How to Get Walkers In and Out of the Car

[@barbararobertson4209]

It’s easy to put your walker in any car if you are not handicapped but if you have balance problem it is very difficult. My arms are weak and my walker weighs about 25 pounds so it took much work to build my strength up. I wish the designer who make these walkers had to live and walk in there walkers for a month as if they were handicapped and I believe they would design walkers be much easier to handle for a handicapped person. 😢 I’m sorry but I dislike the smugness of PT who has never been disabled when they try to teach someone who has very little balance to do things.

[@julesrose4452]

@barbararobertson4209 I agree and totally understand. The PT needs to have more options for muscle weakness, chronic pain and Physical limitations in general. To show how to use each device if you have balance issues muscle weakness and chronic pain. The best devices are made for our Military Vets. Their limitations expand farther than Osteoarthritis Spinal Stenosis and Balance Issues from these chronic diseases. I plan to contact the VA for more info. or devices they can refer me to. Even a non-VA person should have more choices. I firmly believe the importance of a part-time/ on call Caretaker when arranging your weekly schedule. Request their services to accompany you "as needed" for Dr. Appts., Grocery Shoppping, and errands on the same day, and Personal days set specificaly timed for Bathing, Laundry and Cleaning. So not to cost you a full time caretaker while your resting at home. I hope you find an answer for your needs. 🙏🏻 ❤

[@francesmoreno5014]

I can completely relate to this situation. I cannot lift my walker to be able to put it in my car. I don’t have the strength.

[@ForceFreeTrainergirl06]

My upright walker is about 20 pounds and I have to put it in the back of my pick up. Lifting it is difficult for me. However, I do have a telescopic dog ramp and I'm thinking that maybe I could wheel it up the dog ramp so I don't have to lift it at all

[@Gratitudeheart]

​@@ForceFreeTrainergirl06I put mine in the back of my truck too. I have tried all kinds of stuff to make it easier. A friend of mine has a wench like thing and just hooks it and pushes a button and it us in....I with I had that...I have come to where I use a swing type thing to get enough momentum to get it in, but always have to worry about falling...the struggle is real

[@debbieellis5074]

A simple walker is much lighter. Some of us need a rollator so we will have a seat when we get where we are going in order to rest intermittently. They are very handy, but weigh around 20 to 25 pounds. A lot of us have arthritis and limited upper arm strength. Twenty pounds is tough to lift.

[@CL-mp4vn]

That's the reason I didn't buy a rollator even though I really want it to sit down and rest while shopping. I can't load it into the back of my suv

[@ddelv583]

I found aq7 lb one. Doesn't sound like a lot of difference, but it helps. I went thru Amz & WM to shop.

[@ddelv583]

17 pound...

[@bettyshick3392]

Best tip I got from this video was rolling down Windows before getting out of car. I can't put walkers in car.

[@sheliageorge3232]

I put it in the trunk and use a cane to get to the drivers seat

[@MrNissanpickup88]

I fold up walker and use one hand to put walker in backseat and other hand to hold onto car for balance.

[@ddelv583]

Tough for us females to lift & put rollator in with one hand, especially with balance issues, or if your short.

[@Gratitudeheart]

Hard to do when you have a truck. I have learned to use the bed for balance. Getting it up and over into the bed...that is a fun adventure....then getting in an out of the truck once the walker is in the bed....have figured out ways to do it, but it is a learning process.

[@kell_checks_in]

Follow-up comment: this is been a game changer. I was trying to load the upright rollator in and out of the car in just about exactly the worst way possible. Using this method to load the rollator into my tiny Kia Rio trunk means that I don't have to worry about being awkward or possibly falling or sweating or freaking out trying to get the thing in and out of the car. My problems are with balance and ataxia, but not strength, and if I just take my time I can handle loading and unloading the rollator with a reasonable degree of ease now. I was seriously looking at getting a new car, and this video saved me at least $9 grand. And, I'm looking forward to again walking in different environments instead of having a low level of worry continually running about how to move the rollator in and out and whether or not I was going to damage the cables, etc. Yay!

