All Terrain Knee Walker for Broken Ankle

A ride in the air ambulance over scenic Wilson's Promentary in Victoria's south was small compensation for breaking my ankle on the second day of a three day hike. A broken bone was not on my bucket list.

Step 1: Goodbye Crutches

Nor was learning to use crutches.
After 5 days my back, neck, hips, hands and head were aching from using crutches.
This contraption, found on eBay, quickly became my new best friend, waiting patiently beside the front door.
The only problem was that the hard rubber wheels could barely negotiate the transition from floorboards to a mat.
Outdoors, uneven ground threw the handlebars into spasms.
It was dangerous, if not impossible on uneven ground and even small sticks and stones threatened to twist the handlebars out of my hands.

Step 2: Trolley Wheels

Pneumatic wheels off a cheap trolley solved the problem.
The trolley came unassembled so we used U-bolts to attach the axle to the frame of the walker and a couple of spacers to get the length right.

Step 3: The All Terrain Knee Walker

Now I can go outside and I can now confidently take the knee walker on neighbourhood paths without worrying about small stones or broken pavements.
And the only time I need crutches now is to negotiate stairs.
Oh - and it's a great conversation starter ;)

Comments

[BonnieE19]

I would have loved to have one of these when I broke my ankle a number of years ago. Now my balance and lower back issues have me exploring options for my future. I would love to have one of these I could straddle/seated that I could use my legs to power. I have seen the A-linker but think that would be too cumbersome for small spaces. They make scooters for toddlers, could this be an idea for seniors with wobbly legs?

[DIY Hacks and How Tos]

Nice setup. My mother could have used one of these this year. I should have made one.

[wallabyj]

The original setup is easily purchased - I just put the pneumatic tyres on it.

But it makes it easier to do everything - getting into the shower, the truck, even trousers!

And I can carry a cup of coffee to the table.

[gm280]

And how do you use your knees to make it work. IDK

[wallabyj]

You use it like a scooter but kneel on the support instead of standing & scoot around with the other foot.