Lady Tries To Grab Man’s Rollator Wanting To Use It For Herself, Follows Him To His Car
InterviewMost people are taught as kids not to take someone else’s toys—not without permission, at least. As they grow older, they are told not to steal, and by the time they reach adulthood, it becomes an expectation that they respect other people’s property.
Unfortunately, not all seem to learn the lesson. This redditor experienced it firsthand when an old lady in the store tried snatching his rollator out of his hands. Upset with not getting what she wanted, the woman even followed him to the parking lot, where she then proceeded to scream until the store manager intervened.
Scroll down to find the full story below, where you will also find Bored Panda’s interview with the OP, who was kind enough to answer a few of our questions.
Walkers and rollators can significantly enhance some people’s mobility
Image credits: Rollz International / pexels (not the actual photo)
This person had to fight an old lady off after she tried stealing his rollator
Image credits: jm_video / envato (not the actual photo)
Image credits: LordBaranof
For the redditor, it was the first time someone tried taking away their rollator
In an interview with Bored Panda, the OP shared that that was the first time someone tried taking his rollator. “What annoyed me the most was that she just tried to physically take it from me at first,” he said. “Even I wait and ask someone if I can use their cart.”
The redditor shared that people are generally understanding and go out of their way to accommodate him or assist him if they can. Unfortunately, that wasn’t the case with the woman at the store. “I think [the rollator] just looked nice and she just wanted it. I’ve been complimented on it before by others, just not with the level of ‘I want’ that she had.”
Image credits: RDNE Stock project / pexels (not the actual photo)
Rollators are reportedly the most commonly used type of walking aids
A person trying to steal anything can make the victim understandably upset, let alone take something that is crucial for their mobility. In the redditor’s case, it was a rollator; also known as a ‘wheeled’ or a ‘rolling’ walker, this type of mobility aid is equipped with wheels and a built-in seat that allows people with difficulty walking to stop and take some rest when needed.
According to a Walking Aids Market Analysis Report, rollators are the most common choice of mobility aids, as they reportedly comprised the largest market share—over 67% of the total market revenue—in 2021. That year, the US walking aids market was valued at close to $300,000 while the global market size reached $2.2 billion.
The report noted that more than 19 million US adults are unable to walk a quarter-mile and an additional 40 million have at least one physical function disability; that means quite a few people can benefit from rollators, walkers, and similar aids. The OP’s story only goes to prove they are necessary for many, as some individuals are even willing to grab others’ personal rollator out of their hands.
It’s unclear if the lady really thought the rollator belonged to the store or she simply wanted to make use of the OP’s walking aid, as it wasn’t “a piece of cheap white plastic”. Be that as it may, the plan she had in her mind didn’t bring the results she hoped for, and the redditor left with all of his possessions safely in the car.
Unfortunately, the OP wasn’t seemingly the only person who has had to safeguard their walking aids from others, as fellow netizens in the comments discussed encountering similar situations themselves.
The OP answered some of the redditors’ comments, sharing more details
Some people have encountered similar situations themselves
Poll Question
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This reminded me of an incident I got into a few months ago. I was walking through the shops and an old lady with one of these dropped something on the ground, so I stopped to pick it up for her. Of course me bad knee decided to seize while I was on the ground, so she had to lock the wheels to I could use it to pull myself off the floor. Lol, we must have looked a sight.
Why would the manager need to look at the rollator? No stores have rollators for customers.
The manager KNOWS the harpy. She has probably caused issues before. So, he probably "looked" so she wouldn't accuse him of not doing so. Not a good answer but having been one in customer service; it sometimes harpies aren't worth the hassle.
Load More Replies...That idea someone had of using a rolled-up newspaper to smack them made me laugh out loud. That's hilarious!
I use a Rollator walker for my osteoarthritic knees. Fortunately, I've never had this issue, but I'm not foolish enough to believe that it will never happen. For crying out loud, walkers are durable medical equipment, not furniture to rent out. That harpy was intending to commit theft, not borrow someone's personal property. If someone tried that with me, they'd get the walker all right--just not how they expected to receive it. But the rolled-up newspaper and spray bottle sounds like excellent ideas!
