A knee scooter is one of the best mobility aid and a good alternative to crutches when dealing with non-weight bearing injuries like a broken foot. Most folks find the use of crutches weird and therefore do not like the idea, making the best knee walker a favorable alternative.
Knee scooters which are also referred to as knee walkers, orthopedic scooters, or knee cruisers have revolutionized the world of mobility aid and therefore became popular among users with below the knee injuries.
These products come in different for form, shape, and size, from 2-wheel knee scooters to, most times 5-wheel scooters. Selecting the best among can be tasking especially for a first time user or people who wish to change a previous one to new due to different types and designs available in the market.
Therefore, we have decided to take the stress off you by giving you a comprehensive review of the top and best knee scooters for foot injuries.
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Description of Knee Scooters and the uses of its part
Most common knee scooters have 4-wheels and are built to be sturdy and strong enough to accommodate the weight of the user. There are some essential parts that must be present on a knee scooter and below are the functions of these parts.
Wheel
The wheels are equipped with tires and they are very important. Some are two, three, four and even five in numbers but four-wheels are very common. The wheels give mobility to the scooter and enable them to move from one place to another.
Frame
The frame of a scooter is the bedrock of the mobility aid. It determines how strong the gadget will be and how much weight it can hold. The frame connects the wheel, runs through to the handle and serves as the holder of other accessories on the walker. The frames are mostly made with aluminum or steel depending on the manufacturer and how strong a frame is will determine its weight capacity.
Read: Best ankle brace for arthritis
Knee Pad/Knee rest
A scooter will always have a padded knee rest and it is where the knee should be placed when using a knee scooter. Knee rest is padded to give comfort to the user.
Handles and Brake
The frame of a knee scooter extends to handle and this is where a user should hold firmly onto to properly control the knee scooter to the right direction. The handles also have a brake system attached to it and the brake helps you to control the speed of the knee scooter.
Removable Basket
The basket can also be placed at the front of the knee scooter to help the user keep their personal belongings. The basket can be removed if their uses are not needed and can be fixed again when it’s needed. It is also one of the important accessories of knee scooters.
Read more: Best crutches for long term use
How to use a Knee Scooter
How to correctly use a knee scooter is essential to the safety of the user and when this is gotten wrong, it can lead to an accident and further worsen the injury of the user. For safety, we implore you to read the step by step guide on the best usage of a knee scooter.
#1. Adjust all the required parts to suit your height perfectly. The knee rest should be adjusted below your knee region and the handle to a convenient height for you to hold.
#2. Put the hand brake in the lock position. This position ensures that the knee scooter is stationary and will not suddenly move as you balance yourself on the walker.
#3. Hold the handles firmly with both hands. Ensure your grip is firm enough and will not loosen easily.
#4. Gently raise your affected leg on the knee rest/knee pad while your healthy leg is on the floor/ground just beside the scooter.
#5. Remove the brake from the lock position but hold the brake firmly. Gently release the brake and simultaneously propel the knee scooter with your healthy leg. Remember to control the speed of the walker with the brake as required.
#6. When you want to stop, gently apply the brake and simultaneously use your healthy leg to apply weight onto the ground. It is wrong to use the brake alone for this purpose.
#7. Once you stop, place the brake into lock position again and gently find your way out of the scooter.
Who can use a knee scooter?
Knee scooters are orthopedic walkers and selecting the best actually starts from having the knowledge about the compatibility of the equipment.
Knee scooters require the user to place the injured foot on the knee rest while he propels the walker with a healthy leg on the ground. This is why anyone with knee or above knee injury should never consider a knee scooter.
Knee scooters are more suitable for foot/ankle injuries and the user must have a very strong upper body region and also a strong uninjured leg for proper propelling.
Knee scooters are suitable for the following:
- All ankle injuries (sprain, strain, fracture, surgery)
- Achilles Tendonitis
- Permanent disability around the foot/ankle region
- Foot ulcer or wound.
Who should not use a knee scooter?
