🚀 Glide through recovery with style!
The KneeRover Economy Knee Scooter is a versatile mobility solution designed for adults recovering from foot injuries. With a lightweight frame, adjustable features, and dual braking system, it offers a comfortable and stable alternative to traditional crutches. Ideal for both indoor and outdoor use, this scooter supports a weight capacity of 300 lbs and is suitable for users of varying heights.
Q**M
Excellent Value In a Sturdy, Surprisingly Good Economy Knee Scooter
To be clear, I rate this scooter as much on the basis of its price as anything. It is very inexpensive for what it does, and meets most of the basic mobility needs of someone without the use of a lower leg as well as more expensive models. That said, spending more will, at least with Knee Rover's products, get you features that improve on this one's functionality. It's worth evaluating other knee scooters from this brand and others if price is not a primary constraint on your purchase. If it is, or if you're looking for a backup, it's hard to imagine how you could do better than this knee scooter.The construction is powdercoated, welded, tubular steel, and appears to be very durable. The frame is stable and well aligned, and the unit arrives packed to resist the worst that shippers can dole out, which can make for some frustrating moments for an injured person trying to get their first scooter up and running. Large nail clippers, wire cutters, or flush cutters will be helpful in removing the innumerable zip ties that hold various pieces of plastic foam and the user's manual in place.The scooter arrives nearly ready to roll, requiring only a few steps and no tools to set up, so once the chore of freeing the machine from its plastic prison has been accomplished, the scooter is only a minute or two from rewarding the user with their own freedom to move.The hand grips are fairly high durometer plastic cylinders, as opposed to the softer, ergonomic, synthetic rubber on Knee Rover's more expensive models, but they're dimpled for grip, comfortable to use, and don't need to be glued to stop rotating with use the way the ergonomic ones do. I'm not sure how much use one would need to get out of a scooter to notice the difference, but I think it unlikely most people get that much, and cycling gloves would address any issues of discomfort that might arise. The brake levers are the same as are used with every Knee Rover scooter, long travel flat bar levers with spring-loaded pins to lock the brakes and hold the scooter in position, a necessary function for stability when doing almost anything other than scooting.The brakes are very simple levers that push against the surface of the medium-high durometer plastic of the rear wheels' rolling surfaces, one of the oldest braking systems invented. It works, the brakes will slow the scooter under not-too-demanding conditions, i.e. flat or very gently sloping ground, less than 3mph speed, user not pushing against the braking. The brakes are effective at locking the wheels when still so the scooter can be used as a stable support for standing. You will want to use both brakes together, as their action is not as effective as that of drum or caliper brakes, which on some higher end models are used singly to slow or lock the rotating rear axle to which the wheels are fixed. These wheels rotate independently on a fixed axle, so braking only one can result in the scooter's rolling on the other three wheels as a tricycle, dragging the slowed wheel, but without losing enough kinetic energy to drag to slow enough, or to stay in place if that's the intention. This is one of those measures that saves on cost, but that one might decide is worth spending more not to have to deal with. Nevertheless, the system works.The wheels are more basic than on Knee Rover's more expensive models in that they don't have the shock absorbing elements incorporated into the construction, such as I've seen on rollerblade wheels and the like, but they're broader across the rolling surface, and I find them to be smooth and comfortable when rolling. They might be more inclined to stop at obstacles, like pencils, say, or, more likely, styli, or have less traction on smooth surfaces than the pricier wheels, but so far I've found them to be just as good for traveling around the house. I haven't experienced any squeaks or wobbles, either.The wheelbase is similar to most scooters, and the weight is as well. This means it's about as maneuverable as most, and, at around 25 pounds, can be moved by most users when there's no good way to roll around a turn or obstacle.The knee pad is thinner than Knee Rover's more plush, more expensive one, and some users will find it appreciably less comfortable to use with a boot. I noticed the difference, but have still been using this one without significant discomfort, although I do feel the pressure from my boot more. It's still a dense foam pad covered in what appears to be a durable synthetic material, and that can be supplemented with any number of covers, including, from Knee Rover, synthetic sheepskin and memory foam. The frame is rigid steel, and it looks like the pad will last a long time. As an update, I have since added Knee Rover's synthetic sheepskin cover, which includes an additional inch or so of medium-density foam under the fuzzy part. It fits the kneepad well, is secure, and adds quite a bit of comfort, both as extra padding and as a softer, more breathable surface. The fluffiness does make it harder to judge exactly where the edges of the pad are, and the softer foam of the 'skin can allow one's knee to roll a little when weighted, so the arrangement does make the platform somewhat less stable in that one can place one's knee close to one or the other side of the pad and slip off as the foam