I took my elderly parent on a cruise and we had several ports of call and a lot of unknown terrain in the future. If your elderly parents are anything like mine, they can be very stubborn when it comes to what they can and can't do. While yes, they can walk "just fine" and don't "need any help", to me this was more about energy conservation. I had resigned myself to bringing a wheelchair and a walker for her when I found this chair. I bought this chair based on the review from E. Gail Chandler which she had some great pics of her mom on vacation. I thank her wholeheartedly because it was a game changer. My only concern was that her momma was a tiny thing and my mom is a bit more sturdy. I figured what the heck.
I bought this product in blue and lovingly named it "Optimus Prime". The first thing that struck me was how light weight it was. A huge difference from the standard lightweight wheelchairs (which aren't that lightweight, BTW) and how small it could be folded down. We took it for a few test drives before the cruise to the local mall and it performed brilliantly.
The nicest part of the product was the hybrid feature. My mom could start out using a walker on the rough cobblestone or gravel terrain, and then sit in her own chariot once we got to flat land or a museum or whatever. Instead of having to bring two separate pieces of equipment, we got everything we needed in one. We put it in the trunk of sedan taxi's in Russia, water taxi's in Copenhagen, and even brought it aboard a dinner cruise in Paris with ease. The study construction withstood the cobblestones of Prague, the uphill terrain of Estonia, and the muck of rainy weather in Stockholm.
Some suggestions: for ease of transport I always popped the legs and wheels off because it made it super small. I also never inserted the safety screws. Yeah, yeah, don't judge. Gravity was going to keep the wheels splayed out and quite honestly it was a super pain in the butt and took way too much time to have to out them in and take them out with every use. You will need to adjust the back when you transfer from walker to transport chair. The handles and the back of the chair need to be higher as a wheelchair, otherwise the strap is across the lower back and super uncomfortable. BTW, it fit into a large duffel bag, but NOT a large hard sided suit case. Because this is a transport chair, it doesn't have the large stabilizing wheels. On the cruise ship there were bumps where the seams of the carpet came together were covered with elevated brass. I nearly launched my mom out of the chair. Take bumps backwards.
I should also note that I bought one for my dad once we figured this was a good purchase, but had to order a different brand. Total piece of crap. The back wheels looked uneven from the get go, like they were pointing out, and after a few ports of call, they finally sheered off on a long flat straightaway. We didn't even a bump. So these products are not all created equal.
In the end my 78 year old mother who has about 2-3 hours in her before nap time, did full days with no complaint, including a full tilt morning till evening back to back days of tours in one port. Even the tour guide said that most 60 year olds can't hang the second day.
I'm including pics of my mom using the chair. I'm also including a pic of this thing in the pile of luggage. The wheels and legs had been popped off and it is the side view, but still, kinda impressive. Look for the long blue metal pieces on the left of the car.
BTW, my 6' father had no issue using this as well. My mom is 5'1".
After spending hours reviewing and comparing the walkers/wheelchairs available, based on the Amazon review of another multi-generation traveling family, I bought this for my 85 year old mother so my sister, my daughter and I could travel with her from So. California to Budapest to Amsterdam and then home. Mom uses a cane or a walker at home. We checked the Rollator with our luggage and had no problems. Mom used it more as a walker. It collapses quickly by pulling up on the seat, which allowed us to quickly transition from between boats, buses, cabs, and even up and down the Castle Hill Funicular in Budapest. Cobblestones proved to be the most difficult surface, but it still handled very well. While the Rollator is adjustable, we are tallish women (5’9”), and it would have been nice if it adjusted even taller.
This is a true hybrid rolling walker/transfer wheelchair and it solves some problems better than others.
If you are a solo user that sometimes wants to stand and use a rolling walker, but also wants the option of sitting in a wheelchair and 'schoching along" by shuffling your feet, then this is absolutely the chair for you. It is very well made and every moving part functions smoothly. The seat is placed mid way between the front and back wheels and the seatback rotates to allow the user to sit from either the walker or wheelchair sides. Because of the seat placement, the Lumex is very stable in either mode.
