Roamate 3-in-1 Electric Walker Wheelchair: The Complete Guide

Some days you feel like walking. Other days, or later in the same day, you’d rather sit and ride. Most people solve that by owning two separate mobility aids. The Roamate 3-in-1 electric walker wheelchair does it with one.

The Roamate combines a powered wheelchair, a powered rollator and a carer-assisted push chair in a single folding frame. In this guide we cover how each mode works, the full specifications, who it suits, price, funding and how to try one with NovitaTech.

What is the Roamate?

The Roamate is a lightweight, folding mobility aid that switches between three modes of use. You can walk behind it as a rollator for support, sit down and drive it as a powered wheelchair when you get tired, or have a carer push you with power assistance.

It’s designed for people whose mobility changes through the day, such as people who experience fatigue, are recovering from illness or injury, or can walk short distances but struggle with longer outings.

The three modes of the Roamate

1. Powered wheelchair mode

This is the default mode when you turn the Roamate on. You sit with your feet on the footrests and drive with the joystick on the armrest control panel. Top speed in wheelchair mode is 6 km/h, which is within the Australian limit for motorised wheelchairs on footpaths.

2. Powered rollator (walker) mode

Stand behind the Roamate and walk with it like a rollator, using the push handle for support. Press and hold the Boost button on the handle for 1.5 seconds to switch to walker mode, and the motors give you gentle power assistance at up to 3 km/h. This is ideal for walking further than you could on your own while still getting the benefits of staying on your feet.

3. Carer-assisted push mode

When you’re seated, a carer or family member can push the Roamate from behind using the handle, with power assistance taking the strain. That makes hills, longer walks and outings easier for the person pushing, too.

Switching back to wheelchair mode is as simple as pressing and holding the Lock/Unlock button on the control panel. A voice prompt confirms each mode change.

Folds down for the car boot

Traditional powered wheelchairs are often too heavy and bulky to take in an ordinary car. The Roamate is built to go where you go. It folds in a few simple steps into a compact, upright package that fits in most car boots, a hallway cupboard or the corner of a room.

The lithium-ion battery is removable, so you can take it inside to charge while the Roamate stays in the car or garage.

Roamate specifications

The manufacturer states the Roamate complies with the ISO 7176-8, ISO 7176-9 and ISO 7176-14 international wheelchair standards. Range varies with user weight, terrain, temperature and how you drive.

Who is the Roamate best for?

The Roamate can be a great fit if you:

• Can walk some distance but tire on longer outings
• Want the benefits of walking with the option to sit and ride
• Need a mobility aid that’s easy to take in the car or on holiday
• Have a carer or family member who sometimes pushes you
• Want one device instead of a separate rollator and wheelchair

It’s designed for homes, shopping centres, footpaths and other accessible paths. It may not be the right choice if you:

• Weigh more than 110 kg
• Need to travel over rough or unsealed terrain
• Regularly face steep slopes or kerbs higher than 40 mm
• Need a mobility aid you can use all day, every day as your main seating (a fully fitted powered wheelchair may suit better)

Not sure which option is right for you? Our Mobility and Seating team can help you compare the Roamate with rollators, powered wheelchairs and scooters. You might also find our guide to mobility scooters helpful.

Roamate vs a separate rollator and wheelchair

Choose your colour

The Roamate comes in three colours, Black, White and Pink, so you can pick the one that suits your style.

Roamate accessories

• Extra battery for a longer day out or as a spare
• Fireproof safety battery bag for safer battery storage and travel
• Phone holder to keep navigation and calls within reach

How much does the Roamate cost?

The Roamate 3-in-1 electric walker wheelchair is $4,499 at NovitaTech. That’s one price for all three modes, instead of buying a rollator and a powered wheelchair separately. Buy the Roamate online or request a quote.

Funding options

Depending on your circumstances, you may be able to fund a Roamate through:

• The NDIS, where it relates to your goals and is considered reasonable and necessary
• Aged care funding, such as a Support at Home package
• Other government, insurance or workplace schemes
• Private purchase

Funding decisions depend on your plan and individual needs. Visit our funding options page or ask our team what may apply to you.

Try the Roamate at NovitaTech

The best way to find out if the Roamate is right for you is to try it. NovitaTech offers free product trials in-store, at home or in the community across South Australia. You can also see the Roamate in person at our Hindmarsh showroom, Australia’s largest assistive technology retail experience. Find a store.

Shop the Roamate | Book a free trial

Frequently asked questions

What does 3-in-1 mean?

The Roamate works as a powered wheelchair, a powered rollator (walker) and a carer-assisted push chair. You can switch between modes on the spot.

How fast does the Roamate go?

Up to 6 km/h in wheelchair mode and up to 3 km/h in walker mode.

How far can the Roamate travel on one charge?

Up to 15 km, depending on user weight, terrain and conditions. A spare battery is available for longer days out.

Does the Roamate fold?

Yes. It folds in a few simple steps into a compact, upright shape that fits in most car boots.

What is the weight limit?

The Roamate supports users up to 110 kg.

Can I take the Roamate on a plane?

Many airlines accept mobility aids with removable lithium batteries, but rules vary by battery size and airline. The Roamate battery is 252Wh. Check with your airline well before you fly.

Can I use the Roamate outdoors?

Yes, on footpaths, paved paths and other accessible surfaces. It isn’t designed for rough terrain or roads.

Is the Roamate NDIS funded?

The NDIS may fund assistive technology that relates to your goals and is reasonable and necessary. Talk to our team or your plan manager about your situation.

Specifications are sourced from the Roamate user manual and NovitaTech product information and may change.