Folks with the following injuries should never consider the use of a knee walker:
- Knee/Hip Injuries and surgery
- Having both legs injured
- Inability to balance well
How to choose the best knee scooter
Weight Capacity
Before selecting a knee scooter, you need to check the weight capacity of the walker and be sure if it is strong enough to perfectly hold your body weight. All non-weight bearing mobility aid has the maximum weight they can carry, so is a knee scooter. It is vital to select a product that has a higher weight carrying capacity than your body weight for better safety.
Weight of the scooter
The weight of the scooter is also an important factor to select the best knee scooter as there will always be a need to carry the walker. When it is too heavy, it may poses discomfort to the user and even makes it unsuitable to travel with.
Folding Mechanism
It is important a scooter can be folded. This makes it easy to store without taking much space in the home and also makes it easier to travel with it.
Adjustable Height
It is also essential to select a knee walker that can be adjusted to the height of the user. A perfectly fitted knee scooter enhances comfort and safety; therefore, a good knee walker should be adjustable to the perfect height of the user.
Read more: Best ankle brace after surgery
Safety Tips for Knee Scooters Users
We are interested in getting you the best knee scooter as your mobility aid; we also want you to be completely safe when you make use of this orthopedic walker. The following safety tips will be very handy for knee scooters users.
- Check all the bolts, nuts, pins are securely fastened
- Adjust the height of the handle and the knee rest to properly fit the user’s height
- Try to maintain balance at all time and make sure you are not distracted during use
- Do not climb stairs, escalator or any other with your knee scooter
- Ensure the knee scooter completely stop before stepping down from it
- Knee scooters are made for just one person and you should never carry anyone including baby
- Be cautious of changes in floor types when moving
Top 14 Best Knee Scooter for foot injuries, Indoor and Outdoor Use,
#1. All Terrain KneeRover Steerable Knee Scooter Knee Walker Heavy Duty Crutches Alternative – Best for all Terrain
Features
Weight Capacity: 350 pounds | Wheel number: 3 | Height of Handlebar: 34-41 inches | Knee pad dimensions: 7” (W) x 12.5” (L) | Front Axle Width: 21 inches | Tires: 12 inches Air-filled | Product’s weight: 27 pounds | Knee Rest Height: 18″ – 21.5″
This knee scooter is one of the best due to all its amazing features. The knee walker is very sturdy and has a robust construction that gives it the strength to hold a user who weighs up to 350 pounds.
The scooter is 3-wheel with each tire being 12 inches in size. This pneumatic 12 inches tire is strong, making it a suitable knee walker for all-terrain – it will move easily on any type of ground/floor.
We also like the ergonomic design, the knee rest and the handle can be easily adjusted without giving you any hassle. The knee pad is 3” cushioned to enhance the comfort of the user by avoiding knee pain.
It also folds easily with just one click, thereby making storage very easy and a good one for traveling purposes. The front axle can also be removed to perfect storage, making the scooter all folds into a compact size.
There is also a wire mesh basket that can be easily removed and fixed to help the user carry personal belongings so you don’t have to disturb yourself holding anything that can distract you.
Read about: Best foldable and lightweight knee walker for travel
#2. NEW KneeRover Economy Knee Scooter Steerable Knee Walker Crutch Alternative with DUAL BRAKING SYSTEM – Best Budget
Features
Weight Capacity: 300 pounds | Wheel number: 4 | Height of Handlebar: 29-37 inches | Knee pad dimensions: 7” (W) x 13” (L) | Front Axle Width: 16 inches | Tires: 7.5 inches | Product’s weight: 21 pounds | Knee Rest Height: 16.5″ – 22″
If you need a good knee scooter at a pocket-friendly price, then you may want to consider this lovely product made by KneeRover as it is one of the best you can get when you are on a budget.
The knee scooter is light in weight, yet sturdy and robust with a weight carrying capacity of 300 pounds. One thing we like is how it combines lightness with strength, giving the user the best comfort without having to expend much energy.
It has a fair wheel diameter making it a suitable walker for both indoor and outdoor purposes but the nature of the wheel might make it unsuitable for rough surfaces. So, it is not an all-terrain knee scooter.
