Choosing the Best Knee Walker for a Speedy Recovery.
*This page contains affiliate links and we will be compensated if you buy after clicking on our links.
This is my review to help you choose the best knee walker for you in 2024.
Having to get around non weight bearing after a foot or ankle surgery or injury is no fun… But having a knee walker to help you get about can make it more bearable.
I reviewed 14 knee walkers and found that the Vive Mobility All Terrain Knee Scooter was the best knee walker overall.
Best knee walker – Overall
- Fully all terrain
- Strong, sturdy & stable
- Comes with front bag
Best knee walker on a budget
- Great value
- Most lightweight
- Lowest handlebars
*Discount automatically applied at checkout
Best knee walker for use with a boot
- Dual knee rest pads
- Can offset knee rest
- Strong brakes
Best bariatric knee walker
- Supports up to 400 lbs
- Sturdy and well made
- Good quality brakes
Best knee walker for travel
- Compact folding
- Lightweight to carry
- All terrain front tires
*Discount automatically applied at checkout
When I worked at a surgical centre, some non weight bearing patients chose knee walkers instead of hopping around with a frame or crutches. They said they felt safer than with crutches and more mobile than with a frame.
I’ve written this best knee walker review to help you decide which one might suit you best.
I chose the Vive Mobility All Terrain Knee Scooter for best knee walker overall because it’s all-terrain, has 12 inch wheels and is sturdy and stable.
But each of the knee walkers I’ve chosen are best for different scenarios. For example, you might be looking for a knee walker to take travelling, or to use with a surgical boot.
Find out more about my recommended knee walkers below:
Your best knee walker options 2024:
- Vive Mobility All Terrain Knee Scooter (Best knee walker overall)
- Knee Rover Economy Knee Scooter (Best knee walker on a budget)
- Roscoe Medical Knee Scooter (Best knee walker for use with a boot/cast)
- Knee Rover Quad Junior (Best knee walker for short people)
- Knee Rover All Terrain Knee Walker (Best knee walker for tall people)
- Nova Heavy Duty Knee Scooter (Best bariatric knee walker)
- Knee Rover Go Hybrid (Best knee walker for travel)
Best for: Overall – best knee walker overall 33/40
This Vive Mobility All Terrain Knee Scooter is my top pick for best knee walker overall. It is fully all terrain, suits people up to 6 ft 6″ tall, has 12″ pneumatic tires and is sturdy and stable.
Benefits:
- Large 12 inch all terrain tires provide stable and smooth motion on various terrain.
- It is strong and sturdy and users feel well supported.
- Faux sheepskin and memory foam covers can be purchased additionally for extra comfort.
Things to consider:
- This is a large knee walker. If you are shorter than 5 ft 6″, the handlebars and knee rest may be too tall for you. In which case I would recommend the shorter but still all-terrain Knee Rover Quad Junior.
- It is likely you will need a bike pump to pump up the tires on first receiving the product.
- At 25 lbs, it is heavier to lift into a vehicle, especially if you have weaker arms.
- Pros
- Fully all terrain knee walker
- Strong, sturdy and stable
- Comes with handy front bag
- Cons
- On the tall side for some
- Tires may need pumping
- Heavier to lift and carry
Dimensions:
- Handle height: 38 to 46 inches. Measure your ‘floor to wrist crease’ distance.
- Height range (approx.): 5 ft 6 to 6 ft 6 inches.
- Weight limit: 300 lbs
- Maximum width: 20 inches (Measure your doorways to make sure it will fit).
- Product weight: 25 lbs
- Knee rest dimensions: Knee rest height range 20 to 26 inches. Width 7 inches, length 14 inches. How to measure the correct knee rest height.
- Wheel size: 12 inch air filled tires.
Best for: Best knee walker on a budget 31/40
This Knee Rover Economy Knee Scooter is my top pick for best budget knee walker. It functions well and safely, is lightweight and maneuverable. It’s your best choice of knee walker if you’re on a tight budget and are likely to have a shorter recovery time of weeks rather than months.
Benefits:
- At 21 lbs, it is one of the most lightweight knee walkers you will find – so very portable to move around and lift.
- It has one of the lowest handlebar heights available (28.5 inches) – ideal if you are shorter with longer arms.
Things to consider:
- Best for use indoors or on smoother surfaces as the smaller wheels are not great with obstacles.
- The knee pad is thinner than some more expensive models – it may be worth purchasing additional padding.
