What You Should Know Before You Get a Knee Scooter
- Edd Siu
June 19, 2020 Updated: October 11, 2022
- We get many of the same questions from people just discovering knee scooters. Knee scooters (also called knee walkers, or leg scooters) have become increasingly popular over the years.
In this article, we'll go over some of the frequently asked questions that you should know before getting a knee scooter. Also, check the video at the end of this article for a quick recap.What is a Knee Walker
A knee walker is a wheeled device that helps keep weight off your leg when you have any below the knee injury. They are commonly prescribed during non-weight bearing periods of your surgery recovery.
Recovery can be tough, but knee scooters allow you to maintain an active, mobile, and independent lifestyle during your recovery period.
Related: What is a Knee Scooter? The Complete GuideWhat is a Knee Walker Used For?
Knee scooters are used for any injuries that are below the knee. A wide variety of injuries and medical conditions require patients to avoid placing any weight on their injured foot or ankle during recovery.
Some common conditions are the following:
For injuries that benefit from the use of a knee scooter, check out Non-Weight Bearing Medical Conditions.
Compared to crutches or wheelchair, it allows you to move around independently and with comfort.
Are Knee Scooters Better Than Crutches?
Traditional crutches are an antiquated solution to getting around during a foot injury. They require a lot of physical effort to use, its easy to get fatigued, and it's tough to do day-to-day stuff while you are using them.
Knee scooters were invented and have evolved to solve all these problems. For more info on the subject, check out The Best Alternative to Crutches - A Guide to Optimize Your ComfortAre Knee Scooters Safe?
Knee scooters are safe to use—given that you follow some basic safety guidelines. Often we hear about accidents, and all of them could've been easily prevented.
The usual scenarios are users racing with them, not adjusting them properly, or buying old used knee scooters that have defects and have not been maintained.
Check out our guide on Knee Scooter Safety Tips
Knee scooters can be used safely outdoors and taken on travel adventures. For travelers, we recommend an all-terrain knee walker like the Orthomate. It has pneumatic wheels that are sized just right to be used indoors or outdoors.
I was able to wheel all over the streets of Paris without any trouble. The knee walker enabled me to have the best trip to Paris with my daughter. When I broke my heel I was devastated because I thought I would have to cancel my long anticipated trip with my daughter. Thanks to the knee walker I was able to easily tour the city and see all of the beautiful attractions in comfort.
-Customer Testimonial
Pictured: Orthomate All-Terrain Knee ScooterThis photo was taken in the flatiron district in NYC. I had just grabbed lunch at Eataly with my mother and sister. This picture was taken about 6 weeks after I had ankle surgery. It was a celebration picture that I was cleared to start weight bearing on my foot! I had to make sure I documented this device and how it helped me through my recovery.
-Customer Testimonial
Pictured: Orthomate All-Terrain Knee ScooterCan I Rent a Knee Walker?
Yes! At Rent A Knee Walker you can rent a premium indoor or outdoor all-terrain knee scooter for only $30 a week. Plus, free shipping both ways.
Unsure which knee scooter suits you best? Check out the guide below.
Further Reading: Which Knee Scooter is the Best? Choose the Right One For YouHow do You Ride a Knee Scooter?
Using a knee scooter is easy and intuitive. I remember the first time I hopped on one, everything just made sense.
One of the main components of the knee scooter is the padded knee rest. You rest your injured leg on this pad, grab onto the handlebars (just like in a bicycle), and you push yourself forward with your good foot.
Here's a detailed guide on how to properly use a knee scooter.How Much is a Knee Scooter Rental?
A knee scooter rental is $30 a week. If you need a knee scooter for a short period of time, renting is the best option that can save money. But as we've experienced with some customers, they end up needing the knee scooter for longer.
Extending a rental takes a quick phone call. If you rent with us at Rent A Knee Walker, if your rental cost matches or exceeds the purchase price, you get to keep the unit.
Further Reading: How to Rent a Knee Scooter and Save MoneyDo I Need a Prescription for a Knee Scooter?
You don't need a doctor's prescription to rent or buy a knee scooter. Depending on your foot injury, your doctor will recommend using one or not.Will Insurance Cover a Knee Scooter?
We are considered an out of network provider just like the other online knee walker rental companies. We can accept Flex Spending or HSA cards for payment but do not file claims directly to the insurance companies. If it is something you are covered for, you may be able to submit a claim yourself for direct reimbursement.
We recommend contacting your insurance company to inquire what your coverage options for knee walkers, or billing code E0118. That stands for "lower leg platform, with or without wheels" which is what all knee walkers or knee scooters are categorized under. Please note we are not a Medicare or Medicaid provider.
More info here.
Increased awareness about knee scooters is excellent because it means more people are becoming informed of them as a modern and superior alternative to crutches. Whether you are ready to buy or rent, or still just doing research, we hope this guide help give you a basic understanding on knee scooters.
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