2 Wheel scooter

[Dennis the WDW Menace]

Will WDW allow the 2 sheel scooters in the park for disabled guests?

 

[SueM in MN]

I'm not quite sure I know what kind of scooter you are asking about.
In general, they will allow something that is classified by the FDA as a mobility device. If it doesn't meet that definition, they don't have to (and probably won't) allow it. I do know that even though some people with disabilities use Segways, WDW does nto allow them to be used as mobility devices by guests.

 

[videogal1]

Originally posted by SueM in MN
I do know that even though some people with disabilities use Segways, WDW does nto allow them to be used as mobility devices by guests.

This decision was based on the ADA standard and definition of disability, which, owing to the manner in which the Segway is operated, would exclude its safe operation by someone meeting the ADA definition of a mobility disability. In other words, someone able to use a Segway cannot be either logically or practically mobility disabled under the ADA and does not have a basis for asking Disney for an accommodation to allow it.

Therefore, if the novel mobility device suggested by Mr. Menace requires standing or balance to operate, it is unlikely that it would recieve an accommodation to the Disney policy for this same reason.

 

[dclfun]

While I can't even imagine what a 2-wheel scooter looks like, it doesn't sound like a mobility device for the disabled and thus would not be allowed. It doesn't sound like it is stable or safe to maneuver in crowds- how would you be properly supported on two wheels only ( like a bike?). JMHO Kathy

 

[clkelley]

This is probably what the OP is talking about and no, they probably wouldn't be allowed in the parks. Even Ft. Wilderness is having a hard time deciding whether they are allowed there. Although, since they are electric and run about the same speed as golf carts, and are less expensive than golf carts, I can see why many campers would want to use them.

Also, I can see why a person that although doesn't have a limiting mobility problem, but an endurance problem, might consider this a mobility device.

Some companies make a 3-wheeled version of this scooter, and WDW accepts it as a mobility device, but it runs differently. Instead of a simple forward and reverse bar with automatic brakes, this one has a rotating handle bar for throttle and a hand brake, and the key has to be moved over one notch for reverse.

http://www.quality-scooters.com/xx360moelsc.html

Carol

 

[SueM in MN]

Thanks for the picture.
I can see that kind of a device would be a problem.

 

[Cheshire Figment]

I can see one problem for park use. The maximum speed is between 17 and 21 MPH. Most ECVs have a maximum speed between 4 and 5 MH; the Disney rentals are probably 2 MPH.

As it is, I worry about the possibility of hitting people when I am going at 3 MPH or so. A Segway can go 12 MPH. My understanding is that Disney limits the speed on their Segways to 8 MPH. I cannot see allowing a vehicle than can go 20 MPH on walkways that are crowded with pedestrians and strollers.

 

[videogal1]

Originally posted by clkelley


Also, I can see why a person that although doesn't have a limiting mobility problem, but an endurance problem, might consider this a mobility device.

Carol

Well, an endurance problem, by definition, would limit mobility. However, it is a far cry from what the ADA would consider disabled and, because of that, anyone having an "endurance problem" would not be able to request an accommodation for use of such a vehicle if they wished to use it in a public place, such as WDW.

The ADA standards of disability, through DOJ interpretation and Supreme Court decisions are very different from what people have come to consider as disabled. Simply having a physical or mental impairment, malady, restriction, unpleasant medical condition, or aggravating problem does not result in a
person being disabled under the ADA. Receiving Social Security Disability Income or
Supplemental Security Income from the Social Security Administration does
not mean that a person is disabled under the standards of the ADA. A person
must have a "substantial limitation" of the ability to engage in one or more
"major life activities" in order to be disabled under the ADA and in order
to have the right to request an accommodation to a business policy, such as one that bans pets, limits parking time, prohibits the use of personal motorized devices, etc. Through decisions of the Supreme Court of the United States
a "substantial limitation" has been defined as an almost complete inability.

 

[clkelley]

I'm not arguing with anyone, I agree that Disney should restrict their devices allowed in the parks, and that ADA rules are fair.

My FIL uses a four-wheeler to get to his mailbox and take the trashcans to the entrance of his property about 1/2 mile away from his house because he has a heart condition. That four-wheeler is his mobility device in that case, (A standard ECV or electric wheelchair could not traverse his property) but it could not be considered a mobility device for WDW or most public places.

Carol

 

[dclfun]

Thanks for the photo. No, this scooter would definitely not be allowed in the parks or at the resorts. Kathy

 

[Dennis the WDW Menace]

I am disabled and am classified by the defination of disability by ADA as disabled. I have posted this before, and I have because of arthritis a difficult time walking, but I can stand with little difficulty. I have a segway but I know that WDW will not allow these in the parks except those used by the employees. This I don't understand. I rent a scooter when I go and pay over $200 each time. The 2 wheeled electric scooters only go about 8 to 10 mph max and cost $99. They can be folded and go on the airplane without problem.

 

[SueM in MN]

The reason I have seen posted on some disability related forums is that the Segways, other types of scooters are not classified by the FDA as assistive devices or durable medical equipment (DME). A company can say that the only devices that are considered as FDA assistive devices or are DME are allowed to be used by a person with a disability within their business. That is the arguement that WDW is taking on the Segways according to some Segway disability boards I've read.

 

[Cheshire Figment]

I went to www.quality-scooters.com and looked at their section of all scooters. I looked at all models shown. All of them had a top speed of 15 MPH or higher! The highest top speed I have seen on an ECV is 5.5 MPH. It is very simple; Disney doesn't want guests zooming around wildly in the parks. See my earlier comment about possible injuries.

Related to this, last month we bought a brand new Pride "Go-Go" ECV at a local dealer for about $1,050 including an upgraded seat and basket. This has a 250 pound limit, can go up to ten miles on a charge, and a maximum speed of 4 MPH. Total weight, including the battery pack, is under 100 pounds. You could consider getting a small ECV, such as that, and "gate check" it at the airport so you would have it with you and not have to spend $200 on rental each time.

 

[clkelley]

A friend of ours recently bought a used ECV for around
$500. That would very easily pay for itself after 2-3 trips to WDW.

Carol

 

[Dennis the WDW Menace]

Your info is always helpful.

 

[SueM in MN]

Originally posted by clkelley
A friend of ours recently bought a used ECV for around
$500. That would very easily pay for itself after 2-3 trips to WDW.

Carol

You can sometimes find them listed in the newspaper, or, if there is a medical equipment company near you, they sometimes have used ones and/or bulletin boards where people who want to sell one can. You could also try the offices of places that deal with people with disabilities. Sometimes they have equipment lending or sales closets.
I've seen ecvs on ebay, although that really would only work if the person selling it lives close by.