[@wandapeden9376]

L😊 16:44

[@MarvinLikoPuha]

Thank you Dr. Sean! Oh yeah, windows down, lock the wheels, which I have never done and fought my mother's walker all the time, and then cinch with Velcro straps! So very helpful.

[@yourPTguy]

I'm glad you found the tips helpful. 🙂

[@texasoutlook60]

Oh my, I have a rollator and drive so the Velcro straps will be a game changer!! Thanks!!

[@Questor-ky2fv]

My mother has been gone for about 21 years now. She had an earlier rolling walker model. It had pressure brakes. When you sat on the seat, the legs above the wheels came down to the ground, holding it in place, so locking the wheels wouldn't have worked on that model. I did solve the issue of it trying to open when folded though. I used a bungee cord. When fastening it, I hooked one end below the flipped up seat on one side, brought it up over the back bar and down the other side, and hooked it to the frame as far down as I could. I now have health issues of my own. Several years ago I upgraded from a pair of offset handled small base quad canes to a Nova mini mack rolling walker. It was expensive, but at the time it was the only model that I could find that was sized for people who are both short and wide. It has been a great help to me! ❤ 😊 Due to some of my health issues, I can no longer drive, so others take me out when I need to go anywhere. I will tell them to lock the brakes before folding the walker. I will also have to get a bungee cord or velcro latch strap. Thanks for your helpful advice! 😊

[@richardcrane964]

😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊

[@judybrown4922]

If u r short & don't have upper body strength, hard to lift walkers

[@bethroot8443]

I’m 4’9” and found that Nova makes a petite rollator. The narrow model weighs 13 lbs vs 17+ lbs for full sized ones. I’m not strong and can easily get it in and out of my Prius

[@hazelgrove1903]

My rollator weighs only 11 #. This was very helpful. It will be a game changer now that I know about the Velcro straps. 😊

[@judybrown4922]

Lets see a short (under 5'4") elderly (75+ years) strength challenged😊

[@MrNissanpickup88]

Can you make a video showing how to load the rollator into car with one hand? I have to use one hand because i use the other hand for balance.

[@susanbryan5142]

Great demonstration. Much needed.

[@yourPTguy]

Thank you! I'm glad you found it helpful. Stay safe and independent. 😊

[@carolparry6662]

I use bunggy cords to strap parts of frame together to stablize and eep from opening.

[@krosmon]

I haven’t taken my rollator as I figured it was too complicated.i just ordered velcro straps and will start taking it with mr instead of an unsteady cane. Thanks for this.

[@vanitamann7985]

I've been having a difficult time loading my husband's Rollator in the bed of his little Chevy S-10 pickup. The tailgate needs to be repaired so that I can lower it, but that's one of many projects I have on my plate. This is another very helpful video for me. Thank you!

[@Carolyncopeland-qn7gj]

Thanks for very helpful information. I'm a new walker user and you touched on a lot of the things that I had not figured out on my own.

[@bernice1654]

good advice but it works well when you are mobile as this Dr. is.

[@emmerentiagroenewald3694]

Everything works when you are NOT disabled...! Try and do this program with a disabled person,please!

[@dianewristen]

I NEVER THOUGHT TO OPEN THE WINDOWS. THANK YOU

[@yourPTguy]

You're most welcome. Stay safe and independent 🙂

[@user-vy8ti6iq7r]

Nice video. Can you show the steps if one has a mobility scooter. Some of those are large and do break down into 4 pieces.

[@yourPTguy]

That is a great video suggestion. Thank you for suggesting it.

[@shalom2thejames]

I just assembled my elenkar upright walker. Maybe you have a different model, but mine folds closed once I pull the seat up, I then fold it towards the back wheels. I did not however put the armrests down so it looks very strange and long but I will know to do that before I transport it anywhere. Thanks for taking the time to make these videos and show people what is possible! 😊

[@yourPTguy]

Nice! I'm glad yours folds a little bit easier. Thank you for taking the time to share your encouragement. Stay safe and independent 🙂

[@victoriaconstantine7440]

Your concise information is amazing.appreciate you so much

[@lindalawler8343]

I live in Phoenix AZ. In the summer when it is 110° outside, I wear gloves to touch the car.

