Surgeries tend to be a rather demanding process, eventually taking a huge toll on the body. People who have undergone surgeries often have a hard time walking around and need some form of assistance. Then there are also people suffering from limited mobility owing to a problem such as foot ulcers, foot amputations, and similar other conditions. Knee walkers can be an ideal form of assistance for such people while moving around. This article gives a detailed review of the Swivelmate Knee Walker, known for its high degree of flexibility and reliability.

 

Pros

• The knee walker offers superior stability to the user irrespective of the body weight
• The wheels are 7 inches in diameter and absorb all the shocks thereby offering you a smooth ride at all times
• The wheels do not give off the annoying screeching noise
• The wheels glide very smoothly over all types of surfaces
• The wheels do not damage the hard floor or the carpets
• The knee walker comes with powerful hand operated dual brakes
• It offers a full 90-degree turning radius
• The knee walker is very easy to assemble. The process of assembling does not make use of any extra tools
• It has very thick padding over the knee rest, which eliminated pressure spots
• It comes together with a storage basket in the front which can be used for holding items such as tablets, mobile phones, keys, and so on
• The front wheels do not cause any obstruction on your propelling feet
• The knee walker is capable of holding up to 400 lbs of body weight without giving in
• The knee walker only has a maximum weight of 22 lbs which makes it very easy to be carried around
• You can easily fold the knee walker for storage and transport
• It is a highly durable product
• The seat height in the knee walker can be adjusted
• The knee walker looks very appealing to the eye
• It is very easy to operate and maintain

 

Cons

• If the weather is hot enough to cause sweating, the knee rest might get slippery, causing you to slip off frequently
• This knee walker requires the patients to have good strength and coordination in the upper body and the propelling feet. So if you are not able to maintain a good balance, this knee walker is not suited for you.
• Many other knee walkers on the market offer the exact same features, but at a much-reduced cost

 

Features at a glance

• 90-degree turning radius
• Dual hand operated brakes
• Padded knee rest
• Adjustable seat height
• Foldable
• Easy assembly – no tools required
• Weighs 22 lbs
• Storage basket
• 7-inch caster wheels

 

Features of the Swivelmate Knee Walker

Unique patented design

The Swivelmate Knee Walker has been made using a unique patented design. The knee walker offers a high degree of stability to its user. It features a rather strong and durable construct and is capable of offering unparalleled maneuverability when compared to all of its competitors. The knee walker is great to be used indoors as well as outdoors. It has a slim design which makes it best for commuting in narrow areas such as bathroom and kitchen. Hence, the knee walker can do a great job of improving the quality of life for its user.

 

90-degree turning radius

One of the greatest concerns while choosing a knee walker is its ability to turn around corners. When you have restricted mobility, you would definitely want something that allows you to move around freely. This, however, is not a problem when it comes to the Swivelmate Knee Walker. It has a turning radius of full 90 degrees. This gives you full control of the steering, allowing you to go in the exact direction you want. Moving around in the knee walker becomes much smoother as you will be able to make sharp turns while remaining stable. Due to its 90 degree turning radius, it is easily able to outperform all other knee walkers available in the market.

 

Easy to assemble

The Swivelmate Knee Walker does not come with any complicated parts and is therefore easy to assemble. If you want to have it folded up for storage or transportation or storage, it is equally easy to break. It only takes one person to assemble the knee walker, and you can have it ready for use in a span of just a few minutes. No extra tools are required for the assembly. Everything that is required comes together with the package. In fact, the patient himself will be able to set it up single-handedly without much difficulty. You can have the steering column adjusted up and down or front and back as per your convenience. The steps of the assembly are given very clearly in the instruction manual and should not be very difficult to follow. If you still have problems, you can also watch online tutorials or make a direct call to the customer care service.

 

Padded knee rest

The knee walker has thick padding over the knee rest. The pad absorbs the maximum weight of the body and distributes it evenly over the entire surface. This makes sure that you do not experience any pressure spots even if you are using the knee walker constantly for a long period of time. This makes the Swivelmate Knee Walker unmatchable in terms of comfort. Furthermore, the padding can be adjusted to provide comfortable accommodation for users from measuring from 4’8” to 6’8”.

 

Efficient brakes

The Swivelmate Knee Walker features powerful disc brakes that give you a superior control while moving around. The efficient brake system comes in handy, especially while going down inclines and ramps when the body weight automatically tends to build up speed. The power brakes ensure that you are not exceeding the safe speed limit irrespective of where you are riding. The dual-sided brakes are operated by hand, which makes it much more convenient as compared to foot brakes. The feature also comes in very handy while parking and when you want to stand still. It should be noted that this knee walker only has brakes over the rear wheels. However, this is to ensure that you do not lose balance and flip over upon applying the front brakes. The feature adds to your own safety while riding.

