Rollator skis (also called ski glides or walker skis) replace the rubber feet on the rear legs of a walking frame, letting you push the frame forward instead of lifting it with every step. It is a small accessory that makes a real difference if you find constant lifting tiring or hard on your joints.
Below, we explain exactly how they work, who they suit, and the one situation where they are not the right fit.
In this article
What are rollator skis?
Rollator skis are curved plastic glides that fit onto the rear legs of a walking frame in place of standard rubber ferrules. They look a little like miniature ski blades, which is exactly where the name comes from. Most walking frames that include them come pre-fitted, but replacement ski glides can also be added to compatible frames separately.
How do ski glides work on a walking frame?
Standard walking frames have rubber tips on all four legs. To move forward, you lift the frame, place it ahead of you, and then step into it. That lifting motion repeats with every single step.
Ski glides change that. The front two legs have small castor wheels, and the rear two legs have the ski glides. This combination lets you push the frame forward in a smooth, continuous motion. There is no lifting required. The castors roll, the skis slide, and the frame moves with you.
This makes walking noticeably less effortful, particularly over longer distances or when arm and shoulder strength is limited.
Walking frame with skis vs standard rubber feet
| Feature | Standard rubber feet | Front wheels + rear skis |
|---|---|---|
| Movement style | Lift and place | Push and glide |
| Effort required | Higher (repeated lifting) | Lower (continuous motion) |
| Stability on uneven ground | Better (feet grip) | Lower (skis and wheels can slip) |
| Best surface | Uneven or outdoor terrain | Smooth, flat indoor floors |
| Suitable for | General use including outdoors | People with limited arm strength or joint pain |
Who benefits from a walking frame with skis?
Walking frames with ski glides are most useful for people who find the lift-and-place action of a standard frame tiring or painful. That includes people managing arthritis in the hands, wrists, or shoulders, as well as those recovering from surgery with limited upper-body strength.
They also suit people who feel unsteady when lifting a frame. Because the gliding motion keeps all four points of the frame in contact with the floor at all times, many people find it feels more secure than repeatedly picking the frame up and putting it down.
Best surfaces for walking frame ski glides
Ski glides are designed for smooth, flat surfaces indoors. They work well on:
- Timber and laminate floors
- Tiles and vinyl
- Low-pile carpet
- Smooth hospital or aged care facility corridors
The smoother the floor, the better the glide. High-pile carpet creates drag on the skis and can make the frame harder to push rather than easier.
When skis are not the right choice
Ski glides are not suited to outdoor use or uneven surfaces. On gravel, grass, pavement cracks, or any surface that is not flat, they can catch or slide unexpectedly. In those situations, a standard frame with rubber feet or a four-wheel rollator is the safer option.
If you move between indoors and outdoors regularly, a rollator with four wheels and a hand brake gives you more flexibility than a two-wheel frame with skis.
Key takeaways
- Rollator skis (ski glides) replace the rubber feet on a walking frame's rear legs so you can push it instead of lifting it.
- The front two legs use small castor wheels; the rear two use ski glides for a smooth gliding motion.
- They are ideal for people with limited arm or shoulder strength who use the frame mainly indoors on smooth floors.
- They are not suited to outdoor use, uneven surfaces, or high-pile carpet.
- If you need both indoor and outdoor use, a four-wheel rollator with hand brakes is a better fit.
Not sure which walking aid is right for you? Browse our full range of walkers and rollators or get in touch and we will help you find the right fit.