How to Use a Knee Scooter

If you require a knee scooter as a mobility assistant after an injury, there is sure to be an adjustment period. We have spent most of our lives walking, so it would make sense that we wouldn’t immediately master a new form of transportation. Before you hop on a knee scooter, take some time to review this guide to getting started and how to properly use a knee scooter.

Properly Fit Your Knee Scooter to Your Body

First things first, it is essential to make sure you have adjusted your knee scooter so that it properly fits your body. As you recover from your knee, foot, ankle, or leg injury, the scooter is going to be your primary mode of transportation so it is important to find a comfortable fit. Here are the steps to follow to properly fit your knee scooter:

1. Stand next to your scooter with your hands on the handlebars
2. Squeeze your handbrake and put your injured leg in the middle of your knee scooter’s seat
3. Adjust the knee scooter seat or platform until your resting leg is at a 90-degree angle
4. Check that your resting, good leg is comfortable and straight and that your hips are level
5. Adjust your knee scooter handlebar so that it is at your natural waist height. You should be able to keep your back straight while holding the handlebars

How to Use a Knee Scooter

Now that you have adjusted your knee scooter to fit your body, it is time to take the scooter for a spin. Here are a few tips on how to get fully acclimated to the knee scooter and become comfortable using it on an everyday basis.

• Get a Feel For the Brakes

When you first start using the knee scooter, get a good feel for the brakes by squeezing them a few times. The brakes are located on the handlebar, and it is important to become comfortable with engaging the knee scooter brakes in case of an emergency.

• Start With a Few Small Pushes

To start with, give a few small pushes with your good leg to get going. Small pushes to propel yourself forward is a good start, as it enables you to get used to moving on the scooter.

• Try Out the Brakes Between Pushes

Once you get moving with the small pushes, try using your brakes between each push. This will give you a good idea of how sensitive the brakes are, and how hard you have to pull the brakes to get an expected response.

• Start Pushing Harder and Faster

Now that you are comfortable pushing and using the brakes, it is time to up the pace. Try taking bigger and stronger pushes with your good leg, increasing your speed. As you increase your speed, continue to experiment with the brakes. Ease into it, as you do not want to go too fast until you are totally and completely comfortable.

• Practice Taking Very Slow Turns

Now that you have mastered traveling in a straight line, it is time to practice turning. Start by slowing down to a crawl and enter a turn, making sure to keep your hands on the scooter handlebar so you can easily operate the brakes if needed. While you can eventually navigate a turn going slightly faster, make sure to always slow down before entering a turn. If you go to fast while turning, your knee scooter can tip over.

Rent a Knee Scooter in Arizona at Avondale HME

Avondale Home Medical Equipment is the knee scooter expert in Avondale, Arizona, offering knee scooters for rent and purchase. If you have suffered an injury that has made it difficult to get around, rent a mobility assistant from Avondale, including a wide selection of knee scooters. We will make sure you are comfortable operating the knee scooter before you leave our store, ensuring you are safe and ready to get around on your knee scooter. If you are interested in renting a knee scooter or learning more, contact Avondale HME today. Give us a call at (623) 295-2724.