Light design classic
byACRE Carbon Ultralight
About 25 cm folded, stands on its own, 4.8 kg to lift.
See it on amazon.com*Rollators
Folding rollators: the trip starts at the front door
A rollator that folds small changes what a day can hold: the bus into town, a friend's small car, the train to the coast, a flight to see the grandchildren. Here are the models that fold narrowest, stand up on their own and weigh little enough to lift into a boot – and the airline and train rules worth knowing.
In short
For travel, the folded width beats everything else: the TrustCare Let's Go Out folds to about 20 cm, the byACRE Carbon Ultralight and the Drive Nitro to about 25 cm, and all three fold lengthwise and stand upright; the Stander Space Saver folds into a compact block of about 25 × 28 cm. Airlines carry a rollator free as a mobility aid, usually to the gate; trains have space beside the priority seats. Pack a rain cape, a cup holder and a small cross-body bag so your hands stay on the grips.
Quick picks
Three that fold smallest
The slimmest lengthwise folds and the most compact block that your store sells.
Compact fold
Stander Space Saver
Folds into a compact block of about 25 × 28 cm – with small 15 cm wheels as the trade-off.
See it on amazon.com*Best-selling value
Drive Nitro
Lengthwise fold to about 25 cm, big front wheels for the destination.
See it on amazon.com*What matters
What makes a rollator travel well
Four things to check before the weight.
Fold direction
lengthwiseLengthwise folds (the sides come together) make a slim parcel that stands upright and fits behind a car seat. Sideways folds (the seat folds up) lie flat and take more room in a boot.
Folded width
under 25 cmUnder 25 cm fits any car boot and most train racks; under 30 cm is still fine for a hatchback. Measure the opening of your boot before you buy.
Stands folded
self-standingA rollator that stands on its own when folded does not fall over in the hallway, the train or the hotel room – and you do not have to bend to pick it up.
One-hand fold
one strapA pull strap in the seat or a single lever means you can fold it while holding a bag or a rail. Try it: the fold you cannot do with gloves on is the fold you will not use.
The models
The folding rollators in detail
Rollators sorted by folded width, narrowest first; the two-wheel walker without a seat comes last. Weights in the table are frame weights without the bag.
| Model | Weight | Folded width | Seat height | Handle height | Max. user weight | Wheels | Price range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| byACRE Carbon Ultralight byACRE |
4.8 kg (10.6 lbs) | 25 cm (9.8 in) | 56–61 cm (22–24 in) | 79–95 cm (31–37 in) | 130 kg | 4 · 20 cm (7.9 in) | premium |
| Drive Nitro Drive Medical |
7.2 kg (15.9 lbs) | 25 cm (9.8 in) | 46–60 cm (18–24 in) | 77–105 cm (30–41 in) | 136 kg | 4 · 25 cm (9.8 in) | mid range |
| Stander Space Saver Stander |
6.6 kg (14.6 lbs) | 25 cm (9.8 in) | 43.2–55.9 cm (17–22 in) | 83.8–91.4 cm (33–36 in) | 113 kg | 4 · 15.2 cm (6.0 in) | mid range |
| Vive Rollator Vive |
8.6 kg (19.0 lbs) | 25 cm (9.8 in) | 53.3 cm (21.0 in) | 78.7–91.4 cm (31–36 in) | 136 kg | 4 · 20 cm (7.9 in) | entry level |
| NOVA Zoom NOVA |
7.3 kg (16.1 lbs) | 31 cm (12.2 in) | 45.7–61 cm (18–24 in) | 70.5–95.9 cm (28–38 in) | 136 kg | 4 · 20 cm (7.9 in) | mid range |
Light design classic
byACRE Carbon Ultralight
byACRE · Denmark · premium
Weight4.8 kg (10.6 lbs)
Folded width25 cm (9.8 in)
Seat height56–61 cm (22–24 in)
- Carbon fibre frame, about 4.8 kg – one of the lightest rollators with a seat
- Folds lengthwise to about 25 cm and stands on its own
- Eight colours from Pale Rose to Champagne Gold; sizes Compact, Regular and Wide (Compact has a narrower seat, not a lower one)
8 colours
- Weight
- 4.8 kg (10.6 lbs)
- Width
- 61.5 cm (24.2 in)
- Folded width
- 25 cm (9.8 in)
- Seat height
- 56–61 cm (22–24 in)
- Handle height
- 79–95 cm (31–37 in)
- Max. user weight
- 130 kg (287 lbs)
- Wheels
- 4 × 20 cm (7.9 in)
| Size | Handle height | Seat height | Body height |
|---|---|---|---|
| Compact | 79–91 cm (31–36 in) | 56 cm (22.0 in) | 145–170 cm (57–67 in) |
| Regular | 80–95 cm (31–37 in) | 61 cm (24.0 in) | 150–180 cm (59–71 in) |
| Wide | 80–95 cm (31–37 in) | 61 cm (24.0 in) | – |
A good fit if you lift the rollator every day – into the car, up a step, onto a bus – and want it to look like a design object.
