Which scooter for first timer?

Simba's Mom · Mar 28, 2015

OK, I guess I'll have to rent a scooter next time I go to WDW. However, which one to get? There's 3 wheel, 4 wheel, go-go elite, pride (I think that's the name). I thought it would be as simple as "rent a scooter". What's the best kind for a "scooter rookie". I'm about 145 pounds and will probably spend about 8 hours a day in the park.

Goofy14sure · Mar 28, 2015

I use a 4 wheel go-go elite plus. 4 wheels because the are more stable, the go-go because it breaks down into parts around 35 pounds and is big enough for my size and weight (6-1 and 230 pounds) and the plus model because it has 18 Amp batteries that will run all day.

And its blue just because :earsboy:

But they all will fit on the buses (just stay away from the really huge ones) and you could just pick the one you think looks coolest!

Bete · Mar 28, 2015

Most feel a three wheel has better turn ability while the 4 wheel is more stable meaning less likely to tip over. Your weight should be fine for any rental scooter. As the previous poster stated you may want to consider getting a scooter with a stronger battery (higher amp) or even a two battery scooter like the he Pride Victory model.

#DisneyCouple · Mar 29, 2015

My husband uses a 3-wheel go-go elite scooter with the smaller battery. We usually go all day in the parks (10 hours sometimes!)and usually stop to charge it while we are eating for about a hour. We have never had a problem with the battery dying on us during our park time

we love this scooter because of how easy it is to take a apart and put back together. It fits perfectly in the trunk of a car but also rolls on easily into the monorail or buses. When using it, make sure if the ride line comes to a stop or if your watching one of the shows, turn the key to off to save some battery.

and if going to EPCOT try and go up The Land Pavilion hill as little as possible. We try to limit it to only 2 times because we noticed it takes a big toll on the battery going up the hill each time. If needed you can always find outlets in the parks to charge the scooter for a littlebit while grabbing a bite to eat or watching a show

Simba's Mom · Mar 29, 2015

Thanks all. I don't want to risk tipping over, as a first timer-it would be especially embarrassing! So maybe a four-wheeler would be better.

mamabunny · Mar 30, 2015

@Simba's Mom: I use a TravelScoot. (you can see what it looks like at TravelScoot.com) It's a three wheeler, and without me on it, weighs in at 35 pounds with one 24-volt battery pack. I have 2 battery packs, and 2 chargers, so if I am going all day (at WDW, or anywhere else) I don't have to worry.

I don't find it to be particularly "tippy", even though it is a three-wheeler. I really like that I can do super-tight right turns (because the motor is on the back left wheel, it just does NOT like to make a tight left circle LOL.) and the small size means that it fits anywhere. Literally. I can take it apart easily without tools if I want to, but typically I just pop it into the back of my Kia Soul (with one of the back seats down) and away we go, to our next adventure!

I can see where you could tip it over, if you tried really hard, but as with most three-wheelers, as long as you have a good sense of balance, it shouldn't be a problem. The people I know (personally) who have tipped over a three-wheeler were typically going way too fast when trying to turn too tightly. I went all over WDW for 6 days last month, and never once felt like I was going to tip over. My only issue came when people who were texting and walking, walked into me!

I know you have worried about this decision; I hope that regardless of *which* scooter model you use, you will let us know how the trip went!

Wishing you the most Magical trip possible!

Hopefully · Mar 30, 2015

Hi Simba's Mom, I had to break down and rent an ECV for our trip last fall.
I rented a 3 wheel Pride Scooter from Buena Vista rentals. I found it very easy o learn and very easy to use. I never felt as if I was going to tip over.
Good Luck

katrina1122 · Apr 1, 2015

3 wheels for sure. I started out on a 3 wheel and never even remotely tipped it. It has a much tighter turning radius, meaning no 20 point turn. I rented a 4 wheel at DL directly in the park as we didn't have a big car to transport one to the hotel. I hated that thing. I couldn't make it around most of the turns in the ques.

MouseketeerKelsey · Apr 11, 2015

I have always used a 3 wheel. The only time I used a 4 wheel was at DL and DCA on vacation and I HATED it because they were so hard to turn.

