Wheels have always boosted our mobility. Cars, cart, and the wheelchair are testaments to this fact.
This is why it shouldn’t come as a surprise that it can be used in different ways to help move a person around when he doesn’t have the capability to use their legs.
Wheelchairs have been around to do this, but with the latest technologies and the refined preferences of people today, the best knee scooter is now also in high demand.
Our Picks!
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What’s a Knee Scooter?
A knee scooter is a two, three, or four-wheeled ambulation aid. It’s an alternative to crutches that will support the body by resting your bent knee on top of its knee platform.
Also commonly referred to as knee walker, knee cruiser, knee coaster, orthopedic scooter, or leg walker, you can propel it forward with your good leg, similar to how you will ride a scooter.
If you haven’t encountered a knee scooter before, just imagine a kiddie bike without a pedal as that’s pretty much how these scooters look.
They’re designed to be more comfortable, safer, and more maneuverable alternatives to crutches.
What makes them great is the fact that they can keep you off your injured lower leg, ankle, or foot without having to struggle with a pair of crutches.
As the traditional mobility aids tend to have a learning curve before you can independently move on your own without losing your balance, knee walkers offer a more attractive option for their ease of use.
Who can Benefit from Using a Knee Scooter?
Different ambulation devices have varied ways to assist your movements. This is why some types are more suitable for specific injuries than others.
Axillary crutches are often deemed ideal for short-term uses while forearm crutches are better options for those who now need to rely on such aids permanently.
Knee walkers or rollators, on the other hand, are like knee crutches.
Since you will need to put a lot of weight on your knee to use both, they’re better suited for those who need to keep their ankles, lower legs, or feet from bearing weight.
They’re not ideal for those with knee, hip, and pelvic bone damage as these parts will still get a lot of pressure while you’re in motion. Both also require a good leg to operate.
These ambulation aids are limited regarding where you can use them, though.
With its wheeled design, they’re not handy if you need to go up and down the stairs often. In fact, you’re better off with some crutches in this case.
Some walkers are also not made for bumpy grounds, so you will have to watch where you go.
However, some newer models are already capable of running on grass and slightly rocky surfaces, so if you’re the type who won’t let an injury stop you from going outside, you can still find the best knee walker for your needs.
The Benefits of the Best Knee Scooter
While not everyone who needs a mobility aid can use a knee scooter, it doesn’t mean that it has limited functionality.
It can offer the following benefits to those who can use one:
1. Stability
As knee walkers have small clearances and are designed to be able to stand on its own, you can be sure that they’re very stable.
Unlike crutches, they won’t need you to keep yourself balanced. You also won’t have to worry about toppling over or falling all the time and incurring another injury.
2. Independence to Move On Your Own
With stability, you can also enjoy being in an upright position without having to rely on another person to keep stay that way or, struggling with your balance.
This can give you more independence as you can now be able to do more things on your own.
Because you can now basically stand on your own, you won’t have to be under the watchful eyes of a loved one.
They also don’t have to be at your beck and call if you need to go to the bathroom or get a glass of water.
3. Less Fatigue
The biggest benefit of a knee scooter is probably the fact that it will free you from having to use your upper body strength to move your body from one point to another.
This can help you avoid getting over fatigued from carrying and balancing yourself if you want to get back to your routine.
4. Comfort
Aside from the fact that you won’t get tired easily from using a knee scooter, it will also help you move around comfortably.
If you happen to find a product with a nicely cushioned knee rest, you won’t have to worry about aching shins and knee pains.
While hours of continuous use of these devices will still cause your leg to fall asleep, it will be more bearable than having to rest your weight on your armpits or forearms.
5. Mobility in an Upright Position
A knee scooter will also let you move around in an upright position despite using wheels to cart you around.
Being able to go while standing up is important to a lot of people as it is just a lot easier for them to do.
This can minimize the handicap you have as you’ll still be able to do a lot of other things you used to enjoy before your injury.