Less so if you are under about 160 cm: even the Compact starts at about 79 cm handle height with a 56 cm seat.
See it on amazon.com*
* Affiliate link. Details: byACRE Carbon Ultralight – byacre.com
Best-selling value
Drive Medical Nitro Euro Style rollator
Drive Medical · USA · mid range
Weight7.2 kg (15.9 lbs)
Folded width25 cm (9.8 in)
Seat height46–60 cm (18–24 in)
- Large 25 cm front wheels and a lengthwise fold – the classic 'Euro style', about 7.2 kg
- Three heights: Small (US: Hemi) for petite women, Medium, and Tall for women over about 183 cm
- Removable bag, cane holder, brakes that lock with one hand
2 colours
- Weight
- 7.2 kg (15.9 lbs)
- Width
- 61 cm (24.0 in)
- Folded width
- 25 cm (9.8 in)
- Seat height
- 46–60 cm (18–24 in)
- Handle height
- 77–105 cm (30–41 in)
- Max. user weight
- 136 kg (300 lbs)
- Wheels
- 4 × 25 cm (9.8 in)
| Size | Handle height | Seat height | Body height |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small / Hemi | 77–90 cm (30–35 in) | 46 cm (18.1 in) | ≤ 157 cm |
| Medium | 85–97 cm (33–38 in) | 52 cm (20.5 in) | 157–183 cm (62–72 in) |
| Tall | 94–105 cm (37–41 in) | 60 cm (23.6 in) | ≥ 183 cm |
A good fit if you want the most rollator for the money and a model everyone can service.
Less so if you want a padded seat or the lowest weight – the Nitro Elite CF is the carbon version.
See it on amazon.com*
* Affiliate link. Details: Drive Medical Nitro – assistmobility.co.uk
Compact fold
Stander Space Saver Rollator (formerly Able Life)
Stander · USA · mid range
Weight6.6 kg (14.6 lbs)
Folded width25 cm (9.8 in)
Seat height43.2–55.9 cm (17–22 in)
- Folds to a compact parcel (about 25 × 28 cm footprint) that fits behind a car seat
- About 6.6 kg; Regal Rose and Black Walnut finishes
- Seat 56 cm in the standard version; a Micro version has a 43 cm seat
2 colours
- Weight
- 6.6 kg (14.6 lbs)
- Width
- 67.3 cm (26.5 in)
- Folded width
- 25 cm (9.8 in)
- Seat height
- 43.2–55.9 cm (17–22 in)
- Handle height
- 83.8–91.4 cm (33–36 in)
- Max. user weight
- 113 kg (249 lbs)
- Wheels
- 4 × 15.2 cm (6.0 in)
| Size | Handle height | Seat height |
|---|---|---|
| Standard | 83.8–91.4 cm (33–36 in) | 55.9 cm (22.0 in) |
| Micro | – | 43.2 cm (17.0 in) |
A good fit if you travel by car and train a lot and storage space is tight.
Less so if you walk on rough ground – the 15 cm wheels are made for pavements and floors.
