Perhaps you've seen someone with a cast rolling around on what kind of looks like a bicycle—and you wonder, what is that thing? Or maybe, you've heard someone mention it, but you have trouble picturing precisely what a knee scooter looks like.
A knee scooter—also referred to as a rollabout, knee caddie, or knee walker—is a wheeled device that allows you to rest your injured leg on a knee rest while you push yourself forward and steer towards where you want to go.
They are a modern alternative to crutches because they are significantly easier to use, more comfortable, and allow you to move around independently without any hassle.
Many users hail them as lifesavers during their non-weight bearing recovery period.
So what does a knee scooter look like?
There are many knee scooter models out there, with slight design variations and unique features, but at the core, they all have the same essential parts.
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All-terrain knee scooter
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Knee scooter for kids
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Indoor knee walker
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All knee scooters will have 3 or 4 wheels (and some have 5 for uber stability), a steering rod, handlebars, handbrakes, and a knee rest.
Wheels
Wheel design and material on a knee scooter are an essential factor for riding comfort. Most knee scooters will have solid tires made out of a plastic composite. These are great for indoor use because they provide a smooth ride. For heavy outdoor use, some models like the Orthomate All Terrain Knee Scooter have air-filled rubber tires. These are better at absorbing shock from uneven concrete and other rough surfaces.
Related: Solid Tires VS. Air-Filled Tires
Padded Knee Rest
A padded knee rest is another essential feature of a knee scooter. It allows you to rest and support your injured foot comfortably. The amount of padding differs among models. You can expect cheaper models to have minimal padding and mid-range and high-end models more.
Whether you need more padding to compensate or extra comfort, there are knee rest covers available with different materials that provide extra comfort and support.
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Comfy Cushion Knee Pad Cover
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Memory Foam Knee Pad Cover
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Steering Column
The second innovation in knee walker design was the addition of a steering column, which allowed for turning capabilities. Before this, you could only go straight, and you would have to literally lift the walker and turn it in the direction you wanted to go.
Brakes
All knee scooters have handbrakes very similar to those you find on bicycles. Some models will have one handbrake; others come with dual hand brakes. Having this option makes it more comfortable to brake with whichever hand is more dominant. To engage the brakes, press and release the break as needed—just like bicycle brakes.
As for braking mechanisms, they are either caliper style brakes or disc brakes.
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Example of a knee scooter with dual brakes
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Basket
Nowadays, almost all knee scooters come with a basket as a standard. Having one is essential to help you carry things. For safety and stability, it's important to always have both your hands on the handlebars are you move. If you are using a knee scooter, having a basket is essential.
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A basket is an essential knee scooter accessory.
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If you find yourself without one, you can order a replacement or get a universal fitting knee scooter basket.
Now that you know what a knee scooter looks like, check out the links below for more essential things to know.