The scooter is perfect for both children and adults, it has an adjustable height between 29-37 inches and it is recommended for individuals with heights 4′ 9″ to 6′ 6″.
It also easily folds to compact size with removable handlebars to enhance easy storage and traveling purposes.
#3. Small Petite Adult All Terrain KneeRover Jr – Steerable Knee Walker Knee Scooter Crutches Alternative – Best for Petite Adults and Kids
Features
Weight Capacity: 250 pounds | Wheel number: 3 | Height of Handlebar: 32-38 inches | Knee pad dimensions: 7” (W) x 12.5” (L) | Front Axle Width: 18.5 inches | Tires: 9 inches | Product’s weight: 24 pounds | Knee Rest Height: 16″ – 19.5″
This knee scooter is also one of the best for non-weight bearing and a good alternative to crutches. It is a 3-wheel knee scooter with an adjustable height between 32 to 38 inches, thereby making it the best choice for kids and petite adults.
The knee walker has a robust and sturdy frame, the tire is strong and wide thereby making it an all-terrain suitable scooter as it will move freely on any ground type be it gravel, sand, grass and so on.
Its knee rest is also cushioned and contoured for comfort. The knee pad is also adjustable to accommodate a wide range of users. It is recommended for users having a height between 4’3″ – 5’9″.
Its tires are also air-filled and you might need to inflate before making use of it. The steerable knee walkers offer an advanced automotive style tie-rod steering mechanism for maximum stability and control.
#4. ELENKER Economy Knee Walker Steerable Medical Scooter Crutch Alternative
Features
Weight Capacity: 300 pounds | Wheel number: 4 | Height of Handlebar: 34-42 inches | Front Axle Width: 17 inches | Wheel size: 8 inches | Product’s weight: 24 pounds | Knee Rest Height: 17″ – 21″
Elenker economy knee scooter is also one of the best budget knee walkers with amazing features. We find this knee scooter as one of the cheapest, yet having good qualities that are found in a good knee scooter.
The scooter is a good alternative to crutches and a very reliable gadget for a broken ankle, foot, and other ankle injuries. This device is designed with ergonomic handgrips that make it simple to control. The handles include a brake to help safely slow down or stop.
Its knee pad is cushioned and also evenly distributes pressure on the knee cap to relieve pain, reduces friction and skin irritation for comfortable everyday use.
The wheel is 8-inches wide and very strong to make it suitable for outdoor and indoor use. It also folds for easy storage and transport while the overall height of the scooter can be adjusted to perfectly fit the height of the user.
#5. OasisSpace Shock Absorber All Terrain Knee Walker Scooter
Features
Weight Capacity: 300 pounds | Wheel number: 4 | Height of Handlebar: 35.2-43 inches | Tires: 12 inches | Product’s weight: 24 pounds | Knee Rest Height: 19.3″ – 23.6″ | Knee pad: 16” x 8”x 4”
The knee scooter has four-wheel and the tires are air-filled, durable and strong, making it a suitable knee scooter for all-terrain. The 12inches tire will easily move and maneuver over any floor surface – smooth or rough.
We love the fact that the dimension is in such a way that it can accommodate almost all users. This makes it the best to buy as a gift for your loved ones. It is light in weight and also has a high weight carrying capacity of 300 pounds.
The manufacturer also gives 6-months buying warranty for quality-related issues. So, you do not have to worry, the product will deliver as it is stated by the maker. It is also approved by the FDA.
The frame of the walker is very sturdy and robust. It also comes loaded the most high-quality accessories including a luxury walker bag, super comfortable memory foam knee pad cover, pretty pump.
Other Top Knee Scooters for Non-Weight Bearing
#6. Vive Knee Walker – Steerable Scooter
If you need a top knee scooter for various ankle and other lower leg injuries like breaks, sprains, and amputations, Vive knee walker is also one of the best you can consider due to its robust construction and stability.
The scooter provides comfort and also helps you get around the neighborhood until you fully recover from your injury. It is strong enough to support a maximum weight of 300 pounds while it’s also light in weight, weighing approximately 24 pounds.
