Is a rollator a good option for me at Disneyland? Recs?

[greentea]

Hello! So, kind of a two parter here. Basically does renting a rollator sound like a good option for me (new to using mobility devices), and what kind do you use and do you like it?

I'm heading to Disneyland in a couple weeks, and I have fibro and rheumatoid arthritis and don't handle heat as well as I used to. I normally manage to make it through daily tasks, but pretty sure I should try some kind of mobility device to get me through 3 days at the parks. I know a common rec is to rent an ECV, but I often can't sit for long periods and the arthritis in my hands (especially thumbs) makes me worry that I would just be in a lot of pain trying to hold the throttle.

My current thought is a rollator could take some pressure off my back/knees while letting me still walk around, give me a seat in line or to take short breaks, and hold my small backpack for me (my back is starting to get pain from carrying any weight at all, like a water bottle and light sweater will flare it up).

So I guess what I'm asking is, for those familiar with using rollators, is there something I'm not considering that might make it a poor option for me? I'm very new to mobility aids, and my OT just told me to try anything that seems like it would help.

Planning this rental to be my trial run to see if I want to buy my own after I get back as well. If so, does it make sense to get a cheapy basic $80 one or go $200ish for better wheels and quality? I feel like my main needs are lightweight and a seat, so this three wheeler appealed to me, but I'm worried the seat won't be good enough since reviews say it's quite small (and maybe 3 wheels are too tippy?). I see the Drive Nitro and Nova Zoom recommended a lot, though they are 16-17lbs instead of 11. Cost is not a huge barrier here if the quality and functionality is better, but still wanting to keep it to $250 or less.

Thank you for any thoughts!

 

[Norandran]

Your OT just said to try different things without prescribing one, that’s not great. Rollators are something that you should be fitted to so you’re using it without causing more issues for your conditions, you also should be taught how to use it properly, I mention this because a rental that is not configured properly can do more harm than good.

Your OT should at least have a few different models around so you can try them out, if they don’t go to a medical supply store in your area to find the best one that will meet your needs and then ask them to show you how to set it properly. They may even offer to let you take a rental home to try and you might just end up buying one before your trip.

I liked a 4 wheel better than a 3 wheel because it felt more stable. My wife was also able to push me around when I sat on the walker, in case I wore myself out.

You might also consider an ecv and when you need to walk a bit let another party member drive it or park it at a centralized location and come back to it when you need it.

Good luck on your trip I hope it’s a very magical vacation.

 

[elvispursley]

Your OT just said to try different things without prescribing one, that’s not great. Rollators are something that you should be fitted to so you’re using it without causing more issues for your conditions, you also should be taught how to use it properly, I mention this because a rental that is not configured properly can do more harm than good.

Your OT should at least have a few different models around so you can try them out, if they don’t go to a medical supply store in your area to find the best one that will meet your needs and then ask them to show you how to set it properly. They may even offer to let you take a rental home to try and you might just end up buying one before your trip.

I liked a 4 wheel better than a 3 wheel because it felt more stable. My wife was also able to push me around when I sat on the walker, in case I wore myself out.

You might also consider an ecv and when you need to walk a bit let another party member drive it or park it at a centralized location and come back to it when you need it.

Good luck on your trip I hope it’s a very magical vacation.

OT here and not all OTs are comfortable fitting mobility devices (although they should be versed in how to adjust the height and general operation/safety). And a lot of mobility devices are not always covered by insurance under DME. And only a physician can prescribe. A therapist can place an order but I always advised my clients to buy from Amazon or a gently-used device.

Agree that purchasing is better than renting. My advice would be to go to a DME supply store and look at the different options and which rollator you like.

Also, if we’re going to talk safety, rollators should not be used to be pushed around in. There are wheelchairs that convert to a rollator that this can be safely done, however, your general rollatoemis not meant for this and can be very dangerous.

OP, you can ask your OT if they have any recommendations or if they have a PT colleague who could consult for which device fits your needs.

 

[greentea]

Your OT just said to try different things without prescribing one, that’s not great.

You might also consider an ecv and when you need to walk a bit let another party member drive it or park it at a centralized location and come back to it when you need it.

I don't think I can drive an ECV right now due to my hands, I can't maintain pressure on something like a throttle.

I don't think my OT could prescribe a device, she did tell me insurance might cover one but that it would often be the cheapest one and probably not what I would want. I will consider a medical supply store though, thank you!

