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Rollators: Which model is the best and how much does health insurance pay?

2024-02-26T09:23:50.453Z

Highlights: Rollators are indispensable for seniors, especially when it is slippery. A good rollator must be light, stable and suitable for everyday use. Good visibility and grip are essential, even on slippery floors. Reflector strips and thoughtful LED lights make the rollator clearly visible. LED lights that “think for you’ and switch on automatically when the rollators moves are particularly practical. Spikes for shoes help provide better grip when walking with a walker. Some manufacturers have developed rollator models with special tread tires for outdoor use.



As of: February 26, 2024, 10:13 a.m

By: Nina Dudek, Melanie Staudacher

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Rollators are indispensable for seniors, especially when it is slippery.

You can read here which rollator is the best and what the health insurance company pays for it.

Note to our readers: 

We create product comparisons and deals for you.

To make this possible, we receive a commission from partners.

This doesn't change anything for you.

Do you notice pain and rapid exhaustion when walking?

Do you have balance problems and don't feel confident?

Then it might be time to consider a walker.

Rollators are a practical aid in everyday life that allows you to move more safely.  

Contents

Which rollator is suitable for winter?

What should a good rollator be able to do?

Which is the best rollator?

Tested by Stiftung Warentest

Do you need a prescription for a rollator?

How much does health insurance pay for a rollator?

Buy a rollator cheaply

Which rollator is particularly safe?

A good rollator must be light, stable and suitable for everyday use.

But it has to be able to do even more for optimal safety.

Good visibility and grip are essential, even on slippery floors.

☑️

Reflectors and thoughtful LED lights

: Reflector strips and LED lights make the rollator clearly visible.

LED lights that “think for you” and switch on automatically when the rollator moves are particularly practical.

The AXA Riff LED light switches on in automatic mode in the dark or when moving.

The on-off button is located on the front of the case.

To the automatic light

☑️

Spikes and winter tires

: Spikes for shoes help provide better grip when walking with a walker.

These can be pulled over the shoe in just a few simple steps.

You can also swap out the wheels on your walker to choose ones with more traction.

Some manufacturers have developed rollator models with special tread tires for outdoor use.

Although these tires are not winter tires in the true sense, they offer significantly better grip than standard tires.

One example is the Topro Olympos outdoor rollator, which was developed with special tread tires for outdoor use and ensures better grip.

To the outdoor rollator

What should a good rollator be able to do?

Slippery autumn leaves or snow and ice?

A rollator gives seniors the security they need © FamVeldman/PantherMedia

There are different types of rollators.

Some have three wheels, some have four.

You should discuss with your doctor which walker is best for you.

A good rollator should have these features.

  • The rollator should be

    stable and robust

    so that you can walk safely without falling.

  • A

    lightweight rollator

    is easier to maneuver and transport, but should not sacrifice stability and robustness.

  • The handles should be adjustable

    in height

    to allow for an ergonomic position.

  • The rollator's

    brakes

    should work well and be easy to operate.

    Especially if you don't have much strength in your hands.

  • A built-in

    seat and backrest

    are useful for resting on the go.

  • Large wheels

    make it easier to overcome obstacles such as curbs.

    Some models also have shock-absorbing wheels for more comfortable use.

  • A

    foldable rollator

    is convenient for transport and storage.

    Aluminum is particularly light and durable.

  • Make sure the rollator meets appropriate

    safety certificates and standards

    .

    In Europe, rollators require the EN ISO 11199-2:2005 marking.

    The TÜV seal is also a recognized symbol of safety and quality.

Which is the best rollator?

Tested by Stiftung Warentest

Stiftung Warentest tested twelve rollators.

Only two of them received a “good” rating.

Russka Rollator Vital Carbon

Stiftung Warentest rates the test winner Vital Carbon Rollator from Russka with a grade of 2.0.

The rollator is available at Amazon from €388.99.

The rollator is available in different sizes.

Depending on the model, it weighs either 5.75 kilograms or 5.88 kilograms without accessories.

Rollator Vital Carbon from Russka © Russka

Order from Amazon

Overall grade

2.0

Amazon review

4.3 out of 5 ⭐

handling

2.0

Security

2.5

durability

1.7

pollutants

1.6

Foldable

✔️

Topro lightweight rollator Troy 2G Premium

The rollator from Topro is on par and also received a grade of 2.0 from Stiftung Warentest.

At Rehashop you can find the rollator from Topro at the best price of €319.

This model is available in sizes “small” and “medium”.

At 7.4 kilograms and 7.8 kilograms respectively, the Topro rollator is heavier than the Russka one.

According to Stiftung Warentest, the handling at Topro is better.

Rollator Troy 2G Premium from Topro © Topro

Order from Rehashop

Overall grade

2.0

Rehab Shop Review

5 out of 5 ⭐

handling

1.8

Security

2.9

durability

1.1

pollutants

1.9

Foldable

✔️

Here you can find all test results from Stiftung Warentest.

When buying a rollator, pay attention to the dimensions and maximum user weight.

This information should be tailored to your height and weight.

If you are unsure which size you need for your rollator, ask your doctor or orthopedist.

Do you need a prescription for a rollator?

If you need a walker and want your health insurance company to help you with the costs, you will need a prescription from your doctor.

Health insurance companies usually pay for cheaper standard rollators in full or subsidize them.

If you want a more expensive model with more additional functions, the health insurance company will usually subsidize this with the same amount as a standard model costs.

The so-called care allowance varies depending on the health insurance company.

In some cases, the rollator is only available on loan from the cash register.

If you need the rollator permanently, the health insurance company will buy it for you.

Talk to your doctor in advance about which walker you need and for how long and get the appropriate prescription issued.

If you have a prescription, you only have to pay ten percent of the costs yourself.

However, the additional payment must be at least five euros and a maximum of ten euros.

How much does health insurance pay for a rollator?

There are flat rates for many aids, including walkers, which health insurance companies cover.

These can vary from cash register to cash register.

If the chosen rollator is more expensive than the fixed amount, the patient must pay the difference themselves.

We asked the Siemens company health insurance company which rollators it subsidizes with which flat rate.

Art

Subsidy for a loan period of 60 months

Three-wheeled walking aids (delta wheels)

€80.30

Four-wheeled walking aids (standard lightweight)

€79.20

Four-wheeled walking aids (XL supply)

€317.90

Arthritis rollators

Purchase for the patient based on a cost estimate

Buy a rollator cheaply

A good rollator doesn't have to be expensive.

Here you will find a selection of good rollators, some for less than 100 euros:

  • Foldable aluminum rollator from Kesser – €109.80

  • Aluminum rollator from Arebos with removable shopping bag – €109.90

  • Standard rollator with basket from Drive Medical – €74.85

  • Foldable travel rollator – €114.95 on eBay

  • Besco Medical lightweight rollator – €149.99 on eBay

  • Top offer: Jago folding rollator – €94.95 instead of €136.44 on eBay

The editor wrote this article and then used an AI language model for optimization at her own discretion.

All information has been carefully checked.

Source: merkur

All news articles on 2024-02-26

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