See it on amazon.com*
* Affiliate link. Details: Stander Space Saver Rollator – stander.com
Budget with a seat
Vive Rollator Walker (MOB1010)
Vive · USA · entry level
Weight8.6 kg (19.0 lbs)
Folded width25 cm (9.8 in)
Seat height53.3 cm (21.0 in)
- Entry-level four-wheel rollator with seat, backrest and bag
- About 8.6 kg; folds to about 25 cm
- Handles 79–91 cm
5 colours
- Weight
- 8.6 kg (19.0 lbs)
- Width
- 63.5 cm (25.0 in)
- Folded width
- 25 cm (9.8 in)
- Seat height
- 53.3 cm (21.0 in)
- Handle height
- 78.7–91.4 cm (31–36 in)
- Max. user weight
- 136 kg (300 lbs)
- Wheels
- 4 × 20 cm (7.9 in)
A good fit if you want a cheap, complete rollator to start with.
Less so if you lift it often – it is on the heavy side – or want a design piece.
See it on amazon.com*
* Affiliate link. Details: Vive Rollator Walker (MOB1010) – zonamedequip.com
Four seat heights
NOVA Zoom Rollator
NOVA · USA · mid range
Weight7.3 kg (16.1 lbs)
Folded width31 cm (12.2 in)
Seat height45.7–61 cm (18–24 in)
- Four sizes: Zoom 18 (handles 70.5–79.4 cm, for about 147–163 cm) up to Zoom 24 (to 96 cm, for tall women)
- Light aluminium frame (about 7.3 kg) with a lengthwise fold
- Seven colours, from sky blue to pink
7 colours
- Weight
- 7.3 kg (16.1 lbs)
- Width
- 62.2 cm (24.5 in)
- Folded width
- 31 cm (12.2 in)
- Seat height
- 45.7–61 cm (18–24 in)
- Handle height
- 70.5–95.9 cm (28–38 in)
- Max. user weight
- 136 kg (300 lbs)
- Wheels
- 4 × 20 cm (7.9 in)
| Size | Handle height | Seat height | Body height |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zoom 18 | 70.5–79.4 cm (28–31 in) | 45.7 cm (18.0 in) | 147–163 cm (58–64 in) |
| Zoom 20 | 74.9–85.7 cm (29–34 in) | 50.8 cm (20.0 in) | 157–173 cm (62–68 in) |
| Zoom 22 | 80–90.8 cm (31–36 in) | 55.9 cm (22.0 in) | 165–185 cm (65–73 in) |
| Zoom 24 | 83.8–95.9 cm (33–38 in) | 61 cm (24.0 in) | 165–188 cm (65–74 in) |
A good fit if you are clearly shorter or taller than average and want the seat to fit.
Less so if you want big wheels for rough ground.
See it on amazon.com*
* Affiliate link. Details: NOVA Zoom – hieline.com
Ultra-light, no seat
Stander Wonder Walker Plus (EZ Fold-N-Go)
Stander · USA · mid range
Weight3.6 kg (7.9 lbs)
Folded width13 cm (5.1 in)
Handle height71.1–99.1 cm (28–39 in)
- About 3.6 kg and folds flat to roughly 13 × 18 cm
- Two front wheels, rear glides – a walker rather than a rollator, no seat
- Standard size for about 168–191 cm; the Short version (handles 71–84 cm) for 150–170 cm
5 colours
- Weight
- 3.6 kg (7.9 lbs)
- Width
- 61 cm (24.0 in)
- Folded width
- 13 cm (5.1 in)
- Handle height
- 71.1–99.1 cm (28–39 in)
- Max. user weight
- 136 kg (300 lbs)
- Wheels
- 2 × 15 cm (5.9 in)
| Size | Handle height | Body height |
|---|---|---|
| Standard | 82.6–99.1 cm (33–39 in) | 168–191 cm (66–75 in) |
| Short | 71.1–83.8 cm (28–33 in) | 150–170 cm (59–67 in) |
A good fit if you need light support indoors or on trips and never need to sit down on the way.
Less so if you want brakes and a seat.
