6 Tips on How to Make a Knee Scooter More Comfortable

If you’re looking for some tips on how to make a knee scooter more comfortable, you’re in the right place.

As amazing as these walkers are for helping you get around after an injury, they’re not without their drawbacks.

While infinitely more comfortable than crutches, they do take some getting used to.

Keep reading for six vital tips that will make them a lot easier to use!

Don’t forget to also check our knee walker reviews!

6 Tips on How to Make a Knee Scooter More Comfortable

Knee scooters have brought a significant revolution to ambulation and mobility.

If you had an ankle injury or foot surgery, they give you freedom and make mobility easy in your awkward non-weight bearing period.

Although this mobility device is a preferred alternative to crutches, some users still face problems using it.

Follow along, as these steps have solutions to most of your issues.

#1 Steerable Knee Scooter Selection

When it comes to getting a steerable knee walker, a wide range for both seniors and juniors could be overwhelming to take the decision.

So how do you find the right one for you?

After all, selecting a proper model contributes to comfortable maneuverability. Consider these factors in your knee caddy before purchasing or renting one. You can also check our guide on where to rent knee scooters online.

• Assembling the steerable knee scooter- without using any tools- is fast and easy
• That has a quick folding mechanism, so it’s easy to take anywhere
• Enough height of handlebars to reach your waist
• Has durable steel frame to support your weight
• Enough turning radius for indoor use when taking turns in tight spaces

Related: How to Use a Knee Scooter

#2 Knee Walker by Wheel Types

Every model comes with different wheel types and tires for significant stability and exceptional comfort in both indoor and outdoor terrain.

The scooter with solid tires and thinner in shape performs well in small spaces indoors, as they are easy to steer around corners in tight spaces.

They do well on solid grounds inside your house and outside around the neighborhood. But the drawback is they absorb shocks over cracked sidewalks, bumps, and in more of a rough surface outside, which leads to the risk of tipping over.

An air-filled tire is relatively larger wheels on the all-terrain knee scooter, it allows the rider for a smoother riding experience on outdoor surfaces.

These soft rubber wheels will take the blows on the bumpy terrain. But the problem using an all-terrain model indoors is, the fraction causes steering hard as they won’t glide well on floors in your house.

Additionally, the size of these big wheels makes for a poor turning radius and leaves behind awful black tire marks.

#3 Adjusting Knee Pad and Handlebar

Once you’ve chosen the model, it’s time to do the ideal measurements for your perfect use.

Higher or lower padded knee platform adjustments could lead to leg injuries and hamper your strides. Also, a proper knee rest pad set up to the left and right side is equally important.

Most of the time, user smack their leg with the steel frame or with the rolling wheel while paddling. To propel with safety, make sure to set the adjustable knee pad towards your good leg.

First, for proper height, make sure to stand straight on your good leg in a relaxed position. Now bend your broken foot to a 90-degree angle, hence the knee cushion height should be the same height between the ground and your injured knee.

Hunching over and not standing firmly on the ground will lead to unbalanced mobility. Which eventually causes you exhaustion and runs the risk of knocking over.

Second, set the adjustable handlebar height to your waist so you can reach out to them in a relaxed position. That way, you’ll be able to keep your back straight and feel overall ease in your body.

#4 Adopt Proper Body Positioning

Now that you have done all the tweaks to your knee caddy. Before hopping on, follow the steps below for proper posture.

• Put your hands on the handlebar and squeeze both front and rear brakes so it won’t roll on you beforehand
• Keep your good leg firmly on the ground and make the rest of your body level with it in a relaxed posture
• Bend your injured leg to a 90-degree angle and rest your shin on the cushion
• Ensure that you have the appropriate footwear 

Check this video for more tips:

#5 Extra Comfort for Your Steerable Knee Walker

Some key components that aid to maximum comfort in your healing process are:

• Knee rest cover
• Handlebar grips
• And a handy storage basket

If the current platform is uncomfortable, buy a knee pad cover on Amazon like memory foam and sheepskin for extra comfort.

You can find a wide range of durable designs, they are easy to take on & off, and some are machine washable.

Proper handlebar positioning gives you a better experience scooting around. But, decent bar grips provide a better steering experience.

The existing grips could be unpleasant, rigid, and put a strain on the palm of your hand. For a softer touch, consider buying anti-slide grips (foam tubes or gel grips).

If you’re an outdoorsy person, you’d surely want to carry around your stuff.

For that matter, some models come with a handy storage basket – or you can always add one to yours – which is a helping hand. 

#6 Learn to Scoot With Safety

Before getting on your orthopedic scooter, remember that you have an ankle fracture or a broken foot.

Constantly use dual braking while riding outside on steep areas of sidewalks, roads, or when you make sharp turns.

Using brake gives you complete control over speed to prevent you from unpleasant results. For overall protection, go easy in the start until you get used to your scooter’s mechanism.

FAQs

Conclusion

Make the most of this excellent mobility aid as you heal. And always take necessary precautions for your health conditions because they are second to none.

These tips are a contribution to the complications that you have regarding your foot injury while scooting around.

To be on the safe side, you should visit your doctor for a checkup if you feel like it.

References

• “Durable Medical Equipment Cost Compare | Medicare.gov.” 2021. Medicare.gov. 2021. https://www.medicare.gov/medical-equipment-suppliers/?redirect=true.
• “How to Use a Knee Scooter – Quick Tips to Get Started.” 2017. Walkingaidreview.com. 2017. https://www.walkingaidreview.com/how-to-use-a-knee-scooter.html.
• “How to Use a Knee Walker Properly. Scoot with Ease Today.” 2019. Rollator Walker Review. 2019. https://www.rollatorwalkerreview.com/how-to-use-a-knee-walker-properly/.
• Kelleher, Brian. 2017. “Home | Orthopedics & Sports Medicine.” Uconn.edu. July 25, 2017. https://health.uconn.edu/orthopedics-sports-medicine/.
• Kingston, David C., Sarah Ferwerda, Curtis Fontaine, Marhanda Keeping, Jeffrey Stewart, Rachel Ward, Jenelle Zapski, Kassondra Collins, Samuel K. Essien, and Audrey R. Zucker-Levin. 2021. “Implications of Walking Aid Selection for Nonweightbearing Ambulation on Stance Limb Plantar Force, Walking Speed, Perceived Exertion, and Device Preference in Healthy Adults 50 Years of Age and Older.” Foot & Ankle Orthopaedics 6 (1): 247301142199893. https://doi.org/10.1177/2473011421998939.
• Song, Jae Hwang, Chan Kang, Gi Soo Lee, You Gun Won, and Tae Gyun Kim. 2019. “Efficacy of a Knee Walker for Foot and Ankle Patients: Comparative Study with an Axillary Crutch.” Foot & Ankle Orthopaedics 4 (4): 2473011419S0040. https://doi.org/10.1177/2473011419s00404.
• Walker, Rent A. Knee. n.d. “How to Make a Knee Scooter More Comfortable.” Rent a Knee Walker. Accessed August 23, 2021. https://www.rentakneewalker.com/stories/make-knee-scooter-comfortable#overexertion.

Do you have other tips on how to make a knee scooter more comfortable? We’d love to hear them in the comments below!