I am the epitome of a clutz, and I have never even come close to feeling like I was going to tip over, and I fall over just walking so that is saying a lot.

Gilrond · Apr 11, 2015

3 wheel is best for maneuvering as is shortest wheelbase for your height. Just watch your speed on turns to avoid tipping. My personal ECV (which I don't take to Disney) is 6 inches shorter in wheelbase than the rental ones as I am very short. Even it is stable trying to turn at too high a speed. We are thinking of getting a standard size for my SIL who is quite tall and a bit heavier than I.

jdb in AZ · Apr 11, 2015

The rental companies will match your size to a scooter. I go with a 3-wheel because they're so maneuverable. DH is larger and a 3-wheeler battery just couldn't propel his size through the parks all day, so he's stuck with a 4-wheeler which has a heavier-duty frame, and a bigger battery.

JessicaW1234 · Apr 11, 2015

My dad is coming with us & he has been getting very winded. I want to look into a scooter for him. How much notice does it take to get one?

JenniBugInPink · Apr 11, 2015

This past Fall I used one from Walker Mobility that was PINK! It was wonderful, and I liked it very much. My favorite color, obviously!

mamabunny · Apr 18, 2015

JessicaW1234 said:
My dad is coming with us & he has been getting very winded. I want to look into a scooter for him. How much notice does it take to get one?

@JessicaW1234 - the first time I ever rented an ECV at WDW, I called *while we were inside the Magic Kingdom* and Walker delivered it out to the park in about an hour total. I had been SO determined to go it on my own that I had refused to rent one ahead of time. When I realized I really did need one, I was so worried that we would lose the whole day waiting for one...

So, to answer your original question, not much notice at all! LOL

Having said that, it is better to plan ahead, obviously, but don't worry. You should be able to reserve a scooter easily!

JessicaW1234 · Apr 18, 2015

Th

mamabunny said:
@JessicaW1234 - the first time I ever rented an ECV at WDW, I called *while we were inside the Magic Kingdom* and Walker delivered it out to the park in about an hour total. I had been SO determined to go it on my own that I had refused to rent one ahead of time. When I realized I really did need one, I was so worried that we would lose the whole day waiting for one...

So, to answer your original question, not much notice at all! LOL

Having said that, it is better to plan ahead, obviously, but don't worry. You should be able to reserve a scooter easily!

Thanks, he is refusing to use one, so we may end up last minute.
What is contact info for walker?

mamabunny · Apr 18, 2015

Walker Mobility: http://www.walkermobility.com 1-888-SCOOTER or 407-518-6000

Remember that many of the reputable scooter rental companies in Orlando can (and will) do the same thing as Walker did for me - so it certainly can't hurt to keep the phone number for several of the more popular and reputable scooter companies in your pocket (or in the contacts in your cell phone).

Elevationist · Apr 19, 2015

mamabunny said:
Walker Mobility: http://www.walkermobility.com 1-888-SCOOTER or 407-518-6000

Remember that many of the reputable scooter rental companies in Orlando can (and will) do the same thing as Walker did for me - so it certainly can't hurt to keep the phone number for several of the more popular and reputable scooter companies in your pocket (or in the contacts in your cell phone).

I have had similar exceptional customer service experiences with Buena Vista Scooters. Here is their contact info, I hope it helps!

https://www.buenavistascooters.com 866-484-4797 or 407-938-0349

JessicaW1234 · Apr 19, 2015

Elevationist said:
I have had similar exceptional customer service experiences with Buena Vista Scooters. Here is their contact info, I hope it helps! https://www.buenavistascooters.com 866-484-4797 or 407-938-0349

Thanks, elevationist and mama bunny!

shrinkydinky · Apr 20, 2015

My sister and i rented from Buena Vista Scooters last October and they were great. The batteries never came down from full, even after all day in the parks. We charged them at night, nonetheless. At the time, we got 10% off when mentioning allears, which is a site with a newsletter devoted to all things Disney. They also have a small set-up in front of the Boardwalk Villas, so right there onsite if you need help.

Which scooter for first timer?

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