Not all things are created equal! This saying goes for the knee scooter as well and the more you test out the more you will understand the importance of choosing one that works correctly and is well made. If you are looking to purchase or rent a knee scooter look for the following features.

Features to look for on a Knee Scooter

1. Fully rotatable wheels – Some knee scooters have wheels that are restricted to move in only a 180 degree manner. This is usually to help prevent accidents, but if you are using it correctly you will not need this aid to avoid such things. Having wheels that fully rotate in a 360 circle will greatly increase the ease of use of the device and make getting around much easier. You will specifically notice the advantage of having fully rotating wheels when you try to turn around in a knee scooter. If you have fully rotating wheels you can stay in one spot and turn around, if your wheels do not turn completely around you will most likely have to move forward and at an angle in order to face the opposite direction.
2. Padded Handlebars – Most knee scooters will come with handles that are padded, but it’s additionally important to make sure that the handlebars are comfortable as you will have your hands on them for a long period of time. Handlebars that have soft gel covers are best, if you use a knee scooter that has hard rubber handlebars you run a higher chance of getting blisters on your hand after a full day of use.
3. Handle Brakes – While not all knee scooters have this option and it’s not essential, it’s a nice thing to have. Some will sport handle brakes which allow you to slow down. You may think this is unecessary until you find yourself on a downward slope on the kneed scooter. You don’t want to put all of the job on your good leg to stop you or you could end up injuring it as well!
4. A very Well Cushioned Knee Seat – This is essential. Your knee / leg will be on this cushion for the duration of the use of the knee scooter so you want to be sure that it is extremely comfortable to use for a long period of time. Most will have this covered.
5. Adjustable Handlebars – This comes on most knee scooters as a great way to adjust to the height of any person who uses it. This is important or you will end up straining your back if you have to lean too far forward to reach the handlebars.
6. A fold away body style. Many  are created for only use around open areas and transported by larger vehicles like a van. But this can be inconvenient if you have a compact car and completely unpractical unless you’re willing to purchase another vehicle. Be sure to check out knee scooters which have fold away designs and joints so that it can easily be compacted and small enough to fit into the back seat or trunk of your vehicle. These joints should “snap” securely into place to be sure this doesn’t happen while you’re using it, but should unsnap fairly easily to be sure that you can place it into your vehicle in as little time as possible and without having to contort into a position that could strain your injures.
7. Reflectors. This is not an essential piece of any knee scooter, but if you want to be visible at night you can get a knee scooter that has one to two reflectors on it similar to a bicycle. This is simply a preference and not a must have for these devices as most people will not be traveling at night on these very much.

Take time to look at all different types of knee scooters as they’re going to be with you for a long time while you get back to your health – good luck!

Knee Scooter – Finding the Best Prices

So you’ve decided to go with a knee scooter for your rehabilitation and now it’s time to select the type that you would like. But before you get there you want to be sure that you are getting a good deal and not getting ripped off. So where’s the best place to look? There are no hard and fast rules for doing this, so in this article we’ll try to give you common sense tactics and things to consider that can increase your chances of getting a good price, overall there are no secrets to making this decision.You might find that when you are in the doctors office that they offer you different options of a knee scooter while you’re in the office. When you first hear these prices you may start having second thoughts about if the device  is right for you or not. It’s important to keep in m ind that prices at the doctors office are typically going to be higher than any other place you will ever find. This is because they price things for insurance; what that means is that the items they typically have to offer are going to be paid for automatically by the insurance agencies which are not actively looking for the best deals as a consumer would. So the quick and easy answer to this part is to not purchase your knee scooter from the doctors office, just thank them for the diagnosis and run, well, limp out of there as quickly as possible.

The best place to find good prices on knee scooters is going to be at local stores in your area. Because these local stores don’t have access to a world wide market like internet based shops do, they can’t afford to lose customer by raising their prices. They are typically dealing directly with a wholesaler and this will allow you to reap the benefits they receive by getting low prices. You also get to touch and test the device while you’re on location. This is a big advantage so that you can get a good idea of what to expect for the next month. Shopping locally for knee scooters also gives you the added advantage of being able to purchase and use the device immediately instead of having to wait on shipping as you would if you purchased from an online store. Shopping locally and in person definitely has its advantages.

There are however advantages of shopping online for knee scooters, one of the biggest being the ability to compare prices of several different units and models. When you are in a local store you are limited to only shopping for the device that they have in the store. When you’re online if you don’t find something that you really like, you’re just a search and a click away from more options. So shopping for knee scooters online gives you the ability to have a wider selection while shopping in person will often times get you the lowest price.