Agree that purchasing is better than renting. My advice would be to go to a DME supply store and look at the different options and which rollator you like.

My thought with renting is I didn't want to buy one then immediately take it on a plane and gate check it and risk it getting smashed up. And I'll be on the flight alone, so I wasn't sure if I could wrangle that plus bags my first time.

But if a rental would be overall negative because it's not fitted and no one specifically advised me to use one, maybe I'll just try to power through like I usually do.

My insurance only covered a few OT visits and those ended a couple months ago. I did have some PT before that, and the PT seemed totally inexperienced with chronic pain. I also don't know how to find a good PT that won't wander off and watch Youtube videos while I'm there. Anyway, that's why I feel like I need to figure it out myself at this point. I appreciate the input!

 

[Selket]

I don't think I can drive an ECV right now due to my hands, I can't maintain pressure on something like a throttle.

I've been using a rollator for about a year now - mostly to get through airports and if I'm walking somewhere like a mall. I have OA not RA and am in the process of getting both knees replaced.

I bought the rollator from amazon - their "overall pick" one that is $68 - and it has held up great. I've taken it on an airplane 6 times in the past year without any damage to it. I use it to get down to the plane and gate check it there (like people do with strollers). I think you'd pay around the same to rent so it may be worth it for you to get this one and try it - and then you'd own it. I don't secure it any way special when flying with it - just fold it up and leave it at the end of the walkway. to the plane.

I noticed what you said about your hands and the ECV throttle and it made me wonder if pushing the rollator would bother your hands. If you really need to put much weight onto the rollator it can stress out your hands and shoulders as I've learned. I had more of a problem right after my knee replacement and using the walker to take weight off my leg - but get some fatigue with the rollator as well. Just something to think about

 

[greentea]

I noticed what you said about your hands and the ECV throttle and it made me wonder if pushing the rollator would bother your hands.

Thanks for the thoughts! And the gate check reassurance, haha. I definitely wouldn't worry as much about damage if I got a cheaper one I'm sure.

I did wonder about how well I'll be able to push a rollator all day, but I can use things like shopping carts okay. It's pressing/holding buttons (like a video game controller button or joystick), especially with my thumbs.

Good point about the stress on shoulders as well. Still, I think I am interested in it the most for portable seat for rest and holding my bag so my back doesn't hurt, so it might still be worth a try! I appreciate the firsthand experience.

 

[elvispursley]

.I did wonder about how well I'll be able to push a rollator all day, but I can use things like shopping carts okay. It's pressing/holding buttons (like a video game controller button or joystick), especially with my thumbs.
.

I’ll add that the scooters/ECVs that my mom rents don’t have her thumb pushing anything. It’s more like a lever that you pull with your fingers. She has horrible OA in her thumbs but doesn’t have any issue (of course, she is not you and YMMV comes into it). Th is is what it looks like…

 

[SteveMouse]

I have used a rollator for 20 years, maybe longer. I travel with one regularly. My arms have very limited mobility.

There are rollators that are designed to be used in more of a standing position, with your weight more distributed along your atm. These are generally called "upright" rollators. An example is https://a.co/d/0caLqO3y.

I use the Hugo Explore rollator, now owned by Drive Medical.

 

[Selket]

I did wonder about how well I'll be able to push a rollator all day, but I can use things like shopping carts okay. It's pressing/holding buttons (like a video game controller button or joystick), especially with my thumbs.

Thinking about it - the ECV I rent at WDW I'm pretty sure my thumbs aren't involved - it is like the tiller that @elvispursley showed above. I have horrible memory for these things but I think I just my other 4 fingers (more like a squeeze motion or push pull). I have carpal tunnel and my thumbs also hate video game controllers ...and I think if it was like a video game controller with my thumbs I'd be in trouble after awhile.

The one I've bought works great for holding bags - no issues there. I think that upright rollator could be an interesting option (but probably more expensive so I'm sure you'd want to try it first). I saw someone using one at WDW this past week!

 

[greentea]

Thinking about it - the ECV I rent at WDW I'm pretty sure my thumbs aren't involved

Oh, well that would be better! I had searched around this site for people's ECV experiences and read about people saying the park scooters had uncomfortable thumb controls. I could probably manage the kind that uses your fingers. I'll have to look into that and find out just to see if that could be an option. More options is always good.

