank(s).Of course I did.If it's not a problem, put the (included) tray on the seat, and stick the little parts in it. (Because you KNOW, one thing at least, will roll under the couch, and get eaten by the dog.)
The tray:The included tray is rather flimsy, but it's indispensable, and can be replaced if needed.It attaches to the seat by inserting the 4 pegs on the bottom of the tray into corresponding the holes in the seat.Once it's on, it's very secure.
It's transparent, so it doesn't block your view.It's about a full inch deep, so things won't roll, or get bumped off.It has a very nice wide rim all the way around for easy lifting.I LOVE it.
Appearance:Obviously I like the color.I wasn't sure until I saw it in real-life.It's very fresh and clean looking.The finish is smooth, and is probably pretty durable.Because the teal is a lighter color, it's probably a good ides to wipe it off frequently, and to especially clean up any spills that are colorful.I'm not kidding.Certain things stain just about anything.This is not a hard enamel finish like your stove. The reds are notorious, cranberry or grape juice, coffee, and one you might not think of, tomato, as in spaghetti sauce are especially likely to stain if not cleaned off.
The "look" of the rollator is nice.It's shiny, sturdy looking, as streamlined as something like it can be, and perfectly acceptable.
Weight and manageability:The rollator is heavy.It's 19 pounds of steel and rubber.It collapses for lifting very easily, and is as easy to open again.I have not tried putting it in the trunk of my car yet, but I did lift it as high as I would need to.The weight is well distributed and balanced, so it seems lighter that it is.It should not present a problem for the average person of either gender,
The manual:Very poor.It surprises me that a company as affluent as Invacare would provide such a cheesy manual.They are generally selling things to an impaired customer base.We have enough to cope with.
Manuals should be exclusive to the individual product.This is not.The instructions should be VERY simple and easy to follow, with good illustrations.They are not.Little hints like being careful not to lose small parts should be added.They are not.SPECIFIC, CLEAR directions regarding the crank handle, and positioning it correctly simply don't exist.I am disappointed in the manual department.
For your information:The crank that secures your handles should be adjusted so that it lines up with the tubular "legs".Once the handles are fully secure, you might have one crank handle that sticks out at the wrong angle.Fixing this is VERY easy.You will need a Phillips head screwdriver.Remove the screw at the top of the crank.Put it in the tray. Gently pull the handle off the shaft, and realign the "teeth" on the cap with the grooves they fit into.Again, gently replace the handle, and put the screw back in.It's very easy, so don't be afraid to do it.
NOTE: I am dead serious about not losing small parts.There is a spring inside the crank handle assembly, and a couple of washers that can be easily dropped.
I rated this unit as a 4 because of the flimsy aspects of some peripherals and the bad manual.Overall, this item is a workhorse.It's very sturdy and can handle weights to 300 pounds.That's good quality!
I love mine.I'm so happy to have it.I have no complaints.
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Invacare Walker Rollator With Hand Brakes - Basket - Seat & MoreProduct Description: Invacare Rollators offer the perfect belnd of style, comfort and affordability. These rollators feature easy-to-operate ergonomic hand brakes, comfortable seats and easy folding for storage and transport. They offer great maneuverability, stability, and are height adjustable for custom fit.Specifications: Overall Depth: 26.5", Overall Width: 23.75", Height Adjustment: 31.375" (min) - 38.875" (max), Product Weight: 25 lb, Product Weight Capacity: 300 lb, Seat Depth: 6.375", Seat To Floor Height: 24.375", Seat Width: 15", Width Inside Hand Grips: 14.75", Wheels: 7.5", Warranty: Frame: 3 Years ; Other Components: 1 year.Order today!
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These are great for baby wipes.They're large so I cut them in half, then alternate/ cross fold them so they fit into a wipe container.Then I add water to the container and pull them out like regular baby wipes.They're very absorbent and are so much better than putting those chemical wipes on your baby.
