How to Ride a Knee Scooter Without Getting Tired
- Edd Siu
April 5, 2021
- The idea behind a knee scooter is to allow you to move freely and comfortably. When you have a foot injury and are non-weight bearing, going places can be difficult and limiting. Knee scooters help to alleviate this problem.
They are great for everyday use or on vacation to ensure that you do not miss anything fun and exciting.
However, if you're finding that using a knee scooter is causing you fatigue or is making you feel tired quickly, there are a few things that can contribute to this.
In this guide, we will go over some things you can do that usually make things a lot better so that you can ride your knee scooter without getting tired or fatigued.1. Is the knee platform set at the correct height?
To have a comfortable riding experience, you need to make sure the knee rest platform is adjusted correctly to fit your height.
If it's not adjusted correctly, you can end up with pains and riding discomfort.
Here's a guide on how to adjust the pad for your height:
How to Measure For Your Knee Walker2. Check the offset
Some knee scooters have an offset knee rest platform. This means that it can be set to accommodate a left or right foot injury.
Check your knee scooter manual to see if your knee scooter has this capability and how to set it correctly.3. Ensure proper riding posture.
Proper posture is key to getting around without getting tired or experiencing discomfort and back pain.
To avoid pain or fatigue when using your knee scooter, be sure to check that you're not holding your walker too far away from your body.
When you are riding your knee scooter, your upper body should be relaxed, with arms hanging naturally at your side.
Are the handlebars set correctly?
The height of the knee scooter handlebar needs to be set at about the same level as your waist.
4. Are you using the right scooter for the intended surface?
Overall, there are two types of knee scooters, indoor and outdoor knee scooters.
At Rent A Knee Walker, we often ask our customers before they get a knee scooter, where will they be using it more often?
For example, if they need a knee scooter they can use during their visit to Disney parks, we recommend an all-terrain knee scooter, like the Orthomate.
These types of knee scooters have air-filled wheels that absorb the shock of rough and uneven terrain.
Related: Solid Tires VS. Air-Filled Tires
Do you find yourself constantly outdoors with your indoor knee scooter?
If so, you may be struggling with the solid wheels that are not the most effective for constant outdoor use over concrete, soil, or grass.
Perhaps you find yourself using your knee scooter indoors and continually bumping into things and lifting your knee scooter to be able to make a turn.
All-terrain knee scooters have a wide turning radius since they have to accommodate their large wheels. That makes them not ideal for continuous indoor use.
Each indoor scooter will have a slightly different turning radius. The best we've seen so far is the Swivelmate with its 90-degree turning radius.
5. Check Your Tires
Like a car, if the tires' pressure is up to spec, they will have less rolling resistance, which gives you better gas mileage.
It is the same with an all-terrain knee scooter; if you have a knee scooter with air tires, they will give you a smooth and effortless ride if they are filled to the manufacturer's psi specifications.
Air-filled wheels on an Orthomate knee scooter
If you're using an all-terrain knee scooter, are the tires inflated to specs?
Visiting a bike repair shop or using a regular bicycle air pump should help you get the proper psi levels per the manufactures specifications.
If you have solid tires...
Check that the bearings are turning smoothly or that the tires are not worn out.
If you have an old and used knee walker, you may need to replace the tires or bearings for optimal performance.6. Don't over-exert yourself.
You should know that some fatigue will come after prolonged knee walker use, and it is normal—especially if you're using it a lot.
While it may be fun to ride around the knee scooter, it does require physical effort. So go easy on yourself, don't go on walking marathons every day.7. Consider any existing health conditions.
Some folks have sensitive knees, arthritis, or other medical considerations that might interfere with proper knee scooter operation.
It's vital that you always consult with your doctor or physical therapist to discuss your situation and if a knee scooter is the best option for you.Closing Thoughts
Knee scooters are fantastic devices that help people with foot injuries get out of the house and do everyday tasks easily.
Being able to travel around on your own on wheels can be freeing. We hope these tips help improve your riding experience.
If you rented or purchased from us at Rent A Knee Walker, you can always give us a call at 877-520-3708 to help you with any matters regarding your knee scooter.
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