Are Knee Walkers better than crutches?

Think about the pros and cons for using a knee scooter versus standard crutches when recovering from surgery or injury; while crutches may seem like the logical short-term solution, knee scooters and walkers offer benefits that can aid in rehabilitation.

Does an injury or medical condition cause issues with your legs, knees, or feet? Crutches are a usual approach to taking the weight off the afflicted area and help the patient get around day-to-day. If you have limitations that make putting weight on a lower-extremity painful or uncomfortable, take a look at additional approaches to rehabilitation and mobility devices, such as a knee scooter.

When shopping for mobility aids, consider the pros and cons of using a knee scooter versus standard crutches:

Before you take home a simple pair of crutches, consider how a knee scooter or knee walker could help put you on the road to recovery faster and with less discomfort. Think about your personal preferences and discuss options available with your mobility expert.

Overall Ease

When it comes to overall ease of everyday use, a knee scooter wins by-far. These devices glide and assist users in moving, while crutches rely on the upper-body strength of the user to carry the weight of their afflicted leg. Since a knee scooter is easier to operate and more convenient to get around, in general, it makes these devices a great option for an individual that has co-occurring issues, injuries, or physical limitations.

Weight Restrictions

Crutches are usually designed with a weight restriction that makes them unsafe for use with heavier patients. This is less of an issue with knee walkers and scooters, as these are typically designed to accommodate a wider range of users. These devices seem to hold more weight easily, perhaps due to durability and design.

Body Strength

As mentioned, scooters don’t require arm strength that crutches do, so it could be the best approach for the aged or those with upper-body limitations. This can encourage users to get around more, due to the ease and effortless nature of a scooter. Talk to your provider about what makes the most sense for you and to determine if a scooter can accommodate and assist with your distinct limitations, injury, or disability.

Weather Resistance

Crutches can be tricky to use in inclement weather; first, the rubber-feet can be slick on certain types of terrain, and ice can make moving treacherous. The basic design of a scooter makes it a resilient choice, that works in all types of climates and weather conditions. This can equate to a reduced risk of slips and falls for many consumers.

Everyday Applications

Think about what you do every day, from basic household tasks to eating and drinking. Does a scooter seem easier and more feasible for transporting belongings or goods, including food and drink, from one place to another? Users report better maneuverability with a scooter as opposed to standard crutches, but you know your daily habits best. The choice is yours.

Comfortable Convenience

Never underestimate the importance of sheer comfort when it comes to mobility aids, like scooters, walkers, and crutches. If something is awkward or uncomfortable to use, will you use it? A knee scooter provides a place to rest during activities and the overall comfort exceeds what regular crutches can offer, which can hurt your arms, shoulders, and armpits over time. In terms of operation, the seemingly effortless gliding-motion of a scooter or walker surpasses the strength and energy required to use crutches for most patrons, patients, and users.

Long-term Utility

Depending on the nature of your injury and recovery, you could be confined to using a mobility aid for an extended period of time; does a scooter make more sense for these situations? While it has been established that a knee scooter may be more comfortable, convenient, and practical for short-term recovery, it may also be ideal for individuals with chronic pain, orthopedic issues, or that require long-term mobility assistance.

Prospective buyers should consider that there is a learning curve associated with proper use of both a knee scooter and conventional crutches, For safety, performance, and overall satisfaction, both require some adjustments and personalized instruction from your vendor for best results. Make sure to only buy or rent your mobility aids, equipment, and devices from qualified professionals who ensure support and service during your rehabilitation – regardless of how long that may be.

If an injury or medical condition merits mobility aids; consider all of your options carefully. Before you concede to conventional crutches, think about how a knee scooter or knee walker could hasten recovery and foster rehabilitation. Talk to mobility experts and professionals for more information, as well as for a consult and assessment of needs to find your best fit.

President, Husband, Father, Grandfather Graduate of UC Davis- Bio Sci Major- Go Aggies! Jeff has extensive experience in all of Pacific Mobility’s products and services, and specializes in accessibility products as well as stairlifts, ceiling lifts and custom wheel chairs. His hobbies include spending time with family, gardening, mountain biking, exercising and off road motorcycle riding.

24 years as Owner/President of Pacific Mobility Center – selling, installing, and servicing stairlifts, porch lifts, ceiling lifts, pool lifts, handicap ramping, specialty wheelchairs, scooters, power wheel chairs, and other power mobility devices
Certified Environmental Access Consultant since 2008
Licensed General Contractor since 1998
Certified Aging in Place Specialist since 2016
Board Member for Home Access Professionals
Member of Association of Members of the Accessibility Equipment Industry (AEMA)