2 wheelchair questions please....

[Bertie131]

Hello,

For my upcoming trip my mother needs a wheelchair. I have reserved one through Randy's Mobility. My 2 questions: Have you heard of any problems of people taking wheelchairs? Meaning "steal". Also, should I mark it somehow? For example: ribbon? Thanks!

 

[jmartinez1895]

I have never seen anyone have there chair taken, but I can't say that it never happens. I have seen may people mark tehr chairs with ribbon, home made signs, ect. This will help you pick it out faster when it gets parked with a group and also it will reduce the chance of someone taking your by mistake.

 

[thedisneymom]

We had my mom's stolen several years in a row. I solved the problem by purchasing an inexpensive bike chain with a combo lock and attaching it through the wheel. Although the cast members did have a problem with it only by The Great Movie ride where they relocate the chairs and strollers at times. However, they were very understanding when I explained why. I say by the chain but this is just my humble opinion. Make sure to save your rental receipt if you chose not to use a lock. They will replace it free of charge even though sometimes it can be a long walk back to the rental area.

 

[peemagg]

I have heard of people just taking wheelchairs when parked outside of rides and attractions. Most of them were people who just decided that those were there for anyone to use and they were tired so they thought they would use them.

If you do decide to do something about locking the wheels, I would place the lock threw the 2 front wheels. This would allow the CM's to move it if needed fairly easily, but would probably deter someone else from taking it. Who wants to push a wheelchair around the parks that you have to keep the front wheels off the ground all the time.

To get around even having to worry about locking it would be to take it in each ride or show with you. This way it is then placed in a place that only those who need and brought their own in have access to it. It is less likely to be "accidently" taken there. I would still mark it somehow to make it easier to find and identify.

 

[thedisneymom]

Bringing it in is a great idea especially6 because this wheelchair appears to be an outside rental that you would be financially responsible for. If not opt for the lock or just rent one at the parks if you can.

 

[kaytieeldr]

If you do decide to do something about locking the wheels, I would place the lock threw the 2 front wheels

I would actually think either the two back wheels, or two wheels on the same side (or even, although more awkward, diagonally opposite wheels) would make 'accidentally' walking off with the wheelchair more difficult.

Locking together the two front wheels would mean the thief would have to tilt the chair back a bit to use it ("oh, yeah, we forgot the combination" if anyone asked). Locking any other two wheels would mean they'd have to tilt the chair forward - rider would fall out - or to one side, or just not be able to use it.

 

[Cheshire Figment]

If you do anything to lock a wheelchair, only lock one part of the chair to another. Do not, under any circumstances, lock any part of the chair to something permanent. If a stroller or chair is locked to a tree, fence, post, or anything else maintenance or security will be called and will bring cutters. They may cut the lock, chain or cable, or even the vehicle itself. And Disney will not be liable for any repair costs.

 

[peemagg]

You have to keep in mind when locking things, that just like strollers, you have to do it in such away that CM's can still move it if needed. That is why I suggested using the front two wheels. The CM's can just tip the chair back and easily move it. When you lock the back 2 together, they can't easily move the chair, because the front two wheels are also steering wheels. When they try to move it on the front two, the wheels just turn side ways and go no where.

If you lock front wheel to back wheel, you are again in a situation that the CM can't move the chair easily if needed. Now you really don't have any way to move it other than picking it up and carrying it. I don't think Disney allows that of their CM's. I would think they would then again bring a pair of cutters to take care of that issue.

I don't think that any theif would want to fool with any chair that has wheels locked at all. Too easily to be noticed, but the wheelchairs that are taken are by fellow guests that for whatever reason, think that it is there for anyone, not that someone who might need it is nearby.

The one story that I heard of was a lady parked the wheelchair outside a store and went in to go shopping. They come out in time to see another woman, who didn't want to pay for a stroller for her kids that were tired, putting the kids in it to continue around the park. When confronted, the answer was "Oh, these aren't here for anyone to use?". I think this is more often than not the scenario. Not that someone is trying to steal it for other reasons. Just plain stupidity. This is the only case that I have heard of though of anyone taking a wheelchair.