Such a useful invention was made by businessman Rod Accetta engaged in the construction industry, almost by accident. 14 years ago, his friend injured the Achilles tendon, and Rod wondered how to alleviate the friend's suffering. Then Accetta guessed to make a footrest on wheels. Obviously, the innovation was welcomed by Rod's friend positively, since subsequently, as we already know, the enterprising American launched the serial production of his products.
Meanwhile, the user of an unusual vehicle once invented in America may well face increased interest from random passers-by. It may seem that a person moving with the knee scooter is just having fun. However, it is used because of quite serious problems.
A Knee Scooter as a Modern Crutch
Knee walker scooter is intended for those who are temporarily unable to walk on their feet due to an ankle fracture, ankle dislocation, a damaged tendon, a leg operation or other similar cases. The main thing is that the injured spot is located below the knee. A whole line of models in production is distinguished by their complexity and price. The principle of their operation is simple. A person rests his/her knee on the pillows fixed on the frame of this cart and holds the steering wheel or just part of the frame with the hands. The damaged part of the limb is completely unloaded.
It is perfect for people recovering from injuries or operations on the foot, ankle or lower leg, as well as amputation below the knee. It's one of the industry's most advanced knee lifters and a great alternative to crutches. Maximum stability and controllability during maneuvering - these steered knee scooters are equipped with an advanced steering-wheel drive mechanism for car-type tie rods (not available for most walkers) and an adjustable hand brake lock.
Step by Step: How to Knee a Scooter
If you are concerned about how easy you can maneuver around obstacles on a knee scooter from jonsguide.org, it is important to consider which type of scooter you are using and which model is more suitable for you.
- With an uncontrollable knee scooter, you must raise the front of the scooter and physically change its direction. It can be difficult enough for you to overcome obstacles if you are sick or injured. However, the uncontrolled model is more stable on uneven surfaces, so it can be used outdoors.
- Controllable knee scooters let you use the scooter using the steering wheel. This makes it much easier to maneuver around obstacles both indoors and outdoors. However, this type of scooter is not so stable on uneven surfaces and may tilt when you move over bumps.
What to Pay Attention to
· Adjustability
The knee and steering wheel must be adjustable so that you can raise or lower them. If you use a scooter with steering, you have to experience heavy loads on injuries or even cause new injuries by adding too much pressure to an injured leg.
· Stuffing
Most knee scooters have soft knee pads, but some models are more compact for greater comfort. Choose about three inches of filler to keep your knee in a comfortable position. A scooter with a shaped knee pad has a slightly rounded notch that matches the shape of the knee so that the leg does not move.
· Foldability
Even if the knee scooter does not weigh much, it can be difficult to fit it in the back seat or trunk of a car. Choose a model with a quick folding function that lets you fold the scooter if necessary.
· Baskets
Many knee scooters require you to use both hands to operate. Make a choice in favor of the scooter equipped with a front basket where you can place anything you want to.
Pros of Knee Scooters
American engineers write that walking with ordinary crutches is more difficult. First, you need to keep balance; scooter wheels give a person much more stability. Secondly, hands get very tired, armpits hurt. And somehow the injured leg needs to be hanging.
It's all the same with the well-known walkers. Unless falling on them is much more difficult, but it's slow and dangerous walking on them on the street. Scooters are not only fast, but they also bring some element of entertainment to the patient's rehabilitation process. Of course, it's better to always stay healthy. But if trouble happened, it's more fun to ride around the house (and not only) on such a device than to use crutches.
