Written by Megan Smith, PT
Walkers and rollators are available in so many shapes, designs, and styles, it makes it difficult to sort out the good from the bad.
That’s why, as part of RehabMart’s dedication to providing the product expertise and research you need to make informed decisions, we sought out someone who knows walkers better than anyone else.
Sophia Smith is an 18-year-old girl with Cerebral Palsy, she’s been using walkers and rollators since she was two and a half, and she is RehabMart’s resident product specialist.
Through 15 years of trying different walkers, crutches, & rollators, R82’s Crocodile Gait Trainer has won out every time.
Sophia started to use the Crocodile when she was two and a half, using it as a gait trainer with a sling seat. Now that she’s nearly 18 years old, Sophia still loves the Crocodile just as much as her parents did back then, though she uses it in the walker mode now.
We sat down with Sophia and asked her what makes the Crocodile so exceptional that she would continue using it through all these years.
She told us that the most notable feature of the Crocodile is its sturdy, supportive design. It’s Sophia’s favorite option for mobility support while she’s at school, out running errands, and enjoying fun activities like apple-picking or a trip to the zoo. She and her family can literally go anywhere with this walker.
The steel construction makes her feel safe and supported as she moves throughout her day, while the solid wheels easily travel over nearly any terrain, including grass, curbs, gravel, mud, & dirt.
She also noted that the Crocodile is one of the only walkers she’s used that includes a sturdy set of brakes. While many walkers feature brakes, the Crocodile’s brakes actually feel strong and stop the walker in its tracks. And, she notes, she hasn’t broken them, a difficult feat for many walkers to achieve.
In addition to the sturdy, supportive design, Sophia also notes the wide range of adjustment and customization that the Crocodile provides. Three sizes plus multiple points of adjustment in both height and width make it easy to ensure that every user gets a perfect fit.
It’s not just the sturdy design that makes the Crocodile so effective, however. Sophia also made note of several different features that add a bit of extra form and function.
In particular, Sophia is especially excited about the new larger walker bag that recently came out for the size 3 walker. The expanded width is perfect for fitting her folders and lunchbox, making it easier for her to bring her materials around school with no problem.
She also noted that the Crocodile is available with a variety of different seat styles to support users with a range of needs. Sophia currently likes the flip-down solid seat for easy breaks on the go, but she started out with the sling seat when she was first using the Crocodile as a gait trainer.
One of the best things about the Crocodile, in her mother’s mind, is the easy-folding function that makes it so simple to stow away in the back of their minivan. The simple folding motion allows you to just unlock and then lift, and the walker does the rest on its own.
Another notable aspect of the folding design is that it can be locked down in the folding position so that it can be laid on its side without coming open. This can be especially useful in restaurants where the walker may need to be stashed to the side out of the way.
The Crocodile can also be accompanied by a full selection of different positioning pads and supports for the pelvis, the trunk, the forearms, and more! Whatever area may need extra support, it’s safe to assume that this walker/gait trainer combo has it covered.
Perfect for a wide variety of users, Sophia assures us that R82’s Crocodile is an exceptional choice for mobility support no matter where you’re going.
The sturdy design, strong brakes, easy folding motion, functional walker bag, and variety of customization options all combine to make the Crocodile an amazing walker and gait trainer for users of all ages.
Looking for more information on living with a disability or caring for someone who has one? Be sure to check out our full library of helpful tips at Caregiver University.
Megan has been a part of Rehabmart since its inception nearly 20 years ago. For the past several years she has been enjoying her role as HR Director while maintaining her Physical Therapy license. When she isn't working on her next in-service or working to find a new team member, she enjoys her five children, helping those who have PT type ailments, baking, practicing yoga, and working out.
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