Getting used to a new rollator takes a little time, and that's completely normal. Most Australians find their rhythm within a week or two. But in that early period, and sometimes long after, a few common habits can quietly increase your fall risk without you realising it.
We've put together this guide to help you use your rollator with confidence. These aren't meant to scare you. They're practical fixes that make a real difference to your safety and your independence.
Key takeaways:
- Handle height is one of the most important settings on your rollator, and one of the most commonly skipped.
- Always apply the brakes before you sit down or stand up. Every time, without exception.
- Leaning forward shifts your weight forward, and your rollator can roll away from you.
- Slopes and uneven surfaces need slow, deliberate steps and firm brake control.
- If something doesn't feel right about your rollator, speak with an occupational therapist or your GP.
1. Handles Set at the Wrong Height
The mistake
Many people take their rollator out of the box and start using it without adjusting the handle height. Others adjust it once and never check again, even if their posture has changed or a family member has been using it.
Why it matters
Handles set too low force you to hunch forward, putting strain on your back and shifting your centre of gravity. Handles set too high cause you to reach upward, which is awkward and unstable. Both positions make a fall more likely.
What to do instead
Stand tall beside your rollator with your arms relaxed at your sides. The handles should sit level with your wrist creases, and your elbows should have a slight bend (around 15 to 20 degrees) when you grip them. Check this every few months, or after anyone else has used your rollator.
2. Leaning Too Far Forward
The mistake
It's natural to lean into the rollator for support, especially when you're tired. But leaning too far forward, almost resting your chest on the handles, is one of the most common rollator safety mistakes we see.
Why it matters
When you lean forward, your weight tips toward the rollator. If the wheels hit an uneven patch or you push too hard, the frame can roll out ahead of you. That leaves you with nothing to hold onto and a serious fall risk.
What to do instead
Think about walking tall. Your ears, shoulders, hips, and heels should be in a roughly straight line. Use the rollator as a guide and balance tool, not as something to rest your full weight on. If you find yourself leaning heavily, it may be a sign you need a rest, or that the handles need adjusting.
3. Not Locking the Brakes Before Sitting
The mistake
Sitting down onto the rollator seat without locking the brakes first. This is easy to do when you're tired and looking forward to a rest.
Why it matters
If the wheels aren't locked, the rollator will roll forward the moment you put your weight on the seat. You can slide off, tip forward, or lose your footing completely. Falls during sit-to-stand movements are common, and often serious.
What to do instead
Make it a habit: brakes on before you sit, every single time. Most rollators have a loop-lock or push-down brake on each handle. Apply both before lowering yourself onto the seat. The same rule applies when you stand back up. Brakes on until you're fully upright and ready to walk.
4. Not Using the Brakes on Slopes
The mistake
Walking down a slope or ramp without applying any brake pressure, letting the rollator roll freely ahead.
Why it matters
Even a gentle slope gives your rollator momentum. If it gets ahead of you, you'll either fall trying to catch it, or let go and lose your support entirely. Going too fast on any downhill surface is one of the riskiest rollator safety mistakes there is.
What to do instead
Apply gentle, steady pressure to both brakes as you walk downhill. This is called feathering the brakes. It slows the rollator without locking the wheels completely. Take smaller steps than usual and look ahead rather than down at your feet. If the slope feels steep or uneven, ask for assistance or find an alternative route.
5. Moving Too Fast
The mistake
Pushing the rollator ahead and then hurrying to catch up with it, or walking at a pace that doesn't feel comfortable just because you're in a rush.
Why it matters
When the rollator gets too far ahead, you're walking without support for those split seconds. That's when slips and trips happen. Your rollator should stay close to your body, not lead the way.
What to do instead
Keep the rollator within arm's reach at all times. Walk at a pace where the frame stays right beside your body, not in front. If you're feeling rushed, take a breath and slow down. Getting there safely is what matters.
6. Using Your Rollator on Unsuitable Surfaces
The mistake
Taking a standard indoor rollator onto thick carpet, gravel, grass, or uneven pavers and expecting it to handle the same way it does on smooth floors.
Why it matters
Smaller rollator wheels are designed for smooth, even surfaces. On gravel or thick carpet, wheels can catch or drag unexpectedly. Uneven pavers can tip the frame sideways. Any sudden resistance or wobble can throw you off balance.
What to do instead
Check that your rollator is suited to the surfaces you regularly walk on. Outdoor-rated rollators have larger, more robust wheels and a sturdier frame. If you spend time both indoors and outdoors, ask us about rollators designed for both environments. We're happy to point you in the right direction. You can browse our full rollator range here.
7. Wearing the Wrong Footwear
The mistake
Using a rollator in thongs, loose slippers, or socks with no grip. It's very easy to shuffle around the house in footwear that felt fine before. But the wrong shoes can undermine everything your rollator is doing to keep you safe.
Why it matters
Loose footwear can slip off, catch on the rollator frame, or slide on smooth floors. Thongs offer no ankle support and can flap underfoot. Socks without grip are a fall risk even without a rollator in the picture.
What to do instead
Wear well-fitted, enclosed shoes with a non-slip sole whenever you're using your rollator. A shoe with a low heel and a firm back gives you the best combination of grip, support, and stability. If you're at home, look for slippers specifically designed with a grippy sole and a closed back.
A Note on Professional Guidance
If you're not sure whether your rollator is set up correctly, or if it still doesn't feel right after making these adjustments, we'd encourage you to speak with your GP or an occupational therapist. They can assess your gait, check your rollator settings, and advise on whether a different style or size would suit you better.
Most Australians can access an occupational therapist through their GP, a Home Care Package, or an NDIS plan. It's worth asking. Getting the right fit makes a real difference to your confidence and your independence.
Find the Right Rollator for You
Using a rollator correctly is one of the best things you can do for your safety and your peace of mind. Small adjustments, like handle height, brake habits, and footwear, add up to a much safer experience every day.
If you're thinking about a new rollator or want to explore your options, we're here to help. Our range covers lightweight travel models, outdoor-rated frames, and bariatric options for a range of needs and body types.
Browse our full rollator collection, or get in touch and we'll help you find the right fit.