4.5MPH ECVs -- Why?

[shellybaxter]

When I rent an ECV I rarely - if ever - remember driving it full out in the park. The power has been needed to get up the monorail ramps and the hill going into the land. However, I do remember heading back to my car, while my DH took the tram. I was windy and raining a bit. I was the only person around in the parking lot. I went as fast as the scooter would go because I was cold and uncomfortable. I was fully in control because I am a good driver and it was a safe and appropriate time to go fast.

 

[M-I-C-K-E-Y]

Too bad, so sad, sucks for you.

No need to get your feathers ruffled. Just asking for opinions, which we're getting plenty of.

 

[Hannathy]

However, I do remember heading back to my car, while my DH took the tram. I was windy and raining a bit. I was the only person around in the parking lot. I went as fast as the scooter would go because I was cold and uncomfortable. I was fully in control because I am a good driver and it was a safe and appropriate time to go fast.

Now that is an appropriate time and place to use the faster speed.

But I'm imagining grandma who has never driven one before taking out a whole family from Iowa going down Mains Street one morning, Or a few rose bushes!

 

[amzking]

It still isn't a valid comparison. Compare it to a walker then it is a valid comparison.

I mean I could say I have to drive and Trump gets to take a helicopter, that is the same sort of comparison. Not valid.

Comparing a power wheelchair to a walker is not a valid comparison. A walker can be folded and put in a car. A power wheelchair cannot, except for the tiny ones, and even they are heavy to lift.

If I gave you a car that could only do 45 mph, it would be fine around town, but try driving 100 miles and you would be annoyed.

I had a MS patient that drove with his chin. He paid an extra $1000 out of his pocket to get 6.5 MPH instead of 4.5. It was his only means of transportation, and while he only had to drive about a mile to the grocery store, that extra 2 MPH made a big difference in the hot South Florida sun. Many power wheelchairs get up or 8, and there are a few premium models that do 12 or 15.

 

[stargazertechie]

so an ECV operating at 2MPH is the equivalent of walking speed... at 3MPH it would be equal to someone walking briskly... and 4.5MPH is like someone running through the crowd?

Actually, average walking speed is closer to 3MPH, and most people can briskly walk a 15 minute mile (or 4MPH) for extended periods of time (ask my husband, who completed the WDW marathon without training at a brisk walk).

There are times when it's appropriate... like at the crack of dawn at the resort when there's nobody around, you're in the farthest building from the dining hall, and you really need that first cup of coffee.

 

[North of Mouse]

I actually think Hannathy was comparing to a walker (person walking) not a wheelchair, but I could be mistaken

 

[Hannathy]

I actually think Hannathy was comparing to a walker (person walking) not a wheelchair, but I could be mistaken

yes I was! didn't realize that was confusing, thank you.

yes an ECV is a substitute for ambulation, not driving a car.


Still don't think inexperienced, novice drivers need to be going that fast inside a Disney park.

 

[catne]

Disney scooters have two speeds: very, very slow and slower than very, very, slow. We couldn't zoom around anyone. And were routinely passed by people on rental & personal ECVs.

No, they shouldn't be zooming within the parks...but I can tell you a very good reason to have the capability of going fast on ECVs. We spend about 1/2 the year in Clearwater/Tampa metro area and there are many huge intersections (6 lanes + turn lanes) There is no way a slow ECV could cross those intersections while the "walk" signal is on...I've sat at the intersection and held my breath hoping some old guy is going to make it! They need those speeds just to cross these crazy huge intersections in Florida's bigger cities!

 

[POOHsie]

The OP should ask ECV manufacturers for the answer to the original question. People at Disney rent what's available, and have no say in the ECV's features. I understand that Disney-furnished ECVs reach a slower max speed.

There is a weight range for people operating an ECV, and those of higher weight need more power to push forward. More power is also needed for inclines. A battery that is weak from age or lack or charge requires more power. Combine incline and heavier weight, and a high amount of power is called for.

One could look at the ECV panel and see the Turtle-to-Hare control as a speed control. But it is also a power control for factors listed above.

While we're at it, why do Segways go so freakin' fast? Woe be the day guests have them at WDW.

 

[mistysue]

Actually, average walking speed is closer to 3MPH, and most people can briskly walk a 15 minute mile (or 4MPH) for extended periods of time (ask my husband, who completed the WDW marathon without training at a brisk walk).

There are times when it's appropriate... like at the crack of dawn at the resort when there's nobody around, you're in the farthest building from the dining hall, and you really need that first cup of coffee.

Height may make a huge difference, but I break into a jog at 3 mph. 2-2.5 is probably a good average walk speed range... Walking around our local mall it can be tough to keep up a 2.5 mph pace because people are slower.
At 4mph I would look like a video on FF, I am running (not even jogging anymore) by 4mph.

This thread has been really interesting, never thought about the need to go fast on an ECV but it is making much more sense to me now.

 

[SueM in MN]

My DD’s personal power wheelchair can go up to 7.5 mph.
Power wheelchairs can be configured much more than ECVs, so we have the ability to have up to 4 setting profiles for her wheelchair. The one she uses most has a maximum speed of about 4.5 mph (60% of the maximum speed) and high enough torque to allow her to get over bumps and small elevations.