Its steering is adjustable between 33.5” to 41.5” at 1” increments to accommodate a wide range of user’s height while the knee platform can also be adjusted between 19-23.5 inches.
The scooter has a strong four-wheel with 8-inches diameter, capable of rolling on almost all floor types – indoor and outdoor. The mobility aid also comes with a carrying bag to store your personal belongings. Its knee rest is well padded for added comfort to the user.
See: Best crutches for non-weight bearing
#7. NEW KneeRover GO Knee Walker – The Most Compact & Portable Knee Scooter Crutches Alternative – Best for Travelling
This is another lovely knee walker made by KneeRover and it is a high-quality scooter just like other products from them. This particular knee walker is designed especially for the people on the go, who do not want ankle or foot injury to keep them grounded. It can easily be referred to as the best for traveling purposes.
KneeRover Go is smartly made and compact in size. It is light in weight making it easy to carry and also easily folds to a compact size so it fits into a car boot and traveling bags.
The scooter is strong enough to hold a maximum weight of 300 pounds and it weighs just 20.4 pounds. It features four 7.5″ non-marking rubber wheels capable of steering on both indoor and outdoor surfaces. Its knee pad is also 3.5” thick for better comfort of the user.
The handlebar is easily adjusted as well to suit various users’ height; it is recommended for users between 4′ to 6’2″.
#8. Drive Medical DV8 Aluminum Steerable Knee Walker Crutch Alternative
Drive Medical is one of the best when it comes to crutches, rollator walkers and we can attest they make a good knee walker in this product. Foot and ankle injury, requiring non-weight bearing does not have to hold you back anymore if you have this as your friend.
The medical knee scooter cannot hold more than a maximum weight of 300 pounds with the product weighing 19 pounds itself. This makes it easier to handle and use without having to expend more energy when there is a need to carry it.
Its handle height can be adjusted between 33 to 37.5 inches to fit more users’ height, while the knee pad’s height can be adjusted between 17.5 to 21.5 inches for the same purpose.
The manufacturer gives a lifetime warranty on the brake system, the front wheel is easy to maneuver and it is suitable for both outdoor and indoor use though might not be a great fit for all-terrain.
#9. Drive Medical Dual Pad Steerable Knee Walker with Basket, Alternative to Crutches
With its 8 inches canister, Drive Medical Dual pad walker can best be used on outdoor and indoor surfaces. The dual pad is a big deal because it gives the best resting platform for your knee to maximize comfort for the user.
The frame is made with steel, giving the walker strength and durability. It is so robust in construction and sturdy that you will never have to worry about your safety.
It also has all the basic qualities and features to look for in a knee scooter which includes an adjustable handle and knee pad, reliable brake system and wire mesh basket for storing personal belongings.
The scooter has a maximum weight capacity of 350 pounds and the product weighs 22 pounds. Its handle can be adjusted between 31-40 inches while the kneepad between 16.5-20.5 inches. You also will get a lifetime warranty on the brake system to give you buying assurance.
#10. ELENKER Steerable Knee Walker Deluxe Medical Scooter
This is also one of the ideal knee scooters for non-weight bearing injury or surgery to the foot, ankle or lower leg as well as below the knee amputees. It has a good rating from the previous buyers, showing how quality it is.
ELENKER knee pad memory foam evenly distributes pressure, it can relieve pain, reduces friction and skin irritation for comfortable everyday use. The adjustable parts are also easy to handle without having to make use of tools.
The frame is sturdy and strong as it will carry a weight of up to 300 pounds. The handles include brakes to help safely slow down or stop. The brake can be pushed down to put the walker in a lock position when it’s not in use.
Traveling with it is also made easier with its foldable features. With just one push, it folds into a compact size for better storage and transportation.
Read: Best ankle brace
#11. Roscoe Knee Scooter with Basket
This is one of the most durable knee scooters we came across during our search; love the fact that it has more features to enhance the comfort of the user to enable a long term usage with no stress or pressure.
Roscoe medical is very strong and durable with a weight capacity of 350 pounds. It has four-wheel with a robust and sturdy frame for better stability of the user. Roscoe knee scooter has dual kneepads that are lightly padded for better stability and comfort.
