Individuals with knee injuries or lower limb surgery find it difficult to move around properly. Limited mobility can be improved using a knee scooter. 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 one 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 are a few major points to consider that will help 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.
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.