1st time renting ECV at WDW....need advice & help

[disneygrandma]

This will be our 1st trip to WDW that we will need to have an ECV, and I'm hoping to get some input from others who have rented before. I'm looking for any & all tips for the rental process.

We're staying on property, and I would like to have the ECV at bell services when we arrive, and then be able to turn it back in to bell services when we leave. So I would need a company that's authorized to do so.

I want a company that's easy to work with, easy to reach, happy to answer ?'s, etc.

The ECV itself: any suggestions as to the best brand? The best features? Any to stay away from?

Are some ECV's built to use in the rain? I read a FAQ on one website that said that their ECV's need to be parked in a dry area when it rains, and if not, they will stop working. That doesn't seem very practical.

I'm wondering about discounts available for some companies. Who has the best prices?

Our trip isn't until late May, but I would like to be able to lock in a resv soon. One less thing to worry about.

TIA for any & all help you can give me on this.

 

[lanejudy]

The disABILITIES FAQ thread pinned near the top of this forum has information about ECV rentals. That will at least get your started on which companies are "featured" (able to utilize Bell Services) as well as some recommended non-featured vendors (you would need to meet them personally). I'm not familiar with which models each vendor carries. You'll want one with an upper weight limit well above your weight (consider anything extra you carry as well) to be most efficient for the battery.

Enjoy your vacation!

 

[Cuppie]

we used buena vista scooters when we went last time. It was dropped off at bell services and waiting for us upon our arrival, and we dropped off with bell services when our trip was done.

They even brought my mom a replacement battery to Epcot when her battery died. (our fault the battery died. Didnt realize one of the kids had unplugged it the night before when charging.)

Their prices were comparable to many others, but the fact they are Disney approved to be able to get onsite to service the ECV and the fact the delivered was the main reason we went with them.

 

[mamabunny]

We used Care last time - no problems with them at all.

In the past, we have also used Walker, but I see they aren't currently on "the list"

I truly don't remember which model we rented; looking at their site, I don't see quite what I recall driving, so can't really comment on the models shown currently.

The biggest concerns with electric mobility devices and rain are the electronics on the tiller or handlebars, and the battery area. Grab a clear shower cap (or bring along a plastic shopping bag) to cover the electronics on the tiller/handlebars if it looks rainy. Depending on the model, you might need to throw a plastic bag over the battery to help shed rain, and prevent water from getting into connections. Luckily,most rental units have a protective cowling over the battery and so you typically don't have to worry about that. Or, simply bring along an inexpensive plastic poncho - it will help keep the whole scooter dry - including the seat as well.

I would try to narrow it down to two or three companies, call each of them, and ask the same questions. You will get a good feel for their customer service, and will probably be able to make your decision pretty easily after speaking to all of them. Be sure to ask them if they have any discounts - and if you need any other equipment or supplies, make sure that you get info and pricing on those too.

Just as an aside, some of these companies will deliver "simple" shopping along with the scooter, like water, soda, and snacks.

As far as equipment goes, it's all about personal preference. Some people love three wheelers, others insist that four wheelers are better. Really, it all comes down to what is most comfortable for the person who drives it.

I recently purchased my own lightweight scooter, (Travelscoot) and so this next trip will be bringing my own equipment - so no more rentals for me! I've named him "Angus", after Princess Merida's horse - because just like Merida's Angus, mine is strong, sturdy, swift, and always brings me home safely again!

 

[StirlingSilver83]

This was is our first trip renting an ecv as well. I researched all the approved vendors but then I decided to go with Walker, because their scooters are water resistant and bc I was able to get a pink scooter lol...I know I am such a girly girl but I love pink. Anyways yes it would be better if they could drop the scooter at bell services instead of me having to meet with them. But to me that's really only a minor inconvenience.

 

[kaytieeldr]

Their prices were comparable to many others, but the fact they are Disney approved to be able to get onsite to service the ECV and the fact the delivered was the main reason we went with them.

The following is for clarification purposes only, not intended to upset or argue.

Not approved, just featured. This designation is attained by paying Walt Disney World a fee for the privilege of being able to use Bell Services as the transfer point for medical equipment.

In addition,any company would be able to enter a park to repair/replace equipment. Now, park access might be included in that fee mentioned above.

Yes, I clearly understand the OP wants to work with a featured company. Again, this is clarification only.

 

[disneygrandma]

Thanks so much for all this info. I plan to call the companies today.

For those that used a company not on "the list", did you also then have to meet up with them at the end of your trip to return it?

I appreciate all this info. Thanks again!

 

[mamabunny]

Thanks so much for all this info. I plan to call the companies today.

For those that used a company not on "the list", did you also then have to meet up with them at the end of your trip to return it?

I appreciate all this info. Thanks again!

Yep! You'll have to make plans to meet with the company and return the scooter. Be sure to add time to your check-out schedule for that.

I hope you have a WONDERFUL trip! We'll be interested to hear how everything went!

 

[shoes99]

We have used both Buena Vista and Walker. We had no problems with either. On the return we had a designated pickup time with Walker, and the driver called me on my cell to say he was in the area of AKL and would like to come over a little early to get my Walker scooter. Worked ok with us.
Next week we are booking with Buena Vista..

 

[lopo]

Greetings! I didn't see anyone mention Apple Scooter. They are listed as a "featured" WDW company, so they deliver the scooter to the bell captain on the date & time you specify. I have rented from them several times over the past couple of years (I just reserved a scooter online; I had to call them after I did so and my call & issues were handled promptly & courteously.) Their prices are great because they include insurance & delivery (not tax) and each ECV has a basket (some companies charge for it.) I highly recommend them.

BTW, my issues concerned adding a AAA discount to my rate and modifying the pick-up location. The ECV is being delivered to one resort & picked up from another.

 

[Lindava]

Greetings! I didn't see anyone mention Apple Scooter. They are listed as a "featured" WDW company, so they deliver the scooter to the bell captain on the date & time you specify. I have rented from them several times over the past couple of years (I just reserved a scooter online; I had to call them after I did so and my call & issues were handled promptly & courteously.) Their prices are great because they include insurance & delivery (not tax) and each ECV has a basket (some companies charge for it.) I highly recommend them.

BTW, my issues concerned adding a AAA discount to my rate and modifying the pick-up location. The ECV is being delivered to one resort & picked up from another.

We rented from Apple on our 1st trip and went with Walker Mobility mid-vacation after several problems with Apple. Apple? Never again for us, Walker will be our go to for scooters.

 

[bidnow5]

The problem with Apple they got some of us upset because they were telling people to sign up on this group and give a good review to get a discount which is very unethical that being said I had good luck with them when we rented from them