One of the other setting settings profiles is set for 80% of the total speed (or maximum of 6.0 mph) with an even higher torque. That is used for getting over things like 1 or 2 inch thresholds and for doing things like crossing the street and getting up ramps.
She also uses it for dance class - when we tried the slower speed, she could not keep up with the people who were pushing manual wheelchairs - they traveled faster than that.

She also has a speed dial that goes from turtle to rabbit. At turtle in the slower profile, she is barely moving. At rabbit, she could go 4.5 mph.

 

[SteveMouse]

Another difference is that as the battery of an ECV drains, "Full Throttle" doesn't produce the same speed as when the battery is freshly charged and better yet a fresh battery.

I have been outpaced in an ecv many times at Rope Drop by people rushing to attractions, and I weigh 160lbs.

By the end of the day, my ECV is sometimes crawling. My DW can easily out walk it.

 

[BillBrasky]

As a tall, able-bodied, and extraordinarily good looking young man, let me say that power walking among my types generally maxes out in the mid 4s... then you're breaking into a slow jog. Sounds like they designed the ECV to go as fast as they could reasonably expect someone to walk. Makes sense to me.

 

[jlevis]

Why do I need to go 4.5 mph in an ECV while at the parks? Well, at the end of the day after having 75 people step in front of me and stop I can crank it up to rabbit and nail 'em.

 

[Polydweller]

Moving quickly in limited instances is one thing. Keeping an ECV at full throttle consistently is another. Besides, as I mentioned, 2MPH is an average walking speed. 3MPH is a very swift walk, which should suffice. Why, I ask again, 4.5MPH?

Ok, take a look at your car's speedometer. Why does it say your car can go 160 or 180 or in some cases higher? Inertia is the answer. When your car is it at rest it needs a lot of power to get it to start moving, ie overcome inertia. That's what the extra power in cars is about. If you didn't have it your car would take excessively long to get moving, or not move at all. Once it's moving it needs less power to continue.

The extra power is also needed to get up hills. If you didn't have it your car would fall backwards every time you hit a hill. You also use it to pass another car. All of this is about changing the car's motion, inertia.

So, you have to have the extra power but how many actually use it to cruise at 160 or 180. But you have to have it. No different with ECVs. They need to extra power for all those things. Didn't have it then exactly the same problems.

Top speed that an ECV is capable of is in no way central to the discussions. As further proof, your body has extra power than it typically uses as shown by running, and picking up walking speed for short durations. Yep you need a little extra power to overcome inertia too. So, one final question, why is a human capable of 4 mph walking when they typically only do 2?

 

[Carnator]

I took arm rest, mirror, and basket off. Trimmed of excess body parts. Took extra padding out of seat...... Hoping to hit that 4.7 mark. jk... Since I am with family and friends i just adjust speed to them. Like others have said the extra is for the hills and ramps


Pimp my scooter

 

[amzking]

yes I was! didn't realize that was confusing, thank you.

yes an ECV is a substitute for ambulation, not driving a car.

While I completely agree with you that novice, inexperienced drivers should not use high speeds inside the park (really, no one should, unless there is a LOT of room around you) I do want to correct this statement here.

Unfortunately, for many disabled people, their ECV or power wheelchair does indeed take the place of their car. Either they are physically unable to drive, or they cannot afford the van required with the modifications to get them and the power wheelchair in the car, or their is no public transportation, or it is not convenient, or a host of other reasons, or all of the above, and they rely on their power chair/scooter for most outings from their home. I had one patient that just wanted to get away from his alcoholic parents during the day. So he uses it all over town, all day, every day. Speed was important, as well as the increased power and battery life the faster chairs offered.

If you ever start working with disabled people, every day, in their home, you would be astounded at how some have to , or choose to, live their lives in order to be independant. I've been doing it for years and I still get surprised.

 

[Hannathy]

While I completely agree with you that novice, inexperienced drivers should not use high speeds inside the park (really, no one should, unless there is a LOT of room around you) I do want to correct this statement here.

Unfortunately, for many disabled people, their ECV or power wheelchair does indeed take the place of their car. Either they are physically unable to drive, or they cannot afford the van required with the modifications to get them and the power wheelchair in the car, or their is no public transportation, or it is not convenient, or a host of other reasons, or all of the above, and they rely on their power chair/scooter for most outings from their home. I had one patient that just wanted to get away from his alcoholic parents during the day. So he uses it all over town, all day, every day. Speed was important, as well as the increased power and battery life the faster chairs offered.

If you ever start working with disabled people, every day, in their home, you would be astounded at how some have to , or choose to, live their lives in order to be independant. I've been doing it for years and I still get surprised.

I understand that many do use it as a substitute but it still is comparing apples to oranges, that is all I'm saying.

I'm done defending this, but it is obvious why so many do poorly on this category on standardized tests.

And the OP was talking about advertising it for going faster thru the parks in Orlando, not in other situations.

 

[Figment43]

When I saw the title, I honestly thought this was going to be a thread complaining about how slow that is. I believe this is Round 3 of the ECV Battle this week.

 

[Jennasis]

Simply put, because able bodied people can go faster than a walk if they want (jog or run) so the option to move faster is made available to ECV users too.

Neither foot traffic nor ECV users should be charging around at full capable speed all the time. You use it when you need it.