collapses, either at first or as one pushes with the other leg. I wouldn't call this a problem, but a matter for initial care until one gets used to the different texture and depth of the newly covered pad. Within a few hours of use the foam of the cover develops a longitudinal concavity that helps center the knee and shin and eliminates the problem of possibly slipping off. The added comfort is definitely worth the extra attention.This scooter takes the same accoutrements as Knee Rover's others, basket (very much recommended), water bottle holder (at a price competitive with what you would have to do to use a bicycle version, although I have reservations that merit a review of the product), and the aforementioned knee pad covers.Folding with this model is limited to a hinge on the steering column just above the headset bearing assembly, allowing it to fold down over the frame. The handlebar and column, as well as the knee pad on its post can be removed, too, although the handlebar will remain attached to the frame via the brake cable. In effect, this means the vertical dimension of the scooter can be reduced to about a foot, so the overall dimensions of the space needed to carry it in a trunk or back seat of a car will be a little less than (these are very approximate) a foot-and-a-half wide by a foot high by two-and-a-half feet long. The hinge on the steering column is easy to use. It locks using two elements, a spring loaded button latch that provides fail-safe locking, and a quick-release cam lever on a short, steel rod that holds the hinge closed. The quick-release rotates out of its locking position to become the handle one uses to depress the button latch for opening and closing the hinge. For most purposes, folding down the steering column, a few seconds to accomplish, will be the only action needed to reduce the scooter's dimensions to something small enough to fit in a trunk or back seat. It weighs about 25 pounds (very approximate), midway between the lightest travel models, around 20 pounds, and the heavier "all terrain" versions which can be in the low 30s. It would be difficult to make this scooter lighter without sacrificing either sturdiness or its "economy" status, as it would require more expensive aluminum and steel alloys in the frame, steering column, axle assemblies, seatpost, and kneepad. As it is, I think this scooter is an exercise in discovering just how much you really can get when you "get what you pay for" at the lower end of a model line, and how much the weight serves as an impediment will depend on the size and strength of the individual user.This knee scooter's robustness, usability, and low price combine to make for its absolutely outstanding value. Yes, you can, for more money, get more effective brakes, higher-traction pneumatic or shock-absorbing smooth wheels, less weight, more foldability, thicker, softer padding in both the knee pad and hand grips, but this scooter meets all of the mobility requirements other scooters do, with the exception of outdoor terrain, for two-thirds to one-fifth the price of others. I can't imagine a better value in something like this,
Q**7
Very good, but things to be aware of - happy with it, but make note...
My wife was working out a couple weeks ago and handed wrong, breaking her foot severely to the point of no weight for up to 12 weeks and we are still awaiting word on if she’ll need surgery. But she needs to get to the bathroom and between the bed and recliner, so we had to do something. After researching the various products she decided on this brand, and this scooter.Overall we are giving it a 5 star and it is deserved, but there are some points you will want to make note of when choosing.1. Set up: This is easy to set up. But. A. You will want to have someone able bodied to do it. It is not overly heavy, but there is weight to it, and it’s bottom heavy, so you need to be able to move around, adjust, even climb/lay not the floor or put it up on a table. If you are injured you’re not likely to be comfortable doing many of the elements - you’ll need to brace yourself, push, hold, tighten, etc. One step will require setting the height of the kneeler and you will need/want someone to be down adjusting this while you measure your comfort level. B. FOLLOW EACH STEP AS DESCRIBED! We had read a few reviews about set up and when we did ours I went literally step by step - to the T - to identify and perform each step. This has kept us from having any of the issues others describe. There are a couple points where this might seem difficult, off, or you’re not sure, but be careful, follow the steps, and be clear you’re doing as described. One does NOT want to fall or feel unsure about its security when using this (or any) scooter. C. Tighten as you go - often you tighten after everything is done, but from what I was doing and experiencing, tighten as I went kept me from having to figure out how to reach something or get back to something - and was safest when my wife tested heights.2. Comfort: Overall she finds this a very comfortable scooter, but it is cheaper - that others from this manufacturer - so I said early on she’ll likely want a cushion for the knee pad - she did within 2 days. It is fine, but she’ll be on this for 12 weeks and most will use for at least 6 weeks. You are going to want a cover. We got her one from the same company and again, she likes it - but thinks it might be a little thicker as well. My wife finds the handle bars easy to use, and the overall comfort to be fine.That said, if we were to do it again, she’s thinking she’d get a higher level one for added comfort.3. Handles, stopping, starting. This is easy to use, It’s all you - leg power pushing. But if you’re venturing beyond your home you’ll need to be aware of the slopes, you’ll notice every bump in the road, and