Individuals with knee injuries or lower limb surgery find it difficult to move around properly. Limited mobility could lead to isolation and adverse effects on mental health. To overcome this problem, mobility aids provide great help. Using these, a patient can freely do indoor or outdoor daily activities.
A knee scooter is a popular mobility aid with a unique design and features. It ensures that the injured leg remains in an elevated position. Also, the non-weight-bearing work on the knee scooter reduces any chance of re-injury. These scooters require less upper body strength, so keep the posture straight and natural.
Benefits of Using a Knee Scooter
Surgery might take weeks to recover. During this time, a knee scooter provides physical and mental help. Knowing that the patient does not need to be bound in one place but can resume daily activities leads to a speedy recovery. Freedom of movement helps people stay positive and enjoy a social life.
The upright posture while using the knee scooter prevents body aches especially back pain. Hands are free, allowing a person to perform chores while riding a knee scooter.
Using Knee Scooter with Safety
Safety should be preferred over anything else while using the scooter. Without implementing the safety measures, the chances are high that a patient could get another injury. That is why riding on the knee scooter properly is crucial.
Following given are a few major points to consider that will help to use the scooter correctly.
- Height Adjustment of Knee Rest
The height of every individual is different, and that requires the adjustment of knee rest height.
Stand straight and grip anything solid. Then carefully bend your affected knee 90°. Measure the distance from the knee to the floor. Then adjust the height of the knee pad using this measurement. Higher or lower heightened knee pads can affect the user experience when riding the scooter and also become cause instability.
- Orientation of Knee Pad
The orientation of the knee pad depends on the model of the knee scooter. There is an option to support the knee scooter according to the position of the leg. Read the handbook of the knee scooter to know if the user needs to change the angle of the knee pad or not.
If there is any other requirement for a knee pad, remember to follow it as per the instruction manual.
- Change the Height of the Handlebars
The next factor you should consider is adjusting the height of the handlebars. As different models have varying features, it is better to check the manual from the manufacturer and then adjust the height.
Usually, the desired height should be the same as your waist. It is the most comfortable position of hands while riding a knee scooter.
- Control the Speed
The sensitivity of the brakes of different knee scooter models might be different. That is why it is important to get familiar with the scooter first or do a little practice before using it outdoors.
The individual should keep a controlled speed when riding on the scooter. Maintain a slow pace by braking and placing the weight on the uninjured foot.
- Take Turn Carefully
During taking a turn, there is a chance that the user might lose his balance. Handlebars are used to make a right turn to reach the destination. Just like the brakes, the user should know about the turning capabilities of the scooter, as these might be different based on the model.
The knee scooter usually turns at 40-45 degrees. There is an option for the three-point turn in the scooter, but to use it safely, the user needs to practice.
- Getting Off a Knee Scooter
Proper dismounting from a scooter is important to avoid a fall. Before getting off, stop the knee scooter completely.
To slow the scooter, use hand brakes and put the weight on the good leg to stop the knee scooter. It is good to keep your hands on the handlebar while getting off the scooter.
- Keep the Right Posture
Good posture is one of the basic features when using a knee scooter. The user should always be upright to avoid any pressure and pain on the injured leg.
Comfortably position the injured leg on the knee pad at an 80-degree angle. The hips should also be in an even position. The handlebar's height helps maintain the right posture, so adjust it at the waist.
- Beware of Surrounding Terrain
Knowing the terrain is imperative, especially when the user is outdoors. Are there any obstacles in the place? Is the walking surface uneven? How is the landscape? It is important to know the answers before stepping out of the home.
However there are some knee scooters designed for all terrains, but some are only for even or flat surfaces.
Key Points to Remember
Taking care of these points will help the user to avoid any injury or accidents from a knee scooter.
- Always apply brakes when taking a turn.
- Do not scoot the knee scooter at a fast speed.
- Keeping the body balanced is very important. That is why it is recommended to be extra cautious when grabbing anything. Try to take the scooter as close as possible.
- It is best to use a reacher while picking something from the floor.
- If moving downhill, move slowly while keeping your hands on the brakes. Use the foot to maintain stability and a balanced posture.
- When doing any task using both hands, do not forget to lock the brakes. It will not let the scooter move anywhere, and the user can do the chore without worries.
- A small basket is mounted on the front of the scooter to keep small items. Use that basket and keep your hands free while riding on the knee scooter.
- Avoid putting heavy items in the basket or having bulky decorations on the front. This will make the scooter top-heavy and will be prone to fall.
- Avoid carrying pets or children while riding as the chances of tipping are higher and there could be another injury.