As with most things the best option is to get out there and see what you find. There are always exceptions to every rule and you may find exactly what you’re looking for in either place.

Who Should Use a Knee Scooter?

One of the main questions you should be asking yourself before making your purchase or rental of a knee scooter is if you are suited to use the device. As mentioned before your doctor or physical therapist is going to be your best bet on knowing but in general the knee scooter should not be used by people with the following people:

• People who have injured arms – If your arms are injured you most likely will not be able to use the knee scooter properly. When you re standing one foot you will be using your arms more so than usual for balance, despite the support the knee scooter provides to the injured leg. In these cases crutches should also no be used and an electric wheelchair may be more appropriate. This of course is dependant upon the type of arm injury. If you are burned on your arm then this may not be an issue.
• People who are on Medication – Some medications given for pain relief can cause the patient to have trouble keeping their balance or even staying awake. Because the knee scooter has wheels and will require balance and maneuverability it is not recommended to use these devices with certain medications. This is different when compared to a wheelchair as a wheelchair does not balance your entire body as much as it keeps it static. Remember, with a knee scooter you are the one keeping yourself balanced, not the device (similar to crutches) so you are relying on yourself to stay grounded. As always it’s best to consult your doctor and receive advice from them.
• People Who are Missing more than one Limb – While the knee scooter can be a great advantage to someone who only has one leg, if they are missing an arm as well they will not be able to use the knee scooter properly as both arms are needed for balance and security. If you do choose to use the knee scooter with a missing arm then take caution! If you are missing both legs it goes without saying the knee scooter is not for you!
• People with weak / injured upper bodies – Once you get on a knee scooter you will see how much control the upper body plays in using it. For these reasons if you feel you have low upper body strength or are injured it may be best if you do not use the knee scooter.

The different variables that can summarize an injury are endless and this is why it’s crucial to consult your physician before making any final decision. It’s also a good idea (if possible) to test  yourself on a knee scooter for a bit to see if it’s right for you. Using a knee scooter does have a bit of a learning curve simply similar to crutches, it may look effortless when you see someone gliding along with one but it does take at least a bit of balance but overall is fairly easy.

A quick test you can do right inside your house to see if using a knee scooter would affect any of the injured parts (due to pressure) is to simulate it by using a chair. By keeping one foot down and placing your knee into the other chair you can get a good idea of what types of muscles it would take in order to balance yourself on the scooter. You may want to stay in this position for a few minutes and see how your circulation feels. With certain types of injuries the circulation can be decreased and may not be best for a knee scooter, we’ll discuss this in another article.

In summary everyone has their own unique needs so it’s best to take the use of a knee scooter on a case by case basis, and with every scenario always consult your physician!

Our first comparison  to the knee scooter will be to the wheelchair. Wheelchairs are one of the most common mobility restoring medical devices prescribed for patients who have suffered foot, leg, or mid leg injuries. A wheelchair allows the user to remain seated and roll around, either by operating the wheels manually, or through the use of electric motors that provide power. Long term use of wheelchairs is usually reserved for people who have suffered injuries to both legs or to patients with single leg injuries who are unable to use crutches due to age or other injuries or conditions.

A knee scooter function in a similar manner to wheelchairs by providing mobility support in the form of a wheeled platform upon which the patient rests. However, with a knee scooter the patient only supports one leg with the device. Most of these medical devices can be positioned so that they will function as a chair, however. These medical devices are recommended for patients who require support due to injuries or conditions that affect only one leg as the other leg is need for propulsion. The user rests their injured leg on the seat and pushes along with the alternate leg.

If someone is choosing between a wheelchair and a knee scooter rental they may wish to keep the following items in mind:

Wheelchairs are bulky and require a fair amount of storage space while driving. Manual wheelchairs can often be folded up, but motorized wheelchairs cannot be. Knee scooters can be folded up and take little more room than

skateboard and they are also a great deal lighter than a wheelchair. Meaning that it will be easier for the patient or her assistant to carry the the device should the need arise.

Wheelchairs are often “overkill”. If the patient is suffering from a single leg injury, but cannot use crutches, wheelchairs are often the mobility aide of choice. However, in many instances the user might not need the full support of a wheelchair but still cannot move alone and so they are stuck with a bulky wheelchair. These medical devices are much smaller and easier to move about with than a wheelchair and, in many instances, are much better at providing mobility support.

