Knee walkers can make the difference between pain-free mobility and painful hobbling with crutches. These devices are available for both rent and purchase. Before deciding on whether to rent or buy a knee walker, you should consider these how long you will need the walker and how much either option will cost.

How long will you need the knee walker?

After a surgery or during recuperation, you may only need the knee scooter for a set amount of prescribed time. This may make a rental seem like a good option. If you have to go back for more surgery, or plan to need the knee walker for several months, then a purchase may seem like the better option.

For example, if you suffer from an Achilles tendon rupture, you may need a knee walker for about three months, or until you're fully recovered. In this case, there's a good chance you will recover in full and not have to fear rupturing your Achilles tendon again.

On the other hand, if you suffer from a condition like gout, you may need your knee walker in cycles. Even if the symptoms pass, there's a high chance they can return. Even if you are in the middle of treatment for gout, you may have to go in several times before you're done.

Each time you go in for more work, you will lose use of that foot for a length of time. In such a case, renting every so often may cost you more than just buying a knee scooter outright.

The Differences between the Costs

You may think that it's cheaper to rent, especially if you only need the knee walker for a short time. That's not always true.

The Price of Purchase – Price points for knee scooters range wildly depending on make, model, and features. Like with most things, quality comes at a cost, but that doesn't mean that the most expensive model is the best. You have to find the best one for your unique situation.

The Price of Rental – Rental prices also vary. In addition, the rental price isn't always what you think it is. If the company has to ship the knee walker to you, that's sometimes included in the price. The price of the rental also usually comes along with a deposit requirement. Sometimes you have to pay the full price of the knee walker as a deposit.

For example, the rental company charges $100 dollars to rent a knee walker for a month. They also require half of the full retail price as a deposit. If you're looking at a $200 model, then you're already at $200 in upfront costs.

That doesn't include shipping or return shipping, So you're already at the full retail price of the unit. Even knowing you will get your deposit back, you may feel that if you're going to lay down the full amount, you might as well purchase it outright.

Speak to Your Insurance Provider

None of the mentioned points takes your medical coverage into account. It's possible that your insurance will cover either a purchase or a rental of a knee walker. It's just as possible that it won't cover either of those things.

Speak with your insurance provider first to figure out your options. After that, speak to a knee walker provider like KneeRover about finding the best knee scooter for your needs.

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