[@yourPTguy]

Definitely a great idea! Here in Florida it gets toasty as well.

[@dianalee8967]

I have the Rollator duet where I put the pedals down and it's a wheelchair so they always have trouble putting it in the trunk the Ubers but thanks for the hint of putting the brake on and putting that backrest up that will help a lot some put it in real easy but some muttering something when they're trying to get it in I don't know what.. When you make the call for the Uber they're told what to expect but when they drive up and see this Rollator duet they go oh. So thanks again this helps.

[@carollatsch3216]

Poor design. I used Velcro straps so not to get off balance and fall. I thought of this before watching your video. Manufacturing needs to redesign the rollator walker to close safely!!

[@peggytate1392]

Put walker in trunk of car??? I do

[@pattien6687]

What kind of SUV is that? All that leg room in the back! I want one!

[@DebLindley-xg8gz]

​@@pattien6687Ford Explorer's have a lot of leg room for an SUV. My son gets 36 mpg city and 40 highway with his 2015. My rollator doesn't take up hardly any room anywhere in his vehicle.

[@lorrainedubzak6654]

I agree. The collator needs tweaking in its design. Why the hell are these not on a recall for safety reasons. Not easy to travel with. I saw this when I bought mine. Definitely needs to be retrofitted.

[@sharonredies1381]

@@DebLindley-xg8gz😅

[@reynaldosalvador8160]

Practical, informative, so useful! Mabuhay from the Philippines!

[@deb4578]

I purchased, supposedly, the 'lightest weight' rollator on the market: 20 pounds. I'm not aware there's one out there that's only 10 pounds.

[@Jane74100]

Your videos make me chuckle sometimes- BUT - they are very helpful!

[@janephillips3627]

I do it different and it's easier for me. I roll it across the back seat and it's so easy to roll out! I don't put in the Trunk, too difficult for me, trunk is too high. (Have Camery)..

[@user-bl9tv2by1v]

Prius is perfect car for these walkers. Roomier behind seat. Love hatchback. Plenty headroom.

[@nancyliguori5005]

Another idea, instead of having the car backed in , park it front end in first. That would be better for a demonstration. Justa thought.

[@annerussell2191]

This was so informative thank you

[@kathymarabello]

Omg, thank you!!!! I was putting the rollator in the car all wrong!!!!!

[@andreayanochko4758]

Thank you for the excellent advice😊

[@WandaBeasley-pi4hl]

This i my second time going thru the 🙏i come back i believe i will walk by myself again 🤓👍🙏 changing things miss driving But we force on just walking ok🙏💪✌️❤️

[@suzannenewton6565]

1,. Stand up against the car with hip or bum in constant contact. Car act as a brace, giving you stability even when you let go of walker handle. Brakes on to fold whheled one grat but keep your body against car so the minute you must release brake the car is there as support. 2. Tilt then slide into back seat area, use towel over edge if step has slip resistant covering. Easier than lifting. You can brace against car sideways or use open window to hold while tilting & sliding . To make sliding easier toss an old towel over car step to cover non slip covering most cars have plus it protect car from scratches. 3. Like open window idea 4. If at home loading, consider keeping a chair beside car to have to sit, fold, and even tilt and slide walker. Silly? Not at all, keep it level with back wheel of car. You can use it as guide when reversing into garage. If you can find light foldable one you can store chair in car.

[@user-ng6iu4lh4u]

What if your crippled with degenerative athritis I cant bend my knees and back can you show an electric rollator

[@carolcrochiere47]

The strap is a pain iput mine in trunk without strap so when utake it out it opens up

[@conradmorin1891]

"Thank You" for your excellent safety videos relating to walkers/rollator, as well as all the tips relating to interior/exterior use, as well as loading/unloading in a vehicle. >>>Greatly appreciated, and I will pass-on your videos to my friends as well. So appreciated!

