Knee walkers are mobility aids which are considered a better alternative to crutches. They’re more or less designed like bicycles only that the seat is used to rest your knee or lower leg upon.
They’re designed to help you move about while allowing your lower leg to heal after surgery, injury or other health condition which requires you don’t apply your body weight on your lower leg.
There are many knee scooters to choose from. The following are the four best knee walkers on the market today.
KneeRover Steerable Knee Scooter Review
Stopping is also quite easy with the rear disc brake and adjustable hand brake. The KneeRover is built for right leg or left leg use. It’s generously padded 3.5 inch knee platform can be also adjusted to cater for users of different heights.
The built in removable basket makes this knee scooter great for carrying items while keeping your hands free to maneuver it. It comes in a lightweight 22 pound fold-able frame. Overall, it’s a great knee walker although the narrow wheels may not offer the best maneuverability.
Drive Medical DV8 Aluminum Steerable Knee Walker Review
Both the handlebars and knee platform are height adjustable. Making the adjustments doesn’t require any tools. A dual braking system on the handlebars makes this knee scooter easy to stop.
It will support users of up to 300 pounds. The braking system is great, however locking them requires a stronger squeeze.
Economy Knee Scooter Review
It comes in a lightweight 21 pound frame that will support users of up to 300 pounds. This knee walker is fitted with 7.5 inch rubber wheels. It’s steering system is easy to control allowing you to easily maneuver between rooms inside your home or even outdoors.
Both its knee pad and handlebars are height adjustable to cater for users of different heights. The handlebars also feature a quick release mechanism for easy folding and storage.
The braking system includes dual adjustable locking handbrakes and rear wheel brakes.
Overall, it’s a great knee walker at a good price range. However, adding a contour on the knee pad would make it more comfortable and easy to use.
Deluxe Steerable Knee Walker Review
This knee scooter is easy to maneuver with the fold-able steering handles that are part of an advanced tie-rod style steering system. It’s also easy to stop through the rear disc brakes coupled with an adjusting lockable handbrake.
The adjustable knee pad is 3.5 inches thick and is contoured for added comfort. Like the other KneeRover knee walker on this list, the deluxe model also features a removable basket.
Overall, it’s a good knee walker. However, the cotter pin included on the steering system can make it difficult to maneuver the knee scooter.
Knee Scooter Buying Guide – How to find the best knee walker for your needs.
Many of the knee scooters have more or less the same features. If you’re looking for one, consider the following:
Weight
With regard to weight, you’ll need to consider the knee walker’s overall weight and, how much user weight it can handle. On average, the knee scooter you choose should be able to hold up to 300 pounds. It should also be light for easy transport when not in use.
Adjustability
Never go for a one size fits all knee scooter. Being able to adjust seat and handlebar height allows you to customize the knee walker to suit your height. It also comes in handy if someone else will use the knee walker in the near future.
Ease of maneuvering and stopping
How easy the knee walker is to maneuver is determined by a number of factors. These include its steering system, axle width, wheel diameter and its overall length. The steering system should include double handlebars. A wide axle width makes it easy to make turns effortlessly. Generally, wheel diameters are 7.5 to 8 inches while the length determines how easy it will be to maneuver in tight spaces. As far as stopping goes, dual braking systems with locking mechanism are the best.
Knee pad design
The knee pad design will affect how comfortable you are when using the knee scooter. Generally, it should be thick and possibly contoured. The contour enables your leg or cast to rest on the knee pad without rolling off.
