Knee scooters
Knee scooters, also known as knee walkers, are mobility aids that allow individuals recovering from lower limb injuries or surgeries to move around more easily. These devices provide a great alternative to crutches, allowing users to maintain balance and support while keeping their injured leg elevated.
Buying a new knee scooter
Unlike wheelchairs or rollators, knee scooters are typically only needed for 4-5 weeks during the initial stages of recovery, often called the non-weight bearing phase. Buyers of knee scooters have a lower leg injury of the ankle or foot (fracture, sprain, surgery or tendon). Because these injuries are not common, and not recurring, a purchased knee scooter will either need to be resold or put into storage after healing.
Limited Market Demand
When it comes to selling used knee scooters, many people find it challenging to find buyers. We will explore some of the reasons why used knee scooters are very hard to resale. One of the primary reasons why used knee scooters are hard to resale is that there is a limited market demand for them. Knee scooters are not commonly used by the general population, so the number of potential buyers is relatively low. Moreover, people who need knee scooters typically use them for a short period, and once they have recovered, they no longer need the device. As a result, the market demand for used knee scooters is much lower than for other mobility aids like wheelchairs or mobility scooters.
Size and Weight
Another reason why used knee scooters are hard to resale is their size and weight. Knee scooters are relatively bulky and take up a lot of space, making them difficult to store and transport. Additionally, they can be heavy, which makes them challenging to move around, especially for people who have mobility issues. Because of this, many people are hesitant to purchase used knee scooters, as they may not have the space or strength to manage them.
Personalization
Knee scooters are often customized to fit the individual user’s height and weight, which makes them more comfortable to use. However, this customization can also make it challenging to resell a used knee scooter. When someone buys a used knee scooter, they may not be able to adjust it to fit their specific needs, which can make it uncomfortable to use. This can deter potential buyers, as they may not want to invest in a device that doesn’t fit them correctly.
Hygiene Concerns
When someone is recovering from an injury or surgery, there is a risk of infection. Because of this, many people are hesitant to purchase used medical devices like knee scooters due to hygiene concerns. Even if a knee scooter is thoroughly cleaned, it can still carry bacteria or viruses, which can be a significant turnoff for potential buyers. Moreover, people who have mobility issues or weakened immune systems may be particularly vulnerable to infections, so they may be especially cautious when buying used medical equipment.
Limited Warranty
Finally, another reason why used knee scooters are hard to resale is that they often come with a limited warranty. When someone purchases a new knee scooter, it typically comes with a warranty that covers any defects or issues with the device. However, this warranty often doesn’t transfer to a new owner, which can make it challenging to sell a used knee scooter. Without a warranty, potential buyers may be hesitant to invest in a device that may have problems in the future.
Selling a knee scooter
There are several reasons why used knee scooters are hard to resale. The limited market demand, size and weight, personalization, hygiene concerns, and limited warranty can all make it challenging to find buyers for a used knee scooter. However, if you’re looking to sell a knee scooter, there are still some things you can do to increase your chances of success. Consider advertising your device on online marketplaces, like Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace. Additionally, try to provide as much information as possible about the device’s condition, customization, and cleaning to reassure potential buyers. With some effort and patience, you may be able to find a buyer for your used knee scooter.
Downsides of selling a knee scooter
As of the date of this article (April 2023), the most likely place you’ll find a buyer in on Facebook Marketplace. To sell the knee scooter you’ll need to create a marketplace ad, upload a photo, and begin responding to potential buyers. Please be aware that Facebook algorithms block medical equipment ads so the likelihood that your ad will be approved is not great. Should you successfully get the ad approved you’ll be responding to many people who auto-reply “Is this still available” yet never contact you again. This will take time and patience on your part. Also, Facebook marketplace buyers are typically looking for great deals of 50-90% off of the new price which means you’ll need to be prepared to lower your price to entice buyers to actually meet with you.
Conclusion
Our experience selling many knee scooters either on Craigslist or Facebook marketplace is that we typically end up selling knee scooters for less than 50% of the retail price. What this means for you is if you pay $120 for a lower-end knee scooter on Amazon you’ll likely end up selling the scooter for $50-60 with considerable effort on your part. Not only will you end up taking a $60-70 loss on your knee scooter, but when you buy the scooter you’ll need to wait up to a week for it to arrive and then unbox it, assemble it, use it, then post an ad, monitor and reply to messages (many of which are tire kickers), meet with potential buyers (some of whom don’t show up).
In the end is it really worth it to buy a new knee scooter on Amazon? We certainly dont think so.
There’s an easier way! Rent from KneeScooterUSA. All you need to do is place your rental order online. We’ll immediately send you a text message and you’ll have a clean, sterilized, well maintained knee scooter in as little as 5 minutes. We’re open 365 days a year from 8am to 8pm.
One last thing: we’ve tested nearly every knee scooter on the market, with over 1000 customers, and the models we rent are what our customers have overwhelmingly loved the most. They’re comfortable, versatile and come with dual brakes and a removable basket, and fold down for transport.
Happy scootering