6. Ability to Use Your Other Working Limbs
While you will still need to use both hands to steer a knee walker, its design will still let you stand up.
These devices can be parked so you can just stay standing still in a single spot. This will then let you use both of your hands for other tasks like cooking, dressing up, or even playing outside.
7. Ease of Use
It’s no secret that crutches need some getting used to. This means they require a bit of practice before you can fully move around with their help.
Some, like the forearm crutches, even need a bit of mastery before you can move with ease, so they’re not exactly very easy to use.
A knee scooter, on the other hand, is ready to go all the time. If you know how to ride a scooter, you’ll find it very easy to work with.
Most walkers are also designed to be steerable, so you don’t have to worry about their maneuverability.
The only real challenge is in climbing, and descending stairs as these aids are not meant for such tasks.
If you don’t need to tackle stairs regularly or if you have quick access to elevators anyway, this shouldn’t be a problem anyway.
The Best Knee Scooters
Interested in using a knee walker? There are tons of options to choose from, so you can be sure that you won’t run out of options.
What you might find challenging is choosing the best knee scooter since the number of choices can get overwhelming.
To help you narrow down your choices, here are seven of our top picks. They’re all highly recommended for their excellent quality and performance so that you can start your search with some of the greatest products right away.
1. KneeRover Steerable Knee Scooter - Green
With KneeRover being one of the few specialized knee scooter manufacturers in the market today, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that we’re starting our list with one of their best products.
The Steerable Knee Scooter is one of its core models, designed to help users move with ease without a fuss.
This knee walker is equipped with a sturdy dual bar frame, adjustable platform, and handlebar heights, locking handbrake and rear disc brake, and four 7.5” non-marking rubber tires.
A removable basket is also added for additional convenience.
What We Liked
There are so many things to like about this product. What stood out for us is its contoured knee platform, however.
This design cradles your leg into the platform, securing it, so it won’t easily slide off and cause your fall. It also feels more comfortable.
PROS
- It’s foldable. The handlebar column has an easy-release mechanism that will let you fold it down for easy storage and transport.
- It’s highly maneuverable.
- It’s ideal for both indoors and outdoors.
- It’s very stable.
- Additional accessories are also available if you want to jazz up your knee walker.
- It has a decent weight limit of 300 lbs.
CONS
- The non-marking rubber tires don’t have threads so they can’t run smoothly on grass and dirt.
Why This can Be the Right Product for You:
Reasonably priced, sturdy, and fuss-free, the KneeRover Steerable Knee Scooter can be a good option for anyone who wants a comfortable way to move around.
As it doesn’t come with lots of bells and whistles, it’s one of the most affordable options in the market.
So if you don’t really need anything fancy to help you get from one point to another while injured, this product can be a solid choice. Read our full review here.
2. Drive Medical DV8 Aluminum Steerable Knee Walker
Not a big fan of the kiddie bike look? The Drive Medical DV8 Aluminum Steerable Knee Walker got you covered.
This unit has a very simple silhouette, making it stand out from all the clunky mobility aids that proliferate the market today.
Despite its simple design, this product has everything you need in a knee walker.
It’s easy to maneuver and has a dual wheel brake mechanism to ensure that you won’t have to struggle when operating the DV8.
It’s also designed to cater to your comfort, making it an excellent alternative to crutches.
What we Liked
The first thing we liked about this product is its charming utilitarian theme that doesn’t look medical at all.
Some might even say that it’s a pretty stylish unit with a very minimalist appeal.
We also liked its well-designed knee rest. It has “channels” or contours where you can comfortably place your leg into.
This secures your leg in place while you’re using the DV8.
PROS
- It’s very nice to look at.
- It’s foldable it can be easily stored and transported.
- It can carry up to 300 lbs.It’s ideal for both indoor and outdoor use.
- The dual braking system ensures your safety and the unit’s stability.
- The knee rest is very comfortable and ensures that your injured leg won’t slide off.
