Rollator brakes are essential components of any walker. They allow the Rollator to stop if you do not have complete control while moving forward. Locking brakes also provide an extra layer of protection for stability and balance for those who use them. Because of this, you should know how rollator brakes work. For example, what happens if they stop working, how to lock them in place, and more. Unlike walkers or wheelchairs, Rollator’s braking systems are different.
How do rollator brakes work? Rollator brakes are also called loop-lock brakes and are engaged by taking your hand and squeezing on the brake lever right under the rollator grips. The brake levels are connected to a braking system by a cable similar to a bicycle brake. Once squeezed, the brake pads attached to the back wheels clampdown, applying pressure and stopping the forward motion. Most brakes need to be pushed down instead of squeezing them up to lock the Rollator brakes in place.
How to use Rollator’s Brake
The closest way to explain a rollator’s brake system is that of a bicycle. However, the rollator’s brakes are right under the grips and typically more extensive than bicycle grips.
Nonetheless, they are designed for the person using the brake to squeeze up. This squeezing motion allows the brake pads at the back of the rollator’s wheels to squeeze shut. The connection from the hand brakes runs through a small thin cable just like a bike.
Where Are Rollator Brakes Located?
When talking about the location of brakes on a rollator, we should explain that the hand brakes portion starts the engaging of the brake pads that will slop the forward motion or lock in the wheels if you have a rollator.
Hand brake location: The hand brakes are located right below the grips on a rollator. This is done so that when you squeeze the brake, it is in a location that is easy to squeeze, and it can be deployed faster because your hands are already located on the grip anyways.
Brake pads: The brake pads clamp down on the back wheels to start to slow and then stop the forward motion when you grip and push up the brake handle. These are located on the back wheels and are connected via a small cable from the handle to the pads.
Do Rollator Brakes Work Independently Of Each Other?
Yes. Rollator brakes are independent. This means when you press the right brake pad and wheel will stop. Same for the left brake. You press that, and it will start to stop. To stop both wheels simultaneously, you will press both brakes at the same time.
Locking The Wheels On A Rollator
Knowing how to lock the wheels on a rollator is essential. This is useful to gain more stability if your rollator has a seat. Suppose you want to use the handles for balance. Either way, you would lock the wheels or park brake as some call it.
You would simply push down on the brake levers for the models that use loop-lock brakes. This locks the wheels until you release them. So how do you remove them? Pull up on the brake levers again.
Adjusting Brakes On A Rollator
If you need to adjust the brakes on a rollator, it is not difficult. While there may be different variations from brand to brand, the process should be very similar.
First and foremost. If you have a rollator manual, please look at it for adjusting brakes. Second, if you feel like you cannot handle this on your own, we would suggest asking for help from someone familiar with bike brakes to end a hand.
Loosen rollator brakes
Here are the simple steps to loosen a rollator brake.
- Step 1. Near the rear wheel and on the frame, look for the brake adjustment screw.
- Step 2. The brake adjustment locknut needs to be loosened. Once this is done, it will allow the adjustment screw to move.
- Step 3. Now, turn the brake adjustment screw clockwise to loosen the rollator brake.
Tighten rollator brakes
First, we need to find the adjustment screw to move it. Follow the steps below.
- Step 1. Near the rear wheel and on the frame, look for the brake adjustment screw.
- Step 2. The brake adjustment locknut needs to be loosened. This will allow the adjustment screw to move.
- Step 3. Now, turn the brake adjustment screw counterclockwise to loosen the rollator brake.
How To Turn A Rollator By Using Your Brakes
You can use your brakes to make turns easier. This is because the braking system of rollators is independent of each other, as we discussed above. So, when turning, you can use the brakes to make things easier. Here is how.
When making a right turn: Making tighter turns is easier when applying one of the brakes. Simply press the right brake to stop that wheel when making a right turn. This will help in turning to the right.
When turning left, apply on the left-handed break while the right side is not pressed. This will help make a sharper turn to the left.
Related Questions
Can you replace the brakes on a rollator? Yes, brakes on a rollator can easily be replaced by yourself or someone who knows changing bicycle brakes as they are very familiar. Most replacement rollator brakes will cost around $15.00 to $30.00 new.
