Winter weather can make getting out and about more difficult, even at the best of times. Those difficulties are compounded even further when you rely on a rollator for movement. But no matter what winter throws at you (snow, rain, wind, ice and darkness), you should never feel like you are trapped inside. As long as you plan ahead and take safety precautions, your rollator can still help you to maintain your social life and a sense of independence. Fortunately for you, we have put together a handy guide to give you all the practical safety tips you need to navigate winter with your rollator this year!
How to look after your rollator in the winter
Before heading out into winter weather, which often comes with slightly riskier conditions, it is important to check that your rollator is in tip-top condition. This is especially important if you forgot to check the rollator when you last returned from a trip. Follow our simple checklist below to make sure you are ready to combat the cold, wind, rain and snow.
Rollator winter checklist
- Test the brakes on a flat and sloped surface
- Clean the brakes if needed
- Make sure the wheels are rotating freely
- Check for any obstructions around the wheels or brakes
- Check the tyres for any noticeable signs of wear or damage
- Make sure the handles are secure and in your preferred position
- Check that all accessories are properly secure
- If you have lights, make sure they are working well
- Keep a waterproof cover in the car to transport a dirty rollator after your walk
- Take a cloth or towel to clean up any extra dirt
If any of the major components, such as wheels, brakes or handles, are not fully functional, you should not go out into winter weather until they are fixed. A rollator should always provide consistent safety and stability. If you need it, we have an in-depth rollator maintenance guide.
Check the weather and plan your route accordingly
Rollators are designed to provide a sense of stability, allowing you to support yourself and manoeuvre through your day-to-day life. Unfortunately, winter weather naturally creates more unstable conditions. However, no matter how many challenges winter weather throws up, there are always solutions if you plan ahead.
- Check the weather forecast: It is always a sensible idea to check the weather forecast before you head out. That way, you can plan for whatever winter has in store. If it looks like heavy rain, be sure to wear a waterproof jacket. If the temperature is low, wear a warm winter coat. If there is rain, snow or ice, wear grippy boots to add an extra layer of safety. Pay close attention to any extreme weather warnings. Sometimes, it just isn't worth the risk! Don't be afraid to postpone your trip if needed.
- Choose your route carefully: When dealing with wet pavements and potential snow and ice, it is always a good idea to plan your route. Stick to familiar roads and pathways you know like the back of your hand. Aim to use well-maintained paths that are often cleared of snow, gritted and salted. You should also avoid any routes that have steep slopes, poorly maintained paths or uneven surfaces. In bad weather, those routes can become perilous.
- Different weather conditions bring different risks: Rain makes pavements wet, wind can affect balance, snow can make it harder for wheels to turn, and ice comes with extreme risks of slipping. Not to mention the knock-on effects of wet fallen leaves getting stuck in the wheels and cold weather impacting your ability to grip the handles. Make sure you are well prepared and dressed for whatever conditions you are facing.
- Allow for extra time: You are not in a rush. Take your time. It's always a better idea to get there in one piece than to get there in record time, especially in the winter. Safety is paramount. If you have to leave early to give yourself extra time, then do it.
- Let someone know your plans: It's always a sensible idea to let someone know where you are going with your rollator, just in case you get into any winter difficulties.
Make yourself visible, and that includes your rollator too!
We have all experienced the feeling of driving along at night when a pedestrian dressed in all black attempts to cross the road, not realising how near-invisible they are. Winter means shorter daylight hours and darker days, which makes visibility an even more prominent problem. Follow our visibility checklist to keep yourself safe this winter!
- Wear bright colours when possible
- Choose jackets or coats with reflective details
- Purchase a high-visibility jacket or vest
- Purchase reflective bands to add to the outside of your coat
- Avoid dark clothing with no reflective accessories
- Consider your visibility from every angle: will people be able to see you from the back, front and side?
- Take extra care when crossing the road, just in case you are not as visible as you think
You should also take the time to make your rollator more visible during the winter months. byACRE reflective stickers are a great way to achieve extra visibility. You can also add a light to your rollator, such as the Saljol rollator light. This not only makes you more visible to vehicles but also helps to light up your way, just like a torch. Just make sure that your lights are working properly before you leave the house.
Choose the perfect footwear to add an extra layer of grip
Your rollator is designed to add extra stability and support, but that doesn't mean you don't need to wear the right footwear too. Grip is essential when travelling on wet, snowy or icy pathways, so be sure to choose some non-slip footwear with good tread. Most 'fashionable' modern shoes have smooth soles, which are no good for traversing slippery conditions. Check out our footwear checklist to make sure your shoes are working for you!
- Your shoes should fit well, and your feet should not move around inside
- Good tread and non-slip soles
- Waterproof boots are a good idea for rain and snow
- Insulated boots can keep you warm on cold winter days
- You can also layer up with warm winter socks
- Always check the bottom of your boots: worn or damaged soles can provide far less grip
Even once you have ticked all of the points above, you should still take extra care when walking on wet, snowy or icy paths. Take it slow and tread carefully.
Wrap up warm, especially your hands!
It may sound obvious, but remember to wrap up warm! Walking around with your rollator in the winter can take a lot longer than normal, so be prepared to be outside in the cold for a while. That means you need a coat, gloves, boots and socks to keep nice and warm. If you are worried about getting too warm while moving around, then wear multiple lightweight layers that you can take on and off. Just make sure the outer layer is always waterproof if it is raining. And don't be afraid to take a pit stop somewhere warm like a café, library or shop if it gets too wet or cold.
REMEMBER: Your hands always need to maintain a firm grip on your rollator. That makes it important to balance warmth and flexibility. Wear gloves that keep your hands warm, but aren't so bulky that they impact your ability to grip the handles.
- Coat or jacket
- Hat, scarf and gloves
- Boots and socks
- Thermal layers
- Handwarmers
Check your rollator again after every single winter trip
It's important to check your rollator before every trip, but you should also get into the habit of checking it when you get home too. That way, if you spot any issues, you have plenty of time to get them fixed before you need to go outside again.
Post-trip rollator winter checklist
- Test and clean the brakes
- Make sure the wheels are rotating freely
- Check for any obstructions around the wheels or brakes, like wet leaves
- Check the tyres for any noticeable signs of wear or damage
- Make sure the handles are secure and in your preferred position
- Check that all accessories are properly secure
- If you have lights, make sure they are working well
- Check for mud and grit around all rollator mechanisms
- Wipe down the frame, handles and wheels to remove watermarks, dirt and debris
- Dry the rollator before storing it away to prevent any wear
Winter may be cold and dark, but there is no reason to stay indoors. Get out there to enjoy the Christmas lights, socialise with friends and enjoy the winter markets. As long as you plan ahead and look after your rollator, your rollator will look after you!