 

Foldable

One of the best things about Swivelmate is that it can be effortlessly folded when no longer used. So if you have fully recovered and do not need the assistance of a knee walker, you do not have to keep it out, occupying a large amount of space in the room. The feature can also come in very handy while traveling. When folded, the knee walker does not take up a very large space and can easily fit into your car. You do not have to do much in order to fold the knee walker. Just remove the large black thumbscrew by turning it a few times and then fold the column for steering. It is as easy as that. Since it is very easy to assemble, you can immediately set it up and start using it in your new destination. Therefore, if you are someone who travels frequently, this knee walker may be just the right option for you.

 

Basket

Unlike other knee walkers, the Swivelmate comes together with a basket. This makes it possible for you to go around while still carrying your belongings. This may not seem like a very significant feature. However, it can add greatly to your convenience on a daily basis. With both your hands engaged in steering, you will not be able to hold any object while moving around. This means that you will have to carry a bag. However, since the Swivelmate has a wide basket attached to it, you do not have to burden yourself with an extra bag. Furthermore, the basket is rather large in size and can easily hold in any of your belongings.

 

Weight capacity

There are a number of things to be considered while choosing a knee walker and one of them is the weight capacity. The Swivelmate Knee Walker is capable of holding up to 400 lbs of weight without faltering or giving rise to stability issues. The large weight capacity makes the knee walker highly versatile. Furthermore, it has a rather sturdy and durable build and does not give away easily. Hence, people of all body sizes will be able to use the knee walker with extreme confidence. Once you invest in a Swivelmate Knee Walker, it will last you for a long time to come.

 

Lightweight

The Swivelmate has a total weight of only 22 pounds. This is an ideal weight for a knee walker and adds to the ease of portability while carrying it from one place to the other.

 

Large wheels

The Swivelmate Knee Walker runs on five large wheels measuring 7 inches in diameter. The large size of the wheels makes it perfect to be used for all types of surfaces. It minimizes jolts and bumps to a minimum, thereby offering a very smooth ride irrespective of whether you are riding indoors or outdoors. Hence, the knee walker is a very convenient option for commuting as compared to crutches. You will be able to move around without putting very much strain on your body. Furthermore, the wheels have been placed in such a way that you do not step over it accidentally by the foot that you use to propel yourself. This ensures that you do not lose your balance while riding.  So if you have suffered anything such as sprains, foot ulcers, foot amputation, fractures or foot surgery, it is highly recommended that you opt for a knee walker for assistance in moving around.

 

Smooth wheels

The wheels used in this knee walker glide very smoothly. It also offers a very good over the floor surface, thereby ensuring that you do not speed up out of control. Due to their large size, the wheels do not get attracted much dirt and therefore do not cause jamming as is the case with most other smaller sized wheels. They also do not corrode easily like metal wheels. Therefore, you can use the knee walker in all weather conditions. You do not have to take extra care to protect it from moisture and other factors that might trigger corrosion. The wheels are very sturdy and capable of withstanding any amount of weight. Furthermore, the wheels do not leave any scratch marks on the hard floor or damage your carpets.

 

Adjustable height

Moving around in a knee walker can only be convenient as long as you can have it adjusted to your specific height. Much to your convenience, the knee pad in Swivelmate can be adjusted to different heights as per the need. This makes it perfect for people of all heights, right from 5 inches to 6’6”. Furthermore, the knee pad is highly supportive and has a slight depression in the center to make sure that you have a firm grip on it while moving around. This particular feature also helps in spreading out the weight evenly on the seat, skin interface, thereby preventing pressure spots.

 

Appealing design

Swivelmate does not fall behind in any of the features when it comes to the ease of riding. The bonus, however, is that it is also highly appealing to the eye. The appearance of your knee walker may not bother you much if you are only using it indoors. However, if you travel frequently, this knee walker is a great option. It will surely bring you a lot of compliments.