- The knee rest isn’t curved and is slightly shorter in length – this may be less comfortable over prolonged periods.
- Pros
- Great value
- Most lightweight
- Lowest height handlebars
- Cons
- Smaller wheels
- Thinner knee pad
- Not all terrain
*Discount automatically applied at checkout
Dimensions:
- Handle height: 28.5 to 37 inches. Measure your ‘floor to wrist crease’ distance.
- Height range (approx.): 4 ft 9 to 6 ft 4 inches.
- Weight limit: 300 lbs
- Maximum width: 16 inches (Measure your doorways to make sure it will fit).
- Product weight: 21 lbs
- Knee rest dimensions: Knee rest height range 16.5 to 22 inches. Width 7 inches, length 12.5 inches. How to measure the correct knee rest height.
- Wheel size: 7.5 inches.
Best for: Best knee walker for use with a boot 33/40
The Roscoe Medical Knee Scooter’s split knee rest and ability to offset the knee rest for the left or right leg make it the ideal choice for those in a boot or cast.
Benefits:
- The gap between the knee rest pads allows the lip of the cast or boot to rest in the space, taking some pressure off the front of the shin.
- Being able to offset the knee rest helps keep your centre of balance in the correct spot to help with safety and stability. You are also less likely to kick the wheels with your good leg when on the move.
Things to consider:
- Knee rest may be too high for those 5 ft 3″ and under to use comfortably.
- The tight/stiff brakes are strong but may be too hard for those with weak hands to use easily.
Wheels unlikely to be large enough to handle rougher outdoor terrain.
The brake wire can get caught on things – tie it to the frame.
- Pros
- Dual knee rest pads
- Can offset knee rest
- Strong brakes
- Cons
- Knee rest too high for < 5'3"
- Brake stiff for weak hands
- Not for all terrain
Dimensions:
- Handle height: 31 to 41 inches. Measure your ‘floor to wrist crease’ distance.
- Height range (approx.): Product info states 4 ft 11 to 6 ft 6 but reviews suggest knee rest too high for people 5 ft 3 inches and under.
- Weight limit: 350 lbs
- Maximum width: 17 inches (Measure your doorways to make sure it will fit).
- Product weight: 22.8 lbs
- Knee rest dimensions: Knee rest height range 17.5 to 22 inches. Width 7 inches, length 14 inches. How to measure the correct knee rest height.
- Wheel size: 8 inches.
Best for: Best knee walker for short people 33/40
This Knee Rover Quad Junior is the best knee walker for short people as it suits people from 3 ft 9 inches tall and the knee rest goes down to 14.5″ high (which is rare). And it is suitable for all surfaces due to the all terrain wheels.
Benefits:
- Low knee rest and handlebars for those shorter than 5 ft 3″.
- Comfortable ride due to four 9″ air filled tires.
- Easy to adjust.
Things to consider:
- At 24.6 lbs, it is a bit heavier to lift into a vehicle.
- Basket and extra padding need to be purchased separately.
- You will need a bike pump to pump up the tires.
- Pros
- Low knee rest height
- Low handlebar height
- All terrain wheels
- Cons
- Heavier to lift into car
- Knee rest can get uncomfortable
*Discount automatically applied at checkout
Dimensions:
- Handle height: 31.5 to 41 inches. Measure your ‘floor to wrist crease’ distance.
- Height range (approx.): 3 ft 9 to 5 ft 9 inches.
- Weight limit: 250 lbs
- Maximum width: 21 inches (Measure your doorways to make sure it will fit).
- Product weight: 24.6 lbs
- Knee rest dimensions: Knee rest height range 14.5 to 20.5 inches. Width 7 inches, length 15 inches. How to measure the correct knee rest height.
- Wheel size: 9 inch air filled tires
Best for: Best knee walker for tall people 32/40
This Knee Rover All Terrain Knee Walker suits people up to 6 ft 6 inches tall – both the handlebars and the knee rest extend higher than some other knee walkers. And it’s great for all surfaces due to it’s 12 inch all terrain tires.
Benefits:
- Suits tall people up to 6 ft 6 inches tall.
- It comes with an extra stabilizer wheel for the back, if needed.
- The large tires work well on all terrain.
Things to consider:
- At 28 lbs, it is heavier to lift into a vehicle, especially if you have weaker arms.
- It is likely you will need a bike pump to pump up the tires on first receiving the product.
- You can buy extra padding for the knee rest, if needed.
- Pros
- Suits people up to 6 ft 6" tall.
- All terrain with large tires.
