You may feel challenged when choosing a knee scooter, as the number of choices can be overwhelming.
But there are 5 important things you should consider when deciding on what orthopedic knee scooter that is best for you.
Knee walkers, or knee scooters, are fantastic devices designed to help people with lower leg injuries maintain an active mobile lifestyle during recovery.
Professional athletes prefer using knee scooters during their injury recovery.
What is an Orthopedic Knee Scooter?
An orthopedic knee scooter is a wheeled medical device that is designed as an alternative to crutches. They are also referred to as knee scooters, knee walkers, or leg scooters.
They help keep weight off your injured foot while still allowing you to move around wherever you want to go comfortably and with minimal effort.
Benefits of Using an Orthopedic Knee Scooter
Knee scooters are easy to use and do not require the upper-body strength needed to use traditional crutches.
They allow you to move without putting pressure or weight on your injured foot.
Perhaps the biggest advantage of using a knee scooter, are the positive mental health benefits that come from being independent while injured. You'll be able to do most, if not all, of the things you used to do by yourself.
Related: How To Use A Knee Scooter Properly (An Illustrated Guide)
Things to Consider When Getting a Knee Scooter
|
1. Outdoor or Indoors?
It is also very important to consider where you will be using your knee scooter most of the time.
If you want to spend a lot of time outdoors, you should opt for an all-terrain model. They are design with larger air-filled rubber wheels that soften the ride over outdoor terrain such as grass, concrete, light gravel etc.
2. Weight Capacity
Do you need a knee scooter that will support your weight? Are you over 6 feet?
Check the specifications of each model to see if they can be adjusted to your specific height and what is the weight limit.
3. Turn Radius
This is something that one wouldn't think initially think about but it can be important to some people.
Different knee scooters have slightly different turning radius. If you will use your scooter at an office, you'll most likely have to be making tight turns or moving through narrow hallways.
When using a knee scooter with with an okay turning radius, you'll have to be making three-point turns.
If you use a scooter with the ability to make 90 degree turns, like the Swivelmate, you'll be able to navigate these tight spaces, or kitchen counters, furniture, etc easily with no problems.
4. Knee Offset
Some knee scooters come with an knee offset—which means the knee pad platform can be adjusted to accomodate a leg or right foot injury.
This enables you to rest your injured leg closer to your other leg in a more natural position.
This makes your ride more ergonomic and comfortable.
5. Get the Best One you Can Afford
You will find very cheap knee scooters out there for $100.
The problem with these cheap knee scooters, which are made by obscure manufacturers, is that many things are sacrificed to make them as cheap as possible—so that they can sell at a low price.
They are cheaply made, uncomfortable, and not the most stable.
When it comes to a mobility aid that is important to your physical health—the best advice is to buy the best knee scooter you can.
|
How to Get an Orthopedic Knee Scooter
You may find choosing a suitable knee scooter challenging, as the number of choices can be overwhelming. Some retailers, like ourselves, offer you the option to rent a knee scooter, or purchase one.
You can rent a knee scooter (and have it shipped to you) for as little as $100 for 4 weeks. This is a great option of you anticipate needing it for a short amount of time.
If you need it for more than four weeks, buying a knee scooter will be a better option. An excellent knee scooter can range from $250 to $400.
Below is a chart comparing our top 5 most popular knee scooters:
|
Swivelmate |
Orthomate All Terrain |
Knee Rover All Terrain |
Roscoe Knee Scooter |
Free Spirit |
| Weight Capacity |
400 lbs |
350 lb |
350 lb |
350 lb |
400 lb |
| User Height Range |
4'8" - 6'8" |
5'2" - 6'3" |
5'4" - 6'2" |
4'11" - 6'4" |
5'2" - 6'5" |
| Scooter Weight |
24 lb |
26 lb |
27 lb |
23 lb |
24 lb |
| Turning Radius |
90 degrees |
35 degrees |
25 degrees |
30 degrees |
45 degrees |
| Wheel Size |
7" |
8 " |
12 " |
8 " |
8" |
| Wheel Type |
Solid |
Air-filled |
air filled |
solid |
solid |
| Brake |
Dual hand brakes |
Right handle grip |
Right handle grip |
Right handle |
Dual hand brakes |
| Parking Brake |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
| Color |
Blue |
Blue |
Blue |
Burgundy |
Silver |
| Knee Rest Offset |
Yes |
Yes |
No |
Yes |
No |
Injuries an Orthopedic Scooter is Used For
Knee scooters are recommended only for below the knee injuries. A doctor will prescribe one if you need to keep weight off (non-weight bearing period) your injury after surgery or recovery.
Some lower leg injuries where a knee scooter can be used are:
|
• Achilles tendon tear or rupture
• Ankle injury and sprains
• After foot and ankle surgery
• Following bunion surgery |
