Choosing The Best Mobility Scooter Option For After Foot Surgery

If you need to rent a scooter for your spouse who has just had foot or ankle surgery, then you have three different options to choose from when you visit your local medical equipment store: a knee scooter, a three-wheel scooter, and a four-wheel scooter. Here is some information on each type of mobility scooter to help you decide which will best meet the needs of your spouse during their recovery time.

A Knee Scooter

A knee scooter is a mobility device that allows your spouse to place their healing leg on top of it and then walk normally using their other leg. This type of scooter is ideal for people who are in otherwise good physical shape. Knee scooters are comfortable to use, small in size, easy to use, and easy to transport in your vehicle.

You should not rent a knee scooter if your spouse is not usually healthy enough to walk for long distances, or if they need to move around a lot for work or leisure activities. For someone who is usually active but has less physical conditioning, a three-wheel or four-wheel scooter is more appropriate and will better meet their needs.

A Three-Wheel Scooter

Three-wheel mobility scooters are similar in style to those with four wheels, but they have a much smaller turning radius and a better ability to maneuver into tight spaces. Three-wheel models are heavier than knee-style scooters, and they are lighter than their close cousin, the four-wheel scooter. This fact makes three-wheel options a bit harder to transport than knee scooters, and a bit easier than the four-wheel options.

The one major drawback to three-wheel scooters is their inability to safely maneuver on uneven surfaces outdoors. Additionally, this style of mobility scooter is not designed for use with bariatric patients or those who need to use a scooter over the long term. These needs are better met with a four-wheel scooter.

A Four Wheel Scooter

Finally, the sturdiest and most stable option for a mobility scooter for your post-operative spouse is a four-wheel scooter. This style of scooter is designed for comfortable use by people of all body types and sizes. While this type of scooter can be used indoors and outside, they are better designed for use outside due to their need for more room to move from one place to another. For more information, talk to a professional of handicapped equipment and supplies.


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