Blue HealBug Steerable KneeWalker with Basket

Healbug Steerable Knee WalkerI ordered the HealBug Steerable Knee Walker a few weeks ago in anticipation of ankle surgery because it seemed a less expensive alternative to renting a knee walker from a local medical supply store. With one large caveat, I have been impressed with the walker. It arrived well-wrapped in a box within a box and secured with zip ties. I was able to easily set up the seat and adjust it to the proper height. And once I finally set up the steering column properly, I have found the walker easy to use and maneuver around the house. The brake works without adjustment. The easily removable basket is also very helpful, although users might be warned that the walker may be unstable if you overload the basket.The caveat is that I had difficulty setting up the steering column. The instructions come with two identical diagrams providing an overview of the HealBug walker. It does not provide a close-up diagram of the safety lock lever in the steering column. While the directions instruct the user to "[u]nlock the tension lock and lean back the top of the steering column to expose the center bolt," there is no corresponding diagram of how this tension lock works. Therefore I had the steering column stuck in its socket without knowing how to tighten it into place. I also had no idea how to undo the tension lock. It was only six days after my surgery that I finally located a magical YouTube video – not put out by HealBug but another medical supply company - showing me how to set up the steering column. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IhXoywXlwqw. Not all users may be as stupid as me in setting this up. However, for those who might be mechanically disinclined, be forewarned and watch this video BEFORE you set up the walker.

Well I just got mine at the end of march(early I might add) and if there is any doubters or procrastinators out there mulling it over, forget about it,and just do it, and hit buy it now. I PROMISE you will not regret it, and for me, crutches were out of the question, as my arm pits, and groin areawere so sore, it actually took my mind off my foot, that has forty stiches in it from severe bunion removal. I was surprised at how well this little scooter is built, and everything well thought out, you see, im six ft, 255, and with the basket, I can get my water, and meds, without help, and travel around the house picking up my needs, and also, they designed the wheels to be narrower in the back, than the front, so you don't run your push foot over. also, the locking parking brake comes in so handy if you have to reach, and your a little unstable, but when you look closely at how sturdy the frame is, and all the precision welding, you will soon know your not on a childs toy. the wheels are ball bearing drive, and sealed so they cant come off. also solid rubber tires, with flex holes in them, so you can be comfortable on carpet, or tile floor. I could go on all day about this great little scooter, and to rent one, they want the same price, or much more at other places, and I bought mine, as im 62yrs. old, and never know when I may need it again, or a friend, or family member. if I can get around on this perfectly at my age, I think you can to, and no I don't work for, or am not affiliated with this company, but I will tell you, they make a great product, and they should be proud of the help they are giving to people.

Life changer. I broke my ankle and sprained my "good" leg at the same time. They tried to get me to use crutches when I was leaving the ER. NOPE. I fell and started crying because I had no idea how I would be able to move around. The next day the doctor prescribed a wheel chair for me so I could at least be mobile. I had surgery then a week later ordered one of these. It literally changed my life. I was able to easily maneuver around my house without putting tons of strain on my still broken ankle. I was able to go up and down the step that lead to our bathroom which I could not do in the wheelchair. Even the little basket made a difference. I went from having both hands occupied to being able to put drinks or snacks or books or whatever in my basket. That sounds silly but when you are 100% dependent on someone and then all the sudden can begin taking care of yourself, even in small ways, it makes a huge difference. I no longer need my scooter but I would buy this again in a heart beat if I had to do it over (god I hope I never do). I priced some rentals before purchasing this and it just made more sense to buy this since there was no real estimate as to when I would be walking. I would have ended up spending more on the rental if I had chosen that route. I had no issue with this model while using for two months and it seems to still be in great condition.

Needing a knee scooter as I was having ankle replacement surgery, I picked the HealBug because it was smallish (easier to put in a car) and the price was right. Great purchase on my part as the HealBug fits the bill on all counts. I've taken this to the store with my wife; anywhere she and I go, the HealBig goes with us. Her only complaint is that I go too fast on it but it feels very stable and is very comfortable. Two complaints, one major, one minor, both design flaws. The minor one first. The removable handlebars are secured via a bolt that has to be hand-tightened. It takes a long time, it seems. A simple one-click and you're secure system would seem to make more sense. The major flaw-the steering radius is limited by two seemingly random pieces of metal sticking out at either side of the steering column that stop the turning of the wheels at contact. They are not equal. The left side turns at a greater angle than the right, which does not turn wide enough for tight turns. I'm not an engineer but I see no reason for their placement. Figure out what the safe turning angle is and put the stops at that angle for both sides, not just where some guy decides he's going to weld a piece of metal to the steering shaft. Fix the major problem and the HealBug gets 5 stars.