I think the manager just said that to diffuse the situation. He knew the OP and his mother were not going to agree. I had a free sale when my mom passed away. It was assisted living and I couldn't sell anything so I gave it all away like a free yard sale. The ladies loved it. There was a brand new walker (not free) that I had put aside to give to a specific person. It was not near the free items or even in the same room. Someone came into the apartment and walked off with it. I guess these mobility items are worth stealing.
The medical clinic I take my grandmother to had a bunch for people to use while in the clinic. One day I go to find one for her and they're all gone, so I asked the security guard that's always up front, he says they have all been stolen. I'm like what, is this a thing? So yeah now they don't have any there and I don't think they're getting new one's, so we put labels on grandmas and have to take it with now.
Load More Replies...So sad that apparently no one can talk in this scenario. The woman should have asked if this was a store owned mobility device and could she please use it when they were done. And the person could have said something while loading the car. The way they just keep pretending and going on blows my mind.
No, what is sad is the absurd entitlement of some people and ignoring entitled people is absolutely anyone's right. No conversation needs to be had with a complete stranger.
Load More Replies...I've had this happen often while using my custom-made wheelchair that's purple and lime green with various add-ons like cup holders and wheel lights. Like really? Do you seriously think an American Walmart would have a wheelchair like this for public use? Back the F**k off Karen!!
This reminded me of an incident I got into a few months ago. I was walking through the shops and an old lady with one of these dropped something on the ground, so I stopped to pick it up for her. Of course me bad knee decided to seize while I was on the ground, so she had to lock the wheels to I could use it to pull myself off the floor. Lol, we must have looked a sight.
Why would the manager need to look at the rollator? No stores have rollators for customers.
The manager KNOWS the harpy. She has probably caused issues before. So, he probably "looked" so she wouldn't accuse him of not doing so. Not a good answer but having been one in customer service; it sometimes harpies aren't worth the hassle.
Load More Replies...That idea someone had of using a rolled-up newspaper to smack them made me laugh out loud. That's hilarious!
I use a Rollator walker for my osteoarthritic knees. Fortunately, I've never had this issue, but I'm not foolish enough to believe that it will never happen. For crying out loud, walkers are durable medical equipment, not furniture to rent out. That harpy was intending to commit theft, not borrow someone's personal property. If someone tried that with me, they'd get the walker all right--just not how they expected to receive it. But the rolled-up newspaper and spray bottle sounds like excellent ideas!
I think the manager just said that to diffuse the situation. He knew the OP and his mother were not going to agree. I had a free sale when my mom passed away. It was assisted living and I couldn't sell anything so I gave it all away like a free yard sale. The ladies loved it. There was a brand new walker (not free) that I had put aside to give to a specific person. It was not near the free items or even in the same room. Someone came into the apartment and walked off with it. I guess these mobility items are worth stealing.
The medical clinic I take my grandmother to had a bunch for people to use while in the clinic. One day I go to find one for her and they're all gone, so I asked the security guard that's always up front, he says they have all been stolen. I'm like what, is this a thing? So yeah now they don't have any there and I don't think they're getting new one's, so we put labels on grandmas and have to take it with now.
Load More Replies...So sad that apparently no one can talk in this scenario. The woman should have asked if this was a store owned mobility device and could she please use it when they were done. And the person could have said something while loading the car. The way they just keep pretending and going on blows my mind.
No, what is sad is the absurd entitlement of some people and ignoring entitled people is absolutely anyone's right. No conversation needs to be had with a complete stranger.
Load More Replies...I've had this happen often while using my custom-made wheelchair that's purple and lime green with various add-ons like cup holders and wheel lights. Like really? Do you seriously think an American Walmart would have a wheelchair like this for public use? Back the F**k off Karen!!
































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