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Knee Scooter Safety Tips for First-Time Users
By Lydia Lucas
March 28, 2024
When you are on the journey of recovery after a lower limb injury, or surgery, finding the right mobility aid can make all the difference. Our knee scooters, a popular alternative to crutches, offer enhanced mobility and comfort. If you're a first-time user, here are some essential safety tips to help you navigate your knee scooter with confidence.
Get Familiar with Your Equipment Before you take your first ride, familiarise yourself with the mechanics of your knee scooter. Adjust the knee pad and handlebars to match your height, ensuring that you can place your injured leg comfortably on the pad while maintaining an upright posture. The handlebars should be at a height where your arms are relaxed, and you can easily reach the brakes without hunching over.
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Practise Indoor First Your home is the safest place to start practising. Use your knee scooter to navigate through different rooms and corridors. Practising indoors allows you to get a feel for turning, braking, and controlling the scooter's speed without the unpredictability of outdoor terrains.
Master the Art of Braking Proper braking is crucial for preventing falls and maintaining control. Get used to applying the brakes gently but firmly, and practise using the parking brake when you stop to rest. Remember, braking suddenly or too hard can cause the scooter skid. Always apply the parking brake when getting on or off and of course, keep the parking brakes on if you are busy being hands-free making a cuppa or handling items at the supermarket.
Wear Appropriate Footwear
The foot of your healthy leg plays a significant role in your mobility and stability on a knee scooter. Wear shoes with a good grip to prevent slipping and avoid open-toed shoes to protect your toes.
Avoid Wet and Uneven Surfaces
While knee scooters can handle various terrains, wet and uneven surfaces pose a risk. Puddles, ice, sand, and gravel can make controlling your scooter more challenging. Whenever possible, choose the path with the smoothest surface.
Keep a Safe Speed
Just like learning to ride a bike, starting slow with your knee scooter is key. Until you’re confident in your ability to control the scooter, it’s best to keep to a manageable speed. Rushing increases the likelihood of accidents. A slow walking pace is recommended, so if you are out and about with a fast walking companion….. don’t try to keep-up, better to ask them to calm down.
Use Accessories Wisely
Many knee scooters come with accessories like baskets, which are great for carrying personal items without using your hands. However, ensure that your basket isn’t overloaded, as this can affect the scooter's balance. Don’t hang shopping bags on the handlebars and don’t tie your dog to it…. Even if it is a Husky!
Be Mindful of Your Surroundings Always be aware of your environment and the people around you. When navigating through crowded areas, slow down and communicate your movements to avoid collisions. Pay attention to obstacles such as kerbs, door thresholds, and ramps.
Listen to Your Body
Using a knee scooter is a physical activity that involves your arms, uninjured leg, and core. If you feel fatigued, take a break. Overexertion can lead to loss of full control of the scooter.
Seek Advice If Unsure
If you're ever in doubt about using your knee scooter safely, don’t hesitate to consult a healthcare professional or contact our customer service team – we are here to help.
Our knee scooters can be an invaluable tool for gaining back your independence during recovery. By following these safety tips, you’re not only ensuring a smoother journey back to health but also preventing the risk of further injury. Remember, safety comes first—take your time to become comfortable and confident with your new mobility aid, and you’ll soon be navigating your world with ease.