See it on amazon.com*
* Affiliate link. Details: Stander Wonder Walker Plus (EZ Fold-N-Go) – stander.com
Taking a rollator on a plane
Airlines carry mobility aids free of charge in addition to your luggage allowance; this is the rule in the EU, the UK, the USA and Japan. You can use the rollator to the gate, where it is taken to the hold and brought back to the aircraft door on arrival – ask for this at check-in and again at the gate. Tell the airline at booking that you travel with a walking aid; some ask for the folded dimensions. Fold it, tie the brake cables away from the frame and tape a label with your name and phone number to it. A photo before check-in is worth taking in case of damage.
Trains, buses and taxis
Trains in Germany, France, Spain, Italy, the UK and Japan have priority seats with space beside them for a rollator; in many you do not need to fold it at all. On buses the wheelchair space is yours if it is free; lock the brakes and keep a hand on the frame. In taxis a lengthwise-folded rollator goes in the boot of any saloon car; if it folds sideways, ask for an estate or a van. Ride-hailing apps usually have an option for 'accessible' or 'extra space' that is worth the small surcharge.
Measure your car once
Open the boot and measure the narrowest point of the opening and the floor depth. Most small cars take a rollator folded to 25 cm standing behind the back seat; a 30 cm fold often has to lie down. Write the numbers down – you will need them every time you compare models.
What to pack for the rollator
- A rain cape that covers you and the bag, folded in the basket.
- A cup holder for the coffee at the station – a rollator seat is the best café table.
- A small cross-body bag for passport, phone and purse, so your hands stay on the grips and nothing is left in the basket.
- A cable lock for the café terrace and the hotel breakfast room.
- Spare rubber tips if you also take a cane, and a mini pump if the tyres are pneumatic.
Dry without an umbrella
Rain cape
Covers you and the bag; packs small.
See it on amazon.com*Hands free
Crossbody bag
Hands free, nothing left in the basket.
See it on amazon.com*Outside the shop
Cable lock
For the café terrace and the hotel lobby.
See it on amazon.com*Hotels and holiday flats
Ask for a room near the lift and a bathroom with a walk-in shower; most hotels have a few. A folding rollator that stands on its own fits in any hotel room without blocking the door. In holiday flats the question is the entrance: steps without a rail are the usual problem, so ask for a photo of the front door before booking. Our guide on travelling with a rollator has the questions to ask per country.
Questions women ask us
Can I take a rollator on a plane for free?
Yes. A rollator is a mobility aid and travels free in addition to your luggage, in the EU, the UK, the USA and Japan. Use it to the gate; it goes into the hold there and comes back at the aircraft door. Tell the airline when you book.
What folded size fits a small car?
A rollator folded to 25 cm or less stands behind the back seat of almost any car; up to 30 cm it usually has to lie flat in the boot. Lengthwise folds are the slim ones. Measure your boot opening once and keep the number.
Does a folding rollator wobble more?
Not if it locks properly when open. All the models on this page have a lock or a seat that clicks into place and holds the frame rigid. A rollator that still flexes when open is worn or not locked – check the hinge before every walk.
Which is the smallest folding rollator?
Among rollators with a seat, the TrustCare Let's Go Out folds slimmest at about 20 cm, followed by the Saljol Carbon at about 21 cm; the byACRE Carbon Ultralight and the Drive Nitro fold to about 25 cm. The Stander Space Saver folds into a compact block of about 25 × 28 cm, but its wheels are small. The Stander Wonder Walker Plus (formerly EZ Fold-N-Go) is a two-wheel walker rather than a rollator and folds to about 13 × 18 cm, but it has no seat.
Should I take my rollator or rent one at the destination?
Take yours. It is set to your height, you know its brakes, and airlines carry it free. Renting works in big cities and at the seaside, but the model is rarely the one you would choose.
Where the information comes from
Weights, dimensions and colours come from the manufacturers’ websites and the Amazon listings; we have not tested the products in a laboratory. We compare the data, read owner reviews and say plainly who a model suits and who it does not. We earn a commission on purchases made through our links; it has no influence on which models we show or what we say about them.
Read next
Our pick: byACRE Carbon Ultralight
Check price*