The knee scooter is easier to use than wheelchairs as they require very little learning. Anyone who has ridden a scooter or a skateboard will already be familiar with the motion requirements for this medical device. Manual wheelchairs require learning in order to be able to properly steer the device and to move it about efficiently.

Comparatively, they offer  nearly the same in the range of benefits that they offer. This medical device is easy to use and easy to move around while the wheel chair offers full time comfort and support for an injured body. For someone who is suffering from minor or short term injury, then a knee scooter is probably the best choice. For someone who has suffered a more severe injury that limits mobility due to pain or loss of function in either both of their legs or hips, a wheelchair will be the better choice.

Knee Scooter vs Crutches

Our second section compares  crutches. Crutches are a medical device used to provide assisted mobility to people who have suffered an injury to their foot, joints, or leg. Crutches can be made of wood or lightweight metals such as aluminum and most are adjustable to fit the height of the person using them. Severe injuries require the user to carry two crutches, placing the tip a short distance in front of them and then pushing forward with the uninjured leg and letting their momentum carry them one step forward where they then repeat the process.

A knee scooter is a small device similar to a scooter or a four wheeled bike that was designed for people who have suffered an injury to one of their legs. The user rests their bad leg on the padded “seat” of the scooter and then propels their self forward using their good leg. Because the user may need to lift the medical device from time to time in order to steer the device or to avoid obstacles, they are designed to be as light as possible while maintaining the desired level of support.

While the medical device may appear to be  clumsy it is a better mobility enhancer than crutches for many reasons. The primary

advantage of the knee scooter is comfort. Crutches require the user to support some or all of their weight using their arms, and the point of contact is in the tender underarm area. Even after only a short time with crutches, the user will begin to feel uncomfortable and with extended use the pain can become almost unbearable, resulting in the user choosing not to move about at all. The knee scooter, on the other hand, allows the user to rest their weight on their good leg.

A second advantage to using this medical device instead of crutches is the learning time. Using crutches may appear easy but using them properly and efficiently takes time. Even when used properly, crutches are painful. When used improperly, the patient will suffer much more pain in their arms and may prevent proper healing of the injured area. Best of all the medical device is extremely easy to use as the user merely has to scoot about as if they had one leg resting on a tall skateboard.

Efficiency in motion is an important factor in choosing a mobility support device and the knee scooter is great for this. The amount of effort that the user expends in order to move a given distance should be made as small as possible to avoid fatigue. Crutches have very poor efficiency, requiring the user to utilize much more force and to make use of muscles that are not suited to the task. A knee scooter will provide much greater efficiency and in many cases provide greater efficiency than walking without any support device. For instance, someone moving down a gentle slope can allow gravity to do much of the work. With crutches, the user would have to fight against the gravity of a downhill slope – this is not the case with the knee scooter.

Crutches do have one advantage in that they are less costly. Crutches are simple devices and as such have low price tags and can even often be found in thrift stores and garage sales. A knee scooter is more costly than crutches, but yet not as expensive as other medical devices. A good mobility scooter can be purchased for around $300.00 with cheaper ones available on the used market. They can even be rented if the user needs them only for a short period of time. Rental costs start around $100.00 per month and will usually require a deposit. Insurance reimbursement for this type of medical device is on a case by case basis as not all insurance companies will pay for them.

Knee Scooter Vs Traditional Walkers and Canes

Now let’s look at the knee scooter compared to the traditional walker and canes. People who have limited mobility but can still support themselves to some degree on their legs are often provided what is known as a “walker”. This device is basically a lightweight support system that they can rest their weight upon as they move about. They push or carry the device in front of their bodies and it provides additional leg support as well as someplace to put their weight if they lose their balance. Walkers have been used for decades to provide additional mobility to the elderly and to people with hip, leg, mid leg, and back problems who find it painful to support their own weight without assistance and in some cases is a better option than the knee scooter.

“Knee scooter” is a term that is used for a device that provides support for one leg only. The other leg is used for propulsion similar to the manner in which a skateboard or scooter is propelled. The user rests their leg on a padded cushion and then uses the other leg to move the medical device  about. The device includes handlebars for easy steering and carrying and some units have steering and braking built into them. A knee scooter can be provided to people who lack the ability to support their weight without assistance because of an injury to a single leg, knee, or hip. These devices are not for use for people who have injuries or conditions affecting either both legs and both sides of their hip.

While both devices are labeled as “walkers” they are designed for two different purposes. The traditional walker can support is useful for someone who can still use both legs but needs additional support. The walker can support up to 50% of their body weight in order to give them

the ability to move around for a longer period of time without experiencing pain or fatigue. The “knee scooter” is for someone who has problems with one leg or side only. It can fully support the weight of the user and can also be used as a chair.

