Recovering from a lower-body injury, and finding that crutches are painful and difficult to use? A knee scooter can be a more comfortable and convenient way to get around while you recover. Let’s explain how to use a knee scooter so you can use one safely and efficiently.
When To Use a Knee Scooter
A knee scooter is a valuable mobility aid for people temporarily injured and recovering from a leg or foot injury or recovering after foot or ankle surgery. It offers a convenient and efficient way to get around without putting excessive weight on your injured limb.
You may also be ordered to be non-weight bearing on your injured foot/ankle. Because the Knee Scooters sets your injured leg resting on the knee, it does not work for leg injuries that involve the knee or above the knee injuries. It is also possible for below the knee, single-leg amputees to use the knee scooter.
We recommend you consult with your doctor or physical therapist prior to using a knee scooter. Depending on the injury, recovery, mobility of the user and other factors, a transport chair, walker or rollator may be a better mobility device option.
Related Blog: What is a Transport Wheelchair?
Knee Scooter vs. Crutches: What’s the Better Option?
Most people will use crutches when they’re recovering from a lower leg injury. They are often the go to option to get around Knee scooters offer you a few added benefits:
- Reduced Upper Body Strain: Knee scooters distribute weight more evenly, reducing strain on the shoulders, arms, and wrists compared to crutches.
- Comfort: Knee scooters can be more comfortable to use, especially for extended periods, as they provide a cushioned platform for the injured leg.
- Stability: Knee scooters generally offer better stability than crutches, reducing the risk of falls.
Related Blog: Home Safety Checklist for Post-Op Recovery
How To Use a Knee Scooter: 3 Steps
It’s so easy to use a knee scooter! You can become an expert driver in just three steps.
1. Setting Up the Knee Scooter
Before you start using the scooter, you need to make sure it’s adjusted for your needs.
- Adjust the knee rest so that it will accommodate your left or right knee — whichever side of your leg is injured. Most knee scooters will provide instructions on how to do this but don’t forget that you can ask the staff at your local pharmacy or HME store for assistance.
- Adjust the height of the knee rest. An easy way to determine the right height is to stand straight and bend your injured leg 90 degrees backward. Adjust the knee rest so that it’s level with the bottom of your knee. Remember that if you’re going to use a knee cushion, then you’ll have to compensate for that extra padding.
- Lastly, adjust the handlebars. When you’re using the scooter, you should be able to maintain a 90-degree posture. If you’re bending over, then the handlebars are too low; if you’re bending backward, then the handlebars are too high.
View Product Details: NOVA Knee Scooters
2. Mounting the Scooter
Here are a few tips for safely mounting the knee scooter:
- When you’re mounting the scooter, always make sure you’re on an even, solid surface — you don’t want it rolling away while you’re getting on.
- Make sure you lock the brakes before you mount so the scooter doesn’t roll.
- Stand at the side of the knee scooter and grip the handlebars. Then mount your injured leg onto the knee rest.
3. Safely Using the Knee Scooter
It can feel a little odd when you’re using a knee scooter for the first time, but you’ll get the hang of it in no time! Here are a few tips for smooth driving:
- As you propel yourself along, use the hand brakes to slow down, when necessary.
- Try not to go too fast; you don’t want to crash and injure yourself further. Knee scooters are supposed to help you heal!
- Most knee scooters turn at 40 or 45-degree angles. If you’re trying to go around a tight corner, you may have to make a 3-point turn.
- If you need to reach for something while using the scooter, scoot as close to the object as you can; you don’t want to lose your balance trying to stretch out for something.
- Don’t carry pets or people on the knee scooter; someone could get hurt, and the extra weight could damage the device. You’re the one recovering, so only you deserve to enjoy scooting privileges. 🙂
Where Can I Find a Good Knee Scooter?
The best way to find a perfect knee scooter for your recovery is to visit a local pharmacy or HME store. The best retail stores will give you an opportunity to “test drive” the scooter and make sure it’s a good fit for you; they can also help you make height adjustments so it fits you perfectly.
At NOVA, we create high-quality knee scooters that you can customize with baskets, fleece covers, and drink holders, which turns your mobility aid into a more stylish and convenient ride. Use our NOVA dealer locator to find one of our partner retailers near you.
