8 reviews for Drive Medical Hugo Elite Rollator Walker with Seat, Backrest and Basket, Blue

1. 

   Rated 5 out of 5

   adventureman, Washington, DC / Wenonah, NJ – November 10, 2011

   
   I exhaustively searched the market (on Galenus Medical and elsewhere) before settling on “Hugo” (that’s what we’re now calling him) — and we’re thrilled!We chose the Hugo Elite model because it offered seat height adjustment (a feature we’re using to obtain a more suitable lower seat height) and the saddle bag (which we thought might be handy some day — and which is now being used to stow a folding cane).This walker is for my just-turned-90 petite mother who was beginning to get too wobbly with just a regular cane when going to doctors and such on her own (when shopping, she loves, instead, using shopping carts for stability with the occasional assist of her cane). She has taken to Hugo and her mobility is vastly enhanced. The under-seat storage is perfect for her large purse.What’s more, she is able to get Hugo folded and into and out of the rear seat of her 4-door sedan on her own (she remains capably self-sufficient)!! Hugo sits on his side on the car seat, handlebars facing forward.Hugo has one feature we’ve found to be important that most other rolling walkers seem not to have — a secure snap lock to keep Hugo folded. He locks automatically when he is folded; you pull a knob for just the second you start to unfold him.Other features. The “Pacific Blue” color is gorgeous. Hugo feels sturdy and durable. The wheels are full-sized (smaller wheels on other brands don’t work as smoothly). The Hugo company believes in progressively improving Hugo. The picture on this website (as of this writing) is of an earlier version. The wheels have since been improved. Our version had chunky rubber wheels on the rear (instead of plastic, as in the front) which work a lot better with the brakes.There was one issue with assembly of Hugo which served to demonstrate that customer service is outstanding. As shipped, Hugo would have been fine if we’d used him with the seat in the higher setting. However, an inner leg tube needs to slide further into the outer leg tube to yield the lower seating and that wasn’t possible in one of the legs as shipped. Customer service was exceedingly considerate and helpful in resolving this issue as rapidly as possible (ultimately taking the part from one of their new samples since parts for this newest version were not yet fully stocked).Since using Hugo, we’ve had great pride of ownership and have recommended Hugo to the numerous folks who have taken notice of him and inquired.We have absolutely no connection to the company but are customers and users who are delighted at this superior product, priced here very reasonably, which has substantially improved my mother’s life!By the way, in researching rolling walkers we discovered that local medical equipment stores, in general, have prices for such equipment which are often vastly higher than the prices charged on Galenus Medical.Thus I reach the only conclusion possible: Hugo is the one to buy (and do so here on Galenus Medical)!=====Addendum:Based on our experiences using Hugo, I would like to add a CAUTIONARY warning. There is a risk of the user tumbling forward with Hugo to the ground (probably also the case with many/most other rolling walkers). The user must never STRETCH forward while using Hugo to reach something (like to open a door). The risk becomes large that both will tumble uncontrollably forward. Best to position Hugo such that one is reaching to the side.I would like to make one other usage recommendation: it helps considerably to LOCK the brakes before folding Hugo and keeping the brakes LOCKED until completely opening Hugo (these practices help keep Hugo from rolling out while doing the folding and unfolding). (The brakes should also always be locked for safety before using Hugo as a fixed point to hold onto while either circling around him or transitioning to sit down or stand up.) Another detail: we don’t make a point of =completely= folding Hugo before sliding him into the back seat; the final folding to the point of getting the frame to click shut can happen once he is getting positioned on the car seat.In my earlier writing I forgot to also point out another advantage of Hugo compared to other rolling walkers: the fact that the under-seat storage is made of solid material, not the wire mesh of some other models. If you’re putting a purse in this storage, you don’t want to risk things falling out through wire mesh and becoming lost!

2. 