[@Richard-nd7qe]

I can not stand up without holding on to something so when I watch him walking around and picking up those walkers I had to laugh if he had ever been seriously handy capped he would know that it is not as easy s he makes it look because he is NOT handicapped.

[@kathyshannon7476]

My walker is so different than those you used. Mine does have 4 wheels, but does not have a strap to fold it up and the bar is stationary. I tried to load my walker and could not keep my balance to do so.

[@livingweirdestherc6644]

Thanks for the tips

[@yourPTguy]

There are a variety of walkers out there. It's best to have a home physical therapist work specifically with you on your specific car, walker style, and physical needs to optimize the safety. In person training would be best for sure.

[@miniveedub]

I can’t lift but I have no trouble getting my rollator in the back of my hatch back using leverage. I have the back seats folded down, and a mat that folds out to protect the car from possible scratches. I roll the walker up to the back of the car, fold up the back bar, then the strap to fold it using my body against it to keep it folded, then I lean forward pushing on the handles. My body weight pushing against the handles lifts the wheels of the ground either side of me and I just keep pushing as the whole thing slides into the car. Then I throw the hanging piece of mat over the wheels and close the hatch. The only lift I have to do is the strap to fold it, the rest is all leverage and doesn’t require strength. When I get it out I just slide it towards me and as it reaches the ground it unfolds, I flip down the seat and back bar and I’m ready to go.

[@miniveedub]

I didn’t mention that my rollator is a bariatric one because of my lipedema so larger and heavier than most.

[@snafu8203]

Very helpful info that I’ve not ever seen on other videos regarding use of walkers. I no longer use my walker but find myself off balance often. I’ve been thinking of a walking stick and noticed you have a video on walking sticks which I will review next. Correction: the walking stick video is on a different channel but I’ll view your list to see if you have one.

[@98849]

Really safe place to park- flipping great hole a few yards from your boot - made me laugh.

[@debbieellis5074]

Thank you. Very helpful.

[@patdenham9392]

If my walking, balance, and strength were that good after stroke, I wouldn't need a walker.

[@fionamichelleclarke]

Seriously if you need the support of a gutter frame walker you cannot let go and lift it like you can and if you can then you really don’t need that level of walker! Maybe get an OT to advise rather than a PT

[@MinhNguyen-ze7ic]

Hi , thanks for the info from the video I learnt much, however I wonder if the person should drive when using Rollator ?

[@rosarioreside3327]

Thank you so much !

[@user-hz1hz9ce7t]

I agree

[@tibaross4461]

I did the Velcro for the wheel chair with the sewing machine.

[@meripederson8379]

My handle and basket don't come off and it's an extra wide walker. It won't fit😢

[@RoseMoser-mf9gh]

Thank you so much for doing this video 😊

[@yourPTguy]

I'm glad you found it helpful. Thank you for the encouragement too. Stay safe and independent 🙂

[@PradaPatty]

It’s ok if you’re not 5’1”

[@judybrown4922]

Lets see this done by elderly (75÷yrs) short (5'4" or less) person who has lost much of their upper body strength, do this.

[@johnboggan4390]

Good video and thank you much. 😊

[@SS11660]

For those of us with back problems, do you know the best way for a rollater without so much lifting?

[@yourPTguy]

This is an excellent question. It depends on the type of rollator, the type of car (lower? SUV?), and if one is trying to place the rollator in the trunk, front seat, or back seat of the car. Ideally, the lower the surface, the easier it will be to get it up and into the car. If it's low enough, sometimes people can tip the walker backward (when it's open) and try to get the first two wheels up onto bumper or back seat of the car. Then once it's there, they can walk it in somewhat and then try to close it up when it's inside. If it's not able to be fully opened up and placed in, as in many cases, sometimes it's best to close it up, (using the velcro too or something that will make sure it doesn't open), and then lean the walker on it's side, with two wheels on one side staying on the ground, and see if the other two wheels can be brought inside. Then the person could shift the weight of the walker into the car from that side. If two wheels could get up there, let the car do the work rather than trying to lift it fully up there. It's a bit hard to describe it in text form though. Perhaps some others here also have other solutions? We'd love to hear. Stay safe and independent 🙂

[@Chief_5]

Probably I have is that some these walkers have almost doubled in price.

