Using a knee scooter in the bathroom is one of the trickier aspects of recovering from a lower leg injury. A knee scooter can be a lifesaver for people healing from foot or ankle injuries, but it can pose some challenges, especially in tight spaces like bathrooms.
But don’t worry, I’m going to walk you through how to use a knee scooter safely and efficiently in the bathroom, drawing on my professional experience and also my personal experience from multiple lower leg injuries.
If you prefer video guides, you can watch my YouTube video below.
If you, or someone you know, is recovering from a lower leg injury, here’s some other articles and videos that will help you in your recovery:
Please note: Before we begin, you need to make sure you follow all the instructions and warnings provided by the manufacturer. The steps below are only to provide guidance with installing or assembling equipment, but you should always follow the warnings and instructions provided by the manufacturer and always speak with your medical team before adding new equipment to your routine.
Key Considerations for Using a Knee Scooter in the Bathroom
First, knee scooters are not always the best choice for small or tight bathroom spaces. While they are great for getting around in larger areas, bathrooms often require some adaptation. You may want to supplement your scooter with other mobility tools like crutches, an iWalk, or a walker for more confined spaces like a bathroom or walk-in closet.
1. Make Sure Your Knee Scooter Fits
Before entering the bathroom, make sure your knee scooter is adjusted properly for your height and that you know how to engage and lock the brakes. Using a knee scooter with a narrow base can help navigate tight spaces. For example, the KneeRover I used has a slim design, making it ideal for indoor use, but it’s still important to test it in your bathroom to make sure it fits through doorways and around fixtures.
2. How to Approach the Toilet With A Knee Scooter
When you enter the bathroom, line up your scooter so your knees are perpendicular with the toilet. If your left leg is injured, for example, approach the toilet so your non-injured leg is closest to the toilet for support. For the purposes of this demonstration, in these pictures, my left leg is the one that is injured and my right leg is my non-injured leg.
Once you’re in position, lock the brakes to prevent the scooter from moving during your transfer.
3. Transferring to the Toilet With a Knee Scooter
After locking the brakes, pivot your whole body towards the toilet carefully while keeping your injured leg elevated on the scooter pad.
Use the scooter and your strong leg for support as you lower your pants to knee height. If your bathroom has a counter, use it for stability. Otherwise, consider adding a toilet safety frame to help with balance.
Lower yourself onto the toilet slowly, ensuring you keep your injured leg supported either on the scooter or elevated.
In the first few weeks of recovery, when my injured leg was especially sensitive, I found it helpful to elevate my leg on the scooter while sitting to relieve pressure. If space allows, gently slide the scooter out to give yourself more room, but keep it nearby to assist in standing back up.
4. Standing Back Up From the Toilet
When you’re ready to stand, ensure your pants are pulled up to the appropriate height, particularly on the injured leg, as adjusting them after you’re back on the scooter is tricky. Push yourself up using the counter or safety frame, and quickly get your injured leg back onto the scooter pad to regain balance.
Lock the brakes again, and once you’re stable, finish adjusting your clothing and wash your hands.
5. Adapting for Different Bathroom Layouts
If your bathroom is a tight water closet or if you’re using a public restroom, you will need to back into the space for easier positioning.
Keep in mind that doors may be difficult to close with the scooter in front of you, and tight quarters may require you to pivot your body slightly to avoid bumping into the toilet.
The key is to lock the brakes and carefully maneuver to maintain balance and stability.
Safety Tips for Knee Scooter Use in the Bathroom
- Always lock the brakes before transferring.
- Position yourself carefully based on your bathroom layout and the location of fixtures like counters, tubs, or sinks.
- Use additional support like grab bars or safety frames if necessary, especially if your bathroom is small or lacks natural supports.
- Plan your clothing management so that adjusting your pants doesn’t become a balancing act while you’re on the scooter.
With these tips, using a knee scooter in the bathroom can be manageable and safe. Everyone’s bathroom setup is different, so adapt these strategies to suit your needs.
*all prices are at the time of publishing
Note: This post contains affiliate links that provide a small commission without any added cost to the user.
- Choosing the Right Toilet Aid for Wiping
Let’s face it: some of the most important conversations in life are the ones we rarely have. Talking about toilet aids for wiping might not be the go-to topic at dinner parties, but for millions of people, it’s a daily concern that deserves attention. Whether it’s … - How to Use a Knee Scooter in the Bathroom
Using a knee scooter in the bathroom is one of the trickier aspects of recovering from a lower leg injury. A knee scooter can be a lifesaver for people healing from foot or ankle injuries, but it can pose some challenges, especially in tight spaces like … - How to Sleep after Back Surgery
Getting enough sleep after back surgery can be frustrating. The pain. The discomfort. Unable to find a comfortable sleeping position. Recovering from back surgery can be a daunting journey, marked not only by the physical healing process, but also by the challenge of finding comfortable rest. …