 

Safety

The Swivelmate knee walker is the ultimate choice among the knee walkers as far as safety is concerned. All of its features are geared towards providing an easy and comfortable riding option for the users. You can steer it in any direction you want. The 90-degree turning radius even allows you to make extremely sharp turns around the narrow bends. It has a highly powerful brake system that is operated by hands. This makes sure that you are always safe while riding the knee walker. Furthermore, its body has been so designed that it does not create any obstruction to your propelling feet, thereby preventing the risk of tripping and falling. You can have a superior control over both the speed as well as steering when you are riding this knee walker. Not only that, but it is also extremely comfortable with its thick padding and keeps you comfortable even if you have been using it for a sufficiently long period of time. The flexibility of the knee walker allows you to use it both indoor and outdoor with equal ease. Hence, it is every bit worth the money that you pay for it.

 

Health benefits

After a treatment or surgery, patients generally put bed rest and advised to perform some light exercises to maintain an optimum health. However, the limited mobility of the patients keeps them from performing any exercise without assistance from a second person. However, the Swivelmate Knee Walker easily allows the patients to go from one place to the other by themselves. This itself can act as a light form of exercise and keep them from staying in bed all day long. So if you are in a convalescing state, the Swivelmate Knee Walker can help you speed up your recovery, without putting your safety in jeopardy at any point.

 

FAQ

1. What is this knee walker actually used for?

The Swivelmate Knee Walker has been designed for people who may face difficulty in walking around due to foot injuries, amputations, surgeries, ulcers, foot fractures, sprains and more. They are much more convenient as compared to crutches and also offer a light exercise to accelerate the process of recovery. It remains convenient for the patients even while traveling as it can easily be folded and loaded into the car. Since it only has a weight of 22 lbs, portability is not an issue at all.

 

2. Is there anything you should keep in mind while using the Swivelmate Knee Walker?

Yes, the first thing is to make sure that the knee walker has been set up properly before you start using it. This can be done by asking one of the family members to test for sturdiness. Another thing to note is that the prescription medicines can sometimes cause you to lose balance. So make sure that you are not moving overcrowded floors as it can cause you to trip and fall.

 

3. How does the Swivelmate Knee walker operate?

This knee walker is a great alternative to crutches. To use it, you will simply be required to place your affected knee over the rest pad and propel yourself with the other leg to move around. You can use the steering handle to change directions as you move around. The brakes are also placed adjacent to the steering handle. You can use this to control your speed.

 

4. How much weight can this Knee Walker take?

The Swivelmate knee walker is capable of supporting a weight of up to 400 lbs.

 

5. Is this knee walker heavy?

No, the Swivelmate Knee Walker has a weight of only 22 lbs. This is quite a small weigh for a knee walker and adds to the ease of portability.

 

6. Can I adjust the height of this knee walker?

Yes, the height of the knee rest can be adjusted as per your own convenience. It is designed to be used by anyone with a height of 5’ to 6’6”.

 

7. Is this knee walker transportable?

The Swivelmate Knee Walker is foldable. Furthermore, it has a very light weight. These features make it very easy to transport the knee walker while traveling.

 

8. Does the Swivelmate Knee walker have brakes?

Yes, the Swivelmate Knee Walker features powerful disc brakes. There are two brakes attached to the rear wheels. These are operated by hand and allow for a superior control while moving around. The brakes are very smooth and efficient, thereby making it possible for you to make an abrupt stop and control the speed efficiently while moving down an incline.

 

9. What is the difference between a knee scooter and a knee walker?

A knee walker and a knee scooter are the same thing and can be used in place of one another without any confusion. Knee Walker is an old term and is mostly used by doctors. The device acquired the name of a knee scooter as it became more and more popular later on.

 

10. Can I use Swivelmate on carpeted floors?

Yes, Swivelmate is ideal to be used on all types of floors. It neither leaves any scratch mark on the floor nor pulls out the fabric form the carpeted floors. This knee walker has been designed for both indoor and outdoor use. You can even use it over rough floors without affecting your stability.

 

11. How big is this knee scooter?

Knee scooters have a height ranging between 31 and 41 inches. The Swivelmate Knee Walker has a dimension of 30.2 by 16.5 by 35.5 inches. This is quite a compact size for a knee walker. Hence, you can easily commute through narrow spaces with the help of this knee walker.

 

12. Do I need to have a prescription to purchase the Swivelmate Knee Walker?

No, you can purchase the Swivelmate Knee Walker even if you do not have a prescription.

 

Final verdict

There are very few Knee Walkers on the market that are as maneuverable as the Swivelmate Knee Walker. This particular knee walker is packed with features that make it highly convenient for the user to move around with extreme safety and comfort. It is every bit worth the money you pay for it. If you need further details about this product, you can check online or call their store to know all the details that you need.