[@fare2muddlin]

Would a sliding board help?

[@katrinahmas884]

Thank you, EXCELENT..

[@patriciaclouse2584]

How do I get through the double doors of a restaurant?

[@yourPTguy]

That's definitely a challenge at restaurants for sure. I will see if I can make a video on getting in the doors using the walkers. Thank you for the suggestion.

[@jeanbishop-greentree2628]

And why oh why do they have to have such strong and heavy doors to be opening and struggling through?

[@kell_checks_in]

If there's no center bar in the way, I go it butt first and pull the walker with me. (Make sure your center of gravity remains over your feet, though. If you lean on the door too much some "helpful" person might grab it and yank it open and cause you to stumble. Srsly, people . Ask first!)

[@user-tu5mv3hi7m]

Very helpful and it looks safe😊❤

[@rosiej1942]

Problem is with my car it is a 2001 Chevy, and is small, and does not have power windows so, my car has a handle to roll the window up and down I have the roller Ator like the 2nd one you showed,

[@yourPTguy]

Thankfully, when a car is smaller, the car itself and roof of car is helpful to hold onto. Another idea is to have a therapist work specifically with you in person with that Chevy. I hope you stay safe and independent 😊

[@rosiej1942]

Good idea, and thank you@@yourPTguy

[@constancehagel498]

@@rosiej1942 roll the windows down manually

[@ellendelima3579]

How about for air travel onboard?

[@yourPTguy]

I'd love to hear what others have to say on this topic and what they've done. But for many of my clients have called the airline and told them they need wheelchair assistance in and out of the plane. They often check their walker in with their bag. The added bonus is the person is often one of the first ones on and off the plane. If the flight is shorter, this works if someone doesn't have to get up for the bathroom and try to navigate those narrow isle ways with people's legs, feet, and belongings hiding below which are all risks for tripping if one tries to use the seats as a device to walk. In this situation I also know that many actually wear adult briefs just for that occasion if they need to. It's not pleasant but that was their solution to not have to get up and risk tripping. Another solution that people may do is check in their walker, and before checking it in, they take out their Hurry-cane (or two) which folds up. They then use that for the brief time on the plane if they have to get up and they use the seat and the cane. A folding cane can be a lot easier to manage than trying to get huge rollator/upright walker on the plane and put away.

[@WandaBeasley-pi4hl]

Right the gray one is the best 💪🤓👍🙏

[@Andrea-vv5dp]

Some great tips but they all assume you can stand without using it for balance

[@delfinadiem3158]

I have a three wheel walker . Can you do a demonstration on that one, please

[@nancyliguori5005]

Camera is not in the right direction. Behind the door when getting it in the back seat.

[@vivsmith683]

Each one those techniques I don't do. There is an easier way. Go to the back of the car do what u do, but put the wheels in last, I find that much easier

[@yourPTguy]

Thanks for sharing the helpful tip.

[@kell_checks_in]

OK, so, either I get used to moving the forearm supports on the upright rollator or I pay $10K for a new car. This is me getting out a sharpie to mark where I have my settings. (OPPORTUNITY!! >> Somebody really needs to invent a trunk-mounted rollator rack for sedans that don't have hitches.)

[@lisawilliams5107]

Question? Can you travel on an aircraft with it? Can u take it on an aircraft? With the four-wheel walker.

[@kcmcnut]

Sure…. Roll right up to plane entrance …. They check it for you …. Get it back for you before you get out of the plane…..same with wheelchairs

[@danndahlseid2381]

That works if you can walk down the aisle using seats to balance. Then you get to your seat and two hours later you get up to use the bathroom but when you need to move from the last seat to the bathroom door you are screwed.

[@gloriannburick1837]

I checked my Rollator with my luggage then used my collapsible cane on the plane to walk to the toilet.

[@CharredFibers]

How can i fix the arm cushion on the standing walker?

