Orthopaedic Scooter, Dorset, England, 1993

Lightweight `K9' Orthopaedic Scooter, to provide mobility for people with foot or ankle injuries, or other incapacities, including below knee amputations, as an alternative to crutches, designed by Michael Reid, Manufactured by John Reid & Sons (Strucsteel) Ltd., Christchurch, Dorset, England, 1993

Crutches are not always suitable. Many people find them difficult to use. An alternative is the ingenious ‘K9' Orthopaedic Scooter. It provides mobility for people with foot or ankle injuries, including below the knee amputations. The lightweight scooter was designed in the 1980s by Michael Reid. He was a managing director of a steel engineering company. He broke his foot in an accident. The scooter can be steered with the knee. It becomes a sort of substitute lower leg. It also doubles as a footrest when the user is seated in a chair. The scooter is fully adjustable and can be used with minimum effort. It also converts to a seat. This is very useful if the user is waiting for a bus or needs a rest. Reid won the Designer of the Year Award in 1993 for this innovation. He has been overwhelmed with letters from grateful customers.