Comparing Rollators – What Actually Matters

Which rollator suits you depends mostly on where you use it. This page explains the technical differences between rollators – wheels, brakes, steering and folded size – and how our own models are built. We are the manufacturer, not an independent testing body, so treat this as orientation and compare it against other sources.

What a rollator does

A rollator is a walking aid with wheels, hand grips and usually a seat. It gives support while walking, reduces the risk of falls, and lets you rest without needing to find a bench. Most models have four wheels; three-wheel designs also exist and are more manoeuvrable. The Trionic Veloped is a three-wheeler with two coupled front wheels.

What to look at when comparing

1. Wheels and tyres

Wheel size and tyre type determine where a rollator can go. Small hard wheels catch on cobbles, kerbs and gaps. Pneumatic tyres roll more easily over uneven ground and absorb shock.

2. Brakes

Trionic uses hub brakes, housed inside the wheel hub rather than pressing against the tyre. They are unaffected by wet weather and have no parts wearing against the tyre. Brakes that press on the tyre from outside can lose effectiveness in rain.

3. Steering

Swivel wheels can shimmy at walking pace. Trionic's patented Syncro Steering turns both front wheels together, which makes tracking through corners predictable.

4. Folded size and transport

Always check folded dimensions against your own car boot. The Walker folds with one movement and no tools.

5. Size and adjustment

Hand grips should sit at a height where you stand upright with your arms only slightly bent. Grips set too low make you stoop; set too high, they stop supporting you. On the seat, your feet should rest flat on the floor with knees slightly bent. If you are unsure, have the fit checked by a physiotherapist or mobility retailer.

Our models at a glance

Model Wheels Brakes Mainly for
Trionic Walker 9er 9" pneumatic Hub brakes Indoors and town
Trionic Walker 12er 12" pneumatic Hub brakes Mixed pavement and gravel
Trionic Walker 14er 14" pneumatic Hub brakes Outdoors and rough ground
Trionic Veloped 12" or 14" pneumatic Hub brakes Terrain, woodland, gravel, sand

Standards and certification

The Trionic Walker is tested and approved to ISO 11199-2:2005, the international standard for walking aids, for a maximum user weight of 150 kg. The Veloped's climbing wheel and the Syncro Steering system are patented. The hub brakes are our own design but are not covered by a patent.

All our rollators carry a 10-year warranty*.

Indoors, pavement or terrain?

For indoor use the Walker 9er with 9-inch wheels is the most manoeuvrable. For mixed use across pavements and gravel the 12er is the middle ground; the 14er runs more smoothly over rough surfaces.

If you walk in woodland, on grass, gravel or sand, the Veloped is built for it. Its patented climbing wheel clears obstacles where an ordinary rollator stops.

What does a good rollator cost?

Market prices vary widely and a Trionic Walker sits at the upper end. What you pay for is pneumatic tyres, hub brakes with no parts wearing against the tyre, Syncro Steering and a 10-year warranty* – components that cost more to make than fixed wheels with external brakes.

If you move mainly indoors on smooth floors, you probably don't need those properties. If you regularly go out on cobbles, gravel or into terrain, that is where the difference shows.

In short

  • Indoors and town: Walker 9er
  • Mixed use: Walker 12er
  • Outdoors, rough ground: Walker 14er
  • Terrain: Veloped with climbing wheel

* Warranty terms and conditions apply.


Read and discover more about our premium quality rollators

Want to deepen your knowledge further? Below you will find everything you need to learn all about our Veloped and Walker rollators

Product Reviews    

  • Never again without it!…

    In spring I was saying:
    If I can't walk better until autumn, I will buy an all-terrain rollator for the vacation in the mountains.

    My walking didn’t get better and my back was always crooked while walking. My son helped me with the search and the…

  • Sturdy robust and greatly admired walker…

    I have now had my veloped trek for over 4 years. From the start johan johan and stefan have provided a first class service and regularly communicate with customers in a friendly but inobstrusive way throughout the year. I have three walkers Vera, Win…

  • Transport bag…

    Excellent transport bag, worked out great on my last flight, the Walker was packed very well and survived the stay in the cargo hold without any scratches or other damage.…

  • Aircraft Engineering Quality…

    With increasing years and ending up with one leg shorter than the other after a hip replacement, (This was the result of a breakage after a fall.) I felt I needed help with my stability when walking. I went through the natural progress of Zimmer fram…

  • Jan Furze…

    Very handy attachment, I don't use it very often, but it's there when I need it.…

  • Great for all terrains…

    I have used Veloped (even gave it a personal name) on trails of various difficulties, and also, on different types of payment. The 14 inch wheels have no problems navigating larger rocks on trails or curbs in the city. I especially liked the front tw…

  • Essential for urban hiking…

    So much easier to use than the 12 er. The fact that it can climb most curbs in Boston is nothing short of genius! The 14 inch wheels make on and off-roading such a breeze and a very smooth ride throughout! I go about 7 miles a day on my Veloped, and …

  • Fantastic Walkers and Velopeds…

    I have recently received my Trionic Sports Veloped, and the product itself is beautifully made and very sturdy. With its air-filled tyres and great design, it makes walking a joy!

    The whole purchasing process was very straightforward and Trionic's…

  • Major benefits over rough ground…

    My Veloped Sport has had major benefits above & beyond my old standard rollator. Walking out in woods with the dogs no need to steer around rough areas, just push & go.
    Walking over my horse's field is easier, doesn't get stuck in rough ground & Chr…

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