A StrideOn Demonstrator is a StrideOn Knee Walker or Orthomate Knee Scooter kept on site within a hospital or clinic to help assess patient suitability during recovery.
These demonstration models are commonly managed by:
• Physiotherapy teams
• Occupational therapy departments
• Orthopaedic wards
• Rehabilitation teams
They allow healthcare professionals to assess whether a knee walker could benefit a patient during their non weight bearing or partial weight bearing recovery period.
Why Hospitals are Using StrideOn Knee Walkers More Frequently
Healthcare teams are increasingly seeing that crutches are not always suitable for every patient.
Some patients:
• Struggle with balance
• Have reduced upper body strength
• Feel unstable using crutches
• Need support for longer recovery periods
In these situations, a knee walker can provide:
• Improved stability
• Greater comfort
• Increased independence
• Reduced upper body strain
This can help patients move more confidently both in hospital and once they return home.
How the Demonstrator Process Works
The Demonstrator models are typically used for assessment purposes while the patient is still in hospital or attending clinic appointments.
These units are kept available on the ward to ensure healthcare teams can continually assess patients who may benefit from using one.
If a patient is considered suitable for a knee walker, StrideOn can then arrange rapid delivery directly to their home.
Orders placed before 3pm on weekdays can generally be delivered the next working day anywhere within mainland UK.
This creates a seamless transition from hospital to home recovery.
Supporting Safer Hospital Discharge
One of the key benefits of the Demonstrator programme is helping healthcare teams support safer and more confident discharge planning.
For some patients, particularly those recovering from foot or ankle surgery, the non weight bearing phase can feel overwhelming. Demonstrator assessments allow physiotherapists to identify mobility solutions that may help patients:
• Return home sooner
• Manage daily life more safely
• Reduce fatigue compared to crutches
• Feel more confident moving independently
This supports both patient wellbeing and hospital efficiency.
Discussing Knee Walkers Before Surgery
If you believe a knee walker may help during your recovery, it is worth discussing this during your pre-operative assessments or physiotherapy appointments.
StrideOn recommends mentioning:
• Planned use of a knee walker
• Your expected non weight bearing period
• Any concerns about using crutches
This can help healthcare teams plan your recovery support more effectively.
The document also highlights an important practical point. When having a plaster cast or immobilisation fitted, discussing your intention to use a knee walker may help avoid unnecessarily high casting below the knee, improving kneeling comfort during recovery.
NHS Approved and Clinically Recognised
StrideOn Demonstrators are the same models used within the StrideOn hire fleet. These products are:
• CE certified
• MHRA registered
• NHS approved
This gives both healthcare professionals and patients confidence that the equipment meets recognised safety and quality standards.
Demonstrator Locations Across the UK
StrideOn Demonstrators are currently located within hospitals and clinics across the UK, including locations such as:
• Exeter
• Torquay
• Cardiff
• Sheffield
• London
• Southampton
• Leeds
• Norwich
• Liverpool
• Gloucester
• Rugby
• Truro
The map included within the original document highlights the growing network of hospitals and clinics using StrideOn Demonstrators nationwide.
If you would like to know whether a hospital near you has a Demonstrator available, the StrideOn team can search based on your postcode and advise accordingly.
Supporting the Recovery Journey
At StrideOn, we believe recovery is about more than simply moving around. It is about helping people remain independent, confident and safe during what can often be a difficult stage of life.
The Demonstrator programme allows healthcare professionals to introduce suitable patients to mobility solutions that may significantly improve their recovery experience.
From assessment to home delivery and ongoing support, StrideOn continues to work alongside healthcare teams and patients throughout the recovery journey.