I know someone who got an upright rollator, but it's gigantic and very heavy and doesn't fit in her car so she never uses it.

 

[KPeterso]

My mom has a rollator. Got it about 2 years ago now off Amazon. She does not use it in the parks though as she cannot do that much walking. We get her an ECV at WDW or use a wheelchair at Disneyland. We did fly with it last year and it was really easy. Rolled it to the plane door and then I folded it. If flying again, I would use a recommendation I saw here to get a length of velcro so it can stay closed better. At the airport, my mom rode in one of the airport wheelchairs and I pushed the rollator with all the carry ons on it. And if I was to buy another rollator, I think we would go to a store to try a few out. My one wish would be for hers to fold better.

 

[Becca43]

I have a chronic illness and used a rollator at WDW in January for the first time and it was a lifesaver! I brought my Carex Step ‘n Rest rollator, but I agree with others who’ve suggested trying some out before you rent/buy if you can.

Having a seat while in line (or if I just needed to take a break) was a huge help to me as was having somewhere to keep my bag, a water bottle, and a sweater (wearing them on my shoulder or back also triggers a pain flare for me). I had a thread going on this forum prior to my trip that you might find helpful - you can find it here if you’re interested!

A few other quick thoughts as well: having one that’s the right height (handles and seat) is important. If you don’t have an OT/PT who can fit the device to you, I have people in my life who’ve found videos from OTs/PTs on YouTube or social media that show you the basics of how to fit one. Not recommending it per se and certainly not giving medical advice, but a friendly FYI that they exist so you can choose to do with it what you will.

Bigger wheels are better for outdoor use, generally, so something with 8” or 10” wheels will probably give you a more comfortable experience than one with 6” wheels while in the DL parks.

Consider extra padding for the handles, as well, since this is where you’re putting your weight, assuming that you will be using it for support while walking in addition to the benefits of the seat and storage space.

And lastly, be patient and go easy on yourself. There is a learning curve any time you try something new, including using a new mobility aid, and it’s normal to hit a snag occasionally and feel frustrated when you encounter a challenge you didn’t expect. When I’d encounter a small, unexpected challenge, I’d sometimes spiral into a mindset of, “omg this is hopeless — nothing is ever going to help me and I’m going to be limited in what I can do forever ” which isn’t super helpful (or realistic ). So setting more balanced, realistic expectations up front has made a big difference for me!

For what it’s worth though, I’ve found Disney to be a great place to use a mobility aid. Can’t speak to DL specifically but all of WDW was way more accessible than I expected (and than a lot of the real world tbh) and everyone was very helpful and respectful. Hope some of this is helpful for you, and have a great trip!

 

[greentea]

And lastly, be patient and go easy on yourself. There is a learning curve any time you try something new, including using a new mobility aid, and it’s normal to hit a snag occasionally and feel frustrated when you encounter a challenge you didn’t expect. When I’d encounter a small, unexpected challenge, I’d sometimes spiral into a mindset of, “omg this is hopeless — nothing is ever going to help me and I’m going to be limited in what I can do forever ” which isn’t super helpful (or realistic ). So setting more balanced, realistic expectations up front has made a big difference for me!

Thank you so much for that detailed reply, and for the link to the other thread! Your experience is super helpful. As is the reminder to be patient and try not to get too frustrated with myself or the situation. Realistic expectations are so important (and learning pacing) but it can definitely feel frustrating!

 

[Team Wendy and Nana]

I know this post hasn't had any responses in more than a week, but just in case it is helpful, I wanted to add something briefly! I used to have POTS which caused me to constantly have a racing pulse, pounding heart and be out of breath. (I have actually gone in remission, believe or not ) While I eventually used an electric wheelchair for about 3 years, I first tried a rollator from Amazon. Granted, it was not fitted to me specifically and was not an expensive model, but it for my particular disability it was problematic. The reason was that I needed to lean on it, bending forward a bit on my arms to support my weight because always when I was upright I couldn't catch my breath because my heart was beating so hard. However, in that position, it only made my heart beat harder, cause more exhaustion and more being out of breath. I realize POTS is not what you have, but I thought it might give you a little insight as to how different uses and positions can affect you in unexpected ways. Perhaps most people don't need to lean into it, but for me, it ended up leading to getting my electric wheelchair, which was much more helpful to me. Definitely try some out before deciding!! Whatever you do, I wish you the best of luck and happy park touring!! <3