I have a new mobility device: a rollator. It’s a walker with big wheels and a seat.
After a family vacation in January, where I almost missed a flight because United Airlines could not figure out how to get an electric cart from one gate to another, I decided I was done being at the mercy of the airlines. I dislike taking wheelchairs—they bump me and increase my vertigo. I can’t depend on electric carts. The distance in the airports is just too great for me. So is the distance for some conferences.
So, I decided it was time for a rollator. But which one? Since I was going to gate-check my rollator, I knew I wanted one with hidden break cables. I also knew I wanted a seat. I needed a seat that was low enough to the ground, so I needed one that came in “low” or “petite.”
I decided on a Dolomite Jazz Rollator, because it was a reasonable price. I’ve had it since late March, and I really like it. It’s been a life-saver through the airports, at workshops and conferences. I bought it from Wendy’s Walkers, who were terrific as a vendor.
I can get myself to and from wherever I need to go. I have my freedom and my mobility. I even get exercise, which is great. I’m speedy! I can maintain my balance, which is terrific. I always have a seat, which is sometimes necessary.
What I don’t like is that the basket isn’t a click-in basket. I had to tie the basket on with string. (I did that after this trip, so you can’t see that in these pictures.) I had to experiment with how to put the rollator on the luggage cart and maintain the balance of everything. I think I have it in the picture on the left. Briefcase first, rollator next, suitcase on the outside. Jacket, pocketbook, water, cane up top. You can’t see the cane. It’s hidden behind everything. I took the picture when I was in line, waiting to check my bag, on the way home from Sweden.
I also don’t like the fact that I was too cheap to buy a rollator with click-in height settings. That was my fault. The next rollator I buy will have click-in height settings. I do that with my canes. Why did I not do that with my rollator? Oh well. The problem with not-click-in-height-settings is that some helpful people don’t understand how to lock or unlock the rollator. There is a red lock switch at the top of handles. You flick it open and the rollator unfolds. Instead, they start opening the height adjustment. Bah. When I start to walk and put weight on the handles, the handles go down and I pitch forward. Surprise!
I don’t like looking like a little old lady, but too bad. Without it, I am quite dizzy in too many places. With it, I can manage my vertigo. I enjoy being independent and being able to walk briskly with my rollator.
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