Unfortunately, the seat position that makes the Lumex such a great hybrid solution for the solo user of the chair, has its shortcomings when an assistant is pushing the user in transfer chair mode. In transfer chair mode, the majority of the user's weight is over the front wheels. With the user's weight on the front wheels, the Lumex has difficulty climbing ANY bumps or ridges that the wheels encounter. There is so much weight over the front wheels that is is nearly impossible for the assistant to tip the chair backward to get over these obstacles. In addition, because of the weight over the front wheels. when pushed across even a gentle slope, the chair wants to turn downhill. Note that these issues are only a problem when an assistant is pushing the user in transfer chair mode. The Lumex works fine for the solo user in either walker or "scooch" mode.
Bottom line: For the solo user that wants the option of standing or sitting while getting around, the Lumex is a wonderful solution. For the solo user that occasionally has an assistant, this is a workable solution, particularly over flat, smooth surfaces. Just keep an eye out for door sills and expansion joints. If you are primarily looking for a transfer chair, the Lumex is not your solution.
My 96 year old mom, with her daughters' help, bought this hybrid for an overseas trip to the Netherlands. She has scoliosis and uses a three-wheel walker at home. For the flight, we elected to gate check the Rollator. This worked very well as there were three of us to handle luggage and push.
In the Netherlands, It rolled easily in both modes on brick streets, sidewalks, over bridges, in museums. The only place that was problematic was in Amsterdam on cobblestone. The Rollator slid easily into the back of the tour van. (My sister had added straps with clips for easier handling and storage.)
A little narrower and a little lighter would have made this versatile buggy perfect. (It would be nice if it were made in sizes.)
We had a wonderful trip that was greatly enhanced by this piece of equipment.
Basically I'm very happy with this chair/walker. It meets my needs very well . I have two complaints that some might find major. First, I really expected the footrests , once attached, to swing around flat to the sides to allow me to use the device in walker mode without completely detaching and storing them. Maybe unrealistic , but still what I thought. Second , and this really bothers me more , there is no bar or foot lever to help a pusher lift the front of the chair over a small curb or door sill. This can make every little irregularity in a path or pavement a major obstacle. I certainly can and will use the chair,but hope that these comments will help improvethe next model .
Feature Product
- Hybrid design; use primarily as a rollator while easily transforming into a transport chair when user needs a short rest
- Lightweight frame; durable, aluminum frame weighs only 22 lbs making it easier for users to move about freely
- Ultra-compact design; easy to assemble without the need for tools and folds effortlessly for convenient transport and storage
- Easy-to-use handbrakes; allow for short and longer period braking when used as rollator and transport chair
- Comfort and support; soft, polyester backrest and 18" wide mesh seat
Description
The HybridLX is an innovative rollator that combines the function of a wheeled walker and transport chair into one lightweight design. Keeping the user’s desire for independence and comfort in mind, the HybridLX is designed with secure handgrips, a comfortable and wide seat and backrest, and the unique design to effortlessly transition from a rollator to a transport chair. And back!
Quality is the hallmark of all Lumex products. Trusted by healthcare professionals and end-users for over 50 years, Lumex features a full line of patient aids and specialty healthcare seating.
My husband has a very bad back and a knee that sometimes gives out. I ordered this so we could have on hand for those occasions where he isn't able to walk the distances. I liked the width and sturdiness since he weighs 250+. Limited assembly was not difficult for me and the foot rests are easily removable and can be stored in the pouch. Folds up easily to lift into the trunk of the car. The only downside was the pouch did not seem to have a strong hold (velcro) with the foot rests inside. If you plan on sitting in it for a long period, recommend using a seat pad for added comfort. Overall a good value for our purposes.