CONS
- Its assembly can be a bit of a challenge.
Why This can Be the Right Product for You:
If you’re particular about the look of the product you use, you might find a lot of the knee walkers a bit too childish looking for your taste.
Its simple design can also help you stay professional-looking despite your injury as it won’t overpower your appearance while using it at work. Read our full review here.
3. KneeRover Deluxe Steerable Knee Walker
While other manufacturers like to fancy up their best knee walkers with additional, yet unnecessary features.
The KneeRover’s Deluxe Steerable Knee Walker, on the other hand, offers something more than just an extra frill.
On top of this is everything that a knee walker should have: four large wheels, left and right leg compatibility, ergonomic hand grips, a contoured knee rest, as well as adjustable platform and handlebar heights.
It even has a nicely-sized front basket that you can use to conveniently carry your stuff.
What we Liked
What makes it earn the ‘deluxe’ in its name is its special design that makes use of a tie-rod steering mechanism, making the unit more stable and safer to use.
This unit is probably the only knee scooter to have this feature, so it might be able to justify the higher price point.
PROS
- While most knee walkers will still require some balancing skills, this further minimizes such need with its tie-rod steering as it doesn’t take the whole frame when turning.
- It’s very easy to maneuver.
- It’s very sturdy, thanks to its tough frame.
- It folds into itself, so it also offers fuss-free storage.
- It’s not only great for indoor use but is also very stable when used outdoors.
CONS
- The instruction sheet for assembly has small text, so you might have a bit of a hard time putting the unit together.
- Equipped with non-marking rubber tires, this unit isn’t exactly great on uneven surface.
Why This can Be the Right Product for You:
If you want to make sure that your knee walker is highly maneuverable, KneeRover’s Deluxe Steerable Knee Walker is an excellent pick for you.
It’s specially designed to be steered with great ease and stability that you shouldn’t worry about how you can drive it without a fuss. Check our full review here.
4. All Terrain KneeRover Steerable Knee Scooter Knee Walker
Injuries wouldn’t stop some people from living their lives to the fullest, so they’ll need a mobility aid that can keep up with their active lifestyle.
This is why the KneeRover All Terrain Knee Scooter is a popular pick as it has the ability to traverse rugged landscapes without flinching.
With it’s large, grippy tires as its main selling point, the other features of this knee walker shouldn’t be discounted either.
It has a contoured knee platform, ergonomic rubber hand grips, a tie-rod steering mechanism, and an adjustable locking brake system.
What we Liked
Featuring 12-inch pneumatic tires that are designed to provide great traction and stability to the user, this product is true to its name.
It’s like an SUV for those who need to keep their weight off their injured legs as it can take on any surface and still keep the user safe and comfortable.
PROS
- It can traverse on smooth and flat surfaces as well as on rugged terrains with gravel, grass, and dirt.
- It’s foldable so you can still easily store and transport it despite the bulk of its wheels.
- It’s very stable and sturdy.
- It’s easy to maneuver.
- It can let you enjoy the outdoors despite your injury.
CONS
- It has a wide turning radius so you’ll need a good amount of space to use this knee walker.
- It’s quite expensive.
Why This can Be the Right Product for You:
If you’re an outdoorsy person who likes to spend some time outside doing a physical activity, KneeRover’s All Terrain Steerable Knee Scooter is for you.
With the help of its specialized wheels, you can now run through different surfaces with ease.
While you’ll still have limited mobility while on this unit, it can still be the best tool to help you get back to your regular routine. Read our full review here.
5. Drive Medical Adult Knee Walker
Invoking familiarity can help a product appeal to its target market. In the case of the Drive Medical Adult Knee Walker, its resemblance to a traditional medical walker gives it a sense of dependability.
However, this Drive Medical product isn’t just about the looks.
It actually has a lot of useful features like telescoping knee platform and handlebar heights, foldable design, padded handle, and adjustable brake for both left and right leg use.