   Rated 5 out of 5

   Mr max – February 19, 2017

   
   This Hugo Elite Rollator Walker is one of those things that you think you don’t need, then once having it, realize you needed it all along! At least that has been the case for me. Despite the vocal opinions of well-meaning family and friends, I continued on with my cane/s, happily, saying that I don’t need a walker except for hospital recovery. And then came the latest hospitalization, with a major vacation planned just 5 weeks away, and I decided to get a walker “for the vacation”. The walker arrived 20 hours after ordering it! Just in time for coming home from hospital. And guess what? I am SO glad I got it, and yes, I need it! I always saw a walker as taking away from my mobility rather than adding to it, but this will undoubtedly be adding both quantity and quality to the times I am able to be out and about.Now, to this model walker specifically. As a big, tall woman, I was concerned the seat would be too narrow for comfort. It is not. While my body does touch the frame, it is not uncomfortable, and does not “squeeze” me. That was my biggest concern, now alleviated. The walker is extremely sturdy and stable. Everything about it speaks quality: from the large 8″ wheels that are about 1.5″ wide, to the aluminum tubing, brake mechanisms, reflectors on the handgrips, curshion handgrips, ergonomic styling. This walker just glides along ever so smoothly.Brakes are easy to set, lock, use, and release, and it doesn’t take a lot of pressure to do so. I am 5’10” and the handles are plenty high for me and have a bit more adjustment left – I also use them a bit higher than most might, so I would think a person up to 6’3″ or so would be comfortable as well. There is a lot of room in the underseat storage, which also has two end pockets. The saddlebag is adequate, and could carry a jacket and folding cane. The backside as several pockets for phone, wallet, etc.One thing needs noting: Assemby is more involved than the Product Page indicates. It took my son-in-law over an hour to put it togerther, and a couple of double-checks and figuring out along the way. I am not sure I could have done it on my own if he had not been here, and usually I have no problem assembling furniture and equipment. So, just be aware of that, and have someone available to assemble this if the person receiving it cannot.Update: April 5, 2017Some reviews have mentioned folding issues. Since I use public transit, and family has a pickup, I did not address this in prior post. During vacation, we used Uber, and the walker was a problem. Four of the twelve vehicles used had a problem fitting the walk in (while folded) — two to the point of almost needing to cancel and call another car. (There were four people as well as the walker). Even one of the six “XL Uber” cars had a problem in the back with it. Also, on the third day, problems arose trying to unlock it from the folding position. We learned to push it more closed, then the knob worked. It almost always took two people to fold and unfold — though by the end of vacation my son in law had the routine down pretty good.Overall, my review remains five stars and very positive. I can walk faster, farther, and more confidently with this walker. During loooong days at theme parks, I walked over five miles a day, and was able to provide my own seat to sit anywhere needed, instead of using up energy looking for a place to sit. Because of the walker, I could keep up with the family, and not slow them down, which if I had taken just my cane, would have been the case.

   
3. 

   Rated 5 out of 5

   kcwcc – May 23, 2019

   My dad loves it.
   As an engineer, I gave it a good once over and I would have returned it if there were any issues. At all. They were none. The CCAC rep slagged it, but, then again, they make money on the walkers they supply. You can buy more expensive walkers. You can buy used walkers. You can buy this one. I had no issues buying an expensive or used walker, but this got enough good reviews that I figured what the hell, I can always return it. Does it fold up to the size of a briefcase? No. But it does fold up enough to fit in the trunk. Anyway, my dad likes it and, more importantly, uses it.

4. 

   Rated 3 out of 5

   Rhizome – May 16, 2017

   Good But with Caveats
   Pros: Can be assembled in about 15 minutes without tools; sturdy construction; good value for money paid ($168) but see trade-offs in “Cons” below.Cons: Cannot be assembled by a person with coordination difficulties and minimal strength. Assistance will be required; Also, the walker doesn’t fold as easily as other walkers: it requires lifting the seat and pulling up on a fabric handle while simultaneously pulling the chassis together inward, and the hinges are very stiff. Other walkers are a one-handed lift and auto-fold procedure requiring little effort. If you aren’t putting it into the trunk of a car, then this fault won’t bother you. But if you are, look elsewhere.

