Published on: May 26, 2022
Written by Camila Avery / Fact-checked by David Rowan
People with leg disabilities use crutches to move from one place to another place. But crutches are not a good walker for many reasons. Some of them are slower moving speed, trouble in walking, and stability.
On the other hand, a knee scooter is far better to walk without facing these problems. But If we don’t know how to use a knee scooter It might be more dangerous than crutches. Because a scooter is like a tricycle. But the difference is you have to keep your knee on it. That’s why you have to know the proper balancing of the knee scooter.
As the tricycle cycle has brakes, the knee scooter is also the same. So, you have to know how to operate it safely. Some other things that are also important to operate a knee scooter are.
Adjust the Height
The most important thing to use a knee scooter is the height adjustment of the kneepad and handlebar. If you adjust the pad and handlebar at the wrong height it can even destroy your knee. Adjust the knee pad and handlebar to a height so you can stand straight without bending your lower back.
To adjust these, keep the knee of your injured leg on the pad, hold the handlebar and stand straight. Call someone to adjust the pad height for you. Watch the video to know how to assemble and adjust the knee scooter here.
Positions of the Knee
After adjusting the knee rest the position of the knee plays a vital role in safe scooting. Normally people keep their knees on the knee pad. But if someone has a problem in the knee joint they should not position their knee directly on the knee pad.
Because Putting pressure on the knee joint for a long time will increase knee joint pain. If you have this problem then you should position your knee slightly forward to the knee pad. And you should put pressure on your leg opposite to the calves.
Don’t Use the Injured Leg
To walk with a knee scooter don’t use your injured leg. This is the most important thing after knee surgery. If you see your knee is getting healed and you can stay on the injured knee. Then just use it to give rest to your walking knee.
Don’t Press the Brake Lever Hard
Like a bicycle, scooter brakes are also an important part to operate the scooter safely. But most elderly people make the mistake of using the brake lever. While we are riding a bike, if we need to do a hard brake we can additionally use our legs to prevent any further accidents. Legs play a very important role to keep balance after a hard brake on a bicycle.
But in a scooter, we have to use only one leg for walking. That’s why it will be dangerous to press the brake lever hard and control the balance after the hard brake. That’s why while walking on a scooter, always try to do smooth braking. For that, be cautious of the object or people in front of you.
Practice Before Use
Elderly people or people who have never tried a bicycle might have problems handling the scooter. Those who have never experienced this type of riding should practice it before using it. So, let them use it when they can balance it. Otherwise, they will be injured for the second time.
Knee Scooter or Knee Crutch
It really depends on which is more comfortable for you. If you feel that you can’t handle the knee scooter or you have a balancing problem on the knee scooter. Then you should use a knee crutch. If you want to move fast then you should use a knee scooter. Knee scooters are more expensive than knee crutches. So, you should also consider your budget.
When it comes to safety knee crutches are safer than knee scooters. If you have better balance on you, then you can also use a hand-free crutch. But for old people using hands-free knee crutches will be more dangerous.
On a knee scooter, you can even sit if you want. But knee crutches haven’t this facility for taking rest. You can use the different positions of your legs on the knee scooter. But on knee crutches, you have to set your knees in one position. And you will not be able to move your knee.
So, for choosing a knee crutch or knee scooter, you should depend on your leg strength and balance. If you want to buy one of these walking assistants for your parents or grandparents. Then I will recommend buying them a knee scooter which will be easier for moving.
Take Safety Precautions When Using a Knee Scooter
1. Wear a helmet and other protective gear, such as knee and elbow pads.
2. Ensure the knee scooter is properly assembled and adjusted to your height before use.
3. Make sure your hands are free while riding the knee scooter.
4. Use caution when turning corners and when approaching bumps, cracks, and curbs.
5. Do not ride on wet or icy surfaces.
6. Stay aware of your surroundings and obey all traffic laws.
7. Avoid riding in heavy traffic or on busy roads.
8. Keep your speed reasonable and take extra care when going downhill.
9. Always use the brakes when stopping or slowing down.
10. Do not carry more weight than the scooter can safely hold.
Conclusion
Using a knee scooter is an effective way to help improve mobility and reduce strain on the lower body. With proper use and maintenance, a knee scooter can be a great asset to those recovering from an injury or surgery. It is important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions when using the scooter, as well as to practice safety precautions such as maintaining a safe speed and wearing a helmet when in use. With proper use, a knee scooter can help improve quality of life and reduce pain and discomfort.
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About This Writer
Guys, I am Camila Avery and I love to help my mom to do indoor & outdoor activities. As a lady, I have passed my time on gardening, home improvement, and personal or self-care. I have acquired some degrees in outdoor recreation, beauty, and hair care. It is not easy to work with top-level professional beauty experts. But, I got that opportunity and experimented with different hair extensions, hair colors, and cuts.
