What Is A Knee Scooter

Knee Walker or Knee Rover: What is a Knee Scooter

A Knee Scooter, also called a kneerover or knee walker, is an alternative to crutches and wheelchairs for people requiring a mobility aid. They’re not overly common, so don’t worry if you find yourself asking; what is a knee scooter. The main benefits are it’s ease of handling and upright position of the user. 

You could mistake one for a child’s kick-scooter, except for the padded, elevated leg platform. Provided the injury is below the knee, the scooter supports the lower leg in a proper non-weight bearing fashion. The benefit of this full support is reduced healing time and less chance of re-injury to the ankle or foot.

A good example of a basic knee scooter is the Carex Knee Scooter.

Knee Scooters are Easy to Use

The knee scooter is about as easy to use as it looks! It has a handle bar with brakes like a bicycle does. The front wheels are wider apart than the rear wheels to make room for your ‘kickin’ leg. Honestly, it would be tempting to scoot really fast! However, they are not meant for speed if you’re fleet of foot. Models with smaller wheels are generally for indoor use, like hospital wards and clinics. A range of models are available with various wheel sizes and treads for different terrain. You must consider where you’ll be using yours and if you’ll need to maneuver any uneven floors. Even low room-to-room transitions may need the right wheels to not be a hassle.

For those without the upper body strength to move about on crutches, or push around in a wheelchair, and a knee scooter may be the solution. It’s less effort while using muscles that are more accustomed to the work. Getting around is easy since ‘scooting’ feels quite natural and upright.

 

Knee Scooters are Hands Free (when not steering!)

Having your hands completely free when stopped is a big benefit. It gives the user a greater sense of ability and less restriction. A scooter can let you have your hands free for all those everyday tasks that don’t stop for healing.

A Knee Walker can fit any size person, as most have adjustable handlebars and leg platforms. There are brands with pediatric size knee scooters available for children, and smaller adults.

The Knee scooter is fairly simple, but there is a learning curve to mastering its use. Practice mounting and dismounting in safe place with an assistant. As well, they’re not meant for high speed and risk toppling over if doing so. Individuals with balance concerns should take greater consideration of the upright nature of orthopedic scooters. 

Options include three-wheeled and four-wheeled versions to increase maneuverability or stability, depending how and where you’ll be cruising.