you’re going to have to be aware far more than usual of grading and how to get over and around things. This one does fine, it is workable, but there is, again, an element she prefers she’d gone a little higher quality. She does feel everything and has said she would get one with better wheels/tires. These are not very off-load friendly. We did one trip into our community parking lot so she could get doctor ordered sun and she was not enjoying the bumps and hardness. She also has a slight concern about the brakes - one tightens well, the other is weaker. So these combined make her wish she had gone higher quality - but with the same company. She recommends riding outside with your hands on the brakes at all times - you never know when a change is coming and you have to react in ways you’re not used to.4. My wife was looking at higher level ones with this company and is telling me that you have to have a major price upgrade for better tires: meaning all terrains tires that can get you around comfortably in multiple types of locations (parking lots, offices, ground, gravel, house, anything you can think of). This is fine for the house, getting to and from the car, maybe the store, but parking lots are uncomfortable, gravel and acorns hurt, and so forth. But there is a price jump. She is thinking she’d pay the extra from this experience - maybe not under Covid conditions where we are stuck at home, and she has been told she cannot have any movement/weight/bump risks until she’s out of the woods for surgery - but we live in a place where we like to get out and do things, so if we were able, she’d want more access this does not provide.5. Maneuverability: Our home is smeller, so we kept that in mind. She wanted/needed to get around on her own, so she needed to consider turning radius. She picked this one because she didn’t feel she needed or would be safe turning on a dime, but how could she adjust? This one does not have a tight turn, which allows it to keep its stability. That makes her feel secure. But she counters it with being able to pick it up and move it in those moments, which makes her feel fine and not at all uncomfortable making adjustments as such. Being light means being aware of that - you don’t have to worry about it tipping and falling on you, but it’s light. But she can adjust and she does not lack stability for movement. If you need it to feel more stable she noted in reviews how those may be heavier. She didn’t want that. This is something she does not regret in this choice, nor would give up. She has never felt unstable or tippy and she confidently gets herself around when she needs to move.6. She HIGHLY recommends if you’re going to be using this for any period of time and you want any sort of autonomy: get a cup holder and basket. We have not gotten a basket and I’m not sure both would fit - in fact I’m pretty sure it wouldn’t work. I’m home all the time and I can carry things for her. She does have a great cup holder we also got on Amazon - ironically for strollers - 2 Pack Stroller Drink Holders for Cups or Bottles Universal for Bicycle, Wheelchair, Trolleys, 360 Rotation is the name on the product page. This one fits perfectly on this scooter and holds a serious amount of weight. We have large Tervis tumbler - always full when she moves it around - and it is heavy! This holder hasn’t had an issue.Overall this is a great scooter and has saved us. The first day I was practically carrying her around (and led to a torn hamstring) until this arrived and we are thrilled she’s had it. Again, in our old world we likely would have upgraded to get out more, but for Covid or those staying home more or easier locations to get to, this is stellar. She also will be on it for 12 weeks minimum, so we have to see what level of activity she’ll be allowed. But for home it’s perfect. For much of our pre-covid daily lives it would have worked. If we’d have been able to get to a theme park or some other outdoor location, it would have been better to have better tires. But still a great scooter and choice.
R**B
This is fourteen upgrades past crutches.
If you read only one review, I hope it is this one.I am in my forties and weigh 280lbs. I was on crutches and a boot and doing any movement was just painful and made decisions a tough choice about how often to use the bathroom even. Im sure I could have made due with the crutches and just lived being practically immobile. One small step up or down might as well have been the wasatch mountain range. Forgot the iphone on the bed and now you have to crutch there and back?This kneerover changed my life. I am so much more mobile. I don't feel helpless anymore. I can pretty much do everything. Using the bathroom is easy, getting in and out of the car is easy. One step is not just a mere hill, that one will take you some getting used to. It's sturdy, easy to setup, and you will definitely have confidence using it from the first push. If you are on the fence or tired of crutches trust me and buy this. You will not regret it.The downside, and really it is kind of minor. This scooter is heavy and the pictures don't make it look like that. Folding down the arm can be a bit of a struggle when you are trying to balance on one foot. Then on one foot lifting it to the backseat/cargo whatever will probably be more than someone in their 70's or with a back injury will be able to manage. You can fold it to be parallel to the seat but you will manage brake cables getting it back up. The picture shows it coming down to 60 degrees but you can get it to 0 quite easily.I chose the economy model. The basket is more of a do you want that or not. I have a backpack for work so I didnt. The knee cushion I can highly recommend because anything longer than 10-15 minutes and you will start feeling the tiredness in your leg.