5. 

   Rated 5 out of 5

   adventureman, Washington, DC / Wenonah, NJ – November 10, 2011

   
   I exhaustively searched the market (on Galenus Medical and elsewhere) before settling on “Hugo” (that’s what we’re now calling him) — and we’re thrilled!We chose the Hugo Elite model because it offered seat height adjustment (a feature we’re using to obtain a more suitable lower seat height) and the saddle bag (which we thought might be handy some day — and which is now being used to stow a folding cane).This walker is for my just-turned-90 petite mother who was beginning to get too wobbly with just a regular cane when going to doctors and such on her own (when shopping, she loves, instead, using shopping carts for stability with the occasional assist of her cane). She has taken to Hugo and her mobility is vastly enhanced. The under-seat storage is perfect for her large purse.What’s more, she is able to get Hugo folded and into and out of the rear seat of her 4-door sedan on her own (she remains capably self-sufficient)!! Hugo sits on his side on the car seat, handlebars facing forward.Hugo has one feature we’ve found to be important that most other rolling walkers seem not to have — a secure snap lock to keep Hugo folded. He locks automatically when he is folded; you pull a knob for just the second you start to unfold him.Other features. The “Pacific Blue” color is gorgeous. Hugo feels sturdy and durable. The wheels are full-sized (smaller wheels on other brands don’t work as smoothly). The Hugo company believes in progressively improving Hugo. The picture on this website (as of this writing) is of an earlier version. The wheels have since been improved. Our version had chunky rubber wheels on the rear (instead of plastic, as in the front) which work a lot better with the brakes.There was one issue with assembly of Hugo which served to demonstrate that customer service is outstanding. As shipped, Hugo would have been fine if we’d used him with the seat in the higher setting. However, an inner leg tube needs to slide further into the outer leg tube to yield the lower seating and that wasn’t possible in one of the legs as shipped. Customer service was exceedingly considerate and helpful in resolving this issue as rapidly as possible (ultimately taking the part from one of their new samples since parts for this newest version were not yet fully stocked).Since using Hugo, we’ve had great pride of ownership and have recommended Hugo to the numerous folks who have taken notice of him and inquired.We have absolutely no connection to the company but are customers and users who are delighted at this superior product, priced here very reasonably, which has substantially improved my mother’s life!By the way, in researching rolling walkers we discovered that local medical equipment stores, in general, have prices for such equipment which are often vastly higher than the prices charged on Galenus Medical.Thus I reach the only conclusion possible: Hugo is the one to buy (and do so here on Galenus Medical)!=====Addendum:Based on our experiences using Hugo, I would like to add a CAUTIONARY warning. There is a risk of the user tumbling forward with Hugo to the ground (probably also the case with many/most other rolling walkers). The user must never STRETCH forward while using Hugo to reach something (like to open a door). The risk becomes large that both will tumble uncontrollably forward. Best to position Hugo such that one is reaching to the side.I would like to make one other usage recommendation: it helps considerably to LOCK the brakes before folding Hugo and keeping the brakes LOCKED until completely opening Hugo (these practices help keep Hugo from rolling out while doing the folding and unfolding). (The brakes should also always be locked for safety before using Hugo as a fixed point to hold onto while either circling around him or transitioning to sit down or stand up.) Another detail: we don’t make a point of =completely= folding Hugo before sliding him into the back seat; the final folding to the point of getting the frame to click shut can happen once he is getting positioned on the car seat.In my earlier writing I forgot to also point out another advantage of Hugo compared to other rolling walkers: the fact that the under-seat storage is made of solid material, not the wire mesh of some other models. If you’re putting a purse in this storage, you don’t want to risk things falling out through wire mesh and becoming lost!

6. 

