FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

Question: Why a RollerMate?

Answer: RollerMate is easy to walk with, it gives increased support compared to a traditional crutch and it reduces the risks of pain and injury with long term use of a walking aid as the wheels give a smoother movement compared to an aid that has to be lifted with each step. For more information, please download our information leaflet).

Additional benefits are the practical bag perfect for your personal things and the hook for a grocery bag. It has a modern design and weighs only 2,5 kg. It's foldable and a perfect companion on your travels.

Why use a crutch when you could get better support with a RollerMate?  

Question: How do I know if RollerMate is suitable to me?

Answer: You have to try it. RollerMate has been found to be suitable to most people using a crutch or a stick, as well as for some people using a rollator (walker on wheels), but everybody is unique and only you can decide what works best for you.

You can also consult your doctor, physiotherapist or occupational therapist for futher advise.

Question: A crutch on wheels, is it not unstable?

Answer: This is probably the most common question from people before they have tried a RollerMate. The answer is no, the two large wheels give an increased stability compared to a traditional crutch. The support for the lower part of the arm puts a stop to any unwanted forward movement and it doesn't move sideways (thanks to a safety barrier limiting the turning radius). People who has tried the RollerMate are often surprised about its stability. 

Question: Can I bring my RollerMate when I'm travelling by airplane

Answer: Yes, RollerMate is great companion when travelling. We have tried travelling with a RollerMate at repeated occacions and it works great as a walking aid both at the airport and on the plane. The bag is perfect for your passport, ticket etc. and you can use the hook to help you carry your hand luggage. RollerMate is considered an aid and is not added to the weight of your carry on luggae. You can fold it and put it in the over head compartment, your flight attendant will be there to assist you.

Question: Does RollerMate work in the outdoors?

Answer: Yes, we have tried RolleMate on grass, gravel and even snow and it works well. In short, if it's possible to get around with a traditional four-wheel rollator (walker on wheels), it should be easier to use a RollerMate, as the two large wheels give less friction than four. However, it's important to remember that  it requires a greater effort to walk on uneven surfaces and that it could become necessary to lift the RollerMate to pass over obstacles.

It's alo important to be cautious on slippery surfaces. The two large rubber wheels are designed to give the best grip possible, but on ice and similarly slippery surfaces caution is necessary. We would also like to issue a warning about using the RollerMate indoors or on highly smooth surfaces when the wheels are wet. If you have been out in the rain, please make sure that the wheels are dried before using it on smooth surfaces to avoid slipping and falling. Dry wheels have a great grip indoors thank to the rubber material they are made of. 

Question: Can I use a RollerMate when walking in stairs?

Answer: The RollerMate is not suitable for stairs as both wheels need to be on the ground to give the correct support. However, we have clients who have tried using it sideways when walking in stairs, but we want to issue a warning for this method as this may not work for everybody and it could lead to a false sense of stability and increase the risk of falling. Our recommendation is to use the handrail, if available, and to carry the RollerMate up or down the stairs. The RollerMate weighs only 2,5 kg so for most users this works fine. Or maybe there's a nice fellow citizen close by that can assist you when you need to walk up or down stairs?

Question: Why is the turning radius limited?

Answer: To avaoid the RollerMate from turning too far sideways in either direction. The turning radius of the wheels is limited by a small barrier on the shaft. The purpouse with the limited turning radius is to avoid sharp turns and that RollerMate would move sideways or backwards as this could lead to a loss of stability or control. The barrier is there as a safety measure.

Question: How do I adjust my RollerMate?

Answer: It's important to adjust the height of the under arm support so walking feels comfortable for you. You can easily adjust the height of the handle by shifting the sprint between the seven positions (holes) along the shaft.

What height is right for your depends, off course, on your own height, but also on how you prefer to walk with your RollerMate. Some people prefer to walk with it at a wider angle, especially when carrying a bag on the hook. Others prefer to keep the RollerMate closer to their body. You need to find which position is most comfortable for you. You can ask your physiotherapist or doctor for help when trying this out.

The shoulders should ideally be levelled when walking. Standing in front of a mirror could be helpful when checking the positioning of your shoulders and body posture.

If you feel pain in a shoulder or arm, it could be a sign that the height of your RollerMate is not right for you. Try to adjust the height and ask your doctor or physiotherapist for advice.

Question: Does RollerMate have a brake?

Answer: This is the second most common question we receive from people before they have tried a RollerMate. The current model is without a brake and most people find, after trying it, that no brake is  needed as the RollerMate provides sufficinet stability without it.

Question: How much weight can I carry on the hook?

Answer: The hook is designed to carry up to 7kg. During tests we have tried even heavier loads without problems, but we don't recommend it as it may impair the stability of your RollerMate and also increase the effort required walking with it. Most users have found the hook very convenient for a grocery bag or a hold-all that is big enough to rest on the side of the RollerMate. Smaller bags have a tendency to fall on the inside of the RollerMate and could be in the way when walking. You will probably soon find a bag that works for you.

Question: For how long is the guarantee valid?

Answer: The guarantee is for two years after purchase. We have very high demands on the quality of the product and welcome your feedback on RollerMate. Should anything be wrong with your RollerMate, it will either be repaired or replaced with a new one at our cost.

Question: I have broken my leg, can I use a RollerMate?

Answer: With a broken leg, or when you for other reasons can't use your hurt leg for support, a RollerMate is probably not suitable for you and two traditional crutches are most likely still the better option. We can't recommend using two RollerMate simultaneosusly as they are not designed for this.  You need to be able to push the wheels forward or you would have to jump using your healthy leg. This  could be both unstable and painful. However, we have clients who have tried it and found it working so we never say never. Only you can decide what works for you.

Question: Is RollerMate in compliance with the standards of the European Community?

Answer: Yes, the RollerMate is in compiance with all required standards and has passed the required tests to be awarded the CE marking.

Question: Is the RollerMate bag included?

Answer: Yes, the specially designed bag you see in the pictures is included with every purchase of a RollerMate.

Question: Is there a model of RollerMate for children?

Answer: Today there's no model for children, but we are looking into the possability to develop and produce one.

Question: Is there a larger model of RollerMate available?

Answer: Today there's only one size available on the market. This first version of RollerMate is designed to suit the majority of possible users, but it will be too small or too large for some. We are looking into the possability to produce RollerMate in different sizes to ensure that everyone can find a suitable size.

Question: Can I get RollerMate in a different colour?

Answer: Today RollerMate is only available in the colour combination (black/gray) you can see in the pictures on the website.