If you’ve recently had surgery or are recovering from an injury then a knee scooter may be a beneficial piece of mobility equipment. However, it’s unlikely that you’ll need the scooter in the long run so buying one doesn’t make a lot of sense.
However, there are many places that offer knee scooter rental and these are ideal for short term users. There are some considerations to keep in mind when renting a knee scooter which I’ll discuss in this guide.
Should I Rent A Knee Scooter Or Do I Need To Buy One?
Before we get into the details on renting a knee scooter, it’s worth considering whether this is in fact the right option for you. Knee scooters are not expensive pieces of equipment so if you’re going to get a lot of use out of the device then it might be worth buying one.
If you are recovering from surgery or an injury and don’t expect to use the scooter for more than around six weeks, then renting will probably be the best option. However, any longer than this, and you’d likely spend less buying the equipment. You can even sell it on when you’re done with it to get some of the money back.
For people that have a long term condition, renting a knee scooter will become quite expensive. If you purchase a good quality knee scooter, it’s a tool that’ll last for many years so you won’t need to worry about replacing it any time soon.
How Much Is It To Buy A Knee Scooter?
Knee scooters are incredibly affordable, especially when you compare them to the cost of other mobility aids, like wheelchairs or mobility scooters.
It’s possible to pick up a standard knee scooter for around £85 but on average, you’ll be looking at anything between £100 and £140. There are some that are slightly more expensive; I’ve seen knee scooters at £200. If you’re buying a scooter for long term use then I’d recommend going for the best quality you can afford.
How Much Is It To Rent A Knee Scooter?
You’re here because you’re thinking about renting a knee scooter so let’s take a look at what you can expect to pay.
Most companies in the UK offer knee scooter rental starting at as little as £10 per week. Having researched the market, I’ve determined that the average cost of weekly knee scooter rental is around £12.50. However, the weekly cost tends to drop slightly the longer you rent the equipment.
For example, I found one company whose weekly rental is £14. But if you continue renting past 13 weeks, that price drops to £9.50. This seems to be common across the board and can make renting the scooter more affordable to people who need one for a few months. Note that these prices do not include VAT.
However, I’d still consider the potential of purchasing a knee scooter if you’re going to need it for more than a couple of months. By the time you’ve totalled up the cost of renting, you could have purchased a mid-range knee scooter.
Things You’ll Need To Consider
If you’re looking at renting a knee scooter, there are other things to consider aside from the price. Before you commit to anything, I’d suggest browsing the offers from a selection of companies and comparing quotes. You’ll also want to think about the following.
Knee Scooter Features
Not all knee scooters are made equal. Some are designed for everyday use such as running errands whereas others are kitted out with more robust wheels for use on rugged surfaces such as grass or dirt. Think about the type of surface you’ll use the scooter on to help you make the best decision. Terrain scooters are usually equipped with larger tyres.
You’ll want to find a knee scooter that has high quality brakes. You’ll find that the brakes are usually operated with the hands but make sure that the brake handles are accessible and easy to use.
I’d also suggest making sure that you go for a knee scooter with an adjustable seat since the height will determine your comfort and how safe and easy the scooter is to use.
Scooter Size
When choosing a knee scooter, you’re going to need to factor in your body weight. These mobility aids are usually sold with a maximum weight capacity and it is vital that you find one that’s compatible with you otherwise you put your safety at risk.
On top of this, you’ll need to think about the dimensions of the knee scooter. These are quite awkward shaped pieces of equipment so you’ll want to make sure you get something that you can easily store. Moreover, while the tiller usually folds down, the knee scooter may still be quite large so I’d recommend checking that it’ll fit in your vehicle.
Using The Knee Scooter
For some people, a knee scooter will serve a very minimal purpose. You may use it simply to move between the bedroom and bathroom or for getting around the house or office. In this case, you probably won’t benefit from a top of the range model and renting a scooter like this will just cost you unnecessary money.
A standard model without all the bells and whistles should be more than sufficient. However, if you’re planning to get a lot more use out of the knee scooter or want to use it outside of the home then it’s worth choosing something with a few more features.
Conclusion
Knee scooters provide a way to move around when your mobility is compromised either through a long term condition or because of temporary factors like injury or surgery. However, it’s not always necessary to buy a knee scooter, especially if you’re only going to need it for a short period of time.
But there are some things I’d recommend keeping in mind when renting a knee scooter so that you can get the most out of the equipment.