My 5'8"tall,200lbs,78yr old father in law is a diabetic who suffers from dementia and sundowners. I noticed he walk/paces in the house alot,so i implemented evening walks for him (which he enjoys) but i realized he would get fatigued very fast and needed several stops along the walk. I didn't want for him to feel exhausted ,so i did my research and read reviews and ordered the Lumex LX hybrid.1st- Amazon shipped fast and no damages to box.2nd-Lumex packed their product well(box came in another box with bubble wrap on certain pieces as to not allow for scratches).3rd-super easy assembly, less than 5 mins(has simple instructions or watch video).
The day it arrived i assembled it and took my "Dad" for a walk...Wow! what a difference! He was moving with ease on a good pace(not dragging his feet) with no stops on the walk. Its light enough for him to lift up over curbs.
I've not yet have had to push him on it but he said it's nice to know thats a available for him when we go on trips(confidence booster).
The walking has also helped bring his sugar levels down to 148!...no kidding.
I truly believe Lumex has made an exceptional product and is a definite must have for our loved ones. My father in law keeps it in his room.
Fyi- i was not asked or coaxed to make this review, just wanted to share like others did who helped me in selecting my purchase.
Bought this for my dad who had cervical spine surgery. He can walk on his own without assistance, but can get tired fast. He does use a walker for safety purposes.
My dad is about 5'6" and is able to use this rollator well. His hands have enough grip strength (even after surgery) to squeeze the brakes when needed. He has no problem applying the lock-brake by pushing down.
Us sons also like it for the versatility as a transport chair. In times when we need to get places rather hastily, we can put dad in the transport chair, clip the leg supports in and push him along. Not only is it useful when we're somewhat pressed for time, but for surfaces that may not be easy for him to walk on, we can again simply have him sit in the chair and push him, with or without the leg supports - though we are not too mean and do haul along the leg supports just in case so that he doesn't have to lift his feet off the ground.
We prefered this version of folding from the sides rather than the front-back folding type. If I'm correct, this is called "euro style" rollators, where they fold in from the sides and still allow it to be used in narrow pathways. We figured the front-back folding type (that fold like folding chairs) were not as convenient for paths or door ways that might be just wide enough to fit, or just plain narrow. This euro-style rollator allows dad to be versatile with rollator support regardless of pathway width.
The benefits we have with this come in 3:
1. simple to use rolling walker for dad
2. able to sit from the front or rear of the rollator
3. euro style allows it to be versatile in any width pathway
I rate this 5/5 - very useful for my dad. the grandchildren like it enough to occasionally take a ride with grandpa.
Great brakes, handles, back support, seat width. Easy to turn and navigate because of larger wheels. Fits easily through doorways in my mom's apt. A huge plus is that it is also a transport chair by easily adding the foot rests. The transport chair that my mom had been using was narrow and she felt squished. My mom is 180 lbs and 5'8". This product is wider and comfortable. So far I have nothing negative to report. I'm very pleased because my mom is definitely safer using this Lumex rollator/transport chair.
This walker is a great product overall, with some standout features. It is very sturdy, with 300 lb. Capacity, unlike, some others. The seat is soft and also a little wider side to side than most others, which is more comfy. And the inner sides of the metal are smooth with no screws or bumps to dig into your hips. I use it every day to do my walking exercise in my neighborhood streets safely. I'm more motivated to exercise knowing that when I'm far from the house and the knees are hurting, I can sit for a bit and recover. Another big plus is knowing I can go to outdoor festivals and be pushed along by my family if it gets to be too much. They say it's easy, like pushing a grocery cart. Lol. I also like the way the handles are height-adjustable. What would I improve? A more convenient bag or pouch to carry water and purse perhaps. It's there, but you have to really reach. And if you're storing the footrests in there, there's no room for much else. Better to leave them in car or garage unless you know you're going to use them. Also, it would be nice if the carry case for the walker was part of the purchase package, instead of having to go back and purchase it separately at additional cost. Overall, I love my walker and how it makes my life easier and better.
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