While a knee scooter are not a suitable substitute for the traditional walker, they may be often used in place of a cane. A cane is a more modern version of the “walking stick” and is used by leaning the body onto the cane while walking, allowing the cane to provide additional support to the injured leg. Canes are often used by those who are suffering or recovering from minor injuries, arthritis, or surgery that affected only one side of the body. Canes are inexpensive but lack the ability for the user to rest their full weight on the device if they wish, and they cannot they be used as an impromptu place to sit should fatigue set in where this is not the case with a knee scooter.

Knee scooters are larger and more expensive than a cane, but are better suited for long term use by someone who needs greater mobility. The knee scooter can also be fitted with baskets or carrying totes which allow the user to carry a small amount of groceries or other goods on the actual walker. With a cane, the user basically has one hand completely tied up because it has to grip the device, and there is no practical way to attach small items to them without making the cane unwieldy.

A knee scooter can be purchased for anywhere from $150.00 to over $600, depending on the style and features that the user needs. These medical devices can also be rented for short term use with rental prices starting in the neighborhood for $100 a month. This  and other medical devices are often covered by insurance or Medicare and Medicaid and patients should consult with their doctor if they feel a knee scooter would provide better mobility options than the device they are currently using.

Knee Scooter Overview

The knee scooter is a mobility assistance device used by people who have suffered an injury or who are recovering from surgery that has temporarily left them without full use of one of their legs. The medical device  supports the injured leg completely while the alternate leg is used to push the unit along like a scooter or a skateboard. By using correctly, the patient can continue move about without having to put any weight on their injured leg.

A knee scooter resembles a tall wagon. It has four wheels, a padded “seat” where the user rests their injured leg, and a handle bar. In many units the wheels are not steerable so the user has to lift the device up and scoot it sideways in the desired direction if they wish to change the direction the device is facing. Some models have steering capabilities where the handlebar functions like that on a bike where the user can rotate the front wheels either to the left or right in order to change the direction of motion. In addition to having steerable wheels, many walkers also include a set of brakes that are operated by hand. This helps the user maintain control when using the walker on sloped surfaces.

The knee scooter has many advantages over other mobility devices. They are easy to use, are lightweight and easily moved about, they are affordable, and the user can attach saddlebags or handlebar baskets to allow the carrying of small purchases or additional medical supplies without having to use their hands.

A correctly used knee scooter is used by resting the leg that needs support upon the padded “seat”. This adjustable seat can be raised or lowered to accommodate the user’s height. The handlebars can be adjusted as well, allowing the user to operate the device without having to bend over or lean forward. When mounting or dismounting from the device, the user should be sure to lock the handbrake so that the device does not roll away. The device can even be used as a seat the wheels are locked into place.

Because the device is on wheels, they will roll when placed on sloped surfaces. It is imperative that users understand how to use the brakes and how to stop the device without brakes if one intends to use the device in hilly areas. With proper training and practice, going downhill can be easy for the user. Moving uphill is trickier because the device will want to roll back down the hill. This is a serious problem on steep hills and the user should be very familiar with the device before attempting any hills or slopes that they are not comfortable with.

The knee scooter is available for purchase or for rent and while many insurance companies will cover the cost of these, some will not. Insurance plans vary wildly from company to company even two people who subscribe to the same company might have a very different insurance plan. If a user desires to obtain a any medical device then they should contact their insurance company first a the insurance plan may pay for all or part of the cost of the device or it may pay for none.

Rental costs are dependent upon the model that the user chooses and the features that are included with the chosen model, the length of the rental, and the user’s insurance coverage. Naturally, the more expensive the device would be to buy the more expensive it would be to rent. Most rental companies charge a deposit to help cover the cost of the walker should it become damaged, lost, or stolen. As of 2011, the average cost of renting  is approximately $100 per month.

Knee Scooter Comparison Summary

There are several different types of mobility devices that someone who has a leg injury might use. Some of these devices have been in use for centuries. By comparing the knee scooter to these devices it is hoped that the user will be better able to make a decision regarding which device is best for them.

Crutches - Crutches are support devices that are placed under the arms. The user rests most of their weight upon one or both crutches. Crutches have been used for centuries as a mobility device to their ease of construction and simple usage. Crutches are prescribed either singly or in pairs. The user rests their weight upon the crutches, preventing the injured leg(s) from having to flex or support any weight. Walking with a single crutch is not difficult, but walking with a pair of crutches having to support your entire weight can be very painful because all of the patients weight is now resting on the tender portion of the underarm which has never supported that much weight before.