What we Liked
One of the best things about this knee scooter is the fact that it can fold nearly flat. Its design allows it to do so, with only the wheels taking up a good amount of space.
This makes it very easy to store and transport as it can fit even in a small vehicle’s trunk.
PROS
- It’s very easy to use.
- It’s sturdy and stable.
- Adjusting its height requires no tools.
- It folds nearly flat.
CONS
- It’s not steerable. You’ll need to lift the front wheels if you need to change directions.
Why This can Be the Right Product for You:
This Drive Medical knee scooter is ideal for users who like fuss-free items.
It’s a very straightforward unit so you don’t have to worry about a complicated operation. Read our full review here.
6. KneeRover Jr. All Terrain Steerable Knee Scooter
Kids who got injured may also want to stay active despite being in a cast or the doctor’s recommendation to keep their weight off their injured leg.
This is why KneeRover made a mini version for their All Terrain knee scooter.
It has all the features its full-size counterpart has, but the Jr. will suit smaller people with heights of 4’ to 5’9”.
What we Liked
The smaller size of this unit can easily provide great comfort for kids and allow them to move around outside with ease.
PROS
- It may be small, but it has a 250-lb capacity. It can also be used by small adults as long as they don’t weigh more than the weight limit.
- It’s very stable and safe for your child’s use.
- It’s easy to transport, thanks to its folding mechanism.
- It comes with a cute front basket that your child can use to stash their essentials.It’s highly maneuverable.
CONS
- It’s quite pricey.
Why This can Be the Right Product for You:
Regular crutches tend to have measurements that don’t match the size of kids and small adults.
This can lead to discomfort and muscle strain if not accidents that can worsen their injuries.
Specially designed units like the KneeRover Jr. is a great product to solve such an issue, though.
So if you’re relatively short or if it’s your child needs a mobility aid, this is an option you should consider. Check our full review here.
7. KneeRover PRO All Terrain Knee Walker Aluminum Scooter
For a knee walker that’s tough and comfortable at the same time, the KneeRover Pro will fit the bill.
This rugged ambulation aid offers all you need in a knee scooter, with an extra feature that will guarantee your comfort even if you like to roll on bumpy surfaces.
What we Liked
Aside from its loaded list of features, we love the shock absorbers in the KneeRover Pro.
This makes it capable of rolling through tough terrains without causing pain or discomfort to the user.
We also like that it has a very high weight capacity of 400 lbs. Check our full review here.
PROS
- Made with high-grade aluminum, this unit is very sturdy.
- It guarantees comfort even while you’re running through a bumpy surface.
- It’s very stable, thanks to its special tie-rod steering mechanism.
- It’s lightweight and foldable, making it easy to store and transport.
CONS
- It has a hefty price tag.
Why This can Be the Right Product for You:
The KneeRover Pro can be the perfect choice if you don’t want to settle for anything less than spectacular.
The comfort, mobility, and versatility this product can offer are unparalleled, so it’s the best option if you want nothing but the best.
Our Recommended Knee Scooter
All of these seven knee walkers are designed with great features and promise top-notch performance. They also suit different needs and preferences.
However, if you ask us, our top choice will be the KneeRover Deluxe Steerable Knee Walker.
KneeRover Deluxe Steerable Knee Walker
While it doesn’t have a lot of bells and whistles and its wheels may not work the best on grass or dirt, it can already meet the needs of a regular person who needs to avoid bearing weight on their injured leg.
It’s already loaded with advanced features that can make the user’s ride easy and comfortable. It’s also very stable, thanks to its unique tie-rod steering mechanism.
Top all of these with a reasonable price tag, and it can already be argued that the KneeRover Deluxe offers the best value for the lot.
Sure, some folks may still want more out of their knee scooter, but this product can already be a measure of a great product that will meet the needs of a lot of people.
Hopefully, our knee walker reviews get to help you find the right match for your needs and requirements.
These seven products are certainly among the finest choices there is, so you can start with them to discover what you can expect from the products available in the market today.