3 Wheel or 4 Wheel Scooter

[catra121]

I'm going to Disney is September for 6 days and this will be my first time renting a scooter for health reasons.

Is there anything I should know when choosing between a 3 and 4 wheel scooter...what would be the pros and cons of each for using at the parks?

I'm thinking of rental from apple scooters but before I reserve one that I would get opinions on here. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

 

[Simba's Mom]

Hopefully someone else will come along and verify or correct my info, but I remember asking this several years ago. As I remember, 3 wheel scooters are more maneuverable. However, 4 wheeled scooters are more stable-supposedly if you try to turn too quickly with a 3-wheeler, you risk it tipping over. I've only rented 4 wheeled scooters so far, because I've only rented from the parks and that's what they have. However, I just rented off-site for the first time-rented it last week but haven't ridden it yet. When I called, they just asked my height and weight. I assume the scooter I'm getting is 3 wheeled (just from looking at the website). There've been a lot of satisfied apple users, but just lately I've seen a few bad reviews. I went with Walker, and the lady I spoke with was very willing to help. Like I said, the actual scooter rental will be in October, so I can't review much yet.

 

[mamabunny]

I own my own personal ECVs; they are identical 3 wheelers.

I have been using them for several years now, and have never had a problem with mine tipping over.

If you are even halfway careful when turning, and don't go too fast, you will be fine with a 3 wheeler.

My personal ECV can actually turn very tight corners, and is quite maneuverable. Don't be scared by a three wheeled scooter; pay attention to where you drive, don't go too fast, keep both hands on the wheel (tiller) and you'll be fine regardless of the number of wheels underneath!

 

[stitchlovestink]

I own my own ECV and I prefer the 4 wheel model. I can turn very tight corners with mine as well. I like the extra foot space my 4 wheel model gives me. I cannot stretch my leg out straight on a 3 wheel model due to the way they curve the foot rest area on the 3 wheel model. That is also important to me to be able to straighten my legs,and have somewhere comfortable for my legs to rest. Don't be scared of the 4 wheel model not being supposedly as maneuverable as a 3 wheel model as they are (there are 4 wheel models that are just as maneuverable!).

 

[Toffeewoffy]

It is true that the 4-wheel are more stable than the 3-wheel, but the 3-wheelers don't tip when you turn - unless you get a Go-Go or something. When you're likely to tip is if you go off a kerb diagonally. I found the 3-wheel Victory Pride 10 to be perfect for me. I could go to a smaller model (as I'm nowhere near the 400lb weight limit for the Pride) but I wanted the more comfortable seat and the guarantee that the batteries would last all day. That said, I've found the Pride 'turns on a sixpence' as we say over here and has a really small turning circle. I also feel so stable on it that I can drive one-handed a lot of the time (mostly because it saves me burning both hands in the intense Florida sun).

 

[Bete]

I saw it with my own eyes. My husband almost tipped over a 3 wheeler and I really don't feel he was going fast. He was in his seventies. He did make rather a sharp turn when it almost happen. He used his leg and foot to stop the scooter from going over. He was close to the maximum weight allowed for this scooter. I'm not sure if that had something to do with it or not.

I agree with another poster that I feel more comfortable in a 4 wheeler. I can stretch my legs more. I do feel the 4 wheeler is more stable.

 

[Minniekins]

I use Walker scooters when I go to WDW and really like them, they've been great! And, I'd recommend the 3 wheel scooters, myself. They are much easier to drive I think, and to get around in tight places. Much easier to maneuver on the buses for sure, nice tight turning radius which makes a big difference, as well as in some of the ride lines, and getting around in some of the stores. Just be careful and try not to go off the curb, and I think you'll be fine and not have to worry about tipping at all, I've never had an issue with it.

 

[MaryLovesPoohBear]

As you can see, it is a matter of preference.

I've ridden both. I prefer the 3 wheel. I feel like I have more control and I find it easier to turn. I've not had a problem with tipping. But I am not close to the weight limit.

 

[catra121]

Thank you everyone! I think I'm going to go for the 3 wheel version and see how it works out. I appreciate all the feedback and reviews offered!

 

[CynJ]

My experience with my mom and my aunt's scooter use is that the three wheel can take much sharper corners and as such the steering can take some getting used to- it can be overly responsive. I've ridden on both of their scooters (mom's is a heavy duty three wheeler and my aunt's is a really lightweight portable three wheeler) and I do find the portable one to be much more likely to tip than the other. I will say that if you have any balance issues I'd go with the 4-wheeler, it's what we are getting for my mom's next scooter, she's much more confident on them.

 

[MinnieMSue]

I saw a woman tip over backwards in a 3 wheel scooter when she was parking in the stroller area. Initially in my peripheral vision I thought a stroller tipped over. I ran under the ropes (i was much healthier then) and another man helped me tip her back onto her wheels. I felt so sorry for her. She wasn't hurt - her head didn't hit the ground or anything. She was scared to death. I left when a cast member saw and came over.