Knee scooters hold an advantage over crutches by being far less painful to use because the user’s weight is supported entirely by the walker and not under the arms. This makes the medical device  easier to learn how to use properly.

Traditional Walker - Traditional walkers are a lightweight device that the user places in front of them to provide additional stability while walking. Walkers are used primarily for balance and not necessarily to provide support for an injured leg. Most mobility devices allow the user to continue moving about without having to flex or put weight on the injured leg. Traditional walkers still require the user to flex the legs and do not provide support for either leg.

Wheelchair - A wheelchair is a device in which the user sits. This removes all weight from both legs, allowing for faster healing and less risk of re-injury. The device is operated by the user rolling the wheels manually or with the assistance of an electric motor. Wheelchairs allow the user to the move about freely, but are often difficult to maneuver in crowded rooms, especially in buildings that were not designed to accommodate someone using the device. Large wheelchairs with electric motors are often difficult to store or to carry, particularly for an injured person.

Wheelchairs are prescribed for someone with serious injuries or conditions that call for giving the legs, hips, or back as much rest as possible. By contrast, knee scooters are prescribed for someone with a minor to moderate problem with one leg. In most cases, someone who requires a wheelchair would not be able to replace that need with the medical device.

Conclusion

A knee scooter is a device that is used to provide mobility support to someone recovering from an injury or procedure on the foot, knee, or hip of one leg. Similar to a scooter, the user places one leg on the device and uses the other leg to propel the device forward. Steering is accomplished by turning the handlebars and using handbrakes if the device is equipped with these items. Compared to other devices, this rehabilitation device is generally easier to use. Moving up or down hills with this device can be challenging as the user will be fighting gravity in both directions. Moving downhill can be quick and pleasant with a quality walker that features good steering and handbrakes, but moving uphill will be a challenge with any walker and steeper hills should be avoided if possible.

Before deciding upon which device to use to restore mobility, the patient should consult with their physician. He or she may recommend a particular device to use or provide a range of options. Using a device that is not suited for the injury or condition that the patient has can lead to serious further injury.

The Different Types of Knee Scooter

Knee scooters are designed to be portable, comfortable and maneuverable alternatives to crutches for anyone who has an injury toward the lower part of the leg. Using these devices not only gives the operator more stability but also helps them move around easily and comfortably, thereby improving his quality of life. However since there are many styles  available, opting for the right style according to the needs and requirements of the injured can go a long way in helping the operator feel completely at ease when using these devices.

1. Drive -This style  helps people with foot or ankle injuries to gain mobility during the healing process. Designed for stability, comfort and convenience, this knee scooter allows the user to place their hurt ankle or foot on the rear support and move around in comfortable manner. Equipped with handle bars for easy movement, these devices also feature brakes for added safety and better control.
2. Economy – This style of knee scooter  is specially designed to assist injured people with walking.  Equipped with a raised leg pad, this roll- a- bout like device allows the operator to rest the leg on this leg pad and balance them by holding on the crutch alternative handle bars. The user then moves forward by pushing off the ground with his unaffected foot. By doing this the user can not only travel more quickly and effectively but also move safely without the fear of slipping or falling off from the knee scooter.
3. Rolling Knee scooter – Equipped with wheels to help the patient move around in a more speedy and convenient manner, this style can be easily be operated by initially rolling them forward with the good leg and then gliding them comfortably across the floor. The greatest benefit of using these is the fact that they do not require the operator to carry their own weight and helps a great deal in keeping the person completely balanced without causing any pressure or pain to the injured ankle or foot. A good example of this is the rolleraid knee scooter.
4. Steerable – A perfect aid for all those who are suffering from a recent surgery, ankle or foot break, this type allows the operator to move around their space with complete ease. Equipped with handle bars to help turn this device in the required direction, these devices allow its operator to guide them in any direction they wish to travel, thus providing an enhanced range of mobility travelling.
5. Turning – This knee scooter is ideal for senior citizens, these types  feature handle bars that allows its user to steer them in different directions.  Equipped with a turning feature facility, this kind of  not only allows the user to steer it in different directions without putting weight on the injured leg, but also allows them to come to complete halt and use both their hands for picking up things, thereby allowing them to move around with ease and comfort.

However it should be noted that though these different styles of knee scooter prove to be highly beneficial for any person injured on the lower part of the leg, they should be used only to help the injured recover from an injury and not as long term therapeutic purposes.