Review: 2025 Knee Rover

Knee Rover, when mobility outranks speed and styling …

Forget power, this new Knee Rover was only gonna move as fast and as far as my left leg could scoot it.

Savage on Wheels had been reduced to one leg propulsion on a knee scooter, thanks to a nasty stairway accident while visiting friends in Indy after the Indianapolis 500. No, alcohol was not a factor, just old-age clumsiness and a sticky-toed sneaker that insisted on grabbing a bit of carpet and not letting go.

So, after having a boot installed to stabilize a broken fibula, it was internet search time for indoor wheels. Knee Rover fit the bill. Thanks Amazon.

 Size, rolling ability and knee cushion were the main selling points, but a reliable hand brake was a bonus and the slide-on attachable black basket was a major selling point too. Hard to carry things around the house (even paper and pens are tough) when juggling crutches. Try carrying a bowl of cereal with milk anywhere. There may have been crying over spilt milk!

Knee Rover not only had a cool car-like name it was bathed in British Racing Green (my descriptor) and featured a sleek aerodynamic but sturdy design with a little flipped up tail consisting of its steel frame. But I wasn’t going for looks, just mobility.

Bonus too, it’s collapsable, or so the directions say. So, it fit into our Subaru Outback’s cargo area. Actually, the Rover fit fine without any collapsing.

Handling, well, let’s just say that even a 3-point turn can become a 5- or 6-point turn in narrow bedrooms and bathrooms. Kitchens and family/living rooms offer more space for maneuverability (i.e. wide turns). I found myself using reverse (rider must provide audible backup beeps), not a gear, often after slipping into a tight parking space in a narrow room (bathroom).

One can drag the good leg’s toe to slow the Rover, but there also is a hand brake in case you go outside and zip down a hill, or a down a ramp connecting to the social hall at church. However, that hand brake requires a heavy squeeze before pushing down a metal pin to lock it in place. That’s handy for giving a driver more leverage for mounting the knee pad when sitting in an easy chair. Also, may help a rider build hand strength!

Folks with broken ankles who are unable to put full weight on their boot appreciate moving from chair to chair in the house as a form of road trip. For us seniors, such movement also can be classified as exercise. Reward yourself with a piece of chocolate!

Ride is firm, as one would expect of a vehicle with no suspension and hard rubber tires. Those do NOT smooth things out at all. Rooms with tile are a bit like driving on rumble strips although that’s where one push can get a driver quite a head of steam. Wood floors are a hoot and a good time to test out that hand brake.

And with the hard rubber tires there’s no worry about getting a flat.

Speed wasn’t needed during my recuperation, but if taking the Rover outside an electric motor might have been welcomed, plus a more plush knee pad. The included pad is compliant, but not soft, raising some concern that my knee might need at least a good massage after a few weeks jammed into its mildly forgiving surface. A couple weeks in I added a softer knee pad cover, well worth $20.

Note too, the knee pad also could be used as a seat when brushing teeth, shaving, etc.

Ultimately this baby did its job and according to its instruction manual could tolerate up to 300 pounds of human. I didn’t tax it that much and added only the softer knee pad option. However, helpful friends were eager for me to add flame decals to the frame or seat. Maybe next time, but I pray not.

Also, if planning to take your scooter out in the yard or to area parks, one with bigger softer off-road tires would be a wiser choice, but those run about double the Rover’s $151 online asking price.

Hey, it’s your knee!

Editor’s note: I’m just back to walking and driving, so look for new car reviews restarting in the next week or two.

FAST STATS: 2025 Knee Rover

Hits: Aerodynamic yet sturdy design, adjustable seat and steering bars, 4 symetrical and durable wheels, knee rest and reliable hand brake. Collapsible for easier transport. Snazzy British Racing Green color. Basket and knee padding good options!

Misses: Knee padding could be softer (optional pad helps a lot), brake lock requires strong right hand, turning radius is awful. Modest acceleration, but better on tile or wood floors.

Made in: Arnhem, The Netherlands, and China

Engine: 1-leg power

Transmission: (See above)

Weight: 22.3 lbs.

Wheelbase: 23.5 in.

Length: 35 in. (29 in. no basket)

Height: 38 in. (variable)

Cargo: 80 sq. in. (about 1 gal. milk carton)

Ground clearance: 3.25 in.

MPG: NA

Base Price: $151 (includes delivery)

Major Options: Soft knee pad cover, $20

Test vehicle: $171

Sources: Amazon

Photos: Mark Savage