Knee scooters are a great alternative to crutches. Easy to maneuver, these walkers are comfortable and help you stay active without affecting your recovery. If you have had knee surgery or suffered a broken foot or ankle then you should consider a walking knee scooter to help you get around.
There are dozens of scooters on the market today, and they pretty much all look the same. We’re going to help you find the right one for your needs and share our favorite models.
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What to Look for in a Knee Walker
When buying a knee walker, there are a few things that you should consider:
Adjustability
Quality knee scooters have adjustable knee pad and handlebar heights to accommodate a variety of users. Adjustability is important because you want the scooter to accommodate your height.
Check the product description to make sure that the model you’re considering is suitable for your height. Most models will list a height range for your convenience.
Weight Capacity
How much weight can the scooter hold? This is another important consideration, particularly if you’re on the heavy side.
The weight capacity should be listed in the product description.
Folding Design
Ideally, you want a scooter with a folding design for easy storage and transport. A walker that doesn’t fold will be difficult to pack in the trunk of a car or store in a closet.
Most walkers have a folding mechanism, so it shouldn’t be difficult to find this feature.
Steering
A knee walker will be difficult to use if you can’t steer it, so look for a model with handlebars. Some scooters, like those made by KneeRover, have special steering mechanisms that make it easy to maneuver tight spaces and challenging terrains.
Wheel Size
The scooter’s wheel size will determine where you can use it. The larger the wheels, the greater the variety of terrain you can ride on.
If you need to travel over gravel, dirt and grass, you want a scooter with bigger wheels. The All Terrain scooter we talk about below has pneumatic tires, which are the best choice for difficult terrain.
Our 4 Favorite Knee Walkers
1. KneeRover GO Knee Walker
The KneeRover Go Knee Walker is a steerable scooter with a contoured seat and a stable four-wheel design. This is one of the most portable and convenient knee scooters you will find today.
The design of this scooter’s seat is what makes it unique, and one of the things that we like most about it. The contoured design feels comfortable under your knee, and the added “channel” helps alleviate pressure.
Hand operated brakes allow for immediate stopping, and the push button brake allows you to lock the scooter when parking. Both the seat and handlebars are adjustable:
- Knee pad: 17.5″ – 21.5″
- Handlebars: 33″- 37.5″
Like other scooters on our list, this one has a dual wheel brake mechanism. The 7.5″ wheels make it easy to use this walker on both outdoor and indoor terrains.
The “Go” folds up for easy storage and transport. This scooter weighs just 20 pounds and can support up to 300 pounds of weight.
Pros
- Steerable design
- Folds up in mere seconds
- Contoured knee pad alleviates pressure for maximum comfort
- Contoured, adjustable knee pad and handlebars
- 7.5″ wheels can tackle most terrains
- Reliable braking system
Cons
- No basket
The only real complaint with this scooter is that it doesn’t have a built-in basket, which is convenient for storing your items while out and about.
We like the DV8 scooter because it has a lightweight design, large wheels and a reliable braking system.
These four knee scooters are durable, portable and comfortable. They all offer height adjustability and easy steering systems, so you can continue on with your life even as you heal.
Click here to purchase the KneeRover Go knee scooter from Amazon
2. KneeRover All Terrain Scooter
The KneeRover All Terrain scooter features a heavy-duty design and wheels that can tackle any terrain. Ideal for people who have just had surgery, this scooter is a great alternative to crutches.
The All Terrain scooter features 12″ pneumatic tires that can ride over just about anything, including gravel, dirt, grass, sidewalk gaps, and sand. The handbrake is locking and adjustable for added convenience.
For easy navigating, this scooter has a tie-rod steering mechanism that works just like bicycle handles – something that’s not available on most scooters.
Both the handlebars and the seat are adjustable, so you can choose a height that’s just right for you. You can also fold this scooter for easy transport and storage in between uses.
This Knee Rover scooter can support up to 350 pounds of weight, and is recommended for people between 5′ and 6’5″ tall.
Pros
- Large pneumatic tries allow this scooter to ride on any terrain
- Handbrake locks and is adjustable for added safety
- Features a tie-rod steering mechanism for easy navigation
- Adjustable handlebars and seat
- Folds up for easy storage
- High weight capacity
Cons
- Not as steady as a four-wheel scooter
The only complaint with this model is that it’s not quite as stable as a four-wheel model.