[@WandaBeasley-pi4hl]

Just need to use my cane🤓😁👍🙏

[@peggydixon5864]

I have a bariatic walker so its larger and doesnt fit dideways in my suv. I have to put it straight on so i cant use the back seats. The pt person couldnt come up with anything better.

[@kell_checks_in]

Can't you collapse it? I have a bariatric upright and it closes down to about 8" across.

[@BettyKurek]

Where do I get the velcro strips?

[@joycemartin4889]

What about the INSIDE of a Chevy truck ???

[@charlottecampbell8183]

My friend has a rollator and she fills the inside of the seat so full of junk that you cannot collapse it. Sometimes it is full of 2 liter pepsi bottles, and once she even had a turkey in there. That thing is so stuffed that there is absolutely no way to collapse that thing! We have tried to get her to put a bag inside so we can easily lift out the bag and it's contents and keep them on the seat, which would allow us to collapse the rollater, but she absolutely refuses to do so. We can't think of any other way to get it in. Then she gets verbally abusive, because she says we aren't trying hard enough. We can easily transport three other people and two other rollators with no problem but if we take her we can't transport any other people. Any ideas? (Besides just leaving her out of all events.)

[@mitty2086]

How about having a bag or two with you and you load the groceries & then proceed with the loading. Good luck.

[@marci3667]

Do they fold up?

[@KathleenPlant-tk1dm]

my walker falls down when closed should this walker stand alone when closed

[@yourPTguy]

Great question! It will likely not be able to stand on it's own when it's folded up and the wheels are together. Hopefully they will make one that actually does that!

[@patdenham9392]

I eventually got a Stander EZ Fold from Amazon. It's lighter than others. I lift it over me and put in front of the passenger seat. The first I got was wheels just on the front and I found that fishtailed a lot on bare floors so I got the one with all 4 wheels. It's a bit heavier than the 2 wheel model but I'm seated when I bring it in. Just had to work on arm strength. It folds into a square shape but long and has a latch to keep it closed. I unlock the wheels to make in and especially out easier. Scraped up the car interior before I figured out the problem. 😂

[@marci3667]

What about a three wheeled Walker! Many have them at my apartment building!

[@WandaBeasley-pi4hl]

What a three wheel walk Miss that one going ✅ on it 🙏

[@jeanbishop-greentree2628]

I find 3-wheelers are easier to work with and you can squeeze them through thin spaces. 4-wheelers take up much more room

[@kell_checks_in]

@@jeanbishop-greentree2628They can tip, though. They give me the creeps.

[@suzannebenz8928]

The Upright is too heavy for me to lift into the car!

[@kell_checks_in]

If you can have a hitch installed on your car, there are walker and bicycle racks that might work for you.

[@goldfinch102]

They do have for rollators now

[@grampi68]

Sorry, but your info does not work since I must at all times hold onto something with one hand while trying to walk even a few short steps. You don't think like an old person.

[@kell_checks_in]

Not all people, old or otherwise, are alike. The whole point of assistive devices and techniques is that they're individualized. These instructions are helpful for many people; they don't have to be universal to be useful. You remember that adage about "perfect being the enemy of the good?" (In your case, if your vehicle can accommodate a hitch, you might look into getting a platform carrier with a ramp. They're usually designed for wheelchairs or scooters.)

[@yourPTguy]

Unfortunately, the techniques that we share won't necessarily meet everyone's needs. We are aiming to help where we can. I would suggest trying to get a local therapist to come out to your home to help you figure out the best solution for your specific challenges. That's really the only way to get the best solution. Stay safe and independent 🙂

[@Kmg-sg3so]

Always have a cane to walk to the drivers side to get in vehicle after you load your rollator or walker.

[@patdenham9392]

I'm retired but don't feel old until I have to move after stroke. Stroke is highly NOT recommended. It's not a slow decline in strength and balance but like you fell off a cliff.

[@noraarico1313]

@@Kmg-sg3so : Thank you for your suggestion. Did not think of that.

[@mahabadir593]

منمتهمهههك😊ككةةةةةعكًك 😢