   Rated 5 out of 5

   Mr max – February 19, 2017

   
   This Hugo Elite Rollator Walker is one of those things that you think you don’t need, then once having it, realize you needed it all along! At least that has been the case for me. Despite the vocal opinions of well-meaning family and friends, I continued on with my cane/s, happily, saying that I don’t need a walker except for hospital recovery. And then came the latest hospitalization, with a major vacation planned just 5 weeks away, and I decided to get a walker “for the vacation”. The walker arrived 20 hours after ordering it! Just in time for coming home from hospital. And guess what? I am SO glad I got it, and yes, I need it! I always saw a walker as taking away from my mobility rather than adding to it, but this will undoubtedly be adding both quantity and quality to the times I am able to be out and about.Now, to this model walker specifically. As a big, tall woman, I was concerned the seat would be too narrow for comfort. It is not. While my body does touch the frame, it is not uncomfortable, and does not “squeeze” me. That was my biggest concern, now alleviated. The walker is extremely sturdy and stable. Everything about it speaks quality: from the large 8″ wheels that are about 1.5″ wide, to the aluminum tubing, brake mechanisms, reflectors on the handgrips, curshion handgrips, ergonomic styling. This walker just glides along ever so smoothly.Brakes are easy to set, lock, use, and release, and it doesn’t take a lot of pressure to do so. I am 5’10” and the handles are plenty high for me and have a bit more adjustment left – I also use them a bit higher than most might, so I would think a person up to 6’3″ or so would be comfortable as well. There is a lot of room in the underseat storage, which also has two end pockets. The saddlebag is adequate, and could carry a jacket and folding cane. The backside as several pockets for phone, wallet, etc.One thing needs noting: Assemby is more involved than the Product Page indicates. It took my son-in-law over an hour to put it togerther, and a couple of double-checks and figuring out along the way. I am not sure I could have done it on my own if he had not been here, and usually I have no problem assembling furniture and equipment. So, just be aware of that, and have someone available to assemble this if the person receiving it cannot.Update: April 5, 2017Some reviews have mentioned folding issues. Since I use public transit, and family has a pickup, I did not address this in prior post. During vacation, we used Uber, and the walker was a problem. Four of the twelve vehicles used had a problem fitting the walk in (while folded) — two to the point of almost needing to cancel and call another car. (There were four people as well as the walker). Even one of the six “XL Uber” cars had a problem in the back with it. Also, on the third day, problems arose trying to unlock it from the folding position. We learned to push it more closed, then the knob worked. It almost always took two people to fold and unfold — though by the end of vacation my son in law had the routine down pretty good.Overall, my review remains five stars and very positive. I can walk faster, farther, and more confidently with this walker. During loooong days at theme parks, I walked over five miles a day, and was able to provide my own seat to sit anywhere needed, instead of using up energy looking for a place to sit. Because of the walker, I could keep up with the family, and not slow them down, which if I had taken just my cane, would have been the case.

   
7. 

   Rated 5 out of 5

   kcwcc – May 23, 2019

   My dad loves it.
   As an engineer, I gave it a good once over and I would have returned it if there were any issues. At all. They were none. The CCAC rep slagged it, but, then again, they make money on the walkers they supply. You can buy more expensive walkers. You can buy used walkers. You can buy this one. I had no issues buying an expensive or used walker, but this got enough good reviews that I figured what the hell, I can always return it. Does it fold up to the size of a briefcase? No. But it does fold up enough to fit in the trunk. Anyway, my dad likes it and, more importantly, uses it.

8. 

   Rated 3 out of 5

   Rhizome – May 16, 2017

   Good But with Caveats
   Pros: Can be assembled in about 15 minutes without tools; sturdy construction; good value for money paid ($168) but see trade-offs in “Cons” below.Cons: Cannot be assembled by a person with coordination difficulties and minimal strength. Assistance will be required; Also, the walker doesn’t fold as easily as other walkers: it requires lifting the seat and pulling up on a fabric handle while simultaneously pulling the chassis together inward, and the hinges are very stiff. Other walkers are a one-handed lift and auto-fold procedure requiring little effort. If you aren’t putting it into the trunk of a car, then this fault won’t bother you. But if you are, look elsewhere.