Still, this is the best knee scooter for anyone who has to travel on difficult terrain and needs a heavy-duty model. You can see our full review of this model here.
Click here to purchase KneeRover’s all terrain scooter from Amazon
3. KneeRover Economy Dual Braking Scooter
The KneeRover Economy scooter is a great knee walker for a broken foot or ankle and is also a great alternative to crutches.
This model has four wheels, but they aren’t quite as heavy-duty as the previous model.
Still, this KneeRover scooter has a comfortable seat, steerable handlebars and adjustable features. The 7.5″ wheels provide stability, so you can feel confident using this walker on most terrains.
We like the dual braking system, which adds to the safety of this scooter. There are dual rear brakes on the wheel and there’s a dual adjustable locking handbrake system.
When you’re done using the scooter, fold it up and store it away in a closet or in the trunk of a car. With a light weight of just 21 pounds, you can easily take this scooter on the go.
This model offers a high weight capacity of 300 pounds and is ideal for people between 4’6″ and 6’6.”
Pros
- Four wheels for extra stability
- Light weight
- High weight capacity
- Dual braking system for added safety
- Folds up for easy storage
Cons
- A little difficult to assemble
This scooter is a little challenging to assemble, but that is not an uncommon issue with knee walkers.
We like this model because of its dual braking system and four-wheel design, which improves stability.
Click here to purchase the KneeRover Steerable knee walker from Amazon
4. GoPlus Folding Knee Walker
The GoPlus folding knee walker also has a dual brake system and a convenient basket for storage. The basket makes it easy to go shopping or travel around without having to carry a purse or bag on your shoulder.
The handle and knee pad on this model are both height adjustable, and the comfortable design makes it easy to get around without being in pain.
The BodyMed knee walker folds up in between uses for convenient storage.
Pros
- The dual braking system adds to the safety of this walker
- The built-in basket offers convenient storage
- Adjustable seat and handlebars
- Folding design
- Easy to assemble
Cons
- A little bulky even when folded
The main drawback with this scooter is that it’s still a little bulky even when it’s folded up. Still, this scooter is lightweight, so moving it in and out of the trunk shouldn’t be an issue.
We really like the BodyMed scooter because of its built-in storage basket and dual braking feature.
Click here to purchase the BodyMed knee scooter from Amazon
Who Should Consider Using a Knee Scooter?
Before you ready too many reviews you should know that knee scooters aren’t for everyone, but if you have a below-the-knee injury, there’s a good chance that you can benefit from using a scooter.
You may benefit from a rolling knee walker if:
- You want to remain as mobile and independent as possible while recuperating.
- You don’t have the strength or coordination to use crutches.
- You need to have your hands free for everyday tasks.
- You frequently navigate narrow hallways or crowded areas.
- You don’t want to be slowed down by crutches.
What is the Benefit of Using a Scooter Over Crutches?
Individuals on the mend from an ankle/foot injury or surgery, crutches are usually the go-to option. While inexpensive and easy to use, crutches can be cumbersome to use.
There are many benefits to using a kneeling scooter instead of crutches.
Easy to Operate
The best knee scooters are easy – and fun – to use. Just rest your knee on the seat and use your uninjured leg to push the scooter forward.
Crutches are relatively easy to use, too, but they require more advanced coordination and balance.
Keeps Your Hands Free
It’s impossible to carry anything when using crutches, and it’s hard to do everyday tasks, like cook, clean and do laundry, with crutches under your arms.
The best steerable knee scooters keep your hands free, so you can continue on with your daily routine. Scooters even have storage baskets on the front which make it easy to go shopping or carry around items when you’re out and about.
Ultimately, a kneeling scooter allows you to be completely independent while providing the best support while you get back to health.
Doesn’t Require Upper Body Strength
Crutches require you to put all of your weight under your arms when propelling yourself forward. Those who have little upper body strength, mobility or flexibility may have a challenging or impossible time using crutches.
With a knee walker, the weight is distributed evenly between the uninjured leg and the hips and knee of the injured leg. Scooters don’t require any upper strength to use. For seniors and those with limited mobility, knee walkers can help restore independence.
Allie has worked in care facilities for the last 15 years providing mobility and health care to seniors of all skill levels. She is passionate about senior advocacy and is and loves to spend her free time in the outdoors.
