Using Canes, Crutches, Or Knee Scooters When Walking Around Disney World
6 min read
This post pertains to the practice of using canes, crutches, or Knee Scooters when walking around Disney World. I intend to provide information about all three of the disability aids I’ve seen used. Nonetheless, there exist many variations of those devices. For example, there are so many styles of canes that it is impossible and needless to cover all. But, of course, that goes for crutches, as well as knee scooters too.
Canes Offer Some Support And Stability
All canes provide some support and stability while walking or standing, period! What is most comfortable to the user is what is essential. Click this link for a more detailed explanation of these assistive devices and how to use one to move around better and in a safe manner.
While at Disney, I’ve managed my cane use only coupled with a mobility scooter equipped with a proper holder. Likewise, I’m sure that other people can relate to using a cane plus a wheelchair as necessary. A quick Google or Amazon search will uncover many disability aids holders for power and manual wheelchairs.
Using Crutches At Disney World For Short-Term Distances
I believe crutches are better for short-term use and minimal distances than knee scooters. However, it’s just my opinion. I compare it to my using a cane as a mobility aid. I could not walk around any Disney park all day, just with my cane. The four theme parks are just too spacious. However, my cane helps me with support when needed, just like a crutch would offer someone else. As I’ve done with canes, here is an excellent source of information regarding the various types of crutches available and their use.
Could Lead To Discomfort And Fatigue
Using Crutches In Conjunction With A Mobility Scooter
You can put a cane holder or crutch holder on most mobility scooters. Essentially, the crutch holder is a twin tubed device attached to the seat frame. I’ve also seen fabric-based holders which attach to seat backs too. Either accessory allows for safe movement when operating the scooter. In practice, it holds your cane or crutches, making them readily available when needed.
Designed To Fit On Some Mobility Scooters
A Cane Or Crutch Holder Will Fit On Most Wheelchairs
There are crutch and cane holders for wheelchairs too. I’m not familiar with them except for looking at the pictures you see in this post. I’m sure that other people can relate to using a cane or crutches in combination with a wheelchair. As mentioned previously, an internet search will uncover many crutches and cane holders, both for electric and manual wheelchairs.
The design would differ for fitment onto a wheelchair instead of a mobility scooter. However, I’m sure that some holders could be made interchangeable with a bit of ingenuity and modification. Bungee cords come in very handy. Check with your local big box hardware store for the size(s) that fit your needs. You may have to buy a few different sizes to determine what’s best. I’d guess that cords in the 24 to the 36-inch range would be fine.
A Knee Scooter Or Knee Walker
Additionally, there is another disability aid device I’ve seen used at Disney recently. It is a knee scooter. The terms knee scooter and knee walker are names for disability aids synonymous with one another. However, the term knee scooter is the one most commonly used.
A knee scooter is a wheeled device with handlebars and a resting platform for those unfamiliar. It allows you to rest your injured leg on a 90 degree angled, padded platform. Then, by using the handlebars, you’ll steer towards the direction you want to go. Simultaneously, you push off with your good foot to propel yourself forward. It’s just like riding a regular scooter when you were a kid, but your knee is resting on a padded platform.
A Knee Scooter Is A Modern-Day Alternative To Crutches
Generally speaking, a knee scooter is a modern-day alternative to crutches and possibly even a cane. Primarily it’s designed for users who have a lower leg injury such as a foot or ankle. If your injury is to a knee or above, this would not be acceptable for use. I doubt if you’d want to be resting an injured knee on the platform all day, padded or not.
Knee scooters allow easy movement while enabling users to stand up and rest hands-free. I don’t think they’d be as tiring to use compared to crutches. To this end, both knee scooters or crutches would not be appropriate for use all day at Disney. Did I mention how far you’d be walking each day? Yes, I have many times! You’d probably find yourself exhausted within the first hour or so.
Neither Knee Scooters Nor Crutches Would Be A Suitable Choice
If you have problems walking, neither device would be a suitable choice. Crutches would wear you out. Additionally, the foot and leg which propels a knee scooter would experience the same fate. It’s a stretch, but maybe someone younger could do this all day. I can guarantee you that I could never do it. There’s no doubt I’m echoing the same thought for most older people. You may be young at heart, but your body will indicate and dictate otherwise!
As I’ve done throughout this post, I’ve provided some links which further explain using some of these assistive devices. For example, if you want to explore the possibility of a knee scooter, here is a link to an article entitled, “4 Reasons To Use A Knee Walker Instead Of Crutches.”
In Conclusion, I Rely On My Cane And A Mobility Scooter.
For further clarification, let me express myself this way. I use the mobility scooter to get me into a ride or attraction queue as far as possible. Then I rely on my cane to assist me wherever I need to go, such as transferring to a ride or attraction seat. There are many instances where I can remain seated on the mobility scooter without getting up. However, my cane is always readily available if needed.
My advice comes from my personal views and opinions. Some of it is from my own experiences, and some are from observing other people. For example, I see people with mobility issues struggling to get around Disney with canes, crutches, and other assistive aids all the time. Hopefully, employing some of my tips will make it easier for you on your next trip to Walt Disney World, The Most Magical Place On Earth.
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