- Comes with an extra stabilizer wheel.
- Cons
- Heavy to lift into car.
- Knee rest can get uncomfortable.
- Will need to pump up tires.
*Discount automatically applied at checkout
Dimensions:
- Handle height: 34-41 inches. Measure your ‘floor to wrist crease’ distance.
- Height range (approx.): 5 ft 6 inches to 6 ft 6 inches.
- Weight limit: 350 lbs
- Maximum width: 21 inches (Measure your doorways to make sure it will fit).
- Product weight: 28 lbs
- Knee rest dimensions: Knee rest height range 18 to 21.5 inches. Width 7 inches, length 12.5 inches. How to measure the correct knee rest height.
- Wheel size: 12 inch air filled tires
Best for: Best bariatric knee walker 33/40
The Nova Heavy Duty Knee Scooter is the best bariatric knee walker available. It has a weight limit of 400 lbs and is sturdy, well made and comfortable.
Benefits:
- Suitable for people weighing up to 400 lbs.
- If you are very tall (between 6 ft 2″ and 6 ft 8″) there is a tall option of this knee walker.
- It is sturdy and has a good quality well made frame and brakes.
Things to consider:
- At 29 lbs, it is one of the heavier knee walkers to lift if you need to carry it or get it into the car.
- With 8 inch wheels, this walker may not manage rougher outdoor terrain as well as some knee walkers with larger/air filled tires.
- Some issues with people receiving used items from default seller – maybe choose an alternative amazon seller.
- Pros
- Suitable for those weighing up to 400 lbs.
- Sturdy and well made
- Good quality brakes
- Cons
- Heavier to lift and carry
- Smaller wheels than some
- Select Amazon seller carefully
Dimensions:
- Handle height: 31.5 to 37.75 inches. Measure your ‘floor to wrist crease’ distance.
- Height range (approx.): 4 ft 11 to 6 ft 2 inches.
- Weight limit: 400 lbs.
- Maximum width: 19 inches (Measure your doorways to make sure it will fit).
- Product weight: 29 lbs.
- Knee rest dimensions: Knee rest height range 17 to 22 inches. Width 7.5 inches, length 15 inches. How to measure the correct knee rest height.
- Wheel size: 8 inches.
- Dimensions when folded: H20″ x W18.75″ x D32.25″
Best for: Best knee walker for travel 34/40
This Knee Rover Go Hybrid is perfect for those who are looking for a lightweight, highly portable walker that folds up small. Great for travelling and storing in small spaces. It also has all terrain front tires for safer and more comfortable travel outdoors.
Benefits:
- It is very portable, lightweight and folds to a compact 19.8 x 18.5 inches – great for travel.
- Folds up small enough to fit in the overhead compartment of planes.
- Hybrid tires – designed to get over bumps but also be easier to maneuver indoors (=best of both).
Things to consider:
- It is not fully all terrain like some knee walkers (as it is designed to be compact and lightweight).
- Folding correctly and efficiently can take some practise.
- The knee rest is a shorter length than some (12.5″). If you are very tall, measure the length of your shin to ensure it will fit.
- Pros
- Folds up small for travel
- Lightweight to lift and carry
- All terrain front tires
- Cons
- Not fully all terrain
- Folding takes practise
- Shorter knee rest length
*Discount automatically applied at checkout
Dimensions:
- Handle height: 31.5 to 41 inches. Measure your ‘floor to wrist crease’ distance.
- Height range (approx.): 4 ft 9 to 6 ft 6 inches.
- Weight limit: 300 lbs
- Maximum width: 15.5 inches (Measure your doorways to make sure it will fit).
- Product weight: 22.5 lbs
- Knee rest dimensions: Knee rest height range 16.5 to 23 inches. Width 7 inches, length 12.5 inches. How to measure the correct knee rest height.
- Wheel size: 9 inch air filled front tires, 7.5 inch rear wheels.
- Dimensions when folded: 19.8 x 18.5 inches.
What to look for when buying a knee walker:
There are four main factors you need to consider when choosing a knee walker – safety, maneuverability, adjustability and comfort. Following the criteria below will help you choose the right knee walker for you:
1. Safety
(a) Knee rest height
The knee rest height matters just as much (if not more) then the handlebar height. You want the knee rest to be at a height where your hips and pelvis are level whilst your shin is resting on the knee rest. If the knee rest is too high for you and your hip is hitched up, you can cause yourself hip and lower back problems.