The walker also folds into compact size at handlebar for easier storage and transportation. The brake system is good for controlling the speed and it can be put into the lock position, making it serve as a hands-free crutch when you standstill.
Its wheels have a diameter of 8-inch that is steerable on both rough and smooth surfaces. It might not be a great choice for all-terrain. The attached basket can also be a good one for storing personal belongings.
#12. Essential Medical Supply Free Spirit Knee and Leg Walker
This knee walker has one of the best handlebars among the selected scooters. The handles are contoured to simulate the structure of the palm to evenly distribute pressure on the palm.
Also, it is very strong and durable, one of the few walkers with 400 pounds weight carrying capacity, so it is very suitable for the big folks. It also has a dual brake system for effective control and a maximum 30% turning radius.
Despite the strength, the frame is still very much light in weight, weighing 22.5 pounds. The handlebars can be adjusted between 33 1/2″ – 41 1/2″ to fit users within 5’4″ to 6’6″ height. The kneepad can be adjusted between 17 1/2″ – 23 1/2″.
You also get a buying assurance on the frame with a lifetime warranty given by the manufacturer. The walker is foldable to compact size for traveling and storage purposes.
See: Best Power Wheelchair for Outdoor Use
#13. ZeHuoGe Knee Walker Scooter
Just like other best knee scooters, ZeHuoGe has all the basic features to be found in this crutch alternative but it is essential to know if it can fully fit your height and body weight.
The walker is not a perfect choice for big folks with a weight capacity of 295 pounds. Please, ensure your body weight is not higher than this before going for this medical device.
It has a weight of 20 pounds, adjustable handle height between 33.66” – 40.75” and an adjustable knee rest’s height of 19.03”-22.8” and it is 3.5 inches padded for comfort.
It also has 7.8″ solid polyurethane rubber wheels for easy maneuvering but due to the size of the wheel, we do not think it will be a good choice for all-terrain, though it is a great choice for both outdoor and indoor use.
#14. KneeRover HYBRID Knee Scooter with All-Terrain Front Axle Upgrade
This is an all-terrain knee scooter and by far one of the best around. It is a strong device with a weight capacity of 300 pounds and a large front air-filled wheel that easily maneuvers on all floor types.
The scooter is constructed with metal, thereby making its frame to be strong and durable. The construction is very sturdy and robust for the stability and safety of the user.
For comfort, the kneepad is 3.5 inches padded with soft material that is strong enough to withstand the pressure of the kneecap. It also has a detachable front basket to store personal belongings.
It combines the top-rated performance and stability of the KneeCycle knee walker with an All-Terrain front axle to deliver the best result and it also features 9-inch pneumatic wheels for increased freedom of mobility.
Read also: Best Wheelchair
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you sit on a knee scooter?
There is no allowance for sitting on a knee scooter as it is not made for this purpose. The only mobility aid that gives allowance for seating is rollator walker with seat.
How much does a knee walker cost?
There are different versions and models of knee scooters from different brands. The price, therefore, widely varies from products to products. There are ones that are pocket-friendly – say below $100, while some can be expensive; up to above $200.
How do you size a knee scooter?
The parts that need sizing for knee scooters are the knee rest and the handle. Sizing these parts are very essential to the easy usage and safety of the user. The knee rest should have a height just below the knee cap or on the same level with the knee cap while standing straight. The handle should be at such height you will not need to bend to hold it, so as to keep you in an upright position.
Do I need a prescription for a knee scooter?
Knee scooters are a medical device and it is important you see the advice of your medical personnel before deciding to use the mobility aid.
Does Medicare pay for a knee scooter?
Yes!!!
Final Words
Most people do not find the use of crutches to be admirable and therefore will love to go for the best crutch alternatives in which knee scooters fall into the category.
It is essential to choose the best one that can be usable for a long period of time, something that can last till you fully recover from non-weight bearing injury.
Knee scooters are best suitable for below the knee injuries, especially, ankle and foot injuries – fracture, sprain, and other foot issues.
We are optimistic that anyone from our list of the best knee scooter will be a great choice.
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