Differences Between Knee Walkers
- Kyle Coppola
January 13, 2020
- What is the difference between a knee walker that is better suited for indoor use and an all-terrain model that is better for outdoor use? This is a valid question and it comes down to what the user of the knee walker decides is best for them. In order to know this lets first discuss what the differences of typical models are that you can expect to find.
At Home Comfort
If you are looking for models that provide the best at home comfort this is one of the most important factors when considering which knee scooter to purchase. The knee scooter is designed to make recovery a happier and healthier experience than using crutches. As a healthy alternative to crutches at home use is one of the most important aspects. Moving around household items like couches and walls, carpet and other surfaces is important when considering these types of models.
What Models Are Best For At Home Use?
The best models that will assist a person with indoor use will be models that have a good turning radius. Often tight turns are required. While thinking about the tighter turn radius's it becomes evident that a model that can easily na
vigate hallways and around corners is a must when choosing a knee walker. Particularly in homes which are in the north and go through harsh winters, many of those northern homes have narrow hallways and corridors to keep the heat inside the home so navigating can be an issue.
The Swivelmate Knee Walker - This knee walker is the number one model on the market. It’s the only knee scooter in the business with five-wheel stability and a 90-degree turning radius. This knee walker is fully capable of getting in and around the house with ease. It’s a tool free setup and accommodates users from 4’8” to 6’8” and up to 400 lbs. Just look at some of these photos of the model being used indoors.
The Free Spirit Knee Walker – Another great model to use indoors this model offers one of the tightest turning radius's in the business. Although not as tight as The Swivelmate it offers a hanging storage pouch for extra space when transporting items. Duel brake handles and accommodates users from 5’2” to 6’5” and up to 400lbs. Easily usable outdoors as well the model is one of the best when it comes to at home use.
What Models Are Best Recommended For Outdoor Use?
Outdoor models are called All-Terrain Knee Walkers and they tend to work best outside. Although fully usable inside homes as well the outdoor environments is where they excel. The advantages of having an all-terrain model is the ability to go places outdoors. For people who are active and want to enjoy outdoor activities there are plenty of models available that can assist in these desires.
Orthomate All-Terrain Knee Scooter - This knee scooter is the top all-terrain scooter you will find out there today. It offers a smoother ride due to its air-filled tires. These types of tires make traversing outdoor environments such as grass, gravel, tar, concrete and many other surfaces completely attainable. The turning radius is one of the best for outdoor models on the market that you can find. It goes without saying all-terrain models are typically bulky and heavier than models like The Swivelmate but what they can offer is a recovery for people who like being outdoors.
KneeRover All Terrain Knee Walker - The differences between the KneeRover All-Terrain and The Orthomate are quite striking. First are the massive all-terrain knee walker tires that come with this particular model. If you need to do outdoor activities while recovering from an injury this model is the one for you. In fact, just recently Feleipe Franks the injured starting quarterback for The Florida Gators was cruising across the natural grass playing field at The Swamp. This heavy-duty knee walker excels on outdoor terrains but using it indoors is a different story. The turning radius is not very good and navigating hallways is difficult with the size of the model.
Related Story: Feleipe Franks Throwing A Football On A Knee Scooter
This model also requires a lengthy setup as it comes in pieces. This means that unlike many other models this one is not pre-assembled. Requiring a lengthy setup time if you have the patients it can be with it but if your looking for a pre-assembled model then The All-Terrain Orthomate is your best choice.
Best All Around Models
The best all around models will be The Orthomate All-Terrain Knee Scooter and The Swivelmate Knee Walker. Both of these models have their quirks about them, and each offer a different experience for a variety of medical needs. While both will get the job done there are some notable differences. The Orthomate All-Terrain offers air filled tires so traversing over grass and uneven surfaces is usually smoother than The Swivelmate. However, The Swivelmate excels indoors and is perfect for navigating a home.
Depending on a person’s recovery it will be up to decide the model best suited for them. On our website we have a Help Me Choose section that will help you with the knee walker selection of your choice. You can take a Help Me Choose Quiz and compare knee scooters. By familiarizing yourself with the differences of the models it can lead to a happier and healthier outcome for the individual.
What is The Difference Between Air-Filled Tires And Standard Tires
The basic difference between the two is the cushion you will receive when using the walker. Typically, because all-terrain models are used for outdoor use the air-filled tires are going to offer a more plush ride outside than a standard solid knee walker tire. Although this provides more cushion outdoors indoors it’s a different story. Indoors these rubber air-filled tires can leave marks on floors. They are also wide because they are air-filled, so the model is wider than the typical standard solid tire design. The tires offer plenty of grip on outdoor surfaces and work well on grass, gravel and asphalt.
Meanwhile the solid tire design is best utilized on flat surfaces. Although the models can be used outdoors, they excel on indoor floors and carpet. These solid tires don’t usually leave scuff marks and lines like the rubber air-filled tires and the marks that get left are minuscule compared to the air-filled counterparts. The solid tires don’t offer as much grip, but they do require less space, and this makes the model easier to use indoors particularly The Swivelmate Knee Scooter.
See Which Model Is Right For You
Take the test now by visiting our Help Me Choose Quiz page. We talked about it earlier but if you truly want the best information available to see which option you should choose then you should check it out. Our last bit of advice is to use the model that makes most sense for your recovery. Each person has a varying different degree of injury in which they must overcome. Do the research and learn as much as possible because it truly will help you with a happier and healthier recovery.
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