The correct knee rest height for you is the distance from the floor to your knee when you are standing up with your knee bent. See these Knee Rover Measuring Tips for further information on how to do this.
(b) 3 wheels vs 4 wheels
4 wheeled knee walkers are more stable than 3 wheeled knee walkers because there is a larger base of support at the back. If you are concerned about stability and your balance, a 4 wheeled knee walker would be more suitable for you. All the knee walkers I have chosen are four wheeled, except for one which includes an additional stabilizer wheel if needed.
2. Maneuverability
Things to consider when thinking about maneuverability:
(a) What size are the wheels?
Generally, the larger the wheels the easier it will be to move the walker smoothly on different surfaces, especially outdoors. But larger wheels can make it harder to maneuver in small spaces indoors. So you will need to weigh up the pros and cons based on what you need to use the knee walker for.
For example:
Mostly outdoor use – large all terrain wheels for safety and comfort out and about.
Mostly indoor use – smaller wheels to allow better maneuverability in smaller spaces.
(b) How much does the walker weigh?
Think about how you would be using the knee walker, your strength and balance and if someone would be helping you or not. Obviously a larger, heavier knee walker would be problematic if you are small and need to lift it into a vehicle by yourself.
(c) Turning radius
The turning radius on knee walkers is deliberately restricted for safety reasons to prevent them tipping over when turning. Having said that, the turning radius does vary slightly from walker to walker.
If you are particularly concerned about maneuvering in small spaces you may wish to contact sellers/manufacturers to ask about turning radius (this information is not routinely provided).
3. Adjustability
What to think about for adjustability:
(a) What’s the height range of the handlebars and knee rest? Will they both go tall or short enough for you? This tends to be more problematic for people on the shorter rather than taller side.
Handlebars often go low enough but knee rests don’t, so watch out for this and make sure you measure the correct knee rest height for you. For your correct handlebar height, measure your ‘floor to wrist crease’ distance.
(b) What are the dimensions of the knee walker on it’s smallest settings? How small does the knee walker fold down for storage or travel?
4. Comfort
When thinking about comfort, consider:
(a) The size and comfort of the knee rest. The length varies, as does the thickness of the padding and whether it is contoured or flat. Some knee rests are divided into two parts.
Aim for a one piece, thickly padded contoured rest, unless you are in a boot/cast – in which case you may want to go for a two piece knee rest to take some pressure off the top of the shin.
(b) Can you purchase extras to make it more comfortable? For example knee rest cushions, baskets, drinks holders.
Our Verdict:
Of the 14 knee walkers reviewed, the Vive Mobility All Terrain Knee Scooter is my no. 1 choice for overall best knee walker.
It is fully all terrain, suits people up to 6 foot inches tall, has four 12 inch pneumatic tires and is sturdy and stable.
Click on the links below to check out buying options.
Discover which walker is best for you!
Not sure which walker is best for you? It really isn’t easy to choose one – it depends on many factors such as your height and weight, budget, home set-up, weight bearing status etc.
If you are unsure and want a little help, why not take our new walker quiz? You will be asked 5 questions and will then be provided with a personalized recommendation!
Just click on the button below to take the quiz:
Frequently asked questions about knee walkers:
Here are some answers to the most frequently asked questions about knee walkers.
The best way to know what handle height you need is to measure the distance from the floor to your wrist crease – see images below.
The proportions of every person’s limbs are different. For example, one person might have longer arms than another person of the same height. And the person with longer arms would have their walker handles set at a lower height than the other person with shorter arms.
This is why you don’t find a general ‘height chart for walkers’.
A knee walker is a mobility device that you can steer whilst resting your non weight bearing leg on it. Knee walkers are designed to help people who are non weight bearing at the foot or ankle to get around indoors and outdoors. Otherwise you have to hop with a walking frame or crutches, which is very hard work.
It is not designed for people who are non weight bearing at the hip or knee, as only the foot and ankle are non weight bearing on a knee walker.
There is no difference! A knee walker and a knee scooter are the exact same thing, with slightly different names. They are not the same as a mobility scooter, which is an electric sit-on mobility device.
Your knee and shin of your injured leg rests on the walker’s knee rest, your other leg is on the ground pushing you along. The knee walker has handlebars to hold onto and steer with. See this video for more info.
- When standing with your walker with your arm down by your side, the handle of the walker should be roughly level with your wrist.
- When holding onto the walker handles you should have a slight bend in your elbow and your shoulders should be relaxed